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"Why don't you accept the fact Shivaay. That you're ashamed of me. That is why you don't want to acknowledge me as your wife infront of people." I cried holding Shivaay's collar. He gently held my arms.
"Anika. What are you saying? Is anything wrong? Of course I'm not ashamed of you and I definitely have no problem in acknowledging you as my wife that is why.." Shivaay stopped abruptly as I stepped back and turned around not wanting to show Shivaay how much it hurt me. I fought back my tears.
I had heard Shivaay and Daksh's conversation today myself.
The Oberoi Mansion was filled with reporters. I didn't know what was special. I spotted Shivaay talking to Daksh behind a pillar. He was Shivaay's best friend since childhood. I went towards them when I overheard Daksh saying,
"I can't believe that you married that Anika, Shivaay. What happened to your 'Naam, Khoon, Khaandan' wale beliefs?"
I hid behind another pillar not wanting them to spot me. I knew it wasn't right of me to eavesdrop on someone's conversation. But they were talking about me. Even though my mind told me to walk away, I couldn't help but continue hearing.
"Daksh. You've got it all wrong." Shivaay gritted his teeth.
"By the way, why this press conference all of a sudden?"
"I have two special announcements to make. One, about the latest business merger Oberoi Industries is going to have and - " He said with a glint of happiness in his eyes.
"Oh thank God Shivaay. For a moment I thought you were going to announce yours and Anika's marriage. But Shivaay Singh Oberoi isn't going to risk that for his business now, is he?" Daksh laughed. "I know under what circumstances the marriage happened. So, when are you going to divorce Anika?"
I clenched the ends of saree I was wearing. I clasped my hand over my mouth to stop the sobs. I couldn't stay there any longer. I ran back to the room making sure no one saw me and locked myself in the washroom.
I held the wall for support as I felt hot tears flowing down my cheek. My chest tight.
I didn't know for how long I was in the washroom when a knock on the door broke my reverie.
"Anika. Are you in there?" came Shivaay's concerned voice.
Why all the facade Shivaay? Why do you have to pretend that you care about me? I pushed away those thoughts as I wiped my tears.
"Anika?"
"Yes. Shivaay. Did you want something?" I wanted my voice to sound clear and strong but instead it cracked as I said Shivaay's name.
"You're okay right?" his voice more serious now.
"Yes, Shivaay. I- Why're you here Shivaay?" I repeated as I tried to compose myself.
"Okay." he replied his voice still unsure. " Come down quickly. The press conference is about to start and I want you to me there." He sounded a bit excited at the mention of the press conference.
I looked down at myself and realised what a mess I was. My messy bun was completely a mess right now. My eyes bloodshot red after all the crying. And not to mention the kohl smeared all around my eyes. I could surely not go down looking like this. "I - I'm sorry Shivaay. I don't think I can come down right now. I'm not feeling that well."
"Anika! Are you okay? Can you please open the door? I want to see you?" I jumped as he banged the door. "Anika, I'm serious. If you don't open the door, I'm going to break it."
"Shivaay please. I'll be fine. I just have a slight headache. I'll take some medicines and it'll be okay. You go down." I said trying hard to convince him.
"Theres no way I'm going down without seeing you. Open the door Anika."
"Shivaay, please." I begged. "I'm okay. I'll join you down in a bit okay?"
"Are you sure?" he asked not at all convinced.
"Yeah." I managed to say. I could feel him still behind the door.
"Shivaay, I'll be fine. You go down. I'll join you soon."
"Okay. Take care." I saw the outline of his palm on the door and I reached forward to place mine on it when he withdrew his hand and walked away.
I came out of my thoughts as Shivaay shook me by the shoulders.
"Anika. Can you please tell me what is wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong Shivaay. I'm sorry, I guess I overreacted." I knew Shivaay didn't want to marry me but was forced to. He didn't want me as his wife. In fact he was going to marry Tia Kapur in less that a week. And then this happened. I knew Shivaay regretted this marriage but he had no other choice. In fact after knowing all this I had absolutely no expectations from him or our marriage. I hadn't let my hopes too high after what happened. But still it hurt. It hurt a lot after I overheard Daksh and Shivaay's conversation.
"Anika" I tried to walk away when he grabbed my wrist, pulled me towards him and twisted my arm behind my back.
"Shivaay!" I gasped as my free arm reflexively reached his shoulder for support.
"I know that something's wrong. Will you just tell me cause I'm really losing my patience now."
"It's not a big deal Shivaay." But as I looked into his beautiful blue eyes I could see concern with anger rising in them. "It hurt to know that you're embarrassed by the fact that I'm your wife." I said in a small voice. I saw his eyes widen and I looked away. I felt him tighten his grip on my wrist. "I know even Samar was embarrassed and that's why.."
"Don't you dare compare me to that guy Samar. He is a fool to loose a gem like you." He caressed my cheek gently with his free hand. "And where on earth did you get the idea that I was embarrassed by you. In fact, I am really proud that you are my wife. I would gladly - "
"Shivaay you don't have to lie. I heard you talk to Daksh. And also that you're going to divorce me."
He looked confused at first but then as realisation hit him he said, "I - If you stayed a bit longer and eavesdropped a bit more you would have heard to what I replied to that. All the things you're saying were said by Daksh and not me."
"Yeah. I know Daksh said that but you didn't even defend me."
"I didn't at first cause I knew that me saying anything would be of no use. He is adamant. But later on talking about divorce he crossed all his limits and I did give a perfect reply to it. Only if you stayed a bit longer." He gave a small smile.
Seeing that I still wasn't convinced he grabbed the remote and switched on the TV.
I was surprised as I saw the news on the TV. Shivaay was announcing something, "I have called for this press conference for two reasons. One, that our family business is soon going to witness a 100 crore worth business merger." He paused as there was a loud applause. "Thank you, and two, the most important that I want to introduce you to all to someone. My wife, Anika Singh Oberoi." My tears glistened. I could see his gaze scanned the hall and I know he was searching for me since I had told that I would join him soon but I hadn't.
I shifted my gaze to Shivaay who was looking at me intently with a proud smile plastered to his face. He slowly let go of my wrist and I cupped his face.
"Shivaay, did you- I can't believe it." I choked as I cried again.
"Anika please. Don't cry. I can't bear to see you cry." He wiped away my tears.
He tucked a few strands of hair behind my ear. I shivered as I was suddenly aware of how close we were. I closed my eyes and Shivaay placed a soft kiss on my forehead.
"You're my wife Anika. And I'm really proud of it." he whispered against my forehead. Hearing that I hugged him tight. Even though destiny had brought us together, I was starting to hope that our marriage, our relationship did have a future.
It was 1 in the morning when I opened my eyes to not find Anika on the bed. I sat up abruptly and scanned the room. I checked the washroom, she wasn't in there either. Where could she have gone?
Next part: Chapter 2
Sorry for any mistakes. Haven't proof read it. 😳
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