Love's Untold Symphony

Part 3

No matter what Anika did, her thoughts unfailingly circled back to the same place—her mother-in-law's palpable disdain. She had long been aware of this animosity, but its full force hit her during a particular incident. It intensified when Shivaay's grandmother presented her with a hereditary jewel piece to mark three months of marriage. A call from her grandmother, who had returned from a pilgrimage, prompted an immediate visit. 

Especially when Anika learned about her pregnancy. Overwhelmed, Anika hit pause, recognizing that the situation involved not only her decision but also her husband's, with the potential to turn their lives upside down.

"Namasthe, Dadi!" Anika bent to seek blessings, her smile brightening as she took a seat beside her without hesitation.

"You're always beautiful, but today, you're glowing. If I can't take my eyes off you, what will my Billu do?" Dadi chuckled, eliciting joy in Anika.

"Don't go there, Dadi. You know he was all red when he left for the office this morning," Om remarked. Anika blushed at the accusations, and Grandma playfully pinched her cheeks, leaving her heart brimming with happiness.

"After some serious issues in this family with my elder son and his wife, it took a hard toll on Shivaay and my other grandsons' lives. I was afraid and prayed it wouldn't impact my grandsons' lives. Finally, my words were heard, and they were blessed with two goddesses in the form of daughter-in-laws." Tears welled up in Dadi's eyes as she had Gauri sit on either side, holding both their hands.

"No amount of thanks will be enough. You both changed the definition of love for them, bringing my grandsons closer to the family. Thank you for making them believe in love again." Dadi kissed their palms. Anika felt an overwhelming happiness, knowing the reality. She had carved a place in Shivaay's heart, not just as a better half but as one of his closest confidantes. She became a part of his life inadvertently, much like how he became her reason to live.

Anika was well aware of Shivaay's paternal uncle and aunt's tragic love story. It unraveled when he decided to part ways and build an affair with his secretary, leaving his wife heartbroken. Although Omkara and Rudra were their sons, Shivaay was treated as the elder son since he wasn't closely connected with his own family.

The aftermath of the separation wreaked havoc; their mother succumbed to addiction, becoming an addict and breathing her last within six months. The three boys, symbols of love, witnessed their lives shattering suddenly. Following their mother's demise, they discovered their father's suicide in his penthouse, supposedly leaving a sorry note to his wife on the walls. Since then, Shivaay, Om, and Rudra have harbored a deep-seated aversion to the concept of love.

Omkara was the first to break free when he met Gauri in a village. Their bond became stronger during a cyclone, and they became friends, living under the same roof. However, the villagers misunderstood their relationship. They were forced into marriage, finding comfort in each other during the early months. Despite this, they hesitated about having a child. Gauri, aware of Om's fears, patiently waited for him to overcome them.

After their marriage, Dadi persuaded Shivaay, who initially opposed it, to tie the knot. Their marriage transpired. The youngest brother, inspired by his happily married siblings, stepped out of his shell and got into a relationship with his long-time friend. Witnessing Grandma's tear-filled eyes, Anika gathered the courage to share the news with her husband upon his return.

"I have a gift for my eldest daughter-in-law," Dadi announced, opening an old wooden box to reveal a pair of bangles.

"This is for you, and they're not ordinary bangles. My husband's grandmother gave them to me when I was pregnant." Anika's heart sank. "I'm not giving this to you under the pressure of having kids; it's a gift because I am on cloud nine, having witnessed what I yearned to see for years." Dadi clarified, fastening the bangles around Anika's wrists. Thinking of Gauri's feelings, she extended her hand to share the joy. However, their happiness was short-lived when her mother-in-law stormed in with rage, forcefully snatching the bangles and causing Anika pain. Shocked gazes met Pinky's actions.