Dreams, Nightmares and Reality (SS/FF Shivika)

While I thought of a suitable title for this short piece I thought of the cartoon and an old song. As I went to listen to it, I found these lyrics very fitting for our love birds

Would you like to ride in my beautiful balloon?
We could float among the stars together, you and I
For we can fly we can fly up, up and away...'

Up, Up.. And Away..

Annika was on her way to the Oberois. That blue eyed monster had insisted to meet him at this forsaken early hour. In her hurry to get her brother ready for school, she did not even have time to have breakfast.

"Come in Annika!" He had been waiting for her impatiently. Why on earth was she always stalling before entering my room.' "Are you coming in or are you waiting for someone to pull out the thali for aarti and bestow you with flowers?"

Hesitantly, she had walked into Shivaay's room. This was the first time, after the party and after deleting the video, they had been alone in a room together. "I like flowers, but that is a bit too much don't you think?"

"Listen.. I have a very busy schedule..." Shivaay was still talking but Annika's mind went of wandering. She could not help herself but, looking at his mouth and into his eyes, she was again reminded of that evening. Right there and then, in that moment, both had not argued. They had even spoken politely to each other. For the first time she had felt he had listened to her. Actually heard what she wanted to say and saw her for who she really was. How good that felt. It was all coming back to her again. The warmth and comfort, honesty and playfulness. And then the awkwardness and stress of the next day.

Annika was disappointed and relieved at the same time about the fact that the video was deleted. She would have loved to play back all what was said between them. But there was no other choice. It had to be deleted. Her professionalism was on the line. She came here to do her work. Not to get drunk or to fall into his arms.. His strong arms, she had felt very comfortable though. But then the thoughts about the consequences in case the video would have been shown to the whole family was what scared her the most. What would poor Tia think? Or Daadi? Priyanka. Or the rest of the family for that matter. The stakes were just too high. Thank God the two of them agreed on something and worked perfectly well together, and that too for the very first time.

"ANNIKA!" "Huh? What? Yes??" Annika was startled and she stammered. Apparently, she had not heard one word after the word schedule'. And apparently, this blue eyed white lion was not happy about that. It showed clearly in his face, which she could see all too well. Shivaay had moved closer to her. His hands were still on her shoulders, which he had shook just to get through to her. Annika and Shivaay just stood there, staring into each other's eyes. Shivaay finally let go of her shoulders and rudely roared once again "Did you hear one word I said to you? Do you have any idea how busy I am? You are wasting my time! And time is money. I pay you more than enough, now do your job!"

As a diversion she had asked "But Billu Ji, how did you know it was me?" He turned around. God! She keeps on asking this! Can't she just let this go? Does she not know I can smell her flowery scented perfume all the way from here? "I can sense you." Shivaay was very good in replying, without actually lying. "Can we now please get back to work? I really don't have time for this nonsense." He quickly repeated the details again.

"But how can I do all this? These are things you have to arrange yourself. I am here only to make sure the wedding ceremonies will turn out to be perfect. But this? No.. Surely, a groom can arrange that much for his bride? I think that.. "

"Annika! Stop it right now! As I told you already, I pay you good money. You should be able to handle whatever I request from you related to the wedding. And this is related to the wedding. I don't care about you or about anything you think! All I care about is Dadi, my family. Tia deserves the best of the best. She has class. And you are going to assist me with this! I want it to be a surprise for her. So keep it quiet. We leave in 30 min. Be ready!"

Clearly, Annika was majorly confused. What to do? I have no choice. It is related to the wedding. True. But surely, I can't arrange also such personal touches and that too in such little time. Again, I will come home late.." She called her brother and asked him to please take care of himself. She had not prepared dinner but he would buy food or eat along with their neighbors. She had sent a message to Soumya whether she could please check on Sahil later that evening, followed by an Of course Didi'.

"I am not getting in." What?" "I am not getting in that thing!" "Why? Are you scared?" It was a serious question from his side. One who knew him very well, could even hear the slightest concern in his voice. But Annika was too proud to admit this. "No.. No, not scared. But how can you expect me to come along if you haven't properly introduced us?" Shivaay looked at her. A mixture of confusion and irritation was visible on his face. What is she babbling on about? "What do you mean properly introduced'?" Annika smiled happily This is my way out' she thought, he would never give in to this. "Yes. I will only feel safe if I know her name." "Her name??" "Yes, or his name." "Annika, just shut up and get moving!" "No! Don't you know it brings bad luck to start your first travels without proper introductions? And also, it's impolite. That's how I came up with the lovely names Champa, Chameli and Chikni. CH- or SH-' sound are very auspicious for me. You know, my good friend's neighbor, his colleague, her grandfather had lost one leg in an accident. He goes by the name of One Legged Nana. It all could have been prevented if he just had listened to his wife. But no, he is just as arrogant as... "

Annika did not finish her sentence after seeing his angry face. Is there steam coming from his nose?' Shivaay felt very conscious. Fath the Wuck! She is ready for the looney bin! And why is she staring at my nose?! God, we are getting really late now..!'

He grabbed her by her wrist tightly and started walking. Because of the noise he yelled out "Fine! You want to be introduced? Annika meet Chopper, Chopper meet Annika! Happy now? Feel good and safe? And now hop on!" He did not give her any choice. Before she knew it he had lifted her up in his arms and carried, or dragged, her in the helicopter and fastened her seat belts. Ready or not, there she went. Up in the sky, for her very first helicopter ride. She looked nervous. Her face turned pale. Her usually big wide eyes were squeezed up to thin lines as she had closed them. He felt guilty. He understood very well that being stuck in a panic attack was no fun at all. He remembered Rudra used to suffer from panic attacks a lot. As he reached for her hand he asked "Annika, are you ok?" "Nahi.. Billu Ji, Chakoriya is making so much noise. This seems like a bad omen to me." "Chakoriya?" "Yes.. Chopper is not such a nice fitting name. So, I will help you once again. You can thank me later if you wish. Her name will be Chakori. Wise men say that this is a bird who exists by only taking in moonlight. Beautiful right? I love the moon" She smiled faintly. She was not feeling that very well. Was it because she was not used of flying or the fact she had not have anything to eat yet? She looked outside. All this time Shivaay had not let go of her hands. To make her feel comfortable he talked her through it. "The world is so beautiful from up here, don't you think? I personally find the idea of being up here, alone, quite peaceful." "Yes, it's beautiful. Do you like being alone?" "Sometimes yes. To escape from the hectic life I am leading. But then I couldn't stay away forever from my family." She just looked at him. Silently understanding and in full agreement.

She felt the helicopter go down which gave her strange feeling in the stomach. Almost nauseating. She closed her eyes again. The air ride was over and she was happy to have her feet back on solid ground. Although, it was not as scary as she thought, she touched the ground and prayed and.. She thanked Chakori as well.

Shivaay started to explain the schedule quickly and what he needed from her. He had combined his important business meeting with some wedding related things for which he took Annika along.

The One Ring

Shivaay had arranged a room where he could freshen up and a separate room in the lobby, including bar, where he could receive his business associates. They had both received a key card and a paper bracelet. The color of the bracelet made clear to the hotel staff of which privilege one could make use of.

Annika was very hungry. Her stomach even complained out loud by snoring. Shivaay however, wanted to spend his time effectively. He was thinking of skipping lunch and have an early dinner in the hotel. The food here was good. Not oily at all.

Annika felt out of place in this fancy hotel. She had noticed the stares some guests had given her. Even the receptionist had looked at her for a little while. Perhaps she was not dressed properly. She wore simple jeans and a yellow top. Bright colors and pastels both looked very good on her.

Shivaay had told her to go look around and have something to eat since their meeting would start in some hours, but she didn't want to give the impression that she was doing nothing and still got paid by him. She decided to stay in the meeting room to spend her time useful, but at the bar. She would use his laptop and start her research. Hopefully she would make it back home to have dinner with Sahil. Before she started her work, she checked on him and contacted Soumya. Such a sweet girl. And Sahil just adored her. OK Annika, let's get to work before this uptied blue eyed wild cat attacks you again for no reason.'

Annika had been researching like a mad woman and came up with some really good ideas. At least, she thought so herself. Now she just needed to see what his Highness had in mind.

Earlier this morning he had asked her, actually ordered her, to help him find romantic venues for his honeymoon. He had no time to search for that and attend to the business as well. They had a huge discussion on this matter, which she lost in the end. He always held the power of money over her head, silencing her. She did not care less about the money. It's just that she felt towards Daadi that she could not refuse and leave. Under normal circumstances she would and she almost did. The bartender had kept her company and had given some tips too. He was very friendly and very helpful. He could see she was not like their regular guests. He even recommended this hotel to her, and he would ask the receptionist whether they would be able to check out the rooms and options.

"Would you like something to drink madam? You have been sitting here for some time. And I noticed your bracelet. It's quite a waste of the money if you don't make use of anything." These were the correct words to trigger Annika. Wasting money. She would have a word with the receptionist later for making Billu Ji pay too much for things he would not even use. And he would blindly pay for it. Rich people really don't know how to spend their money! Why don't give it to her then? She knew exactly how to spend it. "Thanks for hinting that to me. Uhm.. I will take this mixed juice. It looks so nice on the picture." She pointed towards a picture. He smiled at her. "One Tequila Sunrise coming up madam."

She had saved several pictures and links on his laptop to show him later. She stared at the laptop, while a photo slide of a romantic hotel in Thailand played on her screen. She stopped slide show just to stare at these pictures. Just beautiful. It's a miracle she in this hotel today. Never in her life would she be able to go see such places. But that's ok, as long as Sahil had a roof over his head and food. Who needed all these material stuff anyway? The deep blue and green of the shore sea reminded her of him. She kept staring at these pictures, when Shivaay walked up towards her.

From the other side of the room he had been keeping an eye on her. Or actually on him. That bartender. Should he not be working instead of talking to her constantly? These middle class people! They have no idea that only with hard work you can achieve something. On top of that he needed to nip that in the bud. She needed to know that it's work before socializing.

"Annika" he said with power and attitude, as he came and stood close to her. As if he wanted to make clear that it was his right, and his alone, to be with her and talk to her. She was his discovery, whereas everyone would come to put a claim on her. Wanted to talk to her. Look as his foolish family. They were all charmed by her. Perhaps he was also under her spell, unknowingly. By putting his arm on her chair, slightly leaning in towards her, he marked off his territory, like a lion protecting and claiming his prey as a trophy from others. Annika did not even notice the looks between these two men. She had much more important things on her mind and pointed at the screen and asked his opinion.

"Hey Annika, that looks really good. Look, why don't you see whether you can find more, in this area perhaps too. Our appointment contacted me. They will be a bit later." As if I need him to tell me what I have to do. And what is up with him? He spoke so politely. Is he sick?'

"Anil, one more sunny juice please. It is really good. Superb. Can you not put it in a bigger glass or something? It will save you time and one glass less to wash." They both laughed loudly which made Shivaay look up. It irritated him that he had no idea on what was going on there. He had no control which was something Shivaay Singh Oberoi was just not used to. It irritated him even more that she never laughed so freely with him. What? As if I can't be funny. I crack jokes all the time.'

"Madam, the receptionist who assisted you this morning is back now. I have told her also to give more information on the possibilities here in our hotel." "OK thanks Anil. I will be right back. Please keep an eye on the laptop. If I lose it, then I am a dead woman. If so, please tell my brother I love him." Both laughed again, as she got up from her chair. She felt a little bit dizzy but regained her balance quite well. She never knew not eating could affect her that much. She had fasted before but.. Oh well.. She walked out of the room.

"Hello madam, are you enjoying your stay so far?" "Yes, well so far I have seen only a laptop and the bar, but the juice taste extremely good." Both ladies laughed. "I heard you were interested in receiving more information about our honeymoon packages? We really have a great offer and I am more than happy to show you around." "Yes that would be so nice. But first I would like to discuss something with you please. May I know what you are charging Bill.. I mean Mr. Shivaay Singh Oberoi for the room and the offered privileges? You see, I don't want to be rude but could it be he is being overcharged? He only asked for a simple room to change and we haven't touched the buffet yet. Could you please check if something can be done as a compensation or refund?"

The receptionist, Mila, was quite amused actually. Perhaps she had misjudged this Miss yellow Belle pepper. She was not only beautiful in her simplicity but also streetsmart and vivacious. Not scared to bargain. Mila knew the influence of the Oberois and his connections with the hotel owners. Whatever made him, or her, happy would be done.

"Madam, are you Mr. Oberois secretary?" "No.. I am the SSOO. Shivaay Singh Oberoi's Organizer." "Oh.. His personal assistant?"

"Uhm.. Yes. That. Please check what can be done because Mr. Oberoi was over charged." "Yes madam. After the tour I will check for you. I am sure we will be able to work things out."

What a view, what a room. Mila and Anikka had checked out the rooms, honeymoon suites, the penthouse. So much luxury per room.

Jacuzzi, sauna, endless pools reaching the horizon. Curtains which opened and closed with a remote. Annika was so enthusiastic. She openly told Mila that this was her first time witnessing such luxury. Till now she had only heard of it.

Back in the elevator, via the mirror, Mila watched Annika daydreaming. Mila smiled. There was something endearing to this girl. She did not strike her to be someone's side chick. She smiled again, but now because of her own thoughts went wandering off.

In their staff canteen they had set up a poll whether Miss Anikka was indeed his PA, personal assistant, or his SC, side chick. She seems to be more than a PA but then also more than just a SC. Their chemistry was different. As they got out of the elevator, she knew exactly how to correct this overcharge issue.

When she came back, Shivaay claimed her right away, clearly annoyed. "Where have you been so long?!" He did not even give her the chance to clarify that she had been looking at honeymoon suites. And, that she had fixed some sort of discount refund for him.

Angrily, he continued. "I know you are impressed with this place, but when I said look around I meant to look around within sight so I can call you when required!"

Annika, was too surprised by his reaction to say anything. He knew I was researching to find perfect honeymoon spots for him right? Then what happened? "Why did you not ask Anil? He knew exactly where I was." Shivaay's eyes were shooting flames. Like a dragon, he exhaled smoke from his nose. "Anil?" "Yes Anil.. Sunny Juice Anil.." "Oh God, the bartender?" Is she kidding me? She is already on first name and nickname basis! I thought that right of nicknames was reserved only for me!'

"The Rana's are here too! And they have invited us tonight for dinner and for their dinner dansant tomorrow which is organized for charity. I have accepted the invitation on our behalf. It will be for a good cause and also for the business. You can't go looking like this." He looked at her from head to toe.

"What? Listen I have to go home! My little brother is all by himself. I can't stay here. How can you accept the invitation just like that. You do whatever you need to do but I am not staying here one minute longer!" "Will you calm down and behave as if you have some class? You scream as if your are on the market selling fish. This is a seven star hotel! Now behave! I have already called home and explained everything to Daadi. She knows you are here with me now. And she won't tell anyone else. AND she will make sure your brother is taken care of. There..! It's all arranged! Now, Mr. Fernandes will be here shortly. I will call you then to join in."

Just like that he had dismissed her. Like a little child. Mila had accompanied Anil, both awaiting Annika return to the bar.. Mila had received Shivaay's message to change their reservations as they now both would spend the night here. She had already arranged to shift Shivaay's belongings, very little stuff, to another room. An upgraded room, complimentary.

Both staff members watched the two from the bar and then looked each other. Their chemistry was filled with a fire, an electricity, which was too dangerous to interfere with. Mila waited for Annika to get back to the bar. She apologized for the confusion, changed the key cards and mentioned she had upgraded their room. Afterwards, she went to Shivaay and mentioned the same. He was still angry, she could sense that, but he remained polite towards her.

Annika was happy to be back at the bar. She needed a friendly face and the good Lord had sent her Anil. She said that out loud, which made Anil smile again. Clearly, he was charmed by her. Different than the other ladies he had met so far. Only because of work he did not flirt with her. And.. Not too mention her rich boss who had his eyes on them like a hawk.

"I am very sorry Sahil. But Soumya will keep you company ok?" "Oh didi, don't worry about me. With Soumya by my side, I will be fine. And you? Will you be OK with SSO?" Sahil was growing up so fast. Too fast for his age. "Yes. I am fine. I have to go ok. Bye." "Bye didi."

"Madam, could I get you anything else? Some snacks perhaps?" "Oh I am so hungry! I haven't eaten anything all day yet. Just juice. Don't get me wrong. It's tasty. Very tasty. But.. I need food. Look at me. I am no size zero. To maintain this figure I need food." They both laughed. "You can give me another huge juice ok? I will have dinner later." Anil had arranged for another cocktail bowl and snacks like popcorn and chips. At least, she could eat something. He was worried she might get tipsy before her meeting.

Annika walked towards the meeting room. Slightly tipsy. Happy and high from the sugar and the alcohol. She stayed amazingly composed but Shivaay knew immediately something was up. Her eyes, all naughty and cheerful. A calm but big smile, almost seducing. Fhat the Wuck!!'

"Good day Mr. Fernandes, how are you? I am Annika." They all sat down and after the polite chitchat and continued their business. Mr. Fernandes was a well known jeweler in this area. He pulled out a big suitcase with several racks with jewelry. Rings, jewelry sets, single pieces. Just beautiful. Shivaay needed several items. First, a ring for Tia. And then for all family members, a gift from him. But he couldn't do this alone. He doesn't shop and Annika knows his family so.. She must help her.

She had selected nice gifts for everyone in quite a fast tempo. Nice small earrings and simple golden bracelets for Daadi, for his mother and aunt she had selected sets, one heavy one with huge earrings for his aunt, and simple but beautiful set to match the loud outfits for his mother. For Prinku Shivaay wanted the full set. But Annika knew Prinku would appreciate everything her brother would give to her. Regardless being it one simple piece or a very heavy set. Annika had selected a modern set of white gold and diamonds cuts. His dad and uncle both a pinky ring. And then the 2 brothers. Annika thought of getting 3 longer golden chains, with a lucky charm. Perhaps the letter O, which could be for their family name or even considered to be a ring. A ring promising to keep their brotherhood in tact no matter what, or a personal design relating to their unique relationship. Or their Zodiac sign or initials. These were ideas that Shivaay liked a lot. All three would think of designs.

Then finally, the ring. This is something Annika did not want to do. She looked him straight in the eyes and said "Billu Ji, this is something that a man chooses for his future wife. In all honesty, I think you should make an effort. Every girl wants to feel special. Knowing that even if the ring is not to her taste, the love of her life had made the effort and selected this himself. I would want that too. Don't you think you owe that much to the girl you love?"

"Uhm Yeah.. I should make an effort.. For the girl I love.." He kept looking at her. "Just help me out with the size." Annika was happy that he didn't argue with her on this. She had no issues anymore with putting the rings on. When in life would she ever again wear such expensive jewelry. She had dreaded this moment but all went by quite quickly. She greeted Mr. Fernandes and walked back towards the bar. Her office for today. Without realizing it, Annika had been drinking alcohol, and that too on an empty stomach. She was not that hungry anymore. She figured to get one more juice and then go with Shivaay for dinner with the Rana's.

NEXT

The Honeymoon Suite

Annika had left, leaving Shivaay with a couple of options. Her favorite was a simple white golden ring with diamond cuts covering all around the ring. After she had took it off and saw the price, she felt a feeling of nausea. Quietly she had put the ring back. For that amount of money she would have to work years and years. Shivaay had noticed her preference, as he noticed almost everything about her. He discussed some options further with Mr. Fernandes and they shared some ideas and details.

After he said goodbye Mr. Fernandes, he checked to see how much time there was left for the dinner. Good, there is still time to have a cup of coffee, do some quick shopping and rest a bit.' He looked towards the bar and noticed that Annika was still at the bar. He assumed she would have left to her room to freshen up. It seems Miss. Annika has difficulties parting from this bartender! Look at them! Laughing, pretending to have so much fun! Why is she wasting time? Why isn't she getting ready already? Girls always take so much time to get ready with their hair and makeup up and outfits!' He walked up towards her, ready to drag her out. As he got closer, he could see Anil returning her phone to her. Why would Anil need her phone?'

"What's going on here?" "Oh.. What's going on here?" Annika looked into her glass, repeating Shivaay's words in his tone of voice. Shivaay felt as if Annika was mocking him. Trying to make him look like a fool, and that too in front of Anil, the bartender. The nerve of this girl!' "Hello.. Whats going on here?" She asked again but now whispering. She looked up towards Anil, not noticing Shivaay, and said "I thought I heard thunder, but thank God.. It's still sunny.." She pointed into her glass, signing with her eyes towards the glass.

Anil was quite charmed by Annika. As a good bartender, he had listened to all her stories about Sahil. He could tell I that short amount of time that she cared for her brother deeply. Once he had found out she didn't have anything to eat, he had given her half portions of the cocktails and put some more snacks out. He figured that she would have something if she thought it was complimentary, not letting it go to waste. She was not drunk but well on her way. Extremely tipsy would describe it best.

Shivaay gave a deadly stare at the bartender, who stood there looking back, with his arms folded. While staring Shivaay told Annika they had to go now. But she did not get up or respond to him. Anil clarified that he found out too late that she had not properly eaten all day and gave her smaller portions of alcohol and more juice. Shivaay felt guilty, recalling it was him who called her at that early hour, which must have given her no time for breakfast, and it was him who wanted to skip lunch for an early dinner. He wondered why she didn't have lunch. He told her to go have something right? But did she listen to him? Never of course! Stubborn girl!'

"Annika, please get up. We really have to go now." She pouted her lips when she looked at him all innocently with her beautiful dark eyes. It was as if Shivaay had been blown away by a grenade explosion. He was not prepared for the cuteness overload staring right back at him. Frankly, she looked hot! "Have you been receiving training from Rudra on making puppy dog face?" "Rudra.. He is so sweet and cute. A real good boy. Omkara too, with his beautiful hair. Nothing like you."

"Please arrange her belongings are brought to her room." Anil immediately went away to hand over her stuff to the bellboy. And asked to wait there and keep the door open.

Shivaay took away the glass as she lifted this up wanted to finish her drink. He pulled her up from her chair. As she was not ready to leave yet she resisted. In this struggle, which she would clearly loose, she had ended up closer to his body, and his face. His eyes had calmed her down. Fixating to the color. Blue. Green. Light Turquoise. She started laughing. "Now what?" "I know now. Such beautiful eye color can't be real. You are wearing contacts right? Ahaaa Anika Jasoos has found out your secret."

How cute. She is still trying to figure out what color my eyes are.' He lifted her up in his arms, as if she was a baby. He whispered in her ear "What do you mean? I can also be sweet and cute. I am a good boy. I have fantastic hair. And you love my eyes. You have said so yourself, remember?."

Anil came back quietly. He had seen how Shivaay had picked her up. Caring and loving. Why would she say that to him? That he is not a good boy. They look like pretty intimate though, for a boss and an employee. The way he is holding her and whispering in her ear. And most importantly, the way she is allowing him to move forward. Inviting. Interesting...'

Shivaay started to walk towards the lobby, directly to the elevators to go straight into their rooms. He had felt people staring at them, smiling and winking, thinking they were one of the romantic couples, but he had no attention for them at all. His only concern was lying there in his arms. Luckily she was quiet in the lobby, not causing a scene. She had been staring at him all that time. Finally, she rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes. A couple stood next to them while they waited for the elevator. They had to take another elevator because of difference in wings. As the couple walked away, the gentleman wished them a good romantic night and winked at Shivaay. A romantic night, with Annika.' He would never admit it but right now, at this very minute, he was tempted to plant one passionate kiss on her lips. Her face was so close to his, it drove him nuts. It took a lot of restraint from his side to pretend he was not bothered at all. He was relieved that the elevator came. She was not that heavy but he realised that perhaps he should join Rudra more often in the gym. He got in, still holding on to her. As he started walking she opened her eyes again and looked at him. Their only companions were their own reflections in the mirrors.

"I have thought about it. No.. You are not a good boy. Yes, you are sweet, but only to your family. Never to me. To me you are always rude, mean and arrogant. Why can't you be sweet to me too? I am sooo sweet. And.. Cute.. Yes, ok, you are cute. I want to say no, but I should not lie to you.. You Mr. Shivaay Singh Oberoi are very cute. And your eyes.. Mesmerising. Contacts or not.. They are beautiful! And your hair..." Annika held onto him with one arm around his neck, her hand playfully caressing his neck and his hair in the back of his head. Her other hand gently and sensually touched his forehead, eyebrows, nose and chin. With each feature she commented: "The frown on your forehead when you are troubled or overthinking something, the way you arch your eyebrows questioning difficulties or trying to figure out my language, the way you pull up your nose when you think of dirt or oily food. Your stubborn arrogant proud way pushing your chin up in the air... I hate it.. But I love it too. It's damn cute for sure. And your mouth.." she paused "Why have we stopped?"

Shivaay had pressed the stop button in the elevator! He could no longer resist the attraction towards her. He put her down and pressed her against the mirrored wall of the elevator and imprisoned her with his body and arms. As he fantasized merely a few minutes ago, he indeed planted a wild passionate kiss on her lips. Ravishing her mouth. His tongue found hers, feeling the warmth of her mouth, playfully going round in circles. Touching her hair, her face. Annika got startled. What is happening here. This feeling. She wanted more. His tongue awakened her out of her high though. She had no clue what to do. Finally, she had pushed him away. Turning her face away from him. "Stop.." was all she could whisper. She did not dare to look at him as he would have seen the lie in her eyes. She opened her eyes and saw her face in the mirror. Who was this woman. She did not even recognized herself.

Shivaay had started the elevator button again. Fixed his suit and lifted her up again, knowing she was in no condition to walk right now. They did not look at each other.

PONG

The elevator warned them they had arrived to their floor.

The bellboy stood there to welcome them into their room. He had already put their belongings in their respective rooms. By seeing them he smiled. Not just to welcome them, but understanding what must have happened in the elevator and what was about to happen next. Her lips looked swollen as if they were attacked by a savage. Her lipstick was smudged slightly. He even had the same fuchsia coloring on his lips. Her hair bewildered.

Shivaay brought her to her room and put her down, to sit on the bed. He removed her shoes, expecting her to lay down and sleep. But she just sat there, waiting for them to be alone. He knew she would yell at him and set him straight the moment the bellboy would leave.

He asked the bellboy to please arrange another key card, as he wanted to leave the card for her, but just in case of emergencies one for him. "Sir, no problem I can do that. But please note sir, that this room is the royal deluxe honeymoon suite with connecting rooms. We have this option especially for young couples with children. So they have their privacy but stay closeby to their kids, like at home." The bellboy pointed at the door which connected this room to the other room. He looked at his key number and realised he was indeed next door.

He felt a strange happy wave flowing through his body. Excitement.

Perfect! Now I can keep an eye on her without risking people seeing us or asking questions.' "Oh ok. Thanks. I will keep her card with me. I don't expect to be using this connecting door much but it's handy for sure if you tag your kids along. Thanks." He had turned on the do not disturb sign on going outside and left her key in the slot to get the AC working. After he entered his own room and locked that, he went back to her room via the connecting room. Locked up her door from the inside, closed the curtains.

He wanted to leave quickly to his own room before she would start her ranting speech and before the awkwardness would set in.

"Billu Ji.." he stopped in the middle of her room. Her voice. She sounded so scared. "Please turn on the lights. I can't see anything." He walked towards her bed, the nightstand to turn on the lights. As he walked towards her, he tripped over her shoes, and landed on top of her, pushing her back on the bed. She let go a soft scream of being startled. He moved only his hand to switch on the light for her but still remained in the same position. Their eyes met once again. How he wanted to finish what they had started in the elevator. She looked scared though. He kissed her eyes. Her forehead. Her cheeks. As if he meant to kiss her fears away. Again, he looked at her. This time waiting for permission to continue where they had left off. He kissed her on the lips, this time gently. He looked at her again. Not wanting to do anything against her will. This time she invited him back to her lips by pushing his head towards her face. Understanding she wanted him to kiss her again, he playfully teased her by lightly kissing her, caressing her lips with his. Licking and sucking on her lower lip. She sighed and groaned at the same time. How he drove her wild. She was not experienced at all but passion took over from her mind. She held his head and pushed her mouth against his. Pressing her body up against his. More encouragement was not required. Shivaay was tired of living up to others expectations and suppressing his own feelings. His own needs. And this right here is what he wanted. Who he wanted. He desired her with intense passion, of which he was not aware before. But in this moment all became extremely clear for him. Their built up sexual tension could no longer be denied. It demanded to be attended to, immediately.

He had taken of her top and removed his tie. Her hands smoothly unbuttoned his shirt. Their hands and mouths were all over each other. Kissing and caressing. The only sound in the room was their groaning of delight and them heavily breathing.

Shivaay could feel his passion grow deep inside of him to a complete different level. He knew if he moved forward he would not be able to control himself at all. He looked at her carefully to proceed or not.

He had held her till she fell asleep, which didn't took long. She was tired of starting the day really early and the alcohol also took its toll on her. He wanted to believe that the rush of their make-out session had also impacted her. He got up. Only he knew how much willpower he needed to do this. It was the right thing to do. Drunk or tipsy, fact remained she was under the influence of alcohol. It would not be gentleman like to take advantage of her just to extinguish his thirst for her sweet taste. He could not be so egoistic for his own pleasure. He covered up her half naked body with the blankets. She just needed to sleep it off. He would wake her up in a few hours.

He left to his own room, leaving the connecting room door closed but unlocked.

While Annika was sleeping, Shivaay called Malika and Siddharth. Just a month ago Sid and him were rivals. And look at them now. Extending friendly dinner invitations. He had explained that Annika came along and Malika had jumped right in to hang out. The two had gotten along from the first moment they had met. Malika had seen it correctly. Just like his brothers. He had realised at the pool party that he was in like' with her. In love was something he was not ready to admit. But after they had made out, there was no more denying. I am in love with her.' His smile was bittersweet. So, this is what it feels like.

On the phone he explained that Annika was a bit tired and resting and if they could postpone and meet up around 8 or 9 pm, which was not a problem at all.

After Sid had left, Malika, his ex-girlfriend stayed on the phone with him. "So, what's going on Shivaay? Annika and tired? I am surprised. That girl has so much energy. I was even wondering if her battery ever got low in energy or what?' He smiled. He explained that Annika found out today that she likes sunny mixed juice. Tequila Sunrise. They both laughed.

"Listen Malika, I need a favor. We both left, expecting to return the same day. So.. We need some stuff you know, personal items, outfits for tonight and tomorrow's event. Can you please help me out? I can quickly order something online but for Annika I don't know. Do you know some good classy online shops?" Malika smiled. "Oh Shivaay, I thought you would ask me, but here you are wanting to choose an outfit for your lady love." "Stop it Malika, it's nothing like that, really. I just didn't want to bother you. Just leave it. I will figure it out." "Oh Shivaay! Just shut up OK? I got this. Just rest and freshen up, and leave the rest up to me."