HIS Retribution & Rue

PART - 52

"Shaurya made a wooden nameplate with stating Dr. Akansha Shaurya Shekhawat that very evening when you submitted your papers, he dreamt of the day he would put it to use", he said shocking Akansha.

Wait! What? Shaurya knew she was going to submit the thesis? He knew she was preparing for all that?

"Did you tell him about dropping me there?

But you said you wouldn't let anyone know it was me who collected the prints.

..", Akansha trailed, remembering how the driver, Arun told he wouldn't tell anyone that it was she who collected the party prints as Virendar never wanted her to involve in works that a family member is supposed to do.

After knowing the truth about past, she now understood that Shaurya always loved her and his cold and distant behavior was not due to his revenge but protection.

Did Shaurya secretly support her? She didn't know why she wished that shouldn't be the truth, maybe she was scared of her heart melting?

Shaurya always stood by her, he was there to bear the brunt everytime her mother and sister used her as a punching bag.

He heard her, held her emotions, her anger, everything, without even asking for a reason for her behavior.

His care and love, the gentleness he showed towards her made her fall in love.

That's the reason his betrayal stung so badly, but now that she knew the truth, she didn't know how to react.

The pain was still there, but whom to blame for it?

She was fine until she didn't know the truth and blamed him completely for everything that's happening wrong in her and her daughter's life.

But now, she couldn't do it completely. Yes, he was the reason partially.

He planned to give a marriage full of love, but also wanted answers for his sister's pain, just answers which was a fair ask, but then Virendar Shekhawat ruined that for them, making her marriage a living nightmare for her but he was at the backend.

It was Shaurya's face that gave her pain from the front, and no matter his reasons she couldn't get herself to forget it but now one by one, knowing the things he did for her, his hidden love is gradually conquering her heart which she wanted to stop badly.

"It was Shaurya who asked me to take you there, so that you don't get late in submitting your... What do you call that? Th...", the elderly man, Arun fumbled

"Thesis...", Akansha helped, absentminded

"Yes, thesis... Shaurya was so afraid that you might get late if you take public transport...", He said

"So... Every time you took me out for buying vegetables or groceries, it was because of Shaurya's orders", Akansha asked though she already knew the answer now.

"On the evening of your marriage, Shaurya told me to take you where ever you have to go, to never let you go alone, otherwise I wouldn't have dared to go against Mrs. Shekhawat's orders, she wouldn't spare anyone who goes against her, it's Shaurya baba who saved me from her wrath everytime.

When she stopped me from taking you to a grocery store once, and made you walk, I called Shaurya and he made it clear to Mrs. Shekhawat.

He removed me from the Shekhawat's payroll and put me on his personal ones, so that Mrs. Shekhawat didn't have the authority to stop me from there on.

I didn't understand why he did so until---", he started but suddenly shut up. He gave too much info already.

He always thought why didn't Shaurya directly fight for his wife's rights, but then one day he got to know about the real intentions of Virendar Shekhawat and how he posed a threat to Akansha's life.

"Until?", Akansha probed

Akansha understood the whole thing now. She took a deep breath to control her emotions before asking him the actual question.

"Are you here for Shaurya?", she asked, "I'm sorry, I didn't invite you in, please get in---", Akansha said but was cut off by the elderly man.

"Arre nai nai bitiya(No, no child), I just came here to talk to Shaurya, I called him but he didn't pick up, I went to party office but he wasn't there... So I came here", Arun said

"Oh! He took his work phone with him, left the personal one at home, you didn't have his work number?

", Akansha asked, and he shook his head.

"I thought he went to the party office for work, but.

.. Okay, I'll call him, and ask him to come here, please get in and wait", Akansha said, knowing it must be very important if he was searching for Shaurya like that.

"Um... I think it will be very late by then...", he said, thinking whether to tell Akansha about Aakriti or not. Akansha understood his hesitation.

"You can talk to him on call. Just a second", Akansha said, dialing Shaurya.

"Akansha... Can this wait? Actually I'm kind of busy...", Shaurya said in hurry but his tone soft, she was surprised. She never heard the word 'busy' from his mouth when she called. Not now, not in the past. So she understood it must be really busy.

"Okay, call me as soon as you get free", she said

"Will do, thanks", he said, hanging up.

"I'm sorry, he is somewhere busy... You can wait inside...", Akansha said

"I have to take my daughter to hospital, so I'll leave.

When Shaurya calls back, tell him, Aakriti wanted to meet him but kno.

. knowing he was here with you and Siya, she asked to drop her back home.

She was not prepared to face you. But I think Shaurya should meet Aakriti once", he said and Akansha nodded.

"Okay, I will leave now", he said but Akansha asked him to wait. She went in and came back with Siya, asking Siya to take his blessings which the man of course protested but Akansha and little Siya's stubbornness won.

"You don't know how many times you took me to hospital when I was pregnant with her, and one day, your quick response saved her, and I'll forever be grateful to you", Akansha said, the man frowned but Akansha shook her head not wanting to go into details.

He nodded, blessed Siya and left from there.

Akansha remembered how she used to ask Arun ji to drop her at the book store which was just next to the hospital she visited during her pregnancy.

And one day when she suffered severe pain after eating the adulterated food by Shobha Shekhawat, he was the one who quickly responded and drove Akansha to the book store.

She urged him to drive fast and he obliged without asking any questions, she pretended to be fine so that Shaurya wouldn't know about her being ill or visiting the hospital that day.

------------------

Rajnath called Shaurya to know if Aakriti has met him, Shaurya was on his way to meet Aakriti and when he told Rajnath that Aakriti was neither at the oldage home nor at their home, both of them panicked and started searching for her.

That's when Akansha called him, and he picked her call up to know if there's anything urgent.

No matter how worried he was for Aakriti, he could never ignore his wife, he could never bear a moment where his wife needed him and he wasn't there for her.

Just after 10 minutes, Rajnath called Shaurya to let him know that his men found Aakriti in a nearby temple, and Shaurya sighed in relief.

He quickly called Akansha to know why she called him, and she informed about Mr. Arun's visit.

"Oh... Don't worry, I'll meet Aakriti, she will be fine", Shaurya said

"Come home and take Siya with you... Aakriti will be happy to meet Siya", Akansha said casually...

"You are okay with that? I mean---", Shaurya began but was cut off by Akansha.

"Yes Shaurya... I have no issues...", Akansha replied, yes she has issues with Aakriti but she wouldn't let them come in between her daughter to know her aunt, her father's only sibling.

"But I think it would be better for us elders to sort issues before making Siya meet her", Shaurya said

"Okay then, first go, meet her, we'll talk about other things later", Akansha said

"Yeah, I'm on my way... What's Siya doing by the way?", he asked... "Did she ask for me?"

"No, she is busy in playing with her brother", she replied disappointing him.

"Really? Not even once? I mean she didn't even realize I went out? What are they even playing that she got so busy?", Shaurya asked, though he tried to hide his surprise and jealousy, it wasn't hidden.

"Shaurya... It's good that she is busy playing or What do you want your daughter to do?

Realize you have gone out without taking her with you and cry, throw tantrums?

", Akansha chided silencing him. He and his childish jealousy when it's about his daughter, or even her.

Her subconscious corrected which she quickly shut up.

"I guess you are right...", He said in a dull tone, Akansha rolled her eyes at his drama and hung up after bidding bye when he asked for his daughter's picture.

Akansha though, shot a few videos of Siya and Harsh playing together, she knew Shaurya loved to watch his daughter, he enjoyed her every act, he never got angry at her mischief, he enjoyed every bit of it.

Akansha chuckled remembering how Shaurya gently smiled at his daughter even when she painted all his white shirts with her water colors, watching a YouTube video which showed a kid surprising her dad by making colorful designs on his white shirts.

Shaurya gently smiled thanking his daughter for the surprise, but Akansha scolded Siya for spoiling all her father's shirts, and she also restricted her from watching TV or phone/tab for a few days.

Shauryacame early and worked from home all those days in the evenings, to entertain his daughter, and that naughty daughter of hers enjoyed her punishment, she dared to even ask Akansha to extend her punishment, so that her Dadda came early and played with her.

Akansha was so pissed at the father-daughter that day, but as usual, Siya melted her with her cute 'Sorry' and puppy face.

Akansha shook her thoughts away and went to the kitchen to prepare Siya's meals. She saw her mother and sister in the kitchen. She didn't talk much, and looked around for the ingredients.

"Tell me what do you need, I'll prepare", Jaya said

"No need, I'll cook for my daughter and myself... Tell me where are the ingredients", Akansha replied her mother coldly.

"What about j.. jiju, Di? Won't he have food here?", Suman asked her sister softly. Hearing the affection in her sister's tone did come as a surprise to Akansha, in the past, every time she opened her mouth was to demand something or blame her for everything that's going wrong in her life.

"No", Akansha curtly replied and asked for ingredients.

Jaya and Suman helped her with the ingredients and Akansha prepared the meal for her daughter.

Suman asked her about the specific way she prepared meals and Akansha told her how Siya doesn't eat particular vegetables so she completely crushes them and prepare without letting her know.

"Looks like these two are the same, Harsh too won't eat some vegetables, from here on I'll do the same for him", Suman said and Akansha nodded.

Akansha called for Siya and handed over her lunch.

"Siya, will you have it by yourself? I have to cook for myself", Akansha said and Siya quickly nodded.

"For Dadda?", Siya asked

"Your Dadda will eat outside", Akansha answered, smiling at how Siya cared so much about her father's timely meals.

"Can I feed Siya? I am anyway feeding Harsh...", Jaya asked with hesitation...

"Mamabear... Who is she?", Siya asked curiously

"Siya, this is our Nani", Harsh said holding Siya's palm, and before Akansha could respond, Harsh took her out side and both the kids sat in the Hall.

"Papa, please help Siya with her food", Akansha yelled from the kitchen to which her father responded in a yes. Jaya got the message that her daughter didn't want her anywhere near Siya and she obliged.

Akansha cooked her food and Suman who was cooking for the family gave some suggestions to Akansha to enhance the taste.

Though she didn't say anything, keeping her cold face intact, her heart that craved these little moments with her mother and sister ached now.

There was a time when she badly wanted it to happen and then all she got was bitter words and pain from them, now when she didn't want anything to do with those two women, this is happening. Fate is cruel, she thought with a sigh.

"Add a pinch of kasuri methi, Di... It'll taste even better", Suman advised again

Akansha quickly finished her cooking and went out of the kitchen without responding to her sister.

Suman sighed deeply but is determined to win her sister back.

She knew her sister loved her a lot, the care she showed for her even today is the proof of that love and it's high time she did something for her siblings and win them back.

They are the only family she had now. Her father will forgive her too if Akansha and Akash forgave her.

---------------------

Shaurya and Aakriti sat in Aakriti's room.

"Explain your behavior, Aakriti?", Shaurya asked his sister softly.

"Leave it na, Shaurya. I said sorry, no? I got panicked when I got to know Akansha ma'am and Siya are here too... I wanted to clear my mind, so went out", Aakriti explained

"I told you to go wherever you want, but with Arun ji (her driver).

Then why did you go out after he dropped you at home?

You know how worried I was until Rajnath uncle called and informed me about your whereabouts", Shaurya said and Aakriti sighed, apologising to him and promising she would never repeat it.

After talking about some random things, Shaurya decided to talk to his sister about Akansha and clear everything regarding their past.

"Aakriti, it's high time we sort everything between us, Akansha and I want Siya to meet and know you", Shaurya began softly.

"I know, Shaurya. But, I can't bring the courage to face Akansha ma'am. Whatever she had done with me, I shouldn't have demanded such a thing from you being a woman. I can never forgive myself for it", Aakriti said

"There are a few things you need to know about what happened years ago.

I know you now realize how Dilip Gandhi played you.

But he manipulated Akansha and her family as well.

He made them believe that you were trying to break his marriage with Suman.

Whatever you heard Akansha say in the hospital, it was due to the misunderstandings Dilip caused.

And she didn't know you were there, she only noticed your presence when you were leaving", Shaurya said

"Suman saw me, Shaurya", Aakriti said

"Yes bache, only Suman saw you, and she deliberately said all those to hurt you, but Akansha wasn't aware of your presence.

I wasn't defending her bitter words for you, but was just trying to tell you the whole truth.

..", Shaurya began telling everything in detail to his sister, how Akansha got to know the whole truth only after confronting her sister that day, who confirmed Dilip's double game.

"Thanks for telling me all this, Shaurya.

One reason I was afraid to confront Akansha ma'am was her impression of me.

I didn't have the courage to meet a woman who thinks so low of me, I did have feelings for Dilip Gandhi but I never tried to contact him after knowing he belongs to another woman. He was the one who---", Aakriti said

"Of course, I know bacha. You don't have to explain me anything. I know what my sister is, and now Akansha knows too. The situations and the pain my betrayal caused her made her to think like that. I.. I was at fault. I had hurt her badly", Shaurya said

"I was the main culprit, Shaurya. I want to seek forgiveness from her. When are you leaving to the capital?", Aakriti asked her brother to know if they are here for a few days.

"Not sure... I'll have to be there till tomorrow, if Akansha decides to stay here, I'll let you know. Mostly she will return with me, as she had her school and CR committee works as well", Shaurya said

"Oh!", Aakriti fell into deep thinking. She had to mentally prepare herself before meeting Akansha, but if she let this chance go she didn't know when would she get the chance again.

"Aakriti, bacha it's not that hard... Stay strong, you will get through this and trust me, once you both clear your differences, you'll feel a lot better", Shaurya encouraged his sister and she got ready but Aakriti knew she couldn't go to her place as she didn't want to face Suman.

Aakriti decided to invite Akansha and Siya to her home respectfully. She had to gain a lot of courage to call Akansha but she did, as she wanted to end this for once and all. She can't live in guilt anymore.

Aakriti shut her eyes tightly in fear and anticipation when she heard Akansha's tone. But she soon composed herself and invited Akansha and Siya to her home for dinner which Akansha accepted making her very happy.

In the evening, Suraj went to pick Akansha and Siya up while Shaurya stayed there and helped his sister prepare a scrumptious meal.

The calling bell rang and Aakriti opened the door, with sweaty palms. The nervousness on her face is clearly visible. Siya held Akansha's palm looking around. Aakriti stood there looking at Siya with affection. Shaurya showed her pictures but she is double adorable in real.

"Hi Aakriti...", Akansha greeted her, understanding her hesitation and nervousness.

"H..Hi Ma'am, Please", Aakriti said welcoming them...

"Mumma... You said we are meeting boo... Where is she?", Siya asked slowly, tugging her mother's top... Akansha chuckled at her daughter's pronunciation.

"It's bua, Siyabear. And she is your bua...", Akansha said, Siya looked at Aakriti, all the while walking to the sofa with her mother, while Aakriti followed them behind, trying hard not to cry seeing how naturally Akansha referred her as 'Bua' (Paternal aunt/Father's sister) to little Siya.

"Booa?", Siya asked

"Yes, bua", Akansha confirmed

"I'll get some water...", Aakriti said, but Shaurya announced his presence with water and milkshake for his daughter.

"Here...", Shaurya said.

"Dadda...", Siya jumped on him getting excited. Akansha didn't mention he would be present there as well, so Siya got excited seeing her dad.

"My lil' soldier...", Shaurya called his daughter, picking her in his arms, after placing the tray on the table. Siya giggled at one more nickname her dad gave her.

"So, did you miss Dadda?", Shaurya asked, Akansha rolled her eyes at his jealousy.

"Yess... A lot...", Siya replied making him narrow his eyes.

"Liar...", Shaurya said pouting...

"No... dadda... I missed you... This much", Siya said extending her arms making him grin.

"Okay, I believe you, give dadda your magic kissie", Shaurya asked forwarding his cheek. Siya giggled before kissing his cheeks, forehead, nose and all over his face making him the happiest.

Aakriti looked at them with teary eyes. Her one stupid demand for revenge kept her brother away from his joy of a daughter for years. Will there ever be forgiveness for her sins?

"Sh.. Shaurya... I..." Aakriti signed him, saying she wants to take Siya in her arms, Shaurya nodded his head before bringing Siya to her.

He settled beside Akansha with Siya in his lap, whereas Aakriti sat on the single sofa beside them.

"So, Siya... Have you met bua?", Shaurya asked... Siya glanced at Aakriti once before shaking her head as a response to her father's question. "Okay, so this is Aakriti, my sister... Say hi to her", he added

"Sister? Aakliti? Dadda I am Aakriti, Siyakliti", Siya said as if her father was getting confused with both their names.

"Kriti... R... Stop saying 'L', Siya bear. Now you learnt pronouncing R so, say it", Akansha corrected her daughter.

"And to answer your question, yes, She is my sister, Aakriti and you are my little magician, Siyakriti", Shaurya confirmed.

"No... It's my name Dadda... I am Aakriti", Siya whined upset about the name mix, she even refused to look at Aakriti and Akansha feld bad for Aakriti. She could see the love in abundance for Siya in her eyes.

"It's actually her name that Dadda gave you", Akansha said...

"Akansha...", Shaurya whispered, trying to stop her thinking it would upset his daughter even more, but as usual, Akansha shut him with a glare.

"Your Dadda loves his sister a lot. I proposed your name to be only Siya, then Dadda said he wanted your name to be Siyakriti, since he loved you more than anyone.

So it's actually bua's name you are sharing, if you fight like this, bua will ask her name back", Akansha threatened, knowing her daughter very well.

"No I am a good girl, I don't fight mumma.

.. And bua... Don't cry, I will share my name with you", Siya said looking at Aakriti making her smile widely, whereas Shaurya chuckled at his daughter's antics.

His little one has so much ego that she portrayed as if she was doing a favor on Aakriti by sharing the name, not the other way, according to her mother's theory.

And coming to the theory, he looked at his wife with gratefulness for including him too in her naming process, though it was just for telling their daughter a story, he liked hearing it.

Yes Siyakriti was the name he suggested but it didn't happen like the way Akansha narrated.

How would he name when he didn't even know about his daughter's existence and he would blame no one but him and his cunning parents for all this.

Aakriti and Siya talked a lot and Shaurya and Akansha found so many similarities in them. Since Siya looked a lot like Shaurya, there are a lot of similarities between her and Aakriti too.

"Shaurya, Siya looks a lot more like me when I was kid, no?

It's as if she is connected to me by blood.

Neither Ishaan nor Ivaan looked like me, see that's why you are my most favorite, more than Dev", Aakriti said, Akansha's face paled but Shaurya kept his expressions intact, he smiled as if it was just a joke, as if there's no truth in her statement.

That moment Akansha understood it's engraved in Shaurya's head that Aakriti is born Aakriti Rajnath Bisht.

It's as if that he completely forgot the fact that Aakriti is his sister by blood.

"Dev uncle? Ishaan...", Siya asked, though she didn't understand much of what her aunt said

"Oh yes, you know Dev uncle?", Aakriti asked, and Siya bobbed her head excitedly.

Aakriti and Siya talked about Dev and the kids while Akansha thought about her conversation with Dev just some time ago.

He told her how Shaurya gave time of 48 hours to Ashwini to find out about the day Siya was born, it's only matter of time before he got to know the truth and she didn't know how to control him after he knows.

It would be a big blow to Shaurya's already regretting self.

It would shatter his soul, he would burn in rue.

She asked Dev if Shaurya suffered any panic attacks in these 5 years and what Dev told came as a surprise to Akansha.

Dev actually didn't know about Shaurya's mental health much as he kept it away from Dev.

He just told her that he only knew he had to get fine after he took charge as the Chief Minister.

Why did he have to hide his health updates from Dev too?

This only meant one thing, her suspicion was true, Shaurya did suffer attacks but only he can answer about how serious were they?

"Okay, you both keep talking... Siya and I will play there", Shaurya said, bringing Akansha out of her thoughts. He gave a nod to his wife and sister, before picking up Siya and her milkshake, and walked to the farther corner of the Hall where he laid some games to entertain his daughter.

The father-daughter started playing while Akansha and Aakriti slowly began talking about everything.

Aakriti expressed her regret and how sorry she is for everything that happened.

Akansha too expressed her opinions over the whole fiasco.

She was sorry for the way she spoke about Aakriti, and the cruel words she uttered.

The thought that Aakriti could have died because of it is making her feel agony.

"I.. I just wanted Siya to have something given by her father, so I gave her the name Shaurya decided.

It's nothing more than that and coming to the past, I knew it was painful for all of us, but the good thing about it is it's passed.

So we should take lessons from it and let go of the rest. Don't think about all these anymore.

Think about your future, your life and how to make it better", Akansha said

"Can you try to forgive me, please?", Aakriti asked

"I will, soon... you weren't bad Aakriti, you were just naive", Akansha replied

They both continued their talks while Shaurya and Siya had their own fun at a far away corner...

"Siya, I have a surprise for you... But don't shout, okay", Shaurya asked knowing his wife would get upset about what he was about to show his daughter, that's why he warned his daughter to be silent.

"Okay, okay, tell me dadda, what is the suppise?", Siya asked

"It's surprise, and the surprise is we have puppies here, I'll take you to them now...", Shaurya whispered, knowing how much Siya loved dogs, just like him.

"YAYYYY YAYYY DADDA... LET'S GO", Siya screamed in happiness hearing him, jumping up and down, he tried to shush her but she was nowhere near stopping.

Akansha hated dogs, well that's what she told everyone but she actually is scared of them.

Aakriti and Akansha looked at the father-daughter with the kind of noise they are doing. Akansha got irritated with their disturbance.

"Can't you see we are talking here? Both of you, lower your voices", Akansha scolded the father-daughter.

"Sorry mumma...", Siya quickly apologised, hitting her father, hinting him to ask for sorry too, otherwise he would get scolding again.

"Um... Yes, sorry. You both continue your talks. We'll be back", Shaurya said and took his daughter outside before Akansha Or Aakriti could stop them. The women shook their heads at the father-daughter and resumed their talks.

---------------

"Chorry dadda(sorry)", Siya asked cutely, for screaming in excitement and got themselves scolded. Shaurya accepted the apology with a smile and took her to the dogs.

Siya got so excited seeing the cute puppies and dogs.

Shaurya introduced those to Siya and told how some of them are his pets but since he had no time to look after them, he left them here in his sister's care, but the reality is, he knew Akansha didn't like dogs or any pets for that matter, she is afraid of them, and though he didn't have her with him, he wanted the residence to be according to her preferences so he kept his pets away.

Another reason was his busy schedule and people keep coming to see him and having pets won't be so welcoming as there are many people like his wife who are not so fond of animals or maybe scared of them.

Siya got so happy and played with them. She got a super cool idea but she knew it would be tough to convince her Dadda as her mumma is so against it.

"Dadda...", siya called sweetly and Shaurya quickly understood his daughter was about to ask for something which would make it tough for him to implement.

"Yes bacha", he responded cautiously

"Do you know it's my birthday soon...", Siya began, and Shaurya knew where this is going. He knew his daughter very well.

"Yes, I know", he answered crisply trying not to come in his lil' one's cute manipulation.

"And Dadda give gift to his unicon(unicorn) on birthday? (And fathers give gifts on birthdays)", Siya said, as if it's a mandatory rule.

"Yes bacha... Gift dena toh padega(I have to give a gift)", Shaurya answered and Siya puffed her cheeks in fake anger.

"Dadda! Gipht dena padhega (padega)? Mattblab(matlab) dena nahi chaaate(chahte) ho?

(Dadda what do you mean by you have to give me a gift?

Don't you want to give me a gift? Are you doing this because you have to?)", Siya asked, Shaurya laughed throwing his head back, at his smart little daughter and her logic.

Siya puffed her cheeks even more, faking her anger at his laughter.

He quickly controlled his laugh and got serious.

"Sorry... Of course I want to give my Siya lots of gifts", Shaurya said

"I don't want lots of gifts, Dadda. But pwease.

.. Pwease(please) let's take these to our home.

.. Please Dadda... Please...", Siya started pleading making Shaurya curse himself.

No... He can't do that. Akansha is terrified of dogs, if he brought dogs inside, the very next second she would be outside the house.

.. But how to make his daughter understand that.

.. He cursed himself for bringing his daughter here.

"Siya... My baby, please try to understand, Mumma is scared of dogs, we can't keep them in our home", Shaurya tried to make his daughter understand but she was adamant.

"Then build a house for them, Dadda. Outside the door... So mamabear won't be scared... Simple", Siya said with her toothy grin as if she found the best solution Shaurya could never refuse.

"Siya... Mumma wouldn't stay in the vicinity only, if we take them home, mumma will kick us out along with them... Or mumma will leave us baby. We can't live without mumma right?", Shaurya said, and Siya pouted, before a few tears slipped and Shaurya couldn't see it.

"Okay... Okay, let me think something. Stop crying.

.. I'll try to talk to mumma. But your birthday is just in a few days, it can't happen so early, give Dadda some time bacha", Shaurya said, wiping her tears, Siya grinned at him making him wonder how quickly her daughter's mood changes, faster than light.

His phone pinged with a notification from Mr. Sharma, asking him to fix a time for visiting the victims' houses, who died in the riots that happened 5 years ago.

Every year, he visits their houses personally and see if they are doing fine.

And then it hit him... Siya was born in the same week.

Shaurya visits their homes on any day in that one week time.

He recollected Akansha-Richa's conversation that day.

Richa didn't know he was Akansha's husband and Siya's father and she thought Akansha just hated him for that day during Siya's birth---.

Before Richa could reveal anything more, Akansha kicked her out.

Shaurya's head started throbbing badly with the possibilities.

"Dadda...", Siya's scream brought him out of his reverie.

"Yes bacha...", he responded still in daze.

"Bhuki... (I'm hungry)", Siya said, Shaurya nodded and took her inside the house. He decided to talk to Ashwini regarding the same.

Shaurya walked inside carrying his daughter in his arms as she said she can't walk. He saw Aakriti and Akansha hugging each other, while Akansha slowly patted Aakriti's back.

"Thanks for this talk, I needed this", Aakriti said

"Me too... I'm glad we could sort things out", Akansha said and looked at Shaurya and Siya who walked towards them.

"Siya, sit with mumma... I'll bring your dinner", Shaurya said but Akansha stopped him.

"It's late, we'll all eat together. I'll feed Siya simultaneously", Akansha said.

"I will feed Siya, come then, let's all have dinner together", Shaurya said walking to the dining table.

Aakriti and Akansha helped him arrange the table.

"You people have overdone yourselves", Akansha said, looking at several items, starting from soup and starters to savory desserts.

"Aakriti has cooked most of them, I just helped her a bit", Shaurya said and Akansha looked at Aakriti.

"I had to compensate for the years of delay.

..", Aakriti said, and Akansha smiled shaking her head.

Shaurya's heart warmed at the two women that mattered the most in his life, in harmony with each other.

He imagined himself living with these three most important girls in his life, in the same house. Even the thought fluttered his heart.

He came out of his dreams hearing his daughter's angry tone.

"Dadda, I am hungry... Give me food", she said angrily.

"Siya... Is that a way to talk to your father?", Akansha reprimanded her daughter who slowly shook her head looking down.

"Sorry, sorry... Here", Shaurya quickly made a bite and fed his daughter who started eating it.

"It's okay Dadda... And I am sorry too", Siya apologized before taking another bite.

"You guys start your dinner, I'll join you", Shaurya said, seeing his wife and sister wait for him.

They started their dinner while he joined them after filling his daughter's stomach. After dinner, three of them kept talking for a while until Akansha realized it's too late.

"Shaurya, I think we should leave for home from here directly, good that I brought our things from papa's place. If we start now, we'll reach by early morning, no?", Akansha asked

"Yeah...", he said, looking at Aakriti.

"Stay for some more time, Shaurya... Please.

.. Ma'am, please... I want to spend some more time with Siya", Aakriti said holding Siya's palm in hers.

Siya too held her aunt tightly, she liked Aakriti, she is a cool aunt, according to Siya, as she has puppies, so many toys and most importantly, her aunt Aakriti made beautiful paintings which Siya enjoyed a lot, she promised to teach her some.

"We can start an hour later?", Shaurya suggested softly asking Akansha's opinion.

"We'll have to work tomorrow, and Siya has school too... Overnight journey would be very hectic", Akansha hesitated.

"It will be the same thing if you start now too, please ma'am, just an hour more", Aakriti requested and Akansha nodded.

"I'll take Siya with me to office tomorrow. She can skip school and take some rest?", Shaurya asked Akansha, who nodded at the suggestion.

"Yay! I can play with bua for some more time", Siya jumped and again took Aakriti towards the canvas and both of them started enjoying their painting class.

"Everything is fine between you two?", he asked Akansha.

"Yes, we cleared all the things, she is drowned in regret, it will take some time for the both of us to get to normal, time will heal things", she said and he nodded.

"Where is Mr. Bisht?", Akansha asked, as Shaurya told her he also lives with Aakriti.

"He will be late today, he is stuck in a meeting", Shaurya answered, Akansha just nodded.

When it's just a few minutes to 12 AM, Shaurya brings the cake he made and arranges everything on the table.

"What's this for?", Akansha asks him in surprise.

"Will tell you", he said and called Aakriti and Siya too.

"Wow, cake... Dadda... I love you", Siya screamed jumping in happiness seeing her favorite cake.

"I love you too, you three", He said, Aakriti and Siya smiled while Akansha froze before composing herself. Hearing 'I love you' from the man she loved immensely always froze her, she had to try hard to act as is she is unaffected.

When the clock striked 12, Shaurya pressed the remote, resulting in multiple party poppers blasting.

"Happy Woman's Day, my beautiful and strong ladies", he said surprising all the three people.

"Woah, when did you do all this?", Aakriti asked getting surprised.

"Well, we got these installed during Rajnath uncle's birthday last year, I just got them re-filled and blasted, like this", Shaurya said, pressing the remote again, and one more party popper blasted, startling Aakriti as it's just above her.

Shaurya laughed at her expression while she glared at him.

"Shaurya...", Aakriti slapped his forearm.

"Bua... I won't be your friend if you beat my Dadda", Siya said angrily. Shaurya smirked at Aakriti but Akansha flopped his plans.

"Bua is not hurting Dadda, she actually slapped on her own hand, like this", Akansha said showing the demo and Siya nodded after realization.

Aakriti smirked at Shaurya who seems to be losing the game.

"If you are done showing your teeth, now cut the cake... Three of you, please", Shaurya said. Aakriti glared at him followed by Akansha.

"Ask properly", Aakriti said folding her hands while Siya moved forward to do what her father asked but Aakriti and Akansha held her back.

"Siya, today is woman's day, that means it's all girls day, we have to show our strength, let your Dadda request politely, then we will cut the cake", Aakriti said, Siya looked at Akansha and she nodded making Aakriti grin, and show her tongue at Shaurya.

"I am always ready to bow in front of you ladies. So please, come here, and honor this cake", he pleaded going on his knees and they all three nodded with smiles on their faces.

Akansha stared at him in awe. For the moment, she forgot all her anger and complaints against him. She saw that Shaurya who fell in love with her, who she fell in love with, the living and caring man who never failed to show how important she is to him.

Siya held her father's shirt and tried to pull him up, saying his knees would pain.

Akansha rolled her eyes at her over protective daughter, it's as if her father is made up of glass and everything in the world exists only to hurt him.

Aakriti looked at Akansha sighing at the father-daughter drama, while Akansha chuckled at her expressions.

"This is the new normal I have started adjusting to... You'll get used to it too", Akansha said.

"How do you bear their drama", Aakriti asked

"I just give them a look when it gets too much, they'll understand and stop", Akansha said

"I want to see it live... How you control my brother with just a look...", Aakriti asked with a childish glee on her face, Akansha tried hard not to blush in embarrassment at her 'control' statement.

"Well, I wouldn't say I could control---", Akansha began in a low tone but cut off by Aakriti.

"Oh please ma'am. I saw how your one glare is enough for him to proper his actions.

.. I so loved watching it", Aakriti said, chuckling.

Akansha shook her head at this mad sister-in-law of hers.

She was also very happy to see Aakriti so carefree and at peace now.

Akansha's heart used to break every time she visited her in hospital seeing her lifeless form.

Aakriti used to get admitted in hospital frequently for her unstable health condition which often needed medical attention.

"Dadda... I will also sit on my knees if you don't get up, you will hurt your knees, they will pain", Siya said, trying to sit on the floor.

"No bacha... The floor is hard... Sit here, come", Shaurya said, trying to make his daughter sit on his thigh...

While Akansha and Aakriti are talking about them, these father-daughter are busy in their own drama world which Akansha broke, by clearing her throat.

Both of them looked at her who raised her brows silently calling out their overacting, Siya and Shaurya quickly got up from the floor.

Aakriti laughed hard at how Akansha brought the father-daughter in line with just a look.

"See, this is what I was talking about", Aakriti said, Akansha too chuckled at her sister-in-law.

Shaurya and Siya looked at each other not understanding what they were talking about, but shrugged their shoulders as their whole concentration is on the cake now.

It's not just siya's but also Shaurya's favorite.

They both shared the same tastebuds. Siya is a photocopy of her father in almost everything.

Akansha, Siya and Aakriti started cutting the cake, and Shaurya's phone rang with Dev's number. He knew why he was calling, he picked up, and saw Rachna standing in front of the cake holding the knife.

"Shaurya... You are so sweet... You sent me such a beautiful cake for woman's day?", Rachna said

"Well, I am celebrating the women in my life who make me want to be a better person every second, and you are one of those four women in my life, who are four pillars of strength", Shaurya said sincerely.

"Awe... Shaurya! Don't make me cry... Dev, you idiot, learn something from Shaurya", Rachna said glaring at Dev, who is holding the camera.

"God! Woman, stop scowling at me and cut the damn cake", Dev said, she was taunting him from the time Shaurya's cake got delivered.

"Cut his tongue if he opens his mouth again, Rachna", Akansha said making Dev growl.

"Shaurya, show that ruthless woman once... Just once", Dev said

"Do you think I am afraid of you?", Akansha fought, snatching the phone from Shaurya.

"Hey... You---", Dev started but seeing Siya and Aakriti beside Akansha, he got excited.

"Hi my dear lovely ladies, Aakriti 1 and Aakriti 2...", Dev said sweetly... "Awe... My Siyakriti is looking so pretty in her frock, just like an angel", Dev cooed, Akansha made a bitter face hearing him, Dev glared at her before smiling at Siya. Aakriti chuckled at their petty fight.

"Dev uncle... Hi... You know my bua? Her name is also Aakriti... How you know?", Siya questioned...

Then Shaurya explained, Aakriti is Dev's sister as well and Siya nodded not completely understanding, but got the gist that Dev is a brother to her aunt.

"Okay, let's cut this beautiful cake, now", Shaurya said and everyone agreed.

Just then, Rajnath too walked in.

Akansha stiffened seeing him, but he gave her a gentle smile. They never met each other, but she remembered talking to him on phone once and knew how he looked. Of course he was the chairman of a media giant, he is all over the internet.

"Thank god, I didn't miss anything...", Rajnath said

"Hello dad...", Dev, Rachna and the kids greeted Rajnath and he responded.

Rajnath caressed Siya's face with affection before hugging Shaurya. He loved Shaurya like his son and Shaurya too respected him like a father, in fact more than a father.

"Give me the phone, I'll hold it while you shoot the video, can't miss these beautiful moments, after years, my whole family is together, god I am so happy...", Rajnath said and Shaurya chuckled at his emotional self.

"Come on, don't drop your tough facade, what would the nation think if this ruthless businessman melts like this?", Shaurya teased, earning a slap on his arm from Rajnath.

"Shaurya... Let the old man cry, we'll make a breaking news out of it. Why is Rajnath Bisht in tears? The nation wants to know... Trust me, the TRPs would skyrocket", Dev joked on his father, and Shaurya-Dev laughed at it. They always enjoy teasing Rajnath.

Akansha remembered how Rajnath referred Shaurya as his son in the phone conversation they had years ago.

"I don't want to hear anything from you.

.. Do not call here, thank your stars that my sons are not home, if they knew you called, they would destroy you and your whole family, do not take Aakriti's name from your filthy mouth from here on, do not try to approach her or my family, take this as my warning", those were his exact words.

Well, she didn't blame him, he was a father, who saw his daughter almost dying in front of his eyes, anyone would have reacted the same, she understood his emotions then.

In fact, she was thankful to him for stopping Dev when he was going to report her to police for abetment of suicide.

With the kind of condition her family was in at that time they couldn't have afforded her in jail or even a police case for that matter.

He thought about her future and career, so she didn't hold anything against Rajnath Bisht.

She didn't know him much to even judge about what kind of a person he is either.

Rajnath said sons referring to Shaurya and Dev. He not just referred, he also meant it, she could see in the kind of affection he showered on Shaurya and their daughter, Siya.

They finished cutting the cake, the event was full of fun and lots of laughter.

Rajnath talked to Akansha with gentleness and affection clear in his tone.

He made Siya sit on his lap, and also asked her to call him 'Dadu', referring himself as her father's father.

Shaurya nodded when Siya looked at him for confirmation.

Dev - Akansha fought in the video call like always. They are the tom and Jerry of real world and anyone can see it.