Shivika SS: Trouble In Paradise (Part 3 Updated) - Page 5

Had it been a week? Ten days? More? Or less?

Annika didn't remember, but it had been pretty long since this pounding headache and constant fatigue had left her. Shivaay had gotten himself even more busy, and they had hardly seen each other since the last few days, forget talking.

After he had ditched her the other night, Annika was furious, expecting a wholesome apology. But all she got was a ghost of a sorry, and her husband was off to work.

She stopped trying too. There was only so much effort a single person can make. She doubled up her assignments, and immersed herself in work.

**

"Dr. Gupta, she is the best in the field. I will get an appointment fixed right away. Yes, bye."

Shivaay kept the phone down, his temples hurting. He saw a missed call from home and quickly called back, his mind at once drifting to Annika.

"Shivaay?

"Om? Bol.

"I am taking Bhabhi and Gauri for shopping. Can you come?

Shivaay felt his throat turn dry. He knew how much Annika was missing him, and he was as miserable. But he was tied up. He silently groaned. "I can't, Om.

He heard his brother sigh, and cut the call. Things going wrong between him and Annika hadn't been missed by the family either. But even they did not know his reasons.

"Mishra, fetch the driver. And call up Dr. Gupta's clinic; tell her I am coming with a client.

**

Shivaay was in his car, going through e-mails, but he could hardly concentrate. He had been avoiding Annika. Firstly, because of those stupid marks on his back. And the, he knew the moment they would get to talking, she would demand an explanation for his behaviour, and he had none to offer.

And lately, things had only gotten worse. Ragini was apparently sick, rather clinically depressed, and according to her brother, Shivaay was the reason. Not that he cared, but their merger with the Malhotras on the Japanese project was in the market, and if he backed out at this moment it would entail a huge loss. Samar had promised no professional setbacks, but asked for Shivaay's help in treating Ragini.

Also, he did feel a little bad for this woman. Was she actually obsessed with him, as her brother stated? If yes, she must be treated. She was an old friend after all.

But this all was taking a toll on Annika and him. Shivaay wanted to get done with this entire ordeal as soon as possible, and go back to normalcy with his wife.

**

Shivaay walked in his room that evening to find his wife sitting with Om, Gauri, Rudra, Dadi and Badi Maa, as the girls excitedly displayed their shopping. He witnessed the smile had had been yearning to see, as Annika held up a white top in front of Dadi.

"Billu? Dadi exclaimed, and Shivaay couldn't help but notice Annika's smile vanish. What had he done? The smile he wanted to be the reason for was now threatened by his presence?

"You look so tired, Shivaay. I will send some food for you. Jhaanvi noticed the husband wife look at each other, and smartly made the others exit.

As Om passed the door, Shivaay mouthed him a thank you. He was sure it was his and Gauri's plan to take Annika shopping and make her feel better.

He proceeded towards the bed, where Annika was putting the clothes back in the bags.

"So, what all did you shop? Shivaay crept behind her, but she moved away, silently continuing her work.

He cleared his throat. "Didn't you get anything for me? He tried to be as playful as possible.

"Om got stuff for you. She replied curtly, moving to the cupboard.

"Won't you show me your purchases? Shivaay asked hopefully. He knew this was a lame attempt to make up, but his Annika always gave in.

"You are too busy. She began to talk off when he held her arm.

"Come on, Annika. What has so happened that you can't even smile, let alone look at me? He was exasperated, but bit his tongue as he saw his wife look at him with nothing but hurt in her eyes.

"Am I your doll, which you can pull out from the cupboard whenever you want and then throw it away as you like? Her voice was heavy, but painfully firm.

"You know it's not like that. He whispered, taking her in his arms, but she pushed him away.

"Annika, please.

"What? You're off early today so now you want me to entertain you? Her words were dagger.

"Annika! Shivaay gasped, shocked at his wife's uncharacteristic behaviour, but quickly softened as he realized it was due to no one but yours truly.

Before he could say another word, she walked off.

**

Next night, Annika was sitting by the pool, paperwork sprawled around her, laptop perched on her legs, but she was hardly working. Everything about this place: the lights, the pillars, the water, the moon; it all made her miss him.

He was at work, as usual. He had dropped a text that he would be late, and she needn't stay up. Had he forgotten that the bed was too huge for her to sleep alone on alone?

She began to recall one of the happier nights, one where he had been working late too, but things were much different.

"Annika? Get up, you crazy woman.

Annika was sleeping on one of the couches at the poolside when Shivaay woke her up.

"Mmm. She stirred, opening her eyes. "You are back.

"What are you doing here? We have quite a large bed made specially to be slept on.

Annika yawned. "It's too empty without you.

She saw Shivaay give a sad smile, and she sat up straight to take a good look at him. The reflection of the moon danced in his kanjhi aankhein.

"I am sorry, I couldn't help it. He lightly pulled her closer.

Next moment, he quipped. "But anyway, does this place have a hundred Shivaays popping out of nowhere? Shivaay joked, questioning her choice of place to sleep in.

Annika laughed, still sleepy. She rested her heard on his chest and spoke lazily. "This place smells of us, you know. I feel safe here.

Without preamble, Shivaay smoothly picked her up, and before she could react, she had been thrown into the pool, obviously followed by her husband.

"You are mad, totally mad! Annika shouted, making Shivaay laugh.

"Still feel safe, huh? He grinned cheekily at his drenched wife, walking towards her. He thanked his stars that she was wearing her white dress; she looked so sexy.

Annika saw Shivaay ogling at her, and stuttered. "Wh-why did you do this?

Shivaay smiled as he snaked his arms around her back, pulling her in. He loved how he still made her so nervous.

"You were too sleepy to kiss. He mumbled, tracing her jaw line with his nose.

"And you are too much dressed to be done anything to. Annika said, tugging at his coat, leaving Shivaay once again surprised at the changing colours of his wife.

"All yours to undress, madam. And he claimed her lips, making up perfectly for his late arrival.

Annika smiled wistfully. "Those were the days, she whispered to herself. The things he did to make her happy, to cover up for coming late. Where was that Shivaay? Things had changed.

**

Shivaay entered the room, looking around for Annika. His head was throbbing, and all he needed right now was to see her, feel her arms around her, and let her massage his head like she always did.

He turned at the window to look at a crouched figure, laptop and a lump of papers kept aside, as tears rolled down her cheeks.

He couldn't face her. The sight killed him; he had brought this on her.

Shivaay fell back on the couch. This had gone too far to manage. Earlier this day, he had taken Ragini and her brother to the doctor once again, a psychiatrist called Mrs. Gupta. This was her second session, and she had confided in Shivaay that the woman needed proper help. She had suggested that Ragini be taken to her rehab clinic in Pune, after a few more sessions, where she could receive proper therapy. The doctor had also said that Shivaay must accompany her, for his absence would rile her up. When Shivaay had patiently explained her his predicament, she had ensured that they would detach Ragini from Shivaay, but the process had to be gradual and they needed time.

But Shivaay did not have time! He was losing Annika; he could not stand it anymore. He groaned audibly, helpless at this situation he had landed up in. If it were on him, he would right away throw out Ragini out of his life, but there were many reasons why he could not do so. For starters, their deal was on the verge of finalising and buying a hefty amount of land. Also, and more importantly, Shivaay knew that if he let things go, Ragini would create a havoc that would only bring a storm in his and Annika's life, in addition to all the bad publicity it would entail. Until he was in charge of the matters, at least he could ensure that things were under control and under wraps.

He beheld the figure of his wife longingly, missing the Annika who could cheer him up with her most sought after antics.

After one of the longest weeks he had had about a month ago, Shivaay was wrapping up an early morning conference call on a Sunday. It was the lid on a tiresome deal.

He came back to the room, to find his wife dressing up.

"We did it, just closed the deal. He had victorious smile, and Annika grinned, turning around.

"I'm so proud; you have worked so hard for this one. She stroked his cheeks, and his hands were invited around her waist. "You totally deserve a prize.

Shivaay raised his eyebrows. "I like where this is heading.

"We will have a detoxifying Sunday, get dressed. Annika smiled, moving her hands along his arms, and left, leaving behind a curious Shivaay.

She met him near the car, and was already seated on the wheel.

"What's this about? Shivaay asked.

"It's your free day; I will do all the work. Her eyes were twinkling. Shivaay laughed, and got into the passenger seat.

The rest of the day was detoxifying in all the ways: they first headed to Annika's favourite tea stall and had some adrak wali chai with maska bun. Next stop was the beach, where they gorged on corn and shikanji, while Annika also got a gol gappa treat. They walked with the water playing at their feet, the breeze tickling their hair, talking about everything under the sun. She drove to Shivaay's favourite caf for lunch next, where they ordered mushroom pizzas, penne pasta and some mojito. By the time it was sunny, Annika whisked them away to movie where they more of snuggled and slept, tired with all the roaming around. In the evening, the escaped to a quiet restaurant where Annika had gotten a private table arranged. They shared a romantic dinner with Shivaay's favourites on the menu, and not to forget, popped the champagne. A slightly dizzy Annika and an amused Shivaay then walked along Marine drive, mostly Annika going on her nonsensical tirade as Shivaay laughed, tickled and kisses his wife. For safety reasons, he drove them back home.

After a nice teasing session from the family, they headed to their room, where Shivaay took this crazy woman in his arms.

"Thank you, you are the best. You know exactly what I need, even before I know it.

She pulled his cheeks. "You are so cute when you turn into Billuji.

Shivaay grinned. She was tipsy, and was falling into him. "I love you. He mumbled against her forehead.

"Don't ever stop doing that. She murmured, falling asleep in his arms.

Shivaay's eyes had turned watery at the memory. Annika was his light, his ray of sunshine, his rainbow, all the colour and mystic in his life was hers; he was nothing without her. She had buckets of love bubbling, and Shivaay was only lucky to be on its receiving end. He had vowed to never hurt her, but alas destiny, his hands were so tied that she was just a few steps away from him and he could not go and take his wife in his arms, to tell her that nothing has changed, that nothing will ever change.

His phone interrupted his thoughts. The screen flashed the doctor's name. Shivaay inhaled to clear his voice and answered the phone.

"Mr. Oberoi, I spoke to the doctor at Pune. She says that it will be the best if you take Ragini there sometime this week. The sooner, the better.

Shivaay agreed, putting down the phone. Little hope surged, as he thought just a few days and this entire thing will be done with. But then it dawned upon him: he will have to leave for Pune, at least for a week.

What would he tell Annika?

The wise had said, hiding one lie means speaking thousand other lies. They forgot to add that with every new lie, the burden of truth only increases. With every step away from the truth, it's harder to walk back to it. From little seeds, to swaying shoots, they turn into rigid branches even before you notice. Either they break, or they break you.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Love,
Arushi