The dawn arrived, carrying with it the chill of endings.
Annika walked towards her room, spotting Pinky in her path. A flicker of something unreadable crossed Pinky’s face.
Pinky: (speaking loudly, deliberately for Annika to overhear) Shivaay kaha hai? I need to tell him everything. I need to reveal the truth.
She continued towards Shivika's room, her footsteps echoing with purpose.
Annika: (voice trembling, pleading) Pinky aunty, please… please don’t. (She burst into tears.)
Pinky: (coldly) Kya hua? Darr gayi? Your time is up. I gave you three days, and those days are gone. You're so numb, so unaffected. It doesn’t matter. I will tell Shivaay everything. And after that, you’ll be responsible for whatever happens.
Annika: (sobbing) No, please! Don’t tell Shivaay anything. Just as you asked, I’ll do as you say. Please…
Pinky: Good. If you don’t, you know what will happen.
(Pinky turned and walked away, leaving Annika trembling.)
Annika: (a choked laugh escaping her lips) I don’t know what fate it is, that with every love I embrace, it is ripped away from me.
Om and Rudra had overheard the conversation.
Om: Bhabhi!
Annika quickly wiped away her tears, turning to face them.
Om: Bhabhi, why are you doing this?
Rudra: Yes, Bhabhi, there’s no need. Choti Maa is just scaring you. She will never tell Shivaay anything.
Annika: And if she does? Do you have any idea what will happen? Shivaay will shatter. NKK means everything to him. You know that. We can’t take that risk.
Om: But Bhabhi… (Annika cut him off.)
Annika: No, please. Don’t say anything. I don’t want to talk about this. But I need your promise. You both promise me that you won’t tell Shivaay the truth after I’m gone. And you won’t let him fall apart. Promise me!
Om and Rudra: We promise, Bhabhi.
(Annika hugged them both tightly, her body wracked with sobs.)
In Shivika’s room, Shivaay was preparing a surprise for Annika, a mirror of the one he’d given her in the past. He was oblivious to the storm brewing.
Shivaay (to himself): Aaj mai Annika ko aisa surprise doonga, she’ll be so happy. I hope everything goes well, and she loves it.
He smiled, remembering his conversation with Dadi, and how he’d become an Ishqbaaz.
(Annika entered, her face etched with sadness.)
Shivaay: Annika, what’s wrong? Are you alright?
Annika (snapping out of her trance) I’m fine. Nothing is wrong.
She reached for her mangalsutra, but Shivaay gently stopped her, holding her hand as he reapplied sindoor to her hairline.
Tears welled in Annika’s eyes.
Shivaay: Annika, why are you crying? I can’t bear to see tears in your eyes. (He wiped her tears and pulled her into a tight embrace.)
Annika (to herself): I’m sorry, Shivaay. I have to leave you. I don’t know how I’ll live without you. I love you, Shivaay.
Shivaay (to himself): Today is the best day of our lives, especially for you. From today, our relationship begins a new chapter, filled only with happiness.
Shivaay: I have a surprise for you. Come with me. (He blindfolded her and led her to the hall.)
Everything unfolded as it had before, mirroring the past.
Annika saw the mandap and her mind screamed in protest. This was Shivaay’s surprise—another wedding. Another lie to maintain.
Shivaay: How did you like my surprise, Annika?
The ritual continued, each step a tightening knot of dread in Annika’s heart.
Finally, Shivaay, consumed by rage, signed the divorce papers and threw them in her face. He ordered the media to record it—to publish the story of Shivaay Singh Oberoi divorcing his wife, severing all ties with her.
Om and Rudra watched in stunned silence, as did Jahnvi, who knew everything. Dadi, Shakti, and Tej were too shocked to react. Pinky smirked, a cruel satisfaction in her eyes.
Shivaay gripped Annika’s hand, then with brutal force, threw her out. The strains of “Humari Aadhuri Kahani” filled the air.
Shivaay roared: GET OUT OF MY LIFE, ANIKA!
He slammed the door shut.
And they were separated.
PRECAP:
One year later…
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. If you did, please vote and comment. I’d love to hear your feedback, as well as suggestions for improving the story. New characters will be introduced in the next chapters.
Thank you for reading!