Rishabh's unique gift.

I'm not going to give any explanation or excuse. Just enjoy your new two chapters. And if you want to ask me any question, you can ask me on Instagram.

IG : @author_sunita

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"Can I come with you, Maasi Maa, for shopping?" Shwet asked.

Swati smiled, placed her hand on his head, and said, "No, beta, not now. You try on that suit for now, okay?"

Saying this, she took Shivaay's hand and led him away. Meanwhile, the three of them watched Swati leave. Abhinav didn't understand what was going on, Shwet looked a little sad, and Shweta was lost in her own thoughts.

Swati kept walking, holding Shivaay's hand tightly. Her grip was so firm that Shivaay understood her situation just from the way she held his hand. He also clasped her hand tightly and came to a stop.

When he stopped, Swati turned and looked at him, then at her hand, which was still gripping his tightly. She was about to let go when Shivaay pulled her close and hugged her. For a moment, Swati was startled, but the next moment, she began to pull away. However, Shivaay tightened his grip. One of his hands was around her waist, and with the other, he gently stroked her hair, saying, "Don't be so harsh, Swati. Why are you being so heartless with yourself?"

Hearing this, Swati's eyes filled with tears. She stopped struggling and held Shivaay tightly, burying her face in his chest. She said, "If you want to hug me, do it without saying anything, without asking any questions."

Hearing her sobbing voice, Shivaay said nothing more and just hugged her tighter. After a while, Shivaay gently pushed Swati a little away from him and lifted her face with his hands. There were still tears in her eyes. Shivaay cupped her face with both hands, fixed her hair, and wiped her tears, saying, "You know, Swati, you're not just breaking your own heart; you're breaking Shwet's too. He can't stay apart from you, he can't forget you. So why do you want him to be separated from you?"

Swati responded, "Because until he distances himself from me, he won't be able to go to Shweta and Abhinav. I have to distance myself from him so that he can accept them."

Hearing this, Shivaay was silent for a moment. Then he said, "Swati, Shwet can never forget you. No matter how hard you try, he can never be separate from you, because to him, you're not just his mother. You're not just his family; you're his whole world. His whole world revolves around you. Since the moment he became conscious, since the moment he opened his eyes, you were with him. You've been everything to him – mother, father, brother, sister, teacher. You taught him good values, protected him from everything. So tell me, Swati, how will he forget you?"

Swati said, "So what should I do? I don't want to break Shwet's heart. My child, my child is sad because of me, and I can't do anything about it. I don't know what to do. On one side is my Chiku, who loves me, and on the other side is my sister, who's been separated from her child for so many years. What should I do? I don't know whose happiness to prioritize. If I think about Shwet's happiness, he will be separated from his mother. If I think about Shweta's happiness, my Chiku's innocent heart will break. What should I do, Shivaay? What should I do?"

As she said this, tears flowed continuously from Swati's eyes. She laid her head on Shivaay's chest. Shivaay had no answer to give her. He didn't know what to do. Many of the things Swati said were true; one person's happiness would surely ruin another's. He just hugged Swati tightly and began stroking her back.

After some time, when Swati had expressed all her thoughts and felt lighter, she pulled away from Shivaay. She wiped her tears and said, "I'm sorry. Come on, let's buy what you need. It's getting late, and I have to get back to the shop." As she began to walk away, Shivaay grabbed her hand from behind and said, "You're breaking my heart too, Swati."

Hearing this, Swati closed her eyes. Then she turned and looked at Shivaay. Seeing her red eyes, Shivaay said nothing further and, holding her hand, walked with her, saying, "Not today, let's not talk about my feelings today."

Swati was already in so much pain, under so much tension, that Shivaay didn't want to add to it by talking about his own feelings. After a while, everyone finished their shopping and headed back to their respective homes.

Morning time

Today, there was a different kind of energy in the house. Everyone had enjoyed the Mehndi ceremony yesterday but everyone was excited for today because along with the Haldi ceremony, today was Shanaya's baby shower as well.

The decoration theme for today was yellow, blue, and pink. Looking around, Dadaji said, "Tell me, whose idea was this color combination?"

At that moment, all the girls chimed in from behind, "Ours!"

Riya stepped forward and said, "Dada ji, now everyone understands the yellow color because it's for haldi. As for the blue and pink, they are for the baby."

" What you Mean? " Shobha asked, so Anokhi replied, "Maa, we don't know if Shanaya didi is having a baby girl or a baby boy. So, if it's a girl, she'll be happy with the pink decorations, and if it's a boy, he'll be happy with the blue decorations. In short, if the baby is happy, everyone is happy."

Hearing their words, everyone smiled. Just then Surekha said, "Will you keep chatting, or will you go bring Preeti, Shanaya, and Shivika?"

"Yes, we're going now," Riya said.

Anokhi added, and Swati, Shweta, and Ruhi went along with them.

After some time, they returned with the three. The decorations and everyone's outfits were divided into three colors – except for Shanaya , shivika and Preeti , all the girls wore yellow lehengas with pink dupattas, and the boys wore yellow kurtas with blue half jackets.

Some guests and friends of Alka had also arrived, although they were all women. They first performed Shanaya's god bharai (baby shower), placed shagun in her lap, and gave her many blessings.

Just then, Shalini said, "Hey, let's play that game again."

"Game? What game?" Ruhi asked.

Shalini replied, "Oh, during Shobha's baby shower, we played a game. We gave her a flower, and she threw it backward towards the married women. Whoever caught it was next in line for a baby. Back then, I caught it, and I really was the next one to have a baby."

"Oh, that sounds like an interesting game," Shivika said.

"Let's play it then," Shanaya said happily, and looking at all the girls, she added, "I want to see who will have the next little baby."

As Shalini explained, Shanaya was positioned, and all the married women, including Preeti and Shivika, stood behind her.

Only Swati wasn't standing among them; she was off to the side. Just then, Shivaay came and stood next to her and said, "If you had agreed to the wedding, you would have been standing with them."

But Swati didn't say anything. She didn't even glance at Shivaay once. She and baby shower, it's impossible, so she remained silent.

Seeing her like this, Shivaay also stayed quiet, but her silence bothered him a little.

Meanwhile, Shanaya stood with her back to everyone and said, "Okay, I'm about to throw the flower, everyone be ready."

There was a hint of hesitation, a little shyness, and some nervousness on everyone's faces, except for Anokhi.

Ruhi lightly tapped Anokhi on the shoulder and said, "What's the matter, girl? You don't seem nervous at all. No shyness either? Already planning for a baby?"

Anokhi made a face and said, "Baby? My husband isn't even marrying me, so how will I become a mom? And anyway, I'm the shortest here, the flower will definitely go to someone else before reaching me," she said, showing her teeth in a wide grin.

Hearing this, Archana and Shobha facepalmed, and Rishabh shook his head in dismay.

Standing beside her, Vikram laughed and said, "Well, my princess made a valid point."

Meanwhile, Shweta stood silently. Her eyes weren't on Shanaya but on Swati.

Seeing Swati's silence bothered Shweta as well. Just then, Shanaya threw the flower.

Everyone's eyes were on the flower, and in no time, it headed toward Shweta.

When Swati noticed the flower coming toward Shweta and saw that Shweta was lost in thought, she shouted, "Shweta, catch the flower!"

Upon hearing her, Shweta's eyes went to the flower, and the next moment, it landed in her hands.

Shweta's eyes widened in surprise, and Swati jumped with joy.

In her excitement, she hugged Shivaay.

At the same time, Abhinav Bharati and Raghav smiled. All the girls hugged Shweta, who still looked at the flower in amazement. Shobha placed her hand on Shweta's head and said, "Come on, Shweta, now you'll be the one to bring us the next good news."

"I... I..." Shweta could only stammer, unable to say more due to embarrassment, so Bharati hugged her. Meanwhile, as everyone was busy with Shweta, Shivaay and Swati were in their own world.

Swati's sudden hug surprised Shivaay at first, but then he quickly pulled her closer by placing his hand on her waist.

When Swati felt his grip, she realized she was hugging Shivaay. She started to move away, but Shivaay said, "You're so shameless, aren't you! Hugging me in front of everyone without caring about my reputation, and now you're trying to move away like I forced you into it. No way, now everyone has to see that you hugged me."

As she moved away, Swati said, "Shivaay, don't be silly. Someone will see, everyone's right here." Then her eyes widened in shock as she quickly said, "Shivaay, let go... your Papa is watching."

"Don't make excuses using Papa now, understood?" His persistence made Swati look like she was about to cry. She really did see Prafull standing right in front of them.

Prafull tapped him on the shoulder, and Shivaay said, "Swati, tapping my shoulder to make me think papa is standing there? I won't let you go! Cheating with me, fooling me?"

Then Prafull stood in front of Shivaay, and Shivaay was taken a back. He quickly let go of Swati, and she ran off.

"I was just... " Shivaay stammered.

"Just what?" Prafull asked, to which Shivaay replied, "She was so happy, I thought she was going to faint, so I just held her up."

Prafull stared at him, while Shivaay bit his tongue and muttered to himself, "Shivaay, what are you blabbering about? You're definitely going to get in trouble today."

"I told you before, her consent is needed. So, what were you doing?" Prafull asked.

Shivaay hung his head and said, "Sorry, Papa."

After the guests, all the family members also gave gifts to Shanaya. Everything was for the baby – some gave clothes, shoes, and toys for both a boy and a girl. Then Rishabh stood in front of Shanaya and Praveen. Everyone looked at him, waiting to see what he would gift.

All eyes were on Rishabh as he pulled out an envelope and handed it to Praveen. Everyone was genuinely surprised.

Vikram quickly stood beside Rishabh and, looking at the envelope, said, "Bro, are you gifting property? If you are, let me know. If you're really giving property, then when Preeti gets pregnant, gift your New York villa for her god bharai. I love that villa very much."

Hearing his nonsense, everyone smiled. But Rishabh said, "The gift isn't for you and never will be, so go back to where you were standing."

Vikram ignored him and, placing his hand on Praveen's shoulder, looked at the envelope and said, "Come on, open it. Let's see what Rishabh Shergill, who has only ever given overnight work and tasks, is gifting today. Let's see what you're getting today."

Praveen opened the envelope, and as both he and Vikram read the words on the paper, their eyes widened in shock.

Praveen stood up, and Vikram exclaimed, "Oh my! Is this a gift or a punishment? Who gifts a resignation letter!"

Everyone stared at them in surprise. Rishabh smiled at Shanaya and said, "From today, your husband is only yours, not my assistant anymore. He's going to be a father, his responsibilities are increasing, so he doesn't need to do my work anymore. And anyways, you've done so much for me. Praveen, thank you so much, but you have your own company, which is doing great without you, but will do even better with you. I'm looking forward to some good competition in the business world."

His words made everyone happy, though a little surprised because it was probably the first time Rishabh had spoken like that. Or maybe it was the first time Rishabh had spoken so much.

Praveen smiled. He also said with a smile, "Of course, sir, your word is my command. I will do my best to give you a good competition in the business world."

Saying this, he hugged Rishabh and said, "Now I'm no longer your assistant, so I can at least give you a hug."

Hearing this, Rishabh patted him on the shoulder.

Just then, Shanaya stood up and said to everyone, "Come on, my baby shower is complete. Now let's finish the haldi ceremony for everyone, starting now."

Everyone nodded in agreement at her words.

A large curtain was placed in the middle of the garden. Seeing the curtain, Vikram and Hardik squinted their eyes. Both pointed toward the curtain and asked in unison, "What is this?"

"Can't you see? It's a curtain," Shalini said.

"We can see that, but why is it there?"

"Because, son, according to tradition, Preeti's , yours, hardik's and Shivika's haldi should be done separately. But because of the godh bharai, you all are here, and their haldi ceremony will also happen here. So, to make sure you fools can't see them and those lovely girls can't see fools like you, this curtain is here," Dadaji said.

Everyone laughed, and Vikram and Hardik's faces dropped.

Hardik said, "What, Dadaji, you insulted us twice in one sentence! So, we are fools, and they are lovely girls?"

"Yes, they are lovely girls," Ajay said.

Just then, Alok spoke up, "Anyway, you two should be happy that at least your haldi is happening in the same place. If you show too much attitude, we can arrange for your haldi to be done in a temple."

"No, no, absolutely not! We are very, very happy! Who has a problem? Hardik, do you have a problem? I don't have any at all," Vikram said.

"Yes, yes, when did I say I have a problem? I don't have any problem either. It's a nice curtain," Hardik quickly added.

Seeing their panic, everyone laughed. Then they sat Vikram and Hardik on one side of the curtain and Preeti and Shivika on the other. While everyone else wore blue and pink, the clothes of these four were only yellow. Well, it's haldi, and no one experiments with the bride and groom's outfits!

The haldi ceremony began. First, Dada ji applied haldi to Vikram and Hardik, and both touched Dada ji’s feet. After them, Shobha, Alok, Sanjay, and Shalini arrived. Sanjay and Shalini applied haldi to Vikram, while Hardik silently watched Shobha and Alok. Shobha lovingly placed her hand on his cheek and said, "We are your family, Hardik. I know you must be missing your family, but we are here. We all are your family."

"I know, that's why I love you all so much," Hardik said with a smile, holding her hand. Then Shobha and Alok applied haldi to him.

Afterward, Sanjay and Shalini applied haldi to Hardik, and Shobha and Alok applied it to Vikram. Shobha then took some haldi from both of their faces and hands to mix in preeti and Shivika's haldi.

"Oh, what will happen with just this much? Take a little more haldi," Vikram said, extending his hand, to which Shalini smacked her forehead.

Shobha laughed. She mixed Vikram’s haldi into the bowl of haldi prepared for Preeti, and Hardik’s into the haldi for Shivika. Then the haldi for Shivika and Preeti also began. Everyone started applying haldi to them one by one.

When Anokhi came to apply haldi, Vikram said to her, "Look, Prince, apply the same amount of haldi. No way will I accept you applying more to your Bhabhi maa and less to me. We both should look exactly the same, the color of the haldi should match."

"Bhaiya, what should I do? Should I bring a measuring tape? Or should I bring two bowls of haldi, each with 100 grams, one for you and one for Bhabhi maa? Just quietly let me apply the haldi," Anokhi scolded him. Vikram smiled. Then Anokhi applied a lot of haldi to him and the same to Hardik.

After that, Rishabh sat next to Vikram. He took some haldi and applied a little to Vikram’s cheek. Vikram leaned in close to his ear and said, "Bro, do something, I want to apply haldi to my wife too. Do something, my brother." Rishabh glared at him and pretended to be thinking deeply, rolling his eyes upward.

"What are you thinking?" Vikram asked, then said happily, "You're thinking of a plan for me, aren't you, brother? What a great friend you are! I knew, even if no one else understands my pain, you will. And I don't need to worry about the plan at all, brother. When a plan comes from your brain, it's always perfect. Now, I’m just going to play haldi-haldi with my Preeti," he smiled to himself. Only Rishabh and Hardik could hear his words, because Anokhi had moved on after applying haldi to them and gone to Preeti and Shivika, while the others were standing a bit farther away. So they couldn’t hear Vikram’s words.

Rishabh looked at him with a sarcastic smile and said, "I wasn't thinking about the plan. I was thinking about all the times you've teased me from childhood till today, and all the times you've troubled me." Hearing this, Vikram’s face fell, and Hardik started laughing.

Vikram, with a pout, glared at Rishabh and said, "meri princess sahi kehti hai. tu sach me raakshas hai. are, main tera saga dost hoon, koi sautela nahi, aur wo bhi ekadam karib wala dost hoon, koi dur ka nahi , jo tu mere saath aisa gairon jaisa bartaav kar raha hai

( my princess is right. You really are a demon. I'm your real friend, not a step-friend, and I'm a very close friend, not a distant one. Yet you're treating me like a stranger.) "

"Wow, Vikram! Well said," Hardik patted Vikram's back as he said this.

Everyone looked at him. Shalini asked, "What did he say that you're patting his back, Hardik?"

"Oh, he made a request to Rishabh, which Rishabh refused. So, in his heartache, he said something that made me happy."

"What did he say? You tell us," Alok asked.

So Hardik, mimicking Vikram’s tone and pout, looked at Rishabh and said, "Bro, Rishabh, I'm your real friend, not a step-friend. I'm a very close friend, not a distant one, yet you're treating me like a stranger." Seeing his imitation, everyone burst into laughter, and Rishabh, smiling, applied haldi to Hardik and walked away.

At the same time, Vikram gave Hardik a playful punch on the back, making him bend slightly, and Hardik, rubbing his back, said, "Bro, you hit me so hard."

"Yeah, well, you did act so well, so I had to give you a powerful punch," Vikram said, looking at him with a fake smile.

On the other side of the curtain, the girls were watching their antics. Even though there was a curtain in between, they could see a little.

Anokhi, holding haldi in both hands, sat down in front of Preeti and Shivika. She said, "Bhabhi maa, Shivika didi, honestly, you both don’t even need haldi because you both already look so beautiful, and you'll look even better in your wedding outfits. But Bhaiya and Hardik Bhaiya have gotten so much haldi applied to them, so you should too. Otherwise, Bhaiya might end up looking better than you."

Hearing this, Shivika and Preeti looked at each other and laughed. Just then, from the other side of the curtain, Vikram said, "Oh Princess, so you've switched sides after going over there? Now you're tattling to my future wife?"

"Hey, not just yours, she’s tattling to mine too," Hardik added.

Anokhi laughed and said, "So what’s my fault? There's a divide here. Whichever side I’m on, I’ll talk from that side."

Hearing this, everyone smiled, and then slowly, everyone began applying haldi to the four of them.

Hardik, who was sitting by the side of the curtain, looked at it. He could see faint shadows but couldn’t make out any faces. He reached under the curtain to try and hold Shivika’s hand, but ended up grabbing someone else’s hand. The next moment, Preeti’s voice came, "Hardik, this isn’t Shivika’s hand, it's mine."

Hearing this, Hardik quickly pulled his hand back, and everyone glared at him, especially Vikram.

Vikram said, "Oh, now I get it. That’s why you were sitting by the curtain, so you could sneakily hold your fiancée's hand! Then why are you holding my wife’s hand?!" Vikram tugged at Hardik’s ear.

Hardik replied, "How was I supposed to know Bhabhi was sitting here? I thought it would be Shivika!" He made a pouty face and looked at everyone, who were all staring at him.

Vikram said, "Now that you know it’s my wife sitting there, let me sit there."

Hearing this, Hardik widened his eyes in shock. Just then, Shalini came up behind them, knocking their heads together, making them both say, "Ouch!" as they rubbed their heads.

When they turned around, Shalini, glaring at them, said, "Got some sense now? If not, just say, and I'll knock some more into you. Seriously, the boys in this house are donkeys; all the daughters-in-law and girls are the only good ones. And mind you, Vikram, if I catch you anywhere near Preeti!"

Hearing this, Vikram made a face and pointed at Hardik, saying, "Why are you only scolding me? Tell him too. He’s the one who started it. He’s the one being impatient!"

Hardik said, "I don’t need to say anything. I’m already the sensible one here."

Just then, Shalini grabbed his ear and said, "Sensible, you? I think you're only sensible in the hospital and the OT room, nowhere else."

On the other side, Shivika softly said to Preeti, "Those two got exactly what they deserved, especially Hardik. He gave me such a hard time; now let him suffer!"

Preeti said, "No Shivika, Hardik is really nice. Vikram is the real troublemaker. He’s always messing around."

Anokhi, sitting in front of them with her cheeks resting in her hands, said, "And all you two can think about are the sweet things your future husbands say."

Both of them blushed at her words.