Getting cold sucks. Especially when you know you going to get one but cannot help yourself in any way.
I thought I should give this shoutout, as I am so grateful to you all.
@Rupashah02 @manasvi_p @Adyxxxxx @MahekJ2815 and everyone else. Your votes and likes mean so much to me.
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Priyanshi stared into Dev's eyes, her heart torn between the desire to give him one last chance and the fear of being hurt again. The world around them seemed to hold its breath, as if waiting for her decision. "Dev," she began, her voice shaky, "I'll give you one chance. But you have to promise me that this time, you won't walk away. You won't abandon us. You'll be there for our child, and for me."
Dev nodded vigorously, his face filled with a mix of relief and determination. "I promise, Priyanshi. I swear on everything I hold dear that I won't let you down again. I'll be there for you on every step and be there for our daughter also. I am sorry, fatherhood scared me and it was not fair of me to leave you like that. But I am not going back again."
Priyanshi's heart softened as she saw the sincerity in his eyes. She had always believed in second chances, and now she was giving him that opportunity. "Okay, one chance. But it won't be easy, Dev. You have a lot of work to do, and it's going to take time."
Dev took her hands in his, holding them gently. "I know, Priyanshi, and I'm willing to put in the effort. I'll be there for you, for your career, for the family we always dreamt of and be the best dad for our daughter. I shall be by your side every step of the way."
A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of Priyanshi's lips. "And you'll have to make it up to me for all the pain you've caused. We need to work on that also."
Dev nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "I understand, and I'll do my best. I'll show you every day that I'm committed to this, to you and that I love you, and that I'm here to stay."
Priyanshi couldn't help but believe him, the love they had once shared still buried deep within her heart. "Just one chance, you mess this up, I am not looking back at all."
Dev beamed with gratitude. "I'm so grateful, Priyanshi. Thank you for giving me this chance. I promise I won't let you down."
As they sat there, holding each other, their fingers entwined, it was as if a weight had been lifted from both their shoulders. It was just the beginning of a long and challenging journey towards reconciliation, but it was a journey they were willing to embark on together. Priyanshi knew that the road ahead would be filled with obstacles, but for the first time in months, she had hope that their love could conquer the pain and uncertainty that had torn them apart. The love between them had been bruised and battered, but it still had the power to mend and flourish, and Priyanshi was determined to see it through.
Priyanshi let Dev lift Mahi into his embrace when she was sleeping. That was the only time she could let them bond without Mahi being fussy. When Dev lifted Mahi into his arms, the guilt hit him like a truck. He wondered how he could be so heartless that he wanted to kill such a beautiful soul. How could he miss seeing her everyday. Mahi was sleeping peacefully in his arms, and he was afraid if she would ever recognize him or even worse not want to come to him. Pushing his fears aside he focused on his daughter in his hand. He wanted to memorize every cell of hers' in his memory. He didn't want to go through what he felt when he lifted her today in his arms. Regret. And more than anything, his daughter deserved so much more and she was going to be everything she wanted him to be.
His gaze fell on Priyanshi who was folding Mahi's clothes. She had changed a lot since he had seen her a year back. She still had some baby fat on her from her pregnancy. She was a lot more curvier than she was before her pregnancy and the role of a mother had adorned her like a perfect fit. She looked like a goddess to him. Ethereal. Beautiful. Addictive.
A smile and a charming glow adorned Priyanshi's face. Her happiness was also contagious. Everyone in the house could sense that. Rudra and Anjali were happy for her but also equally worried about her. Though they had complete trust in Dev, both of them didn't want her to go through any sort of heartbreak. Later when everyone had finished their dinner and retired to their rooms, Rudra and Anjali visited Priyanshi in her room.
"Look at her Rudr. Someone's glowing." Anjali teased as she sat by her. Priyanshi shied away from her gaze and hid her face in her palms. Rudra and Anjali shared a soft laugh seeing her while Priyanshi whined. Mahi was in her cot, flapping her arms and legs in the air. Rudra walked to her and lifted her up in her arms, peppering her face with kisses. Mahi squealed in delight as she was showered by his kisses.
"No matter where you are, remember to make yourself a priority. Don't let anyone mistreat you. Decisions about your goals, your life, your career, your health shall and should always be your priority. And no matter where you are, this house shall always welcome you." Anjali said, in a tone of strictness and love.
"But bhabhi, why all this bhabhi? Is everything okay?" She asked, looking at her and Rudra.
"Everyone knows that today or tomorrow you shall move in with Dev. Both of you have another life apart from just this. Mahi will be growing up so fast that nothing can stop time. And both of us wanted you to know this." Rudra spoke, as he cradled his Ira close to his heart. He was terribly upset that Priyanshi and Ira will be moving away, but he also wanted them to find whatever they wanted to chase. He didn't want to bind them, but he knew that he had to support them. Anjali understood his pain as she felt the same about them moving away but she just wanted their welfare.
Author's note
I am planning to spice things up very soon. Very very soon. Things will take a v=wide and drastic turns. Stay tuned for whatever is ready to come.
Wishing you all a very happy Diwali. Loads of love, happiness and success.