Heart's Desire

Life is calling!

"Broken" wouldn't fully describe Shivaay. He was destroying himself, and no one could stop him. His brothers and family couldn't bear to see him like this. In the last 14 years, not a single day had passed where he slept peacefully without hurting himself. He believed he deserved this. But did he?

He never imagined that Anika would give birth to their child. It surprised him, especially after what he had done to her. On one hand, his happiness knew no bounds after meeting his daughter. When drunk, he would often imagine having a family, chatting with them, and laughing. But when reality hit, and he realized it was just a dream, it became difficult for him to control his tears. He regretted every single day that he had broken his promises. He didn't expect her forgiveness—he could never forgive himself for betraying her trust and breaking those promises.

The sun rose, but he wasn't ready to open his eyes. He wanted to live forever in the dream where he was with his Anika and their happy family. But he had to open his eyes when his Daadi gently called out to him, caressing his hair. Tears automatically flowed from his eyes as he felt her touch. He opened his eyes and looked at her sadly.

"Billu... get up. I need to talk to you. Come on, be a good boy and wake up," his Daadi said softly. Mustering all his remaining energy, he sat up halfway on the bed.

He didn't say a word, just remained silent as his Daadi gently caressed his hair and kissed his forehead. He couldn't hold back any longer and hugged her tightly, though he tried his best to stay composed.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." he cried on her shoulder. She shook her head and kissed his head again.

"Don't cry like a child... you've forgotten, haven't you? You have a daughter now," she said, and he immediately broke the hug, looking at her helplessly.

"A father, in name only... I'm not even part of her name... How can I be a father? I'm just a loser, Daadi. I broke her heart, just like I did to her mother. I don't deserve them, Daadi... They deserve happiness, and I'm nothing but a bad omen for them," he confessed, his heart heavy with guilt.

"You're right... you're a loser. You don't deserve them. But why are you punishing your daughter for the mistake you made?" Daadi asked, turning his sadness into confusion.

"I don't understand, Daadi," he said, wiping his tears away.

"After 14 long years, your daughter came to your office to meet you. Do you think she came for no reason? Since when did you become so selfish, Shivaay? You made my great-granddaughter leave your office with a heavy heart," Daadi said, making him reflect.

"What are you thinking, Billu? Yes, we were the ones who separated you from your family, and we deserve punishment. But what did my great-granddaughter do? Why are you punishing her?" Daadi said, trying to convince him to meet them.

"But... Anika... how can I?" he stammered.

"Don't overthink it. If life gives you another chance, take it and fight for it. And if you win this battle, you'll have everything you ever wanted," Daadi encouraged him.

Just then, they heard a knock on the door. It was Om, standing at the doorway with a wide smile. He walked over to Shivaay and handed him a piece of paper.

"What's this?" Shivaay asked.

"It's an address. I found it in the visitor register. I cross-checked it too. Anika Bha... (he stopped)..." Om said, as Shivaay looked at him in surprise.

"You can call her 'Bhabhi,' Om. That's what's going to happen in a few months. Billu ki Shaadi, Billi ke Saath," Daadi chuckled, and in response, Shivaay hugged her tightly.

"Shivaay, we couldn't do anything back then. But now, you're free," Om said, his eyes filled with tears.

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Back in Bangalore, Ansh was busy preparing for his Under-19 selection for the Bangalore team. Anika was also caught up with things. Only three days remained until the selection.

"Mummah!" Ansh called out while getting ready to leave.

"Yeah, baby," Anika replied, changing her clothes.

"How much longer, Mummah? I'm going to be late for my practice match!" he said, frustrated.

"I'm ready," she said, stepping out of her room.

"Where's Nish?" he asked.

"I'm here," Nisha said, lazily walking toward the couch.

"You're coming with us, right?" Ansh asked, confused.

"Of course, I will—if you wait for me for three hours. Is that possible?" Nisha teased.

"You're impossible," Ansh said, throwing a pillow at her face.

"Come on, I'm not feeling well. I swear I'll come to your match in three days. After all, that's why I came here," she winked with a smile.

"Whatever," Ansh grumbled and left the house.

"Take care, beta. Shall I stay back with you?" Anika asked.

"No, Mom, don't you dare. Otherwise, your son will tear the house down. You know I'm allergic to his constant chatter," Nisha chuckled.

"But... I'll miss you," Anika said, giving Nisha a forehead kiss before leaving.

An hour later, Nisha opened Ansh's laptop and found his email account still open. He had left it without logging out. She realized that, despite his decision not to wait for a reply, he had been checking his email without even realizing it. Seeing his hidden longing made Nisha feel depressed. But how could she tell him that his wish would remain just a wish forever? Just then, she heard the doorbell. Feeling suspicious, she walked toward the door and opened it.

"Hi," a man greeted her as soon as she opened the door. Her jaw dropped in shock.

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