Chapter 3
Anika in Love?"But you can't control who you love."I ran out of the room and rested against the wall. I tried to even my ragged breathing. What is happening to me? Why am I so affected by Shivaay's actions! I shook my head, brushing my thoughts away. No I can't get attached to Shivaay. He's the same. All rich guys are the same.
---Nani pointed towards the stairs and I turned around to she Shivaay coming down the stairs. I caught my breath. He was wearing a jet black sherwani, and he looked charming. And that smile though. He should really smile often.
Shivaay caught my eye and smiled at me. Damn that smile. It could end wars. I smiled back and looked away. Nani was looking between me and Shivaay and gave us a teasing smile.
He made his way down and reached beside me.
"Haaye. Both of you look so good together. Kisi ki nazar na lage." Dadi said. And she patted our cheeks.
"Anika you look really pretty." Dadi kissed my forehead and I smiled.
"Are Kalyani. Will you only compliment Anika ya also tell anything about Golu." I suppressed a smile as Shivaay's head shot up.
I leaned a bit towards him and whispered against his ear, "I must say Golu Ji, you really do look good."
I myself was surprised at what I had said and when I looked at him at first he seemed a bit surprised and then he flashed his million dollar smile at me. Whenever I see his smile, I can feel a million butterflies in my stomach.
"Haan haan. Billu, you also look really good puttar." Dadi laughed.
"Nani, can I ask you something?" I asked her making sure Shivaay was hearing.
"Yes yes. You can ask me anything. Tu toh meri pyaar bahu hai!" She laughed.
"Why do you call Shivaay Golu? He's not fat at all, he's lean and fit." Shivaay's head turned to me at once. I tried not to look at him and Dadi and Nani both laughed.
"Woh kya hai na, when Shivaay was small he was round as a gol gappa. He had chubby cheeks and all. That's why I started calling him Golu. It was after he went abroad for studies that be became so dubla patla. In childhood he used to always eat mere haathon ke aloo ke parathe, gobi ke parathe and all. If you want to see, I'll show you Golu ka photo later. I still have it with me." She laughed loudly and I couldn't help but laugh too.
I had once asked my parents to show me if they had any childhood pictures of me. They didn't. They told me that when we had shifted here from Ratnagiri, one suitcase was misplaced in the train. That suitcase had all my belongings, documents and certificates and also my photos. That's why they never had any childhood pictures of me.
---Dadi and Nani had arranged for this puja for our family peace and also for our marriage. Shivaay and I performed the puja together.
They then offered the aarti to the rest of the family members together. Pinki reluctantly took the aarti and without a word went back to her room. Shakti and Jhanvi blessed her and told her that everything will be fine, while Tej also gave a small smile to her.
I was about to leave when I saw Shivaay looking at something, someone. I followed his gaze and saw my parents. They were standing at the entrance of the house.
I wanted to run towards them and hug them tightly. But I didn't. I slowly walked towards them. When I reached right in front of them I saw Sahil. I kneeled down and hugged him. I had missed him so much. I could my eyes glisten but I held back my tears. I couldn't fall weak again.
Mom and Dad tried to talk to me but I just looked at them and turned away.
I felt someone's hand on my shoulder. I turned around to see Shivaay. He gave me a short nod. I took Sahil's hand and went towards the pool area.
"I missed you so much Anika didi." He said holding my hand tightly.
"I missed you too, Sahil. I'm sorry I didn't call you. But I promise you, that I'll call you everyday."
"Pinky Promise?" He asked extending his little finger.
"Pinky Promise." I promised, interlocking my little finger with his.
We had our little sibling talk. I was so happy talking to Sahil. Even if it had been just 3 days I missed him a lot.
---"Shivaay! I can't do this. There are so many people out there. I can't Shivaay please." I was freaking out. There were more that 100 people gathered in the hall. I didn't like people. Whenever I was around a lot of people I would panic. I wasn't very social.
"Anika. It's okay. Don't worry. I'm here." He patted my back since I was breathing heavily. "You don't have to talk to them. Just stay with me or anyone of the family members. Okay?" I nodded but I was still scared.
He held my hand reassuringly and led me outside. I could feel everyone's gaze on us as we entered the hall. I felt his hand slip around my waist and I looked at him. The hair at the back of my neck stood up. He just smiled telling me everything was okay. Little did he know how much he affected me. All those butterflies were back. I took a deep breath and tried to smile.
Mr. and Mrs. Singhania had joined us. Shivaay and they were talking about some business deal which I had no idea about. I shifted uncomfortably. I saw Shivaay text something to OmRu and in no time they were by our side.
"Uh. Would you guys mind if we stole our Bhabhi for sometime?" Om said.
"It's absolutely fine. It was a pleasure meeting you Mrs. Oberoi." they smiled. I nodded and left with OmRu.
"Bhabhi? You okay?" Rudra asked.
"Yes Rudra. Thank you. But why did you call me?" I asked even though I knew the answer.
"Shivaay bhaiya had texted us. And we came to your rescue." Rudra said proudly with his arm stretched upwards like superman. I laughed. I caught Shivaay's eye and mouthed a thank you to him.
"But O, did you see how bhaiya got so protective when all the men in the hall were looking at bhabhi." Rudra teased. And that's when I understood the reason of Shivaay's sudden physical contact. He slipped his arm around my waist possessively.
Rudra rushed forward and grabbed a mic. He announced a dance performance by me and Shivaay. I was shocked. Dance?! In front of all these people. No way! I shook my head as my eyes searched for Shivaay around the room.
I jumped as I heard him say "Searching for me?" from behind me. I looked at him terrified. "Shivaay there's no way I'm going to dance with you in front of all these people. What if I trip. What if I make you trip? What if we both trip and fall down? I'm going to mess up Shivaay. I can't."
"Shh" Shivaay shushed me by placing his palm on my mouth. "Do you trust me Anika?" Trust. How can I trust him after what he did? But surprising myself again, I nodded. For some reason I meant it. I really did trust him. Maybe more than myself.
I found a love for me
Darling just dive right in
And follow my lead
Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
"Then come." He held my hand and took me with him. We stood face to face when I said softly, "But I don't know how to dance Shivaay." He gave me an assuring smile and gently took my left hand and placed it on his shoulder. When his hand reached my waist, my skin tingled. I clenched his sherwani tightly.
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine.
The music was soft and slow. I followed his steps. I looked into his sky blue eyes. They gave me the strength. I could feel my nerves calm down and I relaxed in his arms. I wasn't aware of what was going on around. I did not care. I was happy. Happy in this moment. I didn't want it to end.
Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own
We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
We swayed to the tune softly. He pulled me closer to him with both his arms on my waist now. I gasped as both my arms gripped his shoulder tightly for support. He lowered me slowly and he arm reached my bare back holding me tight. My breath hitched. I tried to control my racing nerves. I wasn't used to this. I wasn't used to Shivaay.
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight
We stayed that way for a few moments lost in each others eyes. I knew I should look away but I couldn't. I was completely mesmerised by his beautiful eyes. Suddenly, everyone started clapping. I remembered about all the people around us and I looked around. I pushed myself up and pulled away from Shivaay's hold. I wanted to run away and lock myself in a room.
I started to walk away quickly when my leg twisted and felt myself falling down when Shivaay caught hold of my hand and pulled me towards him. I crashed into his chest and wrapped my arms around him. My eyes shut I levelled my breathing. Shivaay hugged me back tight and stroked my hair. I pulled away and looked at him. He scooped me in his arms and carried me back to the room.
He gently placed me on the bed and examined my leg. He lifted my leg and placed it on his lap.
"Shivaay! What're you going." I tried to withdraw my leg when I felt a sharp pain on my ankle.
"See. That's why. You twisted your ankle down there." He said softly, concern all over his face.
"It's okay Shivaay. It'll be fine. You didn't have to lift me up and bring me here. I could walk you know. I didn't even know I twisted my ankle until now."
"Yeah that's cause I didn't let you move your leg."
"Seriously?" I rolled my eyes. "I'll show you that I can walk." I said with all confidence. But my confidence died when I placed my leg on the floor. I tried to stand up but my leg refused to carry any weight and I staggered forward and before I fell Shivaay caught me by my shoulders. Our eyes locked, again I refused to look away but Shivaay didn't. He helped me back to bed.
He gave me a I-told-you-so kinda look and I smiled sheepishly. But I could see he wasn't happy that he was right. In fact, he hoped I was fine.
He helped me lift my leg up, "I'll just get the first aid box. I left in in Om's room today. I'll just - " he said and left.
I brought my other leg up to me and placed my chin on it. I was thinking about everything that happened in the past few hours. From Shivaay catching me eating jalebis to him taking care of me. I smiled.
Shivaay wasn't like other rich guys. This family wasn't like other rich families. They weren't arrogant or anything. Yes, they are proud but they aren't bad at heart. Shivaay's heart was clean. He really
cared for me.
It had been about 20 minutes since he left. Why wasn't he back yet? The hall hall become really quiet. Is everything okay? I forced myself to get up and made my way down. It hurt a lot. I went down limping.
"I can't believe it Shivaay." A girl was holding Shivaay's collar and shaking him. Why wasn't he saying anything. I couldn't see her clearly so I went a bit closer. "How dare you cheat me? Tell me you're going to divorce that Anika right?" It was Tia. Shivaay's fianc. They're were supposed to get married by then end of this week but then we got married. I was happy at the thought that Shivaay didn't marry this cheapdi but me. But why? Why was I happy?
Tia was now standing in front of me, glaring at me. I realised she was waiting for me to say something. She shook her head and went back to Shivaay, "I can't believe it Shivaay that you didn't even think it was important for you to come and at least tell me! I found out about this from the newspaper!" She yelled, tears streaming down her face.
"Tia, I know it's my fault. And I can explain. It all happened so fast that I totally forgot about informing you." Shivaay realised what he just said and bit his tongue.
"Shivaay, you left me for this.. this girl. This lower class - Anika!" Shivaay clenched his fists.
"Tia. Don't you dare say anything against Anika. She's my wife." He said dangerously.
She came to me again, "You're going to divorce her, right Shivaay?" She looked at me from head to toe. And let out a sarcastic laugh. "I know your little secret, Anika. You are a freaking--"
As if sensing what Tia was going to say Shivaay grabbed her arm and made her face him. "Tia. I'm not going to divorce Anika. She's my wife. I didn't hold her hand to leave it." He said the last line looking right into my eye.
"You'll regret this Shivaay. You have no idea what you're losing." She said finally and stormed out of the house.
Shivaay helped me back to the room. On our way he said, "I'm really sorry for all this."
"You don't have to apologise for anything Shivaay. This wasn't your fault."
When we reached his room he gave me the painkillers and he tied an elastic bandage wrap around my foot.
---I woke up with a heavy headache. I sat up and massaged my forehead. I jumped as Shivaay's phone started ringing. I looked around for Shivaay but he wasn't in the room. It started ringing again and I went and grabbed the phone. The caller ID said that it was 'Tia'.
Why is this cheapdi calling Shivaay? Ruko, ise mein abhi batati hoon. She swiped the screen to answer the call when Shivaay entered the room, "Ah you woke up, kumbh karan." He laughed.
I handed him over the phone saying, "Shivaay, Tia called." Hearing the name Tia he quickly grabbed the phone, his face serious now. "You didn't talk to her did you? Did she tell you anything?"
"Umm no. I was about to pick it up but then you came." He nodded and left the room in a hurry.
Why was Shivaay so scared about the phone call? He's hiding something. Kuch toh raita phaila hua hai idhar.
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Hola. Here's chapter 3. So this is the fastest update I've ever written. 😆 Thank you so much for all the likes and comments. It really does make my day. 🤗
So here about the dance sequence, I really don't know how to write it. I managed something and I hope you can imagine it?
Not proof read at all. So do bear with my mistakes. 🥱 I'm sorry.
I hope you guys like it. 😃 Do share your thoughts with me.
Edited by -Rhea- - 8 years ago
Shiv Shakti
Music Corner
