CHAPTER 1: WHAT NEXT??
I had enough at my husband's house courtesy my dearest Pinky Aunty and her new partner Ragini who was hell bent to get my oh-so lovely husband's attention, sorry my ex as pointed by him a few days back. I knew somewhere my actions had disrupted my marriage a few months back and somehow the onus of it was liable on me. I was beyond hurt to again see Shivaay side with his newly to be fiance and not trust what I had to offer to say on the matter of Ragini fooling him and that's when I realized I was losing the battle. I quietly escaped the living area leaving his family where Pinky Aunty was getting excited about the impending engagement. I knew I had to leave before I broke in front of everyone and give her the satisfaction of seeing me in tears. I quietly slipped out to catch a cab to take me to the beach for some alone time.
It was almost 5:30 p.m. when I reached the beach and quietly sat on the sand looking towards the serene scene. All the past few months of my life were playing in front of my eyes and a faint smile crept on my face knowing that how a girl who dreamt of just survival and never thought of love, had now fallen so deep in love with a man completely opposite to my likings initially. The sea always calmed me and gave me strength to gather myself and fight again.
I didn't even notice in my web of thoughts when someone came and sat near me. I had always been constantly struggling maybe since from the time I had learnt to survive and more importantly in the present scenario as to how to make things better. Before my heart could question me, the person next to me asked, "What next Annika??" I jolted a bit and turned to see the owner of the voice who had read the impending question in my heart and was shocked to see him.
He gave me a heartfelt smile and before I could say a word he said, "I know what you are thinking, how come I am here right." I kept staring at his face and he giggled while continuing, "Annika what? Don't be so surprised I am a free man to visit the beach and I saw you sitting alone sup here I am next to you." I finally blinked my eyes and got my wide eyes back to normal, however, before I could say something he was laughing and then finally stopped, "Ok, Ok I am sorry. Hhmm, so the sea reminds you of someone who is an integral part of your life am I right?" I sighed and just chuckled at the irony of my life because what he pointed was the absolute truth.
From a young age the susurrus of the sea always managed to give me some peace and just like that I found my solace whenever I looked into Shivaay's eyes. I never told him but I had always loved his eyes the most that held my entire world from the time I started to care for him. I just continued staring at the sea and said, "He has the most beautiful, honest and expressive eyes in the world. Don't you dare mock him coz My kanji aankhon wala..." I stopped midway and he said with one eyebrow arched with a smirk on his lips, "My... Aahhhaa..."
I didn't know what to say ahead and sensing my discomfort he said, "I know how it feels to sit and try to figure out the mess you are in when you can't understand where to start from and how to get everything back to normal." We both stared at a few couples strolling on the beach hand in hand and my heart desired how I could do the same maybe once in my life with Shivaay with no fears and worries. A lone tear rolled down my cheek and I knew he saw me brushing it away. I swallowed the lump in my throat to stop myself from crying.
He spoke ahead with sincerity, "I won't ask why you both parted ways few months back and for the record my knowledge refers to what I saw on news." I tightened the grip on my knees as I remembered the mistake I had made by giving into Pinky Aunty and ruined my marriage. He sighed and continued, "I am also aware you are back in Oberoi Mansion and the rumors going on in the circle about Shivaay and Ragini." I knew he didn't mean to offend me and I gave him a small smile. He stared at me for a few seconds and then his eyes went wide and he said, "You really have fallen hard for the Almighty Shivaay Singh Oberoi." My eyes welled with unshed tears and I stared in front of me and folded my knees more close to my chest to rest my chin on my arms.
I heard him release the breath he was holding and said, "Annika, I am a man as miser in words as Shivaay, but would surely say that you are his true match." I gave away a sardonic laugh and said, "We are divorced..." It was a harsh reality and I don't know but the feeling that everything was slipping away when I walked out today was killing me even more now. In a deep voice he said, "Annika, from what I have learnt in life I can say you one thing for sure 'It does not end till it ends'." I was a bit stunned by his words and looked at him as to what he wanted to convey.
He sat straight and said, "I am a shrewd businessman just like your husband Annika, but on a personal level even for me at times that smart rational mind goes on a vacation when matters of family and love are concerned. I hate to admit this, but I have been in Shivaay's place and I too failed to understand and use my razor sharp brain on a few things in my life." That admission made me giggle because I knew how tough it was for him to confess it. He raised an eyebrow and I signaled him that his confession wouldn't be broadcasted ahead. He felt relieved after getting that assurance from me and cleared his throat to speak ahead, "I don't know what really transpired between you and Shivaay, but I know for sure that you are capable and smart enough to turn the tables in your favor." I was shocked to know he had that confidence in me even though we hardly knew anything about each other considering we just had just met once before.
He smirked and then said, "Don't look so shocked coz you know you are beauty with brains." I didn't know what he pointed at with that statement but knew whatever he said would have been in my interest coz I knew he was a good man. He continued in a more caring and honest voice, "Annika, I meant every word I said right now. You can open up Annika if you wish and maybe with this sunset we might find solutions to set your problems too." I knew Rudra, Omkara, Gauri and Bhavya were by my side and would do anything for me, but I also knew they too had issues in their life. I stared at the sea and a few moments passed by where I was contemplating his words.
While I was struggling to put my thoughts in words I felt someone's hand on my shoulder and I turned to look at the owner of the hand. Before I could say anything to the woman who just sat by my side, she enveloped me in a side hug and said, "Annika, I had trusted you back then and it's our time to help you out. Please, tell us what happened and how it ruined your relationship." After months of holding back I finally cried my heart out while she cocooned me in her warm embrace. I want to speak of every moment I had been through in the last few months. I wanted to share all I had felt from the time I had met the man I loved so much. She kept rubbing my shoulders in every few minutes to ease my pain and held me tightly again to provide me the comfort of that much needed friend.
After a while, she moved me away and was trying her best to calm me down. She asked him to fetch some water for me while she held my hands in hers. She offered me the water to drink and made me have a few sips while I hiccupped and coughed. She gently rubbed my back and asked me to have some water more but slowly. She said, "Annika, have it slowly else you'll choke. Relax we are here for you ok..." I was a bit better now and was quickly brushing off the tears meandering on my face and nodded my head when she asked if I was fine.
I composed myself and took a deep breath while she sighed and said, "Annika, I want details and dare you miss out on anything as to what really made you guys divorce. Mind it I want the real reasons, not the ones told my media. You trust us right..." I did trust her and knew she wouldn't tell a soul on this earth of what was the truth behind my reasons to leave Shivaay. We sat in a circle facing each other and then I began to narrate them how after marriage things were getting better with Shivaay, but Pinky Aunty wasn't happy with me and didn't consider me as her daughter-in-law.
I told them all about right from exposing Tia to the day when Pinky Aunty openly admitting her hatred for me. They were stunned as to how Pinky Aunty manipulated things to throw me out of the house. And then, I told them about how she gave me an ultimatum of 3 days to leave Shivaay forever. I told them what happened in detail while I tried to keep my tears at check not letting them shed.
I also told them as to why and how I was brought back to Oberoi Mansion and all about Ragini too. There was silence and the only faint noise that came was of the water touching the shore and going back. She rubbed her fingers over her face and I knew they both were trying to absorb everything I told them. She stared at me and after a few seconds finally spoke, "Annika, what the hell is wrong with you? Are you the same full of life, sensitive, caring, independent, strong-headed and intelligent girl I met a few months back??" I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion over the question and replied with a bit of irritation on the absurdity of the question, "Of course I am, why you say so?"
She sighed and raised her eyebrows with a questioning look coupled with anger and frustration in her voice she said, "Yes I will. Infact, what the hell is wrong with you Annika? You found the true love of your life... I understand you had situations not in your favor coupled with the egoistic idiot Shivaay Singh Oberoi who wouldn't do a thing or say a word as it will reduce his height an inch less... Damm... All ruined because you chose to hide the truth from Shivaay and gave in to Mrs. Pinky Singh Oberoi? aaahhh..." She continued ahead with an angry and dramatic tone ahead, "And there's more to it as I see that the two Oberoi brothers supported you along with others to let you failofy raita that led to your divorce..."
I was fidgeting with my bracelet to avoid an eye contact with her while she was being asked to calm down by the man who had been quiet until then. He tried to pacify her, "Please my dearest wife, don't scare her off with your anger. What's done is done. We need to look ahead..." She finally had mercy on me and said, "I was busy with my married life so much that I never got time to reconnect with you after I had left Oberoi Mansion with my in-laws." She passed me an apologetic smile and I smiled in return too.
Her husband cleared his throat to dissipate the heavy emotions clouding us and said, "Your husband needs to catch up Annika when matters of love are concerned. Thank God I have a better track record than him till now but mind you, it came with all the marathons I had to run in the past remember." He boasted it with pride and goofy mischievous grin on his face imagining Shivaay there and that earned a glare from his wife.
I giggled at that and then he continued with utmost seriousness and sincerity in his voice speaking of his hard work, "Of course, you know I am saying the truth Mrs. Mallika Rana... you did make me sweat like hell, made me wander on these beaches and sit alone till the sun sets like a Majnu... till I got married to you finally..." That got me in a split of laughter and even Mallika joined me in it leaving a bewildered Siddarth Vikram Rana.
Siddarth was scratching the back of his neck and was trying to understand what he said made us react like this and with lost innocent eyes he looked for help towards Mallika. She finally composed herself and just pulled his cheeks saying, "You are such an adorable man. Don't worry we weren't offending you in any manner." That relaxed him a bit and we all finally came back the matter in hand. I finally said, "I don't know what to do now, with Pinky Aunty on one hand and Ragini on other... I don't even want his brothers and their better half's to be a part of the mess as of now as they have too much on their plate already to deal with... They love me and I know it. I know they'll do everything for me and Shivaay, it's just that..."
Mallika nodded her head in agreement and said, "Annika I know they love and care for you and Shivaay. But, at the end it's your battle to fight and is equally Shivaay's fight too against the odds." After so many days I was feeling at ease and it was helping me to process things better.
She cleared her throat and said, "Annika, you know there is a saying 'when the going gets tough, the tough gets going'... I hope you understand that in your case over the top arrogant Pinky Aunty and Ragini are big red flags. I know whatever you are doing isn't going in your favor and I am just trying to think as to how deal with both... Plain naked truth won't work because they are strong opponents with better experience in such filthy games than you... they play dirty Annika."
I knew Mallika was right and there was no denying it because no matter how hard life had been for me and I survived yet; I had to accept that Pinky Aunty and Ragini were more seasoned players as compared to me who was new to such politics.
Few minutes had passed by and then Siddarth chuckled making me and his wife look at him in confusion. He asked us to get up and we gave in to his request knowing he won't say a word till we comply with him. He made us walk towards the shore while the sun was just about to set in a few minutes. He smiled at both of us and continued, "Annika isn't the view beautiful?" I awkwardly smiled back at him and Mallika on the other hand glared at him to speak ahead.
He chuckled at his wife's impatience and took a couple of steps ahead only to turn back to us with a smirk on his face, "Well, I know you did things to handle the situation and you are new to the sophisticated filthy politics, but I still know you will win this fight. But, a strong but here... not the way you are doing it, that's too nave Annika... Your opponents will always be two steps ahead of you as Mallika mentioned..." I was extremely confused as to what he was trying to say and looked at Mallika for the interpretation. However, she was busy rubbing her chin and I could see the wheels of her brain turning leaving me all the more curious.
After not being able to resist the bubbling question inside me, I finally asked, "What are you trying to say Siddarth?? I am unable to..." I kept tossing my head from Mallika to Siddarth waiting for the answer and then I saw the couple look at each other and Mallika stammered... "So, Siddarth you wanna say that..." She paused and Siddarth took a step forward towards us and said, "Yes Mallika, maybe, all she need is a new set of strategies for this nasty fight and a bit of expertise backing her to execute them. Afterall, don't you see she is the suave Mrs. Annika Shivaay Singh Oberoi."
Standing clueless and even in that state my name sounded like magic to me when Siddarth spelled it. Every time in the past when Shivaay had called me the same my heart used to burst with immense happiness yet I would never admit it to Billuji as it was my first little secret as his wife. I was drawn back to the topic of discussion when I heard Mallika chuckle with an attitude in her eyes, mincing her next words one at a time and said, "I agree Siddarth, she indeed is Mrs. Annika. Shivaay. Singh. Oberoi..."
I knew they were my well-wishers but for god sake why weren't they having mercy on this innocent soul right next to them who might burst at them any minute out of curiosity and frustration. Why couldn't they talk in a simple manner and not like Shivaay who spoke the same way at times leaving me all baffled whenever I asked him what he had meant in his own personal language.
Mallika donned a fully fledged smile on her face and she excitedly said, "Gosh, now I know why you are such a shrewd Businessman just like Shivaay... Aaawww..." After Mallika got a bit normal from her high Siddarth noticed my patience was giving up after the dramatic build up and stood in front of me with sincerity and said, "Annika, from what I have to come know about you in some time is that you are quite proud to be 'just Annika' even though you married a famous billionaire Shivaay Singh Oberoi and for that hats off... It takes guts to stand for your own identity and I really respect you for it." I could see they both meant what they said about me taking pride of being 'Sirf Annika' and I thanked them.
Siddarth further went ahead saying, "But, Annika call it destiny or anything you are a part of this society and they do acknowledge you with another identity that you are Mrs. Oberoi, the top businessman Shivaay's wife. And Annika, there is no harm in embracing this identity too not just in name but with open arms specially when times such as these where there are people ready to slay you at every step."
Mallika held my hand and said, "Annika what Siddarth is saying is that we know you love Shivaay and your relationship matters the most to you, but I know before you could actually exercise that feeling of ownership of your husband's name, things went out of hand leading to your divorce. However, it still doesn't change the fact Mrs. Oberoi or ex-Mrs. Oberoi, this name will always be there attached to your name no matter what happens in the future."
I finally did understand that accepting Shivaay as husband was different and embracing his name as a rightful owner was something I didn't do in the past due to my beliefs and my husband never complained once about it. How lucky was I to have such a man in my life who let his wife take the decision if she wanted to own his name and not like other husbands who presumed that their wives were bound to do so. I also realized that I had fallen more in love with him after this realization and tears meandered on my cheeks.
Mallika wiped the tears and said, "Annika I know what you are thinking and trust me I do understand you completely as I have been on that road too... So stop crying coz we now need to execute a tod... no... what was that in your language oh yes 'khidkitod'... Right 'khidkitod plan' to gather the raita that's failofyed..." We all laughed over it and then I said, "Yes its khidkitod, but how Mallika?"
She said with a mischief in her voice, "Mrs.Oberoi, you were Shivaay's legally lawful wife. And I guess you know being a wife has its own rights as per the civil law..."
Things indeed became clearer after what she said and then I knew where Siddarth was trying to draw my attention. I had to admit Mallika was right about both our husbands that they were such fierce, manipulative and shrewd businessman, yet when matters of love were concerned their brains went on a holiday just as it was right now in the case of Billuji. I did a happy dance in my mind after getting the answer to my question when I had sat alone an hour back on the beach, "What next?"
Siddarth took a step in front of me and placed my hand between his hands. He said in his business demeanor, "Annika I hope you have heard of Chaankya..." I nodded my head in agreement and he continued, "Your opponents are experienced, however, there this arrogance of treating you a less worthy competition will be a blessing for us in this fight... Always remember the 'Chaankya Neeti Saam, Daam, Dhand, Bhed...' and you'll rise as a winner against them."
The understanding of the words donned on me and the fierce woman in me was back with a new energy. They both quickly got back to smiling once they knew I had seen the ray of light. I hugged them both and we all broke into split of laughter coz now we really looked forward to see the faces of Pinky Aunty and Ragini when I do their 'O My Mata'.
The sun had already set and the cold breeze calmed my nerves as if the pain I had come with a few hours back had soothed. I knew the battle ahead was tough and for some reason I was now looking forward to fight for the man I love My Shivaay.
...
I look forward to your thoughts and please do like and let me know your views. This is my first story on this forum and I hope I will be able to entertain you all... If you like the story I'll surely continue ahead... Until then have a great day ahead everyone!!!
Edited by ankita_t - 8 years ago
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