Heart's Desire

The Reason to live.

"If it's real, it will never be over."

Shivaay and Anika prove this quote, despite being separated for 14 years. They reunited because their love was real and pure. Shivaay had been living in hell for those 14 years without her. And Anika? Even though she had their son by her side, she was in her own kind of hell too. Ansh's inherited antics and habits constantly reminded Anika of Shivaay, making her heart weak and forcing her to relive the past over and over. But now, their "prison sentences" were over, and they were back together, all thanks to their son and the initiative that put their lives back on track. Despite the pain, all was well that ended well.

Anika's happiness was beyond measure when Shivaay chose her and Ansh over his family. How could Shivaay even begin to explain to her that this was the moment he had been waiting for? To finally be back with his family, to live the rest of his life holding Anika's hand—something he once thought was impossible. Now, it was happening before his eyes. Both of them were praying that what they were experiencing wasn't just a dream.

"Shall we?" Anika asked, holding Shivaay's hand as they sat in the car parked outside their house. Shivaay still couldn't believe his eyes. He saw Ansh, eyes filled with happy tears and a wide smile, waiting at the entrance for them to step out.

"Is this really happening?" Shivaay asked Anika, who kissed his palm and nodded with tear-filled eyes.

"Come, let's go," Anika whispered, opening the car door and stepping outside. Both Anika and Shivaay could feel a sense of hope in the fresh air of Bangalore. It was as if they were truly living again, and the feeling was beyond words.

Anika and Shivaay exchanged a glance, their hands meeting and intertwining. Ansh, who had been standing at the entrance, couldn't take his eyes off them. He finally saw his mother smile—a real smile. His father, too, looked like a new man, no longer the old, depressed figure he had once been. He was now someone filled with joy and purpose, holding tightly to the two people who were his reason for love and life. Happy tears streamed down Ansh's face. Everything he had wished for was happening right before him. At times, he wondered if it was all a dream, but he was sure of one thing—he didn't want to miss it, even if it was.

Anika and Shivaay looked up at Ansh. Anika opened her arms, and in no time, Ansh ran toward them, hugging them tightly. The tears Anika had been holding back finally spilled over. Ansh hugged them both fiercely, making sure this wasn't a dream. He whispered "thank you" repeatedly into Anika's ear, loud enough for Shivaay to hear. Shivaay smiled, while Anika playfully smacked Ansh's head for saying thank you. Ansh stopped.

"Dad!" Ansh whispered, his voice filled with relief, and that was all Shivaay needed to hear to smile and forget all the pain.

"Family drama," Nish teased, which made the three of them chuckle as they broke their hug.

"Reasonable family drama... not like you, crying every time your dad goes on a business trip," Ansh teased back, quickly regaining his playful nature, leaving Nish with no response.

"By the way, Shivaay, this is Siddarth... Mallika's husband," Anika introduced them. Shivaay and Siddarth exchanged smiles and shook hands.

"Happy for you, Anika," Siddarth said, as Anika leaned back into Shivaay's chest, smiling widely as she thanked him. Everyone was delighted to see her smiling, her cheeks flushed with a pink glow.

"Maa," Ansh called, and Anika turned to him curiously.

Ansh suddenly pulled her cheeks, catching her by surprise. "What are you doing?" Anika asked with a chuckle.

"It's been my long-time wish to pull your cheeks when you're blushing," Ansh replied, bringing tears to Anika's eyes.

"Thank you, Dad, for granting my wish," Ansh said, turning to Shivaay, whose eyes also filled with emotion.