Saathiya- Shivika SS completed 10/5 - Page 12

Part Eleven- Always with you

He saw Prinku crying with Annika unconscious in her lap. He stood there frozen as if his heart would give out for sure this time.

Why was God so cruel to take her away so many times. He finally felt complete and here she was going away from him again.

They all went through the motions, they rushed to the hospital. He was numb.

His brothers held him as the doctor emerged moments later shaking his head.

"Om, Rudra, who mujhe chor ke nahin ja sakti. Annika!, he yelled out before everything blacked out.

He felt her touch on his forehead and through his hair as she tried to soothe him. He clutched closer to himself, as if he didn't this second, she would fade away forever.

" Shivaay shaant ho jaiye. Sab theek hain. Hum ghar pe hain, aur main aap ke saath hoon, Annika said warmly.

Shivaay inhaled her scent as she fell forwards into him. He caressed her face and hair. She kissed his forehead, before leaning over to grab some water.

He flinched expecting her to throw it at him. She merely shook her head.

"Pila re hoon, relax, she assured him.

He sat up and covered his hand over hers as she gave him the water.

She blushed slightly at the contact. His eyes hinted that they had done so much more the night before, why was she shy now?

He finished drinking and cleared his throat as he glanced at the time. It was only 5am, they could go back to bed.

"Annika you need rest. I had a nightmare. I am fine, tum sojao, he assured her.

"Aap bhi mere liye yeh karte. Koi baat nahin, she stated as she leaned on her arm and faced him.

He paused for a moment before speaking up.

"Annika we should get married sooner . We can make it a traditional, close knit affair this time. I want forever with you to start as soon as possible, he declared.

" Jo bhi aap ko pasand hai. I never wanted anything too grand myself either, she admitted.

"Theek hai. I will talk to everyone in a few hours at breakfast. I will make your favorite aloo puri, he promised.

She hugged him with glee and snuggled into him. They both finally fell into a calm slumber.

The smell of fresh puris and aloo greeted her nostrils as she emerged from the washroom a few hours later. Her husband had gotten up sometime earlier as promised and taken over the kitchen to prepare her favorite breakfast. Actually she could eat it anytime of the day if she had room for it.

Her face brightened with glee as she edged closer to the kitchen. Her handsome blue eyed billu was cooking with an apron and chef's hat on his head. His brothers flanked him. It seemed like they just had an O Bro moment.

She hesitated for a moment prior to entering the room.

Of course she was found out. Her husband had an uncanny ability to sense her wherever she was.

" Annika aao na andar, he said sweetly.

He slowly turned to face her with that everlasting signature smirk of his.

It reminded her of when she had kicked Tia out of their bedroom all those months ago. He and then invited her to sit beside him.

She regained her composure and joined the three brothers.

Two younger ones who took her kasam at her request to protect the oldest. One request from her or if she ever needed anything these men would always be at her service. She never thought she would have anyone besides Sahil in her life to love.

But her destiny had some decent things come her way. She couldn't wait to marry Shivaay again.

" Welcome Bhabhi, Rudra and Omkara said with cheer as she came to stand by Shivaay.

" Thanks Omru. Gauri aur Bhavya kahaan hai?, she asked.

" They are going over the arrangements with Dadi. Actually Dadi had some designs picked out for your mendhi rasam tomorrow. Why don't you check them out? We the Obros will be out shortly with breakfast, Shivaay declared.

Annika smiled.

She looked back for a moment to add, " Zaara jaldi aana.

Rudra nudged Shivaay and Omkara merely smirked.

" Shivaay tuhme shaai ki bauth jaldi hai. Kya hua?, Omkara asked with glee.

" I am worried for Annika's health. Yesterday she fainted in the pool, he stated.

" Bhaiya why didn't you tell us sooner?, Rudra asked alarmed.

" I can call the doctor. Bhabhi abhi toh theek lagari thi, Omkara muttered.

Shivaay tried not to smile think about their romantic moments from last night. He wanted to take Annika away again. Last time their trip had been interrupted.

He talked to his brothers about his concerns. They promised to help with all the arrangements and help keep Annika away from any stressors.

Everyone else joined them at the table as they pampered and served Annika first. Shivaay quickly announced the wedding would happen sooner than expected. He said nothing about their honeymoon plans. That would remain secret for now. Gauri and Bhavya would ensure Annika's things were packed and stored without her knowledge. He would pretend he needed to go on a business trip then have her come along as well.

Pinky looked at them teary eyed. She sat down next to Shakti, but Shivaay refused to meet her eyes. She was miserable without the affections of her son. If she could just get him to talk to her.

Shivaay left the table without speaking to his mother. Annika looked after his receding figure with concern.

"Pinky Auntie, mujhe maaf kardo. Maine yeh saab nahin chahti thi, she stated.

Shivaay heard what she said.

He returned to the table.

" Tumari koi galti nahin hain, Shivaay declared trying not to loose his temper.

Gauri sensed the tension.

" Didi chalo mendhi ke designs dekne hai na?, she chimed and led Annika away to look at them. Bhavya barely looked at Pinky as well, and then followed her jetanis away from the table.

The next day Gauri applied mendhi on her sister's hands. They played games with all their respective husbands tried to find their intials in their palms. Jhanvi and Tej also joined the fun.

Dadi stood next to Shakti and was elated to see her family enjoying the function. She did feel a bit sad for Pinky. However she knew Billu needed time to forgive his mother.

Shivaay approached the poolside where Annika sat. He had a tray of food for her.

" Annika I have some bad news. I have to go on a business trip right after the wedding tomorrow, he stated sadly.

She turned solemn.

"Lekin mere aana ke baad hum kahein chal lenge. Yeh vaada toh kar sakta hoon, he said with a slight smile.

"Yeh aap mujhe se jhoot bolre hai na?, she asked.

He looked at her puzzled as he fed her a spoon of dal chawl.

" Gauri was stuttering when I asked why she applied mendhi much later. Then I found some of my clothes missing from my cupboard, she replied.

He groaned inwardly that his Jhansi ki rani had figured out his plan.

" Relax Shivaay. I will act mad tomorrow after the ceremony tomorrow, she said with glee.

He leaned in to wipe some food particle from the corner of her lips.

She hissed.

" Relax. I have already given you preview, he reminded her of the passionate scenario merely 48 hours ago.

She blushed even more tomato red.

He tucked some errant strands behind her ear.

She turned serious.

" Lekin Shivaay Pinky Auntie..

" I don't care what my so called mother wants. We will be happy. Don't get stressed. Doctor told you to relax your mind. I think we should both take up yoga. Your mind will finally relax and I will get to be close to you, he declared.

" Shivaay!

"Kya hua Annika?

" Aap bhi na!

He leaned in to kiss her lips. She raised her hands to prevent her mendhi from staining his kurta.

Annika slept in Dadi's room that night.

Both gazed at the moon wondering if this time their happiness together would be here to stay.