Together Forever

Chapter 28

Anika's POV

I made up my mind I would marry Uday.

Only my Uday. No one else.

The thought of leaving him alone, of letting him fight for us while I stood on the sidelines, tore me apart. I couldn't let him face this battle alone anymore.

The house was silent now. Everyone had gone to sleep, leaving the storm of the day behind them. Quietly, I got up, making sure not to wake anyone.

I wrapped a shawl around myself and made my way to the terrace. The cool night breeze brushed against my face as I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest. I took a deep breath, pulling out my phone.

With trembling fingers, I dialed Uday's number.

The phone barely rang once before he picked up, his voice urgent and filled with emotion. "Anika?"

Hearing his voice, the dam I had been holding back all day broke.

Tears streamed down my face as I managed to choke out, "I'm sorry, Uday." My voice cracked, the weight of my emotions making it hard to speak. "I'm so sorry you had to hear so much today from my father..."

"Don't say that," he interrupted gently, his voice steady and comforting. "I can do anything for you, Anika. Anything."

His words only made my tears flow harder. "You must be hating me now," I sobbed. "I haven't done anything to take a stand for us. I've just been standing there, watching you fight alone. I'm sorry. So sorry, Uday."

"Anika," he said softly, his voice laced with worry. "Please don't cry. I'm not there to wipe your tears, and it's killing me. Please, don't cry. I can't bear it."

I bit my lip, trying to stifle my sobs, but the guilt and helplessness were overwhelming. "I don't deserve you, Uday," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I really don't."

"Stop,"he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Don't ever say that again. Without you, I am nothing. Uday belongs only to Anika,only to you."

His words wrapped around my heart like a warm blanket, soothing the ache within me. I really want to be in his arms right now.

"And Anika belongs only to you," I said softly, my voice trembling with emotion.

There was a pause, and then his voice came, filled with a happiness that made my heart swell. "I've been dying to hear this from you, Anika. You can't imagine how happy I am right now."

"Get used to it, Uday," I said, my voice steadier now. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for what I was about to say. "I've decided something."

"What?" he asked, his voice soft yet filled with anticipation.

"I'll marry you, Uday," I said, the words escaping my lips like a vow. "Only you. I won't let anyone come between us. I won't let you fight alone anymore."

For a moment, there was silence on the other end, and I wondered if he had heard me.

"Anika," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "Did you just say?"