Part 21
They stayed silent for a while until Ishana noticed something fishy and turned to Anika.
Ishana: Anika I don't want to alarm you or anything but...why is that guy over there staring at you?
Anika: Huh? - looking in the same direction - ...Who?
Ishana: Don't make it obvious...but the guy in the lounge...
Anika looked further and noticed the guy was looking at her then he turned away. Anika sat upright in shock to take a closer look as her mind was filled with curiosity...
Anika: - thinking - Shivaay?
A few seconds later Ishana shook her head and turned to Anika with a smile.
Ishana: Maybe not...I thought he was looking...anyways let's get back to work...I've got so much still to do and the time is ticking away already...
Anika: - still confused - Umm...uh why don't you go ahead...I'll meet up with you later...
Ishana: Okay fine...anyways you don't need to rush...you've already finished one outfit... -getting up smiling at her - ...I'll see you later...
Ishana walked away while Anika stood up; her mind was still stuck on the figure that looked just like Shivaay. She watched closely for a moment then decided that she would go to him as she just couldn't work out what was happening. She rushed through the garden and made her way inside towards the lounge but just as she got there the person stood up and followed two other people out of the area. They were heading outside and Anika made a rush to catch up with them. Now she was certain it was Shivaay, he looked just like him, his posture, his style, his behaviour, everything.
Anika watched on as he exited from the other side out towards the pool and outdoor area. She caught up with them, they were a few a feet away but he completely ignored her while she just stood there watching him from the back. They carried on walking around outside while Anika stood transfixed by the glass door. Her mind was working more than over time and she found herself in shock.
Anika: What the hell is this...this can't be... - murmuring to herself - ...looks like you're losing it Anika...I think you need to get back to work and stop thinking so much...
She nodded to herself and made her way back through the lounge, through the garden and back into the workshop. She made her way to her work station in a trance as everyone else shuffled around moving from here to there as they got on with their work. She cleared her area and decided to begin her second outfit making a decision in her mind.
Anika: - thinking - ...I have no idea what just happened...maybe I'm just missing him too much that I keep seeing him everywhere...and I can't let that bother me...because I can't afford to mess up my work...this is just too important and I need to get it done without any disruptions...one's finished...and it's time to start the other with a clear mind...
Taking a deep breath she took out her paper pieces and her useful notes before walking over to the resource cupboard. She took out a reel of aqua colored fabric and carried it back to her work station then went back for a large piece of emerald green sequin material and a few other items before walking back to her work station. She lay out the fabric and like before she prayed silently before beginning to cut out her outfit pieces.
Forty five minutes later she noticed the room was slightly quiet and as she looked around she saw that many people had left; she turned to Piya who was by her side with a curious look.
Anika: Where's everyone gone?
Piya: Seriously Anika? - with a bemused look - ...It's lunch time...they've all gone to have lunch... - smiling - ...you're right...when it comes to work you really don't have a clue what's going on around you...
Anika: Yeah...I was just so caught up in cutting out my fabric I didn't realize that it was already lunch time...
Piya: You know what...that might not be a good thing...if it was something serious like a fire or something you would put yourself in trouble...
Anika: I know...but it's just a childhood habit...
Ishana: Are you guys finished? - walking up behind them
Anika: Yep...just finished cutting out my fabric...
Ishana: That's cool...so let's go have some lunch...
Piya: - cutting her off - ...Let me guess...you're starving...right? - grinning
Ishana nodded and they all laughed; Anika and Piya packed away their stuff and they made their way out of the work shop. Ishana and Piya carried on talking but the moment Anika stepped out into the garden she remembered what had happened earlier and suddenly became confused again. Her mind began to wonder again as they entered the crowded dining room and stood in a queue for their lunch.
Ishana took her lunch and went to sit with the others while Piya waited for her meal. Anika looked around the dining room and once again she was in shock as she noticed the same Shivaay look alike walking towards her, she controlled herself for a moment and tried to ignore him, instead she asked for her meal and did not look in that direction again as her mind was having a conversation of its own.
Anika: No Anika...it can't be...once again you're dreaming...and it needs to stop... - sternly to herself - ...control yourself and concentrate... - taking a deep breath
She took her lunch from the lady over the counter and stepped away, moving towards the table where the rest of the group sat. But as she neared the table she noticed everyone looking in her direction and before she could say a word she stopped in her tracks as she heard...
...: Anika... - sweetly
Anika lay her lunch down on the table and slowly turned around to witness the sweetest motion ever. Shivaay keeled on the floor in front of her; he wore a black suit with a white shirt and a light blue tie. His hair was as usual neatly combed and he had a sweet twinkle in his eyes as he looked up at her holding a bunch of red roses out to her in one hand and holding his left ear with the other.
She stood there for moments on end taking in this image first with anger at him for teasing her all morning and at herself for ignoring him. Then with happiness to see him after ten long days and finally with tears in her eyes as she realized her wishes had come true and he was actually here in front of her.
Shivaay: Anika... - waking her from her thoughts - ...my knees are hurting...
Anika smiled through tears and took the roses from him gesturing for him to stand up. Before he could straighten up she flung herself into his arms, tears rolled out of her eyes and down her cheeks soaking his coat but he didn't care, instead he wrapped his arms around her holding her tight and taking in the moment as he had also missed her a lot.
They stayed like this for what seemed like a lifetime to them but in reality just a few moments. They were disrupted by a few loud intentional coughs which made them move apart and looked down slightly embarrassed. Anika turned to look at the table where the members of the group were, some still had their mouths hanging open in shock and some wore curious looks.
Ranveer: Anika?
Rachel: Uh...what's all this about?
Piya: Explanation...?
Ishana: Please...
Michael: Because I'm way confused... - making a face
Anika: Umm guys...this is Shivaay... - looking around at everyone's faces - ...my boyfriend...
Ranveer: WHAT?
Ishana: Huh?
Anika: - then turning to Shivaay - ...And these are my friends who are taking part in the competition... - pointing to each of them calling their names
Ranveer: That's all fine...but what is he doing here?
Anika: - ignoring Ranveer she was about to say something else then suddenly turned to Shivaay - ...Shivaay...tum yahan kya kar rahe ho...? Tum kam par kyun nahi gaye...? Aur tumne sab se kya keh kar yahan pe aye...?
A few minutes later Anika found herself sitting by the edge of the pool very close to Shivaay, both of their legs were dangling in the water and they looked at each other and smiled silently. Shivaay had promised to explain everything to her but decided to change the setting a little so he apologized to her friends and took her outside to his favorite spot.
Anika: Now will you explain please? - sweetly
Shivaay: Can I not just sit and stare at your face for the next hour...I've missed you so much...
Anika: No... - sternly then with a smile - ...please tell me...
Shivaay: Okay fine...but first I have something else to say...
Anika: Kya?
Shivaay: - holding her hand gently and giving it a slight squeeze - Anika I've missed you so much...please don't leave me ever again...and if you do don't ever give such stupid conditions about not keeping in contact...because you have no idea what I've been going through these ten days...these two hundred and forty hours...fourteen thousand four hundred minutes and eight hundred and sixty four thousand seconds of my life...I've been going crazy without you...so don't ever leave me again...ever...do you get that...
Anika: - looking down at her lap apologetically - I'm sorry Shivaay... - she felt really guilty and knew exactly how Shivaay was feeling as she felt the same way - ...I'm really very sorry...
Shivaay: - giving her a side hug - ...It's okay...ab woh sab choro and listen to how and why I'm here...
Anika: - looking up at him - Go on...
Shivaay: Well... - grinning mischievously - ...you may have set that condition but my sasur ji understood my pain...and knowing that my mind was far away from work he decided to help me out... - dramatically
Anika: Shivaay...yeh tum kya keh rahe ho...I have no idea what you're saying...saaf saaf batao na... - moving away a little
Shivaay: Okay fine baba...I'm sorry...the truth is that my mind was really not working when I was in the office...all day I was thinking about you...then suddenly out of the blue your dad called me in the office with one of the other guys and I was like...oh great to top off my misery I'm going to be fired...but then the unexpected happened and your dad handed me a new project...
Anika: I still don't understand... - confused
Shivaay: Just listen...he handed me the file and when I read it I just couldn't believe it...he gave me the responsibility of organizing this fashion show...here at this country club...in other words he sent me here to be with you...
Anika: WHAT? - in shock - ...Are you serious? - her jaw dropped - ...You're going to be staying here...with me...for the next week...just the two of us...together... - getting extremely excited - ...tum jhoot nahi bol rahe ho na?
Shivaay: I'm serious... - slowly but happily as he saw her expression - ...we'll be together...
Anika: Shivaay... - hugging him tightly - ...I'm so happy...you don't understand...I can't believe it...
Shivaay: Believe it jaan... - moving away slowly and looking at her smile
Anika: Shivaay...I'm really happy...because you're here with me...and also you've been given such a great opportunity...this fashion show is like... - lost for words - ...wow I'm really very happy for you...I know you can do it...and I promise I'll be there for you...I'm happy to help whenever you need me...but I also promise not to bother you...
Shivaay: You've taken all my lines... - with a smile - ...I should be saying all of this...I'm the one who's come here and interrupted you...I bet if I wasn't here now you would be working on your outfits...but I've got you sitting here by this pool...
Anika: - laughed at his expression - What...? - shaking her head -...You haven't disturbed me at all...actually I needed a break...and I've already finished one dress and started on my second when everyone's just getting started on their first...so I'm well ahead of my schedule so I can spare some time...
Shivaay: That's great news...well done...I'm also up to date with my work...all the paper work was done in the office...just working on the site, props and extras for the next week and a half...
Anika: I'm sure you will make this a great event...
Shivaay: - shaking his head to which she gave a curious look - ...WE will make this a great event...
Anika smiled and leaned her head onto his shoulder and they stayed like this throughout the evening making up for the past ten days they spent without each other. They were still sat by the pool till late just indulging in general talk about events which happened in each other's lives while they were separate but were soon disturbed by a few loud coughs which made them look up to see Ishana and Piya who were both grinning cheekily. Anika quickly stood up pulling Shivaay along with her.
Anika: Umm...uh guys...
Ishana: It's cool...you don't need to say anything...
Piya: Yep...we completely understand... - smiling widely then turning to Shivaay - ...I don't know you very well but there's something about you that's truly amazing...
Shivaay: - raising and eyebrow - ...And what's that? - curious
Ishana: You're a miracle worker... - Anika and Shivaay looked on in confusion for her to carry on - ...you've done something which we did not have the capability to do...
Piya: Neither did this place...
Anika: What are you two on about?
Ishana: - to Shivaay - ...For the past ten days that we've been here I've not seen Anika outside of the workshop or our room...and you've just come here out of the blue and since she's seen you I bet the last thing on her mind is the workshop...
Piya: None of us could get her in the SPA, the pool, the gym, the games room...anywhere...and I'm shocked to see her here sitting by the pool...
Shivaay: - smiling he placed his arm around Anika's shoulder - ...You're right...I have that effect on her... - winking at Anika making her blush
Anika: Whatever guys... - moving away from Shivaay shyly - ...it's getting dark we should go inside...
Ishana: Oh...you noticed... - teasing
Anika: Oh stop it now... - walking away - ...you guys are not going to let me live this down are you?
Piya: Never...
They all laughed and went inside to the lounge to chill. Sometime later Anika decided to go to her room and freshen up a bit before dinner while Shivaay went to his room to sort out his stuff and relax for a bit. In the girls room Ishana teased Anika continuously as Anika made some effort to dress up nicely for the evening as she was going to be spending time with Shivaay. They went down to the dining hall for dinner where Shivaay met the rest of the group and Anika met Shivaay's partner, together they had fun throughout the night.
Over the next few days things went back to being normal for Anika, she made sure she did not spend her entire time with Shivaay which would disrupt both of their intentions. Instead they would spend most of their day concentrating on their work until five when they would both retire to their rooms for a quick fresh up session before meeting up and spending the rest of the evening together.
Anika was now busy on her third outfit; she had placed her first and second outfits in her room neatly and securely in plastic covers at the side of her cupboard and was well on her way through her third. This one was the last and she made sure to give it full attention and wanted it to look the best as she had given this one a lot of thought during the initial stages of design; she spent an entire night on this design and now all her time in creating it that she had even forgot to have lunch one day. She was busy working away on the fine surface decoration on the boarder of the dress in full concentration when the rest of the group walked into the workshop but she carried on. She was seated in the planning room working away silently as the main production room was packed because everyone was now working on their final pieces and it was very noisy as the sewing machines worked away.
Ranveer: - walking into the planning room - Hi...
Anika: - looking up quickly she jammed the needle in her finger - OUCH! - wincing in pain
Ranveer: - rushing to her and holding her hand - Are you okay...I'm so sorry...
Anika: - still in pain - I'm okay...
Before either of them could say anything Robin walked into the room in conversation with someone which made them both look up. Anika instantly pulled her hand away from Ranveer's and stood up looking at Robin and Shivaay who were still standing there.
Robin: Is everything okay?
Ranveer silently walked out of the room giving Shivaay an angry look as he walked pass while Robin and Shivaay walked further in.
Robin: Is everything okay Anika?
Anika: Umm...yeh everything is fine...
Shivaay: Nothing is fine... - walking towards her angrily - ...Anika...you're bleeding...
Robin: - taking a quick look at her wound - ...I'll get the first aid box...
Shivaay held her hand up while looking into her eyes, slowly moving his face towards her finger he placed in it his mouth to stop it from bleeding but Anika pulled it away looking at him in concern.
Anika: Shivaay...yeh tum kya kar rahe ho...it's unhygienic...
Shivaay: Nothing is unhygienic between us...I can't see you bleed... - staring lovingly into her eyes
A moment later Robin was back with the first aid box, he cleared the wound and placed a band-aid on her finger.
Anika: Thanks Robin...
Robin: It's fine...but I'm sorry...I'm going to have to ask you to move to another room...actually Mr. Oberoi is here to discuss the event as they are going to be organizing it and we need to use this room...so if you could please...I'm sorry...
Anika: It's okay...no problem...
Anika gathered her things and decided to move into the IT suite which was still quieter than the main production room and it was empty.
Shivaay: Thanks... - as she walked pass him with a smile
She nodded and walked out of the room and into the IT suite but was followed by Ishana who had witness the entire scene from the other room. Just as Anika had settled down and was about to begin on her stitching Ishana entered.
Ishana: Anika...are you okay?
Anika: - looking up - ...Yeh I'm fine...
Ishana: How did this happen... - pointing to her finger
Anika: Oh umm... - thinking back to the actual scene and frowned - ...it was just...
Ishana: Ranveer? - ending her sentence
Anika: - looked up suddenly - Umm...
Ishana: Chill...I know...I can see that he's being a bit of a bother to you since the camp fire party...
Anika: - sighing - So I'm not the only one...thank god for that... - then looking closely at Ishana - ...but what am I going to do...it's really getting to me now...
Ishana: Don't worry...I'll think of something...
Anika: Thanks...
Ishana: It's cool...you don't worry about it...just finish this and get it out of the way and by then I'll have a plan...
She went back to her work making Anika feel slightly more comfortable and she carried on with her detailed embroidery design throughout the afternoon until her watch ticked to five and she started packing away her belongings and making her way up to her room.
Anika opened her room and door and was about to make her way inside when she felt her foot on something making her stop in her tracks and looked down to see a red envelop which had been slipped under the door. She picked it up and looked closely at it to read her name. She smiled and opened it to reveal a heart shaped card, opening it slowly and excitedly she read the note:
Hey my love...dinner tonight? ...meet me in the country club restaurant at eight...a small change from the boring dining hall...want to spend the rest of the evening with you...I love you xxx
She closed it happily and nodded, she quickly put her things away safely into her cupboard and began going through her outfits deciding what to wear for this special evening. After about ten minutes of debating with her mind she picked out and beautiful purple colored evening dress and lay it on the bed before grabbing her stuff and heading into the washroom to have a long warm bath to relax and ease her tensions of the day getting herself ready for a lovely evening.
About an hour later she clambered out of the bathtub and wrapped her robe around her and a towel around her hair before walking back into the room to get dressed. She found matching jewelry and accessories then started to get ready, doing her makeup and hair as if she was going to a party but inside she knew she wanted this to be the best evening she had ever had. Another hour had passed by when finally Anika was ready, she stood in front of the mirror inspecting her makeup which was done immaculately and her hair which was brushed to perfection, she checked out her outfit and shoes and smiled at her reflection.
Anika: Why am I having butterflies in my stomach... - grinning excitedly like a teenager
She turned around and picked up her silver purse from her bed, checking that she had the room card and her mobile phone before deciding to leave, taking a deep breath taking one last look in the mirror then walked towards the door. The moment she let herself out and closed the door behind her a sudden thought struck her making her stop suddenly in her tracks. She could feel her heart banging furiously against her chest and she felt as though she would break out into a cold sweat any moment; she walked a few paces with her mind wandering frantically.
Anika: Wait...am I doing the right thing...I hope this is not a joke...I hope this is not a plan...if the card was from Ranveer... - stopping again as she had thought of the most outrageous thing but she still carried on the debate in her mind as she walked on - ...nahi...if Shivaay wanted to take me on a date then...he would have called me...or left me a message...or he would have told me in the workshop when we met...why would he leave me a card...?
Her feet had now brought her to the lounge where she stopped for a minute thinking if to go ahead or go back to her room.
Anika: Ab main kya karoon? - thinking to herself - ...If Ranveer is there...what should I do...? - worried - ...Nahi...maybe I should just go back to my room...this just looks like a set up...Shivaay would not just drop me a surprise like this... - she turned around but did not move - ...lekin...if it's Shivaay...and I don't go...he'll think I stood him up...maybe he did want to surprise me... - making a face - ...what should I do...?
Her mind was still very confused but her legs knew exactly what to do and started moving her to her destination. She slowly walked towards the door and pushed it open gently peering inside to see a few couples having dinner; she stepped further in and scanned the room until she found a male figure sitting alone at a table with a bunch of red roses in front of him. Anika walked towards the table but was still unsure of who was sitting there as she tried to make out from the back, her heart beat was faster than she could ever imagine as she neared the table. The figure stood up as she was two steps away and turned to face her with a smile.
??: You took your time...
Anika: - breathing a sigh of relief - Shivaay... - happily
Shivaay: Of course...aur kaun hoga? - then stopped and fully checked her out - ...WOW...! - could not find any other word to describe her
Anika smiled happily and waited for him to get over the shock of her beauty then they hugged for a few seconds. Anika moved back a little while Shivaay took the roses from the table and handed it to her which she accepted happily and he helped her to her seat before sitting down himself. They carried on staring at each other for a while longer until the waiter brought over the menu which drew their attention away from each other.
They enjoyed a lovely dinner, it was the very first time that they had been to a posh restaurant as a couple without a gang of people and they made the most of it as it was a calm and serene atmosphere making them both feel very romantic. Once they had finished their dessert Shivaay paid the bill like a gentleman, leaving a generous tip, they walked out arm in arm and out towards the pool, their favorite place. They sat dangling their feet in the water and enjoying each moment of togetherness, Anika leaned her head on his shoulder and he breathed in her sweet scent as they stayed like this for a while longer until Anika started to shiver slightly.
Shivaay: - standing up - Come on get up now...
Anika: Kyun? - giving him a weird look - ...I'm enjoying it... - in a childish tone
Shivaay: Anika... - sweetly
Anika stood up and Shivaay took off his jacket placing it around her shoulder to which she gave him a very cute smile and they walked hand in hand inside and made their way towards her room. Shivaay opened the door for her and they stood there for a few minutes with no need of words as their eyes were doing all the talking. Shivaay did not want to leave and Anika did not want him to go, she peered inside turning on the lights but the room was empty, she turned back to him and gestured for him to come inside for a while. He didn't need to be told twice as he followed her in and closed the door behind him. Anika handed him back the jacket and asked him to make himself comfortable while she went into the washroom to change into something a little warm and cosy.
She came out a few minutes later to see him sitting on her bed and watching television, he looked up as she came back into the room in her night suit looking very cute. She settled down next to him with a small smile as he cuddled her.
Shivaay: You got a message... - handing her the phone
Anika: From? - looking down at the phone and reading out loud - ...Hey Anika...the girls are having a sleep over in Piya and Rachel's room...if you feel like it come over...I'm going to spend the night there...night ;) Ishana xxx
Anika smiled and placed the phone over on the bedside table then turned to Shivaay who wore a cheeky grin, Anika already knew what was on his mind, she stood up and walked over to Ishana's bed grabbing all the pillows then she made a line of pillows next to Shivaay and sat on the other side. He smiled at this action of hers and cuddled her over the pillows making her yelp. They carried on watching television in each other's arms then when nothing was showing they turned it off and chatted generally, Anika pitched in ideas for Shivaay project which he thought were really interesting and decided that he would use them.
They spoke throughout the night about any and everything they could until they found themselves both yawning away with tears forming in their eyes. Shivaay made Anika lay comfortably on the bed which was quite spacey promising to her in a serious tone that she had nothing to worry about.
Anika: - sleepy but seriously - ...I trust you Shivaay...
Shivaay: I love you...
Anika: I love you too...
Shivaay made himself comfortable on the other side of the pillowed boarder before entwining his fingers with hers. They faced each other lovingly wishing each other goodnight before drifting off to a peaceful and romantic sleep.
The following morning had arrived with a ray of sunshine beaming through the curtains and onto the love birds who were still fast asleep, their fingers still entwined as they had done last night and both smiled soundly as they slept until a few moments later when there were several knocks on the door making them both frown and shuffle.
*KNOCK KNOCK*
Ram: Anika?
Shivaay and Anika both shot up as they heard her name and looked at each other in shock at the sound of Ram's voice...
Back with another cliffhanger.. đł
That's all for Part 21!
Hope you enjoyed it..
Please do leave your comments! :)
Edited by -Anilaa- - 7 years ago
Kumkum Bhagya
