Jay gently lifted Shivani into his arms and carried her to the closet. As he began to open the strings of her blouse, Shivani instinctively took two steps back and whispered, "I'll do it myself." Respecting her words, Jay stepped out of the closet and walked into the bedroom.
Once there, he immediately called his driver and instructed him to drop Aditya at school, ending the call promptly. Time passed, and when Shivani still hadn't come out of the closet, Jay grew concerned and stepped inside.
There, he saw her struggling with the tight knot of her blouse string, drenched and stuck from the water. She tried repeatedly, but it wouldn't open. Jay quietly approached her and untied the knot with gentle fingers. The very touch of his hands sent a shiver through Shivani's body, her heart skipping a beat.
Then, softly, Jay kissed her back. Shivani's eyes closed on their own, overwhelmed by the tender moment. Without a word, Jay stepped back and walked out of the closet, standing silently just beyond the door.
The sound of his footsteps brought Shivani back to her senses. A faint smile touched her lips. Quickly, she changed into dry clothes and stepped out. She found Jay standing with his back to the closet door. Surprised, she asked, "Why are you standing here?"
Jay turned slightly, pointing to his wet shirt and pants, and smiled. "My clothes are wet too. I need to change as well." Shivani lowered her gaze and softly replied, "Sorry."
Jay walked closer and said gently, "You don't need to apologize. They're just clothes." Saying this, he kissed her forehead and entered the closet.
Shivani sat at the dressing table, looking at herself in the mirror, combing her damp hair. Just then, Jay stepped out, buttoning his fresh shirt. As Shivani picked up the box of vermillion (sindoor), Jay reached out, took the box from her, dipped his fingers into it, and filled the parting of her hair with sindoor. Then he placed the box gently by the mirror.
He kissed her forehead once again and wrapped her in a warm embrace. He then lifted her gently and laid her on the bed, lying down beside her, holding her close. His fingers stroked her hair softly.
"Don't you have to go to the office?" Shivani asked quietly, still resting against his chest.
Jay shook his head. "No."
"Why not?" she asked curiously.
"Because today, I want to spend time with my wife and child," he answered with a heartfelt smile.
As Jay continued stroking her hair, Shivani slowly drifted into sleep in the safety of his arms. Watching her peaceful face, Jay's heart filled with remorse. In silence, he whispered to her, "Shivani, please forgive me. You're suffering because of me. If only I had known the truth about Sanjana's accident earlier… you could have been so much happier, and I wouldn't have committed such a grave sin with my own hands."
His hand gently moved to her stomach, and he spoke with a trembling voice, "Baby… it's your father's fault that you and your mother had to endure so much."
Tears didn't escape his eyes, but the pain inside him screamed loudly. Every time he saw Shivani in pain, he heard that haunting scream from the day he had forced himself upon her. Once again, he asked for her forgiveness—this time silently—and in that quiet guilt, he too fell asleep.
---
Evening
As Shivani helped Aditya get dressed, the little boy asked, "Mumma, where are we going?"
She smiled brightly. "We're going to a party."
The word "party" lit up his face. "Yay! We're going to a party!" he cheered, hopping off the bed. "I'll go tell my new friend!" he shouted as he dashed out of the room.
Everyone got ready. Shanti joined them too. Jay and Shivani left in one car, while Aman, Shanti, and Aditya took another.
The party was arranged at Abhay Ji's residence—Shivani's father's home. The entire house was under tight security, with cameras surrounding the premises, and the media kept at bay.
Jay and Aman hadn't told Shivani anything. They wanted to surprise her.
As Jay's car pulled up at the mansion, he was the first to step out, followed by Shivani. The moment they exited, bodyguards surrounded them. As Shivani took in the sight of the venue, her eyes welled up with tears.
Jay noticed the tears and gently wiped them away. "Shivani, you're crying again."
Shivani shook her head. "No, I'm not crying."
"Then?" he asked softly.
"These… these are happy tears," she replied, her voice trembling with emotion.
Together, they walked inside.
Aman, Shanti, and Aditya followed close behind. The mansion looked brand new after its renovation—sparkling and full of life.
Guests filled every corner, and within minutes, the party began. Two men brought out two large cakes and placed them before Shivani. She looked at them, puzzled, and turned to Jay, questioning him silently with her eyes.
At once, Jay, Aman, Aditya, and Shanti shouted in unison—"Happy Birthday, Shivani!"
Tears flowed once again from Shivani's eyes. She had forgotten her birthday again, just like every year. It was always Abhay Ji and Asha Ji who reminded her and wished her first. But now, with them gone, Jay was the only one who remembered.
Aman came up, pinched her cheek, and teased, "Shivani! You cry so much. I'm warning you—if my niece or nephew turns out to be a crybaby like you, it won't be good!"
He gently wiped her tears and said, "Crying over everything isn't healthy. It affects the baby too. And today is your birthday! It's a time to be happy. So, cheers!"
Shivani smiled at last.
As soon as she did, the balloons decorating the hall began popping. The sudden sounds startled her, and she quickly hugged Jay in fear. Jay signaled the guests to stop.
Once Shivani calmed down, she walked to cut the cake. Aditya insisted on helping, and Jay lifted him into his arms. Together, mother and son cut the cake.
As Shivani turned to feed a piece to Jay, Aditya playfully snatched it and gobbled it down. Everyone burst into laughter. Jay was left with his mouth open, shocked and amused.
Watching them laugh, Jay closed his mouth and smiled—genuinely and from the heart.