Drabble & OS Page 26 4th May - Page 7

Thanks folks for reading, liking and commenting.

Sometimes, I feel what prompted me to write again in IF. Then I realized the gaps 'what ifs' create while we watch the show. What if this had happened! What if it had happened in this way! What if they had showed some common sense! What if they had maintained the integrity of the characters! etc... etc... The point is this ''OS Series" is the result of 'what if' moments 😃 Thank you joining in my 'what if' moments and making them 'wow' moments. 😉

This OS is the result of 'what if' after watching the precap. Here it goes...

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OS: Truth:Lie :: Trust:Deceit

"Yeh Svetlana ki chappal jali kyun thi?" Annika tried to figure out the puzzle, as she walked along the corridors of the Oberoi mansion. For the past ten minutes, she was walking across the lengthy corridors of Oberoi Mansion trying to decipher the situation. She immediately remembered the manner the potted plant had burnt when she had poured the adulterated Espresso' over it. "Woh bhi aise jale huye jaise kisi ne chemical dal diya ho!" She exclaimed with shock. "Iska matlab Shivaay ki jaan ka dushman Svetlana hai??!!" She tried to analyse the fact. "Kaise? Kyun????" She started to feel dizzy with the newly found information. It took so long for her to put two and two as four'! "Mujhe Shivaay ko batana padega..." She ran in search of him.

In the living room:

"Maine tumse yeh ummeed nahin ki, Jhanvi!" Tej bellowed after he had made Svetlana sit safely back in her wheel-chair. "How could you be so careless?"

"Maine kuch nahin kiya, Tej" Jhanvi spoke clearly.

"Achcha? Toh phir yeh seediyon se kaise giri? Maine dekha tumhein uske peeche khade huye..." Tej spoke angrily.

Pinky kept her hand on Jhanvi's shoulder as support. Jhanvi spoke, "Haan, main peeche aa rahi thi. Maine dekha ki woh seediyon ke pass thi, toh main use peeche lana chahti thi ---"

"Par tumne use girne de diya." Tej concluded.

"Mr. Oberoi!" Om called in a low warning tone. "Aap bhi jaante hai, aur main bhi jaanta hoon ki meri maa aisi giri huyi harqat kabhi nahin kar sakti."

"Abhi se pehle aisa hi socha tha, par ab se nahin." Tej said coolly.

Jhanvi was hurt! Pinky, Shakti, Dadi were disgusted. Shivaay was wondering if he should interfere or not. Rudra held on to Shivaay for support.

Annika just reached there panting. She was about to call Shivaay, when Jhanvi started speaking.

Jhanvi spoke, "Tej, maine kuch nahin kiya. Main uske paas bhi nahin thi. Tia ne mujhe bulaya, mainTia se baat karne ke liye mudi toh achanak wheelchair chalne lag aya. Maine pakadne ki koshish ki, lekin it was too late." she explained still patiently. "Waise bhi Svetlana ke neeche girne se mujhe kya milega? What will I gain?"

Annika's eyes grew wide. Oh bete ki!!' she exclaimed. She looked at Svetlana. She was seated in the wheelchair. What took her aback, was the smirk, though small, playing along her lips. It was as if Svetlana was clearly enjoying what was unfolding in front of her. All the family members were standing helpless and clearly uncomfortable.

Tej looked at Tia.

Tia said, "Aunty, mujhe laga ki aap Svetlana ko walk pe le ja rahe the. Sorry aunty, meri wajah se aapke haath phisal gayi."

Shivaay shook his head in disbelief. "Tia, are you sure, tumne yehi dekha?"

"Yes Shivaay, koi neeche aunty ko pooch rahe the, toh main aunty ko call kiya. Maine notice nahin ki woh kahaan khade thi!" Tia replied.

Annika's jaws dropped. Tej looked at Jhanvi accusingly. Annika looked at everyone. No one was speaking anything in favor of her. Hurt was too small a word to describe Jhanvi's condition now. She shook her head. This is their family issue. She has no right to speak in between. She was just an outsider. She swallowed her helplessness and looked away. Her eyes fell on Svetlana smirking at Jhanvi opening, then her eyes moved towards something else... wait... it was someone else... Annika followed her line of sight. Her eyes grew wide in shock. Tia...??!! Annika closed her eyes and shook her head to clear off her thoughts. She opened her eyes again to see if she was mistaken. But she wasn't. Tia and Svetlana were sharing a eye-eye communication.

Annika felt enough. Yes, she was an outsider. But, that doesn't mean that she should be a spectator to the wronging in front of her. Annika took a deep breath. She looked around. It was clear that she was not noticed by anyone around. Now, she can make an entry. She decided.

"Jhanvi aunty!" she called out aloud. That caught everyone's attention. Now her show starts! She walked to Jhanvi. "Aunty, maine Sethi uncle se baat kar li. Unhone kaha ki woh order pahuncha denge."

Jhanvi was clueless. "Kaun Sethi?" she asked.

"Arey, aap mujhse abhi thodi der pehle upar bata rahi thi, naa" She pointed to the place just near the stairs , where the earlier incident had happened. "Aapki dost, Mrs. Malhotra ke ghar mein kuch chota-sa get together hai, unhein itni short-notice pe caterer nahin mil raha tha. Yaad aaya?" Annika spoke with her eyes so that she could catch the hint. Jhanvi and Pinky looked at each other.

Shivaay wondered what she was speaking about, that too at that time. Unbelievable!' he mumbles. Annika and her timing. Can't she wait whatever it was? "Kya bol rahi ho, Annika?" he asked.

"Shivaay" Annika walked to him. "Abhi thodi der pehle Jhanvi aunty madad maang rahi thi, apni dost ke liye. Uske baare mein baat kar rahi hoon." Annika pleaded Shivaay not to interrupt her.

Something caught Shivaay's attention. What is she speaking?' he wondered. Annika pleaded with her eyes to go with her flow. Shivaay's frown cleared. "Kab?" he asked.

Annika let out a breath of relief. "Abhi thodi der pehle. Upar, seediyon ke paas, balcony mein... she pointed again.

"You mean passage." Shivaay corrected her.

"Haan, wohi." Annika shrugged.

That was the place where Jhanvi was, and from where she was accused of being careless with Svetlana.

"Toh?" Shivaay signed her to continue.

"Uh?" Annika was confused.

"Tum kuch bol rahi thi, Annika" Shivaay said.

"Huh? Haan, Jhanvi aunty caterer ke baare mein pooch rahi thi toh maine Sethi uncle se baat kar li. Unhone---"

"Kab?" he asked.

"Abhi dus minute pehle. Ab Sethi uncle se baat karke hi unhein---" Annika was interrupted again.

"Kab?" Shivaay asked again.

"Aap baar-baar ek hi sawaal kyun kar rahe hai. Abhi bataya tha ki dus minute pehle, balcony mein...mera matlab, passage mein..." Annika said.

"Are you sure?" Shivaay asked.

Annika looked around to see confused faces. "Aap baar-baar kyun pooch rahe hai?" she asked. "Sab log mujhe aise kyun dekh rahe hai?"

Shivaay did not answer her, but looked at Tej, then Jhanvi.

But Om replied for her, "Kyunki dus minute pehle hi Svetlana inhi seediyon se wheel chair se giri, aur uska ilzaam meri maa par aaya hai."

Annika tried to look straight at everyone. "Aise kaise ho sakta hai? Jab main aunty se baat kar rahi thi, tab aas-paas wahaan koi nahin tha." She looked around at everyone as she spoke.

Everybody were more confused this time. What has exactly happened?' was the question in everyone's mind. Jhanvi was the most confused soul in the entire room. She could not understand head or tail of what Annika was speaking.

"Are you sure, wahaan koi nahin tha?" Tej asked now.

"Haan, pakka. Aur maine unse kaha ki main Sethi uncle se baat karne ke baad unhein bata doongi. Aur main nikhal gayi. Jab main Saumya ke kamre ki ore ja rahi thi toh mujhe Tia ki aawaaz aayi ki Jhanvi aunty ko bulaate huye. Uske baad mujhe pata nahin ki kya hua aur Svetlana wahaan kab aayi." Annika finished confidently.

Pinky held Jhanvi from speaking anything. "Aap chup rahiye, jethani ji. Yeh ladki kuch toh khichdi pakka rahi thi. Use banane dijiye. Aap bas dekhiye." she muttered into Jhanvi's ears.

"Annika, lekin Jeth ji bata rahe hai ki jab Svetlana giri thi, tab Jethani ki unke peeche khadi thi? Tum keh rahi ho ki wahaan koi nahin tha?" Pinky suggested.

"Mujhe nahin pata ki kisne kya dekha, lekin jab meri Jhanvi aunty se baat ho rahi thi, tab wahaan koi nahin tha." Annika repeated. Throwing a glance at Svetlana, she said, "Svetlana toh bilkul nahin thi."

Tej couldn't reach a conclusion of what might have happened for sure. Svetlana's face was a treat to watch for Annika. She stifled a grin. Shivaay noticed it and frowned. Annika could not help, but add a tadka' to the khichdi' made. "Waise bhi, thodi der pehle jab main Svetlana ke kamre mein gayi thi, dawaai rakhne ke liye, tab toh woh gehri neend mein thi. Mujhe yakeen nahin ho raha hai, ki itni jaldi ut bhi gayi!" she finished in her style and threw a glance of victory at Tia. She saw Tia and Svetlana exchanging glances.

"Tum sach keh rahi ho?" Tej asked again.

Annika looked at Tej. "Uncle, kisi ki taraf bolne ke liye, sach pata hona chahiye, ya toh insaan ke baare mein pata hona chahiye. Mujhe sach bhi pata hai, insaan bhi." She paused and looked at all the faces. "Waise bhi, yeh aapka ghar ka maamla hai, main toh ek baharwali hoon. Agar mujhe sach pata bhi nahin, toh bhi mujhe insaan ke baare mein zaroor pata hai. Tab bhi, main yehi bolti ki Jhanvi aunty anjaane mein bhi kabhi aisa nahin kar sakti." She spoke clearly without any room of extra questions.

Tej felt as if someone had slapped across. He immediately left the place. Dadi, Om and Rudra smiled proudly. Jhanvi thanked Annika silently. Pinkly smiled at Annika uncomfortably. Shakti smiled with relief. Annika could see Svetlana and Tia fuming.

A servant came and took Svetlana to her room. Tia also left the place.

Shivaay cleared his throat and came near her. "Yeh sab kya hai, Annika?" he asked softly.

Annika moved her eyes in all directions and said, "Aapko nahi lagta ki Jhanvi aunty ko Svetlana se maafi maangni chahiye?"

"Huh?" Shivaay was confused, so were all.

"Ilzaam toh lag hi chuka hai un par." Annika explained. "Toh Sorry bolna toh padta hai naa?. Agar Sorry bolna hi hai, toh galti karni padti hai. Toh, ek baar galti kar ke dekh hi lete hai." Annika looked at Shivaay with a serious face, "Aapka kya raai hai?"

Everyone in the room laughed as the tension eased off.

Shivaay said through his laugh, "Tum na, ek dum... Annika ho..." He shook his head.

Annika smiled as she saw Shivaay's relieved face.

Om and Rudra exchanged their trademark I know so' smiles.

Pls give this os to Gul Khan it's Stupendo fantabulous fantastic os! I just loved it... Such mai Anika Anika hi rahegi

wow anika my herione kya entry maari hai..

wowww...that was a brilliant move by anika...wish that was also in the show. anika rescuing jhanvi. ohhh!...I, so wish to see the kapoors sister's face when they know that anika flopped their plans and also the questioning and answering by shivay and anika... Are you sure?" Shivaay asked.Annika looked around to see confused faces. "Aap baar-baar kyun pooch rahe hai?" she asked. "Sab log mujhe aise kyun dekh rahe hai?"...I so really wish to see her expression while she is carrying out this dialogue...lol...continue soon

loved all your OS its so cool as you add one after the other. it is calming me down.

This is your best one so far. Each one surpasses the previous one.

Thank you reading, liking and commenting...

Just like 'Boost is the secret of' 🤔 'energy'

Seeing the number of views, likes, comments is the boost to, well... may be writing more... 😆😆
Thanks once again.

ah i love these, and i love this old anika!

Hey folks!!! How have you been doing amidst the blush, kiss, love and drama... Hope the sanity in you still intact 😆

This OS, I had been writing since a week eversince the historical Annika's love realization. Planned it to be something 😳 but came out something else 🤔 Hope you all like it.


Timeline: Night of the day they return back from jungle

OS: It's... Annika

"Kya chahiye, aapko?" Annika asked Shivaay, looking away, in a slightly irritated voice. Hey bhagwan!' her mind cried.

Shivaay kept his patience intact in his voice. He had already learnt in a hard way that he need to be extra-patient in case he is planning to have a complete conversation with her. Besides, Annika had always been very observant to his thoughts and words, that she always ends up giving valuable input and feedback to put into course of action. But, now...???!!! Is he missing something?' His mind questioned feebly. That's weird. He shook his thoughts and looked at her. "Annika, idhar... yahaan dekho."

"Kya fark padta hai, main kahin bhi dekhoon? Waise bhi aapko jo bolna hai, jaldi boliye." Annika said still being impatient. She did not want to show any awkwardness in front of him and make a fool out of her, again in front of him. Whatever it is, let it be with me.' she decided.

"Annika, look at me when I speak to you." Shivaay said clearly.

Annika was still looking at the other side.

Shivaay noticed Annika's stern posture, her whole body stiff as if she just wanted to flee from there, but just was staying put uncomfortably. Shivaay grew concerned. "Annika..." Shivaay called her softly.

Annika's defence slowly started to melt down. She closed her eyes to control her emotions. When she still did not turn to look at him, he held her lower arm and gave a soft tug to make her turn around. When she turned around, her eyes were closed. All he saw was - eyes tightly closed, downcast face, a lump swallowed but still stuck in her throat, both hands tightly fisted, shoulders stiff. Shock was an understatement to him, he felt he had died that moment looking at her agonized face.

"Annika..." he uttered her name ever so softly that she felt as if her soul was tickled by a touch of feather. When he cupped her face in concern and asked, "Kya... Hua kya hai??..." the last thread of control snapped and the dam of emotions flowed off like flood in the form of tears. "Tum... ro kyun rahi ho?" He felt helpless. She immediately clung to his shoulders and wailed. He at once gathered her close to him and soothed her. Being known as master of control at all times, her pained cry shook his very existence. Something was wrong, very wrong... did anyone tell her something? No, Annika is not a type of person to mull over others comments and opinions, but him. Then what was bothering her? "Anni...ka, ro mat... chup..." he tried to console her, but she was far from it. He did what he could do - embraced her and held her tightly to himself, saying nothing. He felt her shiver unusually under his touch, but he held her. She clung to him loosely. Slowly her wail stopped. Still she was sobbing.

Shivaay made her sit on the couch and got her a glass of water. He placed a hand on the back of her head to support and made her drink some water. Annika sipped few drops of water absently. Shivaay placed the glass of water on the table and took her hand in his.

"Kya hua, Annika?" He slowly asked.

Annika raised her eyes to look at him. Him - the person she had started to fall in love with; him - the person she had grown fond of unknowingly; him - the person for whom she could go any extent to protect him; him - the person whose very existence was more important to her; him - the person without whom she will die. That put the end to her line of thoughts. She frowned. Die? Yes, she could die for him and his well-being. She shivered again. No... this cannot happen. This should not happen. She was nothing, he was everything. Just like he said, he was just being kind, courteous and nice towards her. That doesn't imply she had gained a place in his life. Of course, he has become a crucial part of her life. Leave aside being number one in his life, she could never even become the last important person in his life. She took a deep breath. Yes, right. How long will she be hiding from him? She was staying in his house, moreover sharing his room, it is not possible at all. She needs to confront it. She needs to speak out, whatsoever the outcome be, she has nothing to lose. She got herself ready to speak to him.

Shivaay's concern grew in an exponential manner, as he watched the emotions surfacing and changing on her face staring at him, every second. He spoke again, "Main hoon, Annika. Batao kya hua hai?" and pressed her hand lightly to encourage her to speak.

She continued to stare at him and after sometime, she spoke, "Aapne aisa kya kiya ki mujhe aapse pyar hone laga hai, Shivaay...?!" she spoke softly, her voice still coarse after long time, but very clearly.

Shivaay forgot to breath for a minute. He was not sure if he heard right. His grip on her hand loosened and they lay numb.

Annika tilted her face slightly as she continued, "Pata nahin kabse..." She looked into his eyes, "Aap mere godh mein pade the..." She looked at her lap. "Behosh..." She paused as if she was reliving the moment. "Mujhe toh laga ki maine aapko kho hi diya tha..." She looked at him lost. "Mujhe laga ki meri duniya hi rukh gayi..." Shivaay was looking at her speechless. Whatever it was, he was not at all expecting such a confession from her. He was unable to believe what was happening. She continued, "Agar aapko kuch ho jata toh main... main toh mar hi jaati..." she said in a feeble tone.

If her earlier words did not shake him from numbness, her last words did. He stirred hard from the revelation. He immediately brought his hand to her face and fumbled with his words, "Aisa kyun bol rahi ho... main yahaan hoon.. dekho.. main bilkul teek hoon. Dekho..." He caressed her cheek and hair and looked into her face.

She smiled in her tears as she recognised the familiar concern in his words and action. "Aap tadibaaz Shivaay Singh Oberoi hi sahi the. Kam se kam mujhe pata toh tha ki kya karna hai aur kya nahin.."

"Huh?" Shivaay was confused, shook his head. "Tum bahut bolti ho." He took a deep breath. "Yeh sab chodo... tum apna chehra saaf karke aa jao... Tum kuch mat socho. Kuch sochne ki zaroorat nahin hai. Main... main handle kar loonga. Teek hai?" He just wanted to distract her, so that she doesn't overthink about anything.

Annika smiled gently. "Aap aisa kyun hai?" Shivaay blinked. She continued, "Acche bhi hai, bure bhi. Sab kuch jaante hai, phir bhi anjaan hai. Kya hai aap?"

Shivaay was completely mesmerized by the way she was... she was sort of adoring him. What was wrong with her? He cleared his throat. "Annika, tum thak gayi ho. Just relax... Alright?" He got up to close the door, but was held back. Shivaay looked back at his wrist being held by Annika, surprised.

"Mujhe aapse baat karni hai." Annika spoke looking at him.

Shivaay was not sure if he was prepared for what was going to happen next.. Yet he sat down beside her. She had gone through a lot that day, atleast she deserves some of his time. He sat beside her holding her hand and said, "Bolo, kya baat karni hai?"

Annika looked into his eyes, which changed color every time his mood changed. She lost in it. "Mujhe aapse pyar ho gaya hai, Shivaay." She said again. This time, Shivaay froze. He let go her hand, but she held his. "Ajeeb hai na? Mujhe bhi ajeeb hi laga. Lekin, ho gaya. Kaise? Pata nahin.. Bas ho gaya. Hona nahin chahiye na? Par ho gaya. Mere jaise ladki ki zindagi mein kabhi socha nahin ki pyar hoga, par ho gaya. Rok hi nahin payi, bas ho gaya.. Pyar ke liye koi jagah ya waqt nahin hai mere paas, par ho gaya. Aapke aankhon se, aapke baaton se, aapke soch se, aapke tadi se, aapke nakhre se... pata nahin aur kis-kis se pyar ho gaya mujhe... "

Shivaay never realised she had noticed him a lot.

She held his arms and spoke in between her tears. "Aapne mujhse shaadi kyun ki, Shivaay? Mujhe yakeen tha aur maine faisla bhi kar li thi meri zindagi mein pyar ke liye, shaadi ke liye koi bhi jagah nahin hai. Toh phir kis haq se aap yeh sab meri zindagi mein leke aaye? Kyun meri zindagi mein raita phaila rahe hai? Main yeh bilkul bhi samet nahin paaongi, yeh aapko pata hai, na? Phir kyun kiya mere saath aisa?" She shook him as she broke down.

Shivaay did not know what to do - to comfort her because she was crying or push her away of what she confessed sometime back, to feel guilty for her state or just be indifferent. He was so much occupied by the serial attacks and threats on his family members. This - he did not expect at all. Had it been any other person, his response would have been different. But this was... Annika... Annika who was always transparent to him. So he did not know what to do, how to react. He gathered her to close to him and wrapped his arms around her. "Ro mat Annika..." he said feebly not knowing how to comfort her. Her tears always moved him. They were powerful weapon enough to defeat mighty Shivaay Singh Oberoi. He was powerless. He just caressed her hair to soothe her down. "Sshhh... chup ho jao..."

There was a time when he had thought and feared that Annika liked him. But her actions and attitude had turned them down. Still, in the pointed corner of his heart, he always wished, Annika liked him. Whenever she had brushed off his such-questioned, it hurted him, because that's where she had made a place for herself in him. Now, that part ached again hearing her confession and condition. He had always wanted to be irresistible, but never mentioned them. He had always wanted Annika to feel the same, just like others - irresistible and intimidating. But, unlike others, she made him very one like others. If she sat on the floor, she made him sit on the floor... She did not treat him for what he was, but as how she was. One among all, rather than, the one. This had irked him in the beginning. But now... Now, it felt soothing. Any change in that, now, would topple his daily schedule. That's how she was. And, unknown to both of them, she had swept him away - she was unaware of it and he did not accept it.

He felt her coming out of his embrace. He released her, but kept her in arm length. She wiped her tears and her whole face smeared with tears.

"Tum teek ho?" he asked softly moving the strand of her hair behind her ear.

Annika nodded her head and then looked at him. Concern - that was what written all over his face now.

"Main teek hoon. Aap fikar mat kijiye." She said, her voice sounding little better. "Waise bhi, pagalpan ka dohra sirf ek hi baar padta hai, dobara nahin padne doongi." She sniffed her nose.

"Uh?!!" Shivaay was confused. "Matlab?" He asked with his eyebrows raised?

Annika made a disinterested face. "Pyar ka bhukaar chad gaya, use rokh nahin payi. Lekin pyar ki ummeed leke baitne ki galti nahin karoongi." She rolled her eyes.

Shivaay felt something break inside him. He was hurt.

Annika looked at him. She could see that he was hurt. She felt he was hurt by her confession. "Mujhe pata hai, aapko ajeeb lag raha hoga, ki maine yeh sab kaha. Magar aaj nahin bataya toh kabhi na kabhi pata hi chalega. Waise bhi, aapka aur mera mel hi nahin hai... zameen aasmaan ka fark hai. " She shrugged her shoulders. "Jo cheez mil hi nahin sakta, uska umeed karna bewakoofi hai. Woh bewakoofi main nahin karoongi. Jab hoga hi nahin, toh umeed leke kya choola jalaaongi?" She wiped the remaining tears which had rolled down her cheeks.

Shivaay looked at her in awe as she diffused easiness in the serious conversation. How many facets was she going to show now? He wondered.

"Aap fikar mat kijiye. Meri wajah se aapko koi bhi musibat utana nahin padega. Jab talak hoga, tab..." She paused and went on, "Tab chali jaaongi.." She looked into his eyes.

Shivaay felt uncomfortable when he heard talak'. She confessed, proposed, rejected and also dismissed the proposal. He took a deep breath, "So jao." he smiled slightly at her. Annika nodded slightly.

Shivaay closed the door, locked it and drew the curtains. It's been a long day, his mind sighed. As he walked back to the bed, he heard her call him, "Shivaay..." He turned and looked at her. "Thank you." she said.

"Kis baat ke liye?"

She was silent for a moment, then replied sincerely, "Mujhe galat nahin samajne ke liye..."

Shivaay did not say anything. After a thought, he walked to the sofa and stood in front of her. Annika looked at him wondering. He brought forward his left hand and held it in front of her. Annika looked at his hand, then at his face. Shivaay waited. Annika gave her right hand to him and stood on her feet. He let go her hand and enveloped around her waist. Annika caught her breath. When she came near, he bent, put his other hand under her legs and lifted her up. Annika's eyes widened. Shivaay gave her a slight genuine smirk and walked to the bed. He laid her down safely in the middle of his king-sized bed. That was when she released her breath.

Annika watched him silently not understanding what he was doing; the most important of all - why he was doing? As far as she knew him, he should be firing her for what she had spoken out aloud. Whatever and however it be, definitely not being too nice with her.

As he climbed the bed to join her, he heard her ask, "Kya... kar rahe hai aap?" in a feeble voice.

He made himself comfortable on the bed and arranged the pillows conveniently. "Main kya kar raha hoon?" He arranged the pillow on her side too to make her settle comfortably.

"Yeh sab kyun kar rahe hai?" she asked.

Shivaay bent down close to her face. When he came too close, Annika turned her face. Shivaay stopped in the midway. He turned her face back to face him and slowly pressed his lips to her forehead. Annika stopped breathing and closed her eyes. He lifted his head and waited for her to open her eyes. When her eyes opened, he said softly, "You are very tired, better go to sleep. Mmm?" Annika blindly nodded her head.

Shivaay lied on his side of the bed and closed his eyes. Annika watched him for few seconds and prepared herself to sleep. When she closed his eyes, she heard him speak.

"Waise, hamesha first word aur last word tumhara hi hota hai." He opened his eyes and turned to face her. "For a change, aaj last word mera hua."

Annika was confused. "Matlab?"

Shivaay just smiled and said, "So jao. You need rest." He caressed her cheek once and closed his eyes.

For the first time, life gave her a chance to sleep beside her love. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes to sleep.

When he heard her steady breath, he opened his eyes and looked at her. Yes, he cared for her. Yes, he was concerned about her. Yes, her tears always disarmed him. Yes, her talk was a energizer to him. Yes, her presence was soothing to him. But love... he was not sure. Even if he was sure, he... he could not do it. Sigh... Everything was going smoothly. Then, how has all these happened? As far as he had know, he did not give any push or ideas, then how did it happen. Yes, it happened. Annika fell in love with him. Though she was alarmed by the feeling, she did not let it surface on him even slightly. She stood agitated at him, only when he was at fault. He admired her. Yes, he admired her so much that... that he could not tolerate her being wrong at anytime. Yes, zameen aasmaan ka fark hai donon mein. Lekin, aasmaan jo bhi deta hai, zameen seh bhi leta hai aur sambhal bhi leta hai... If he is the sky according to her, then the ground definitely is her... Yes, it's Annika...

Superb! Just loved the feeling of reality here!