Kissing Away Insecurities - Chapter 35 - 31st Oct

Shivaay Singh Oberoi and Anika Wardhan Trivedi knew they were meant to be when they first met each other. A meeting arranged by their parents.

Being arranged for marriage, they had a courtship period of six months. Six months between their engagement and marriage. Love was inevitable. From the small greetings to the smallest gestures of affection the two fell in love with each other.

Their story was perfect with the little imperfections and little banters.

From respecting her to caring for her, he did all those little things which took him to her heart. She had never known she could love a man such!

Tolerating his tantrums, pampering him with affection, fighting with him and loving him to no end. She was the part of him, he had been incomplete for years without.

The marriage with the right person makes the waters of life calm and the journey of marriage enchanting. Theirs was an example.

Romance was a soulful part of their endearing bond. From passionate yearnings to the limitless care their love was the perfect recipe.

Not all perfect things go in the same way forever...

A year after the marriage Shivaay decides to set up his firm in California. He was sceptic about taking Anika along. A new country, strange people. He would be away for work then who would be with her?

Anika protested and showed resistance to his decision. He convinced her to stay back with his parents and their family. In the end as a obedient wife she respects his decision and vows to take care of things when he is away.

A painful goodbye,

A new chapter,

Embraces the two lovers.

The two begin facing the new struggles individually but with each other's love holding them strong.

Long distance relationships exist,

But do the relationships live healthy?

The time lapse and new responsibilities start growing. Soon the climbers conquered the garden of love. Weeds and wild flowers all over but deep down love remains forgotten.

Six months was what he promised.

On the fifth month, he asks for another six months. The family reluctantly agrees. He always wanted to be the best businessman of the year. If this is what takes him there, they will wait.

But, what about her? His wife ?

What about the wife he left back home?

Things go so wrong that the two barely talk over phone.

But, what is in store when he returns?

Time changes people.

Time changed him.

Time changed her.

Did time change their relationship?

Did time change their love?

And,

What if it did?

Will they rekindle their lost love?

Or

Will they start afresh ?

Will they succeed?

Or

Will their marriage enter the books of

'failed marriages' ?

Dear Diary ,

Today was a day just like a random coin out of a piggy bank. Same as others.

Morning Breakfast, Mumma Papa fought again, they are the cutest couple. No I did not miss 'him'.

Fine I did. As usual.

Mr. Mehra's daughter's wedding preparations areon full swing. And, Vishal is such a dramebaaz. I had no appetite for lunch and he fainted so that I reach downstairs to see the matter and there he was ready with pav-bhaji. Pav-Bhaji is too tempting to reject.

It's so strange, in life where we look for happiness we never find it there, but where we are not looking its nothing but happiness.

Today's interesting observation.

I went down for an evening stroll as usual. Kids playing, shouting with excitement and then there was that group of sixteen year olds. I m sure Rahul likes Ritu. Maybe a crush.

The highlight came when I saw little Aashika buy kulfi. Kids nowadays don't like kulfi and she bought one. Surprised I followed to see where she was going. Tan Tanaa! She gave it to old Mr. Gill. Now I know his secret. At first I din't understand why he does that. Shouldn't he be taking care of himself. A minute later seeing that happiness in Aashika's and his eyes gave me my answer. We all do things for moments of happiness. Sometimes a little wrong, sometimes a little right.

After dinner, Mumma told me he had called. Why would he call me? Well he had. I did not pick up. I was cooking. I texted back apologizing, a little later. He told Mumma he would come the following week.

No point talking. Our concersations were same old monosyllables. How are you? Had breakfast? Had dinner? How is your health? Sigh. Mumma thinks we talk like that when Mumma-Papa are around. I haven't told them about our quarrel.

One week. I don't know. Whether to believe him or not. He said "six months" while going, he said "six more" after six months, he had said the same "one week" last week. But he never came saying something needed attention. The freaking world needs his attention. I don't. No I am not angry. I am just scared that I don't lobe him the same anymore. More than that I wonder what he feels. One week. I don't know what to take of this.

Earlier I had decided to give you to him so that he knows all my thoughts and unsaid words and unexpressed feelings. I don't think I can now. Not that I want to hide anything from him. But I don't think all of this matters to him anymore. He is busy I understand. He has a dream I know. I would love to see him as the Businessman Of The Year as much as he would like to see himself there. But, I don't know, what is this lump in my heart.

I don't miss him like I used to, before. I haven't seen his latest picture since last seven months or so. He never asks or sends and nor do I. I knew about his ambition all along. But I did not know I wouldn't be a part of it. Anyways, I have got used this. The whole bed for me, the whole room for me, the whole cupboard for me. Everything for - just me.

I don't know what will the next week will bring.

But, I guess I am happy with what I have.

--------

She shut her diary. Wiping away the tears from her eyes. She looked at the framed wedding photograph on the table.

Strange. How she kissed it every day for the first two months. Strange how those kisses transformed to caresses and then mere touches. Now she only looked at it. Was she growing out of the love she had for him?

Or

Had the love she had for him ceased to exist just like his presence in her life?

Switching off the lights and turning on the night lamp she lay on the bed looking up at the ceiling. The news of his arrival had got emotions churning within her. She did not know whether she wanted him to come back or not. Was she scared? Scared of what? She did not love him anymore or the fear that his love to her had died?

As insecurities embraced her she lay sleepless remembering of the times this bed had witnessed there unceasing love for each other. Remembering his smallest gestures to bring a smile on her face. Remembering his smile , his laughter and chaste kisses sealing promises.

"Yes David. Great!" He ended the call and dialled another number.

"Hello Mishra? "

He smiled ending the call. Things were perfect. The happiness was unbeatable. He had achieved more than he had expected and was returning home to his family. To her. To his other half.

He was dying in anticipation with every minute and still living to meet her. He couldn't contain his excitement. How would she react on seeing him unexpectedly? How would mom dad react? Oh, he missed all of them so much. Now he could give them with pride all that they deserved.

The gleam in their eyes when they would see him successful. The pride blooming on their face. The comfort he owed them. The reputation of the family name, which his dad had worked his entire life for. The hope his mother had tirelessly nurtured him with. The care, love and everything his parents had given him. He couldn't wait to see them realize their dream.

Then there was her.

He wondered how he had existed without her, as he looked down on the city of California growing smaller. He took a deep breath. That feeling of heading home. He remembered this feeling ever since school. He smiled looking down. His gaze stuck on the ring on his finger. His wedding ring.

"Anika!" He sighed.it had been so long since he saw her. Ever since that argument on the call, things never went back to being how they were. He was actually a little happy in the sadness.

There were days when he craved to talk to her. Every time he called she would either hand the phone to his parents or cut him off saying she was busy in something. He couldn't blame her. She never wanted this at the first place. She had been so upset when he had told her about his paln for extending his stay. He knew she hated it. More that he asserted his decision rather than asking. Never mind. When she would see him in person she would forget everything.

If it hadn't been for her, he wouldn't be where he was. Every time he felt terrible, he would miss her so much. Her warmth, her hugs, her kisses her whispering assurance. Every time he was close to giving up h remembered her face and sprang back. He couldn't let her sacrifice, their sacrifice go in vain. All along he kept pushing himself with one thought. Achieve and get back home, to her. He wiped away the moisture off the edge of his eye.

Happiness was surfacing. He laid back and sighed. Home.

He couldn't Wait!

* * *

Anika sat stirring the dal. She had wanted yo have a private lunch. Mumma had packed her lunch as usual. Her thoughts were stuck at the news she had received last night - His Arrival.

Her thoughts went back to that day. That was their first ever argument. That too, on the call.

...

"Shivaay you are joking right?" She asked a little hesitant. It did not sound like a joke.

"Anika...it's...its a matter of few more months. I have already put so much effort for this collaboration. Once we have, our company will be where Dad's want to see it. "

"Shivaay it's going to be five months already.." She said in a soft voice.

"I know. But trust me Anika...

" Until last to last week, you said you would be here by now. "

"Anika..understand."

"I miss you Shivaay." She wiped her tears.

"I miss you too Anika. But this is important.

"Please come back."

"Anika."

"Shivaay please...you can go back later again. And next time I will accompany you. Even if I do not like to go abroad. Promise."

"Anika why don't you understand. Anyway." He was losing his temper. It was already hard for him a and she was making it worse. "My Visa has been extended. Oh yeah, Mr. Malothra will be meeting you soon regarding his upcoming launch. And I spoke to mom and dad. They are okay with it. "

"Shivaay!" She couldn't help but feebly whisper.

"Anika. Please be mature. I will come home soon. And...yeah...there are certain documents in the locker that I want you to give to Dad. Alright. "

Anika frowned. "Shivaay...you.."

"Anika please. I don't have time for this. Just go with the flow for now. "

"But..Shivaay.."

"I have a meeting to attend. Talk to you later. " he cut the call, in frustration. Couldn't she understand she was making him weak when she had to be his strength?

The call did not come until five days. Shivaay was scared he would be rendered weak by her pleas. Anika was angry with him. She had cried to sleep every day after that conversation until on the sixth day he called and spoke like nothing happened.

That day she decided to do as she was told. Go with the flow. She no longer spoke her heart. He did most of the talking about the new city and people. Slowly the conversations got shorter. He also lost the heart to talk knowing she was upset. She did not say it, but he knew. Ever since that day his sleep got less. He started spending more time at the gym and working. All he wanted was to get back to her. But not before fulfilling the task he had come for.

The knock brought Anika out of her thoughts. Anika had started working for the Oberoi Event Management Company. Usually Shivaay headed it. But in his absence she had taken over. In the beginning it was hard but with constant support from him it became a cake walk for her.

"Yeah Vishal. "

"All okay? "

"Yeah. "

" Cool. At five meeting with Mehras. "

"Alright. Just tell the driver. Ah...ask Misha to accompany me."

"Okay boss!" He gave a cheeky smile left.

Anika smiled the man always was very jaunty and managed to get a smile on the coworkers faces. Vishal indeed was a gem of a person. She straightened her lips. Just like Shivaay used to be. She closed her eyes. She did not like this. It was like the breeze before the storm. Storm?

She did not like this. Her sudden unlikeness for anything related to Shivaay.Why was she going sonmad about it? She should be happy. She was. But happiness was packed with confusion and doubts. Did he feel the same way too?

Only time could tell.

She had to wait. Like she had for more than a year. The truth pinched her hard. Waiting was her Destiny now. Annoyed with the thought she got back her mind on the remaining work.

An irked Anika returned home to find immediate happiness sweeping her off her feet. She was welcomed by not just her parents from marriage but her parents from birth as well. She ran quickly hugging her mother and father. "Oh my! What a pleasant surprise!" She kissed her Maa's forehead. Then gave her Paa, her father,a warm hug.

Shivaay's mother Pinky smiled. "See Someone forgot me already!"

"Offo, Mumma!" Anika hugged her as well. "I am so happy. " she beamed in joy looking at her Papa, Shivaay's Dad, Shakti. "See Papa someone leanrt to surprise!" She hugged him as well.

"Offo Anika, she can't surprise. This I tell by experience. Nothing sits in her stomach for too long." Shakti joked. The others laughed.

Pinky and Shakti began their banter while Anika and her parents looked at the duo in awe.

"Maa-Paa..I am so happy to see you!" She smiled at them . In a while this was the best day.

"Well the credit goes to someone else!" Her mother 's eyes twinkled.

"Hmm.." She hummed , "let me make a guess.." She looked at each face closely. She could read all their faces. Now something was up. Before she could say something two hands covered her eyes from behind. Anika gasped. Now now who was this?

She slowly felt the strong palms. Going further her hands felt a shirt and then a blazer over it. She sniffed, the perfume wasn't familiar. But her heart skipped beats. Who could this be?

Only when a familiar voice rang in her ears, she knew who it was.

"Surprise!"

Her heart sank. It was him!

He removed his hands and her eyes settled to light again. Her heart forgot to beat. She hadn't felt this mad churning in her stomach even when she had first met him.

He slowly came to her side and grinned. Her eyes got lost in exploring him. He had changed so much. Nothing familiar about him she could catch. His full face now was perfectly carved and was a bed to trimmed stubble. His dressing had changed remarkably. His hair had a new shape. There was absolutely nothing same about his appearance. His frame which was used to a simple shirt and jeans now wore a perfectly tailored three piece suit. His arms and body was more perfect than before. His tummy transformed to well carved abs. Her eyes traveled up to his face. His eyes. They were the same. But more highlighted because of the dark stubble. He was a changed man! Her husband was a changed man!

He looked at her gaping at him. He had sort of expected it from his wife. But he couldn't believe the change he saw in her. Was she the same Anika he left behind? She was dressed in a simple off shoulder yellow kurti and white leggings. Her hair straight. It had grown so long. Her full cheeks had disappeared. She had lost so much weight. She looked sleek. But as sexy and gorgeous as before. There was no duppatta. Her lips had a dark lipstick. Her eyes and lashes had make up too. She was beautiful like always. Perhaps a little more now. Was it the long separation that made her beautiful? He couldn't take his eyes off her.

Anika couldn't look away either. Clearing of throats brought them to the ground. He grinned while she blushed, tucking a wild tress behind her ear. He noticed it.

"Now what made you late? He thought you'd be home. Isn't it the most beautiful surprise?" Pinky chirped.

"See I said Anika will be speechless." Her dad added.

Anika couldn't look away. Was she in a dream? She slowly dragged her fingers to her forearm and pinched herself. Shivaay grinned noticing it. "I m here for Real!" He said.

She gaped. While others laughed. Words did not come out of her mouth. She looked at the floor hesitantly. Oh gosh! This was overwhelming. She looked back up at him. He had changes drastically in looks.

He wasn't of a different mind. No matter how hard he tried not to gape at her and he did just that.

"Hi!" She finally found a word.

"Hey!" He had never felt so awkward. He bent slightly coming close. Her heart froze.

"OK we are all closing our eyes. " Pinky announced, seeing the two hesitant lovers. The others did the same.

Shivaay parted his lips looking at her. She quickly placed her hands on his elbows and bent over his shoulder and pulled back. He was confused. She was faster than lightning. Was that a hug? Misnomer !

The others opened their eyes only to find the two staring at each other.

It was too much for the other to register. Of course the elders did not know that. They probably assumed the two were in regular texting or video chatting.

"I will freshen up " Anika turned her gaze from him to the others. She couldn't hold this storming feeling within herself.

He nodded and looked at her go up the stairs. The others laughed as Pink said Anika was shy. He grinned. Finally Home!

She quickly shut the door. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She covered her mouth. The feeling was too strong. She couldn't comprehend why she was crying. But her heart was frantic. It was too much to absorb. She saw him after some 380 days!

Tears did not stop. Why was she crying? Were they happy tears or otherwise? Why ddi she behave like that downstairs? She couldn't still believe. He was there!

She looked at herself. Picking up the tissues from the dressing table she wiped her face. Everyone would be waiting down. She trembled moving to the cupboard. What should she wear? This had never troubled her when he was not there. But this confusion made a come back with his arrival. She pulled out a red sleeveless kurti dress after many options. She quickly changed and was walking back to the dressing table when her gaze froze at the study table. She panicked and quickly opened the draw. Picking up the diaries and the letters she kept them hidden in the locker of her cupboard. She leaned against the cupboard after locking it. Whybwas she behaving like this? He wasn't a stranger, he was her-Shivaay!

Her Shivaay, who had changed a lot!

------

She slowly made her way downstairs. She was nervous. There began her concern. She was never nervous before him. She was herself just as she was. She was never pretense. Varied thoughts were flying about her hear. Did she look okay? Did her face reflect her confusion? Was she okay?

The moment her eyes fell on him. Thoughts of him, about him swam to the centre stage in her mind. He looked so handsome. His fingers were hard now unlike the soft ones that drew patterns on her cheeks. Her cheeks were immediately responding at the thought by turning crimson. Everyone was sitting at the dinning table. She finally clustered the courage to reach them. As soon as she was there, he cocked her head sideways his eyes immediately catching hers. She looked away her lips parted. She could feel him grin.

At the table with six chairs around it, the only one empty was the one right opposite to the chair where he sat. He was sitting at the chair at the head of the table. One after the other answering the questions flocking him. She looked at the dinnig table. Mumma had probably cooked everything.

"Before you begin your enquiry, Mrs. Shivaay Singh Oberoi. Let me tell you, that your mother and I both cooked together. "

Anika smiled. Pinky knew she was going to the courtroom zone. Pinky had arthritis and Anika did not like it when her mother in law worked in the kitchen for long hours. She was taken aback at the way she was addressed as though. It was always a Anika or Beta but today it was Mrs. Shivaay Singh Oberoi? Maybe it was just Pinky pulling Anika's leg which she did a lot. They fought a lot at petty things. But at the end of the day, the two loved each other.

She moved around serving the food despite of being told to sit and that they could help themselves.

"Okay, Anika you make him eat if you want, look how thin he has become. We can all help ourselves." Pinky remarked cheekily.

"Mumma!" Anika stared at her. Her eyes slowly moved to him. His were already looking at her. She simply served the dish to him and moved to Pinky. She could feel his eyes on her. Trying not to focus on his attention, she focused at others.

Thankfully he did all the talking about his surprise. How he had called and given the news on purpose. How he had suggested Pinky to call over Anika's parents over for dinner and surprise Anika. Pinky did not sniff anything fishy at all. Pinky narrated to Anika how she and Neena (Anika's mother) were in the kitchen when Shivaay suddenly hugged her from behind. Anika smiled. The two women were so happy seeing him. Their eyes wouldn't stop shinning.

As she took the next morsel she looked up. He was staring right at her. She looked back at her plate immediately. Her feet shuffling slowly. She couldn't find it in herself to look back at him. His eyes were gazing at her with a powerful intensity. She smiled as her dad told her about the recent developments at his workplace. She couldn't be more thankful to him for striking a conversation to divert her mind from the overwhelming fountain flowing endlessly in her soul.

* * *

Shivaay sat in the living room revealing gifts for everyone. She walked in with the kheer bowls on the tray. Coincidentally Pinky had made his favorite kheer.

Like a magnet he looked up at her the moment she entered. She gulped. His eyes. There was so much restlessness in them. They shone like they held galaxies within them. She simply kept the tray and settled beside her mother.

"Look Anika what Shivaay got for me." Her mother chirped. Anika smiled looking at the violet shawl. "It's beautiful!"

He immediately looked up at her. Her soulful voice with that smile. He couldn't wait to embrace her and shower all that love on her which he had bottled up within himself for the past more than a year.

"Anika look at this, " Pinky complained. "Sports shoes for me."

"It's nice, Mumma. At least because of these shoes you will go for walk regularly. " Everyone broke into laughter. She turned her gaze to him. His laugh. It sounded just the same. Slightly deeper in sound. But he had changed so much.

"Dad. This is your gift ." he handed the huge box to Anika's Dad. Pinky cocked up a brow impressed.

"Hmm.. Aviator Nation ..." It was sa hooded pullover.

"Papa this is yours.." It was a tuxedo.

He then brought out two pieces of similar jewelry boxes and handed it to his two mothers.

"Shivaay, beta..this wasn't necessary." Anika's mother immediately spoke up hesitant.

"Don't reject it Mom. You call me son and then do this. I m not listening to any NOs. "

"Oye, Shivaay...where is your wife's gift?"

Anika immediately grew conscious. She was so happy seeing the gifts he had brought for everyone. She did not want anything.

He got up and walked to her. Anika had her heart in her mouth. Why was she growing so anxious? He was her Shivaay!

He knelt on the carpet before her. She immediately tried to get up so that he could sit up on the couch instead. He nodded in a no. He took her hand into his and pocketing out a bracelet put it on her hand. The others clapped, while Anika stiffened as his fingertips brushed her skin. They were mere two minutes, but for her they seemed like centuries. She felt every centimetre of movement his fingers made on her skin.

Her heart was bloated. She couldn't understand. She couldn't understand how she felt. Happy or not. Why not? What did she fear? what was stopping her from being his Anika around him? Did she love him no longer? Had the time played thief? Stealing away her love for him?

It was a beautiful bracelet. He got up and got back to his seat. Only he knew how he resisted the urge to kiss her soft long fingers and her hand. Because he was afraid he couldn't stop at that kiss. She looked at the bracelet as the others appreciated it. It had moons hanging around. It was pretty. It had seven moons in total. She was surprised when she looked closer at each moon. Carved on this moons were little letters that read- S-H-I-V-A-A-Y. She immediately looked up at the realisation only to find him simpering at her as he took the next bite of the kheer. She blinked under his gaze. The night was close to a close and soon she would be alone with him in her room. Their room!

---------------------

-Anami!

Anika hugged her dad as they bid good bye. She couldn't help but feel a tug at her heart. She missed them more because she knew they missed her. She was their only child. But they looked after her cousin, her aunt's son. Her single aunt had been destroyed by alcoholism and her dad took the responsibility of his sister's son. At least that way they had someone. She felt her dad's fingers at the edge of her eyes. He was wiping her tears threatening to fall off. He then quickly took her into a hug whispering into her ears. "No tears, Anika. Remember what I said during Bidaai. You are merely living with an extended family, we are still the same parents and you are our daughter just like you always were. So no room for tears. " he kissed her forehead. Anika smiled. She was emotionally tired today.

Soon the father daughter duo were interrupted by others as they came out of the posh apartment.

Once they were at the loft the Oberois bid them good bye. Pinky wrapped her arm around Shivaay's waist. "I missed you, Beta!" She kissed his cheek. He smiled like a ten year old boy. "I missed you too!"

"And we be forgotten!" Shakti said, wrapping his arm around Anika's shoulder.

Shivaay beamed and looked at the two. This was family. This was home. He wouldn't leave them for a billion dollars again.

Anika simply stared at his back as he spoke to Pinky. Once they were inside Shivaay mad ensure he dragged his mother to the room. "Mom, I am here now. So we can talk everyday. Now you need to rest."

"But.."

"No buts!" Shivaay said cutely.

Shakti quickly wished Anika goodnight and followed his son and wife. While Anika started picking up the empty used bowls from the table. Her disputed thoughts made it to the surface again. She entered her room, pushing the door slowly.

That was close!

He was just about to pull the door to leave.

"Hey!" He said surprised. Surprised that she hadn't entered like storm and smacked his face. He distinctly remembered how once when she had entered excitedly, she had almost broken his bone in the nose. He smiled at the memory.

"Oh, I am.." She said relieved that she had opened the door slowly.

"My nose won this time!" He chuckled.

She smiled again, lightly.

He stared at her. What had happened to her? She wasn't giggling like a teenager. Down, she wasn't talking much. Did his surprise literally render her so speechless and dumbstruck?

"I was just going to see where you were!"

Her heart had probably forgotten how to beat ever since it gauged his presence.

"Just wrapping up things." She replied slowly.

He inhaled sharply. Her voice. How much he had missed listening to her.

"Oh yea...I forgot my bag downstairs.." He interrupted his chain of thoughts before he got carried away.

"This" she asked extending her hand.

"Oh yes. Perfect." He took it from her hand. Their fingers brushed. Both felt the sparks.

She immediately took her hand back, up to her hair making sure her hair was tucked behind her ear.

He smiled at that. She did it when she was shy or uncomfortable. He couldn't wipe away the grin off his face.

She turned crimson at his stare and quickly walked inside.

"Achoo!" He sneezed. "God! I don't understand why is this happening. It was perfectly fine so long!" He sneezed again.

She looked up at him concerned. He had a sort of allergy to certain things. His sneezes would be a triggered response of it. She looked around. "Oh no." She got on the bed and unhooked the set of dream catchers. "I m sorry. I guess the feathers got you!"

"Its..Achoo!" He held his nose. "Okay!" He completed.

She quickly packed them and kept it away in the side cupboard. In the meanwhile he giy out his medicines from the bag. She handed him the glass of water and went about setting the bed.

"Feels better!" He said after a brief few minutes of silence.

She looked up at him nodding.

"By the way... My clothes? You ate them!?"

She grinned. "No. I ...Sorry. I shifted them out and packed it. " Yeah they freaking annoyed her. Made her remember him and everything relayed to him every time she opened it. That is why she had slowly changed everything in the room. Especially in the week following the one after their argument.

"That's okay. I understand." He said. " I will just take a shower." Saying so he grabbed a towel and disappeared. Before she could say that was her towel! Anyway she could take a fresh one. Yes, he understands. She threw the pillow on the bed. If only he understood.

Standing under the shower he reflected on the events of the evening. It was so good to be back to the warmth of India and home. But still he felt a little warmth missing. Her warmth. She had been behaving strangely. At first he had assumed it was her shyness before the others. But the small moment in room left him confused.

He had excepted her to pounce on him and give him that bone crushing hug. It was their thing. Every time she hugged him he had to put in all the effort to not fall back, such enormous was the force of her embrace. He smiled. He expected her to go on and on talking about anything and everything. She was so reserved. Maybe the surprise did render her dumbstruck literally.

He entered into an empty room. He frowned. Now where was she? He put the wet towel in the balcony and proceeded downstairs. She wasn't anywhere. He looked at the balcony door open. He walked over and inhaled the cool night air. His gaze fell down and a pleasant surprise washed over him. A smile drew itself on his face.

Don't forget to hit the like😛

-Anami

He smiled surprised as he saw his wife down in the law of the apartment. She was petting the two dogs - Tobby and Bozo. He was bewildered. The Anika who literally grasped him on seeing the dogs was petting them! Too much change to digest.

"Anika, come this way I have to make you meet two special species." Shivaay led his to-be-wife around the posh apartment block. He was so excited to introduce Anika to the two dogs he absolutely loved.

As soon as Anika's gaze fell on them she froze. The second the two looked at her or maybe at Shivaay, they barked. That was all that was required, Anika forgot everything and hugged Shivaay. His eyes went wide as she held his forearm, digging her nails into them.

"All okay Anika?" He asked unsure, loving the fact that she was so close.

"Dogs! Oh my God , They are coming towards us. Shivaay!" She hid her face in his chest and he smiled.

"They won't do anything. I brought you here to meet them.". He said in a relaxed tone.

" Wh-hat! Th-hem! Are you out of your mind? They bite. They bark. They go mad. And if they bite, you need to get fourteen injections or you become mad. Aa.aa..!"she squeezed her eyes shut holding on to him for dear life.

"Anika relax. They are tame creatures. I know them for like two years now! They stay here."

"Shiv-aaay! Please first, shoo them away.

Ple-asssee!" She almost said in a weeping voice.

"OK, OK relax." He put an arm around her and signed the dogs to back off. The lovely dogs obeyed their favorite's command.

He then slowly walked over with her to the inside of a block while the dogs barked for his attention.

Once away from the dogs Anika relaxed visibly and embarrassment set in. She pulled her hands away and turned crimson.

That was awkward!

His arm pulled back from her shoulder. "Okay?"

She nodded.

"Anika they are the cutest creatures. I mean look at them. So adorable. That is Bozo and that one Tobby!" He pointed at the brownish dog.

"I hate dogs. " she said terrified.

"Oh your are kidding? How can you hate them? I mean look at them. Do you know how amazing it is to cuddle them and love them and play with them? I even go jogging with them on Sundays!"

Anika looked bewildered. She had found herself a dog loving fianc. Thank God he doesn't sleep with them. Yuck. Dog on your bed. Scary.

"You know once I even took them home and woke up to their licking. " he grinned.

"Yuck!" Anika remarked.

"Hey. They are very loving." Shivaay said in protest."Unlike you!" He grinned.

"Excuse me?" Anika blurted out without thinking. She was just compared to them ? No important thing was she was 'not loving'? What?

"I mean see what you have done to me!" He concealed his smirk putting up a puppy face. Extending his arms he showed her the marks her nails had made.

Anika cuddled the dogs just as she had seen him do. She smiled remembering the first time she had seen them. It was a week or two after their Roka. They would casually go out for walks or hit the malls or simply have lunch 'dates' . One day he had asked her to come down to his place and that day she had known how much he loved dogs. They licked her hands as they ate. She couldn't believe she at once ridiculed the action.

She looked embarrassed. "I am sorry!" She looked at those reddish marks, She had made on his forearm in horror. But she couldn't ignore the tone with which he said, 'what you have done to me!"

She looked up and he was grinning. Such a Playboy grin! "Give me five minutes!" He said staring right into her eyes. He returned to the dogs and cuddled them. They licked his hands. She saw with distaste.

When he came back she expressed how unhygienic it was and he have her a dry face. "You don't know how amazing it feels!" He said smiling.

"Whatever . please wash your hands. " she looked at his slightly wet hands.

He was in mood for some fun.

"You know what Anika. Hug me. You will feel their scent, their love. " he said in a modulating tone, inching closer.

Her eyes went wide, what was wrong with him? Forget that! He had the dog's saliva on his arms. Eeww!

"Shivaay no. Shivaay please. The dog's saliva is there!" She shrieked as he inches closer and she backwards.

His eyebrow twitched up impressively. "So I get a hug after I wash?" He teased her.

She gaped at him shyly. "I did not mean that!" She said quickly tucking her lock behind her ear. He smiled. "You are cuter!" He then laughed away stepping back.

She rolled her eyes. Very funny. Though she did not say that aloud. He was an adorable man. Despite the fact that he lobed irritating and teasing her.

She sighed getting up to leave. The night had grown darker. It had become a daily custom for her from the past few months to come down at night and feed the dogs. It had taken an entire month for her to get accustomed to looking at them without panic. Another entire to start patting them. And finally she had learned to be with them just as he was.

Her smile disappeared. She sighed. Was she really not happy that he was here? Was she really still hurt with all that had happened? Was it hurt or the feeling of guilt that ate her? Guilt that she no longer loved him!

* * *

"Hey!" She heard a voice as she quietly shut the door. She turned quickly to see him walk over from the balcony.

She pressed a smile. "Hi."

"So you finally agree they are lovable and it's an amazing feeling !" He grinned. God he had grown extremely handsome. She slowly walked towards him. Technically towards the stairs. He joined as they moved up. He knew the first thing she would do is wash her hands for a good minute.

"They aren't that bad. " she said in a soft voice.

"Finally!" He smiled as he walked. "So many changes!"

She turned back staring at him. "So many changes!"

He blinked as she quickly moved making distance between them. He couldn't help but notice her perfect backside. He let out a curse. He still couldn't get over or enough of that perfect figure. Neither could he get enough of her. " Welcome back Shivaay!" He grinned.

* * *

He was in the balcony of their room when the door clicked and she stepped out in her night Patialas and a plain black sleevless kurti. She looked at him. He was leaning against the railing talking on the phone. He looked extremely handsome in that black gym tee and tracks. His toned arms looked more tempting in the dim lit night. Anika tore her gaze away from him. He looked handsome even in those pajamas and kurta he wore. Well things change and so do people! She was hating this feeling. This feeling in her heart she couldn't understand.

"Anika!" He called her name as he stepped inside sliding the glass door. She looked up at him. From closer he looked even more fine.

"Anika, you are okay?" He asked approaching her. Her heart rammed crazily in her ribs. Her eyes involuntarily made it to his perfect lips. She had and did miss them. She immediately realised he was asking her something. The last thing she wanted was to make him know how desperately she missed him.

"Yeah."

"You are lying... You did not even hug me properly Anika. I know something is wrong. What is it?" He asked slowly taking her hand in his. She stared at his hand. It wasn't soft as before it was more hard, though his hold was as gentle as ever. His thumb began tracing the bracelet.

"Nothing. It's nothing like that!" She said looking at him though her brain was where his hands were.

He looked at her intently. He was trying to read her. What had happened to his ever expressive wife? Maybe the surprise and so many things in aday after so long got her worked up. Oh yes, remember she had a long day at office as well.

"Then...hug me!" He demanded like a kid.

She sensed a dominance in that voice. It wasn't her ever cute husband behaving like a kid it was something different. Was she just thinking too much?

She quietly moved close and put her arms around his neck. Gently she let her chin rest on his shoulder. His hands gently landed on her back. She exhaled a breath she did not even know she was holding. His hands moved slightly and her eyes grew wide. Why was this different ? She quickly pulled away. Her heart was disputed but her body was terribly falling trap to his presence. Her body seemed to be on her own. She couldn't help but feel the heat his body radiated.

He was disappointed when she pulled back so fast. There was nothing similar. Her hands didn't go around his back or waist! "Get some rest you must be tired!" He kissed her forehead. She smiled lightly and moved to switch off the lights. As his gaze rested on the bed, he noticed their wasn't one single duvet but two. She laid on her side the bed and he reached to his side.

"Anika, you will sleep in that?"

"Hmm." She said simply.

He nodded and got on the bed. This was another change. She always wore nighties or those 3/4ths and those long tops to bed. He sighed. Changes!

He turned to look at her. Her eyes were closed. There was something not okay. He had to know what it was. He slowly slipped his fingers between hers and pulling her hand gently placed it on his abdomen. Now things seemed better.

She felt him move her hand, she let him. Her heart fluttered as the back of her palm rested on his abdomen. No sleep tonight as well she assumed.

She was wrong.

For that night both slept well with their hands holding on to the other's.

---

Any dog stories to share?😆

I am more like that old Anika. 😛

-Anami.

Streaks of sunlight penetrating through the sheer curtains concealing the glass door of the balcony, fell over her eyes as she slowly opened them. She tried moving but there was resistance. Frowning she looked aside. Shoot! No.

..Shivaay.

She blinked, shocked. She sighed inaudibly rubbing her fingers on her forehead. Right! He had come back the previous day. It wasn't a dream. He was back for real. The fact did not fill her with warmth as it was supposed to. There pounced into action her concern.

His face near her shoulder was tempting. His perfect lips, his few days old stubble. His nose - the one she loved rubbing hers with. She gazed at him. Tears forming in her eyes. She was tired of this unknown overwhelming feeling. She tried moving out of bed.

Alas!

Her leg was over his, right between his legs. While his other leg was over hers. His hand on her waist keeping her close. She smiled involuntarily. It made her feel nice. Someone to stay entangled with. Specifically him. To stay tangled with him.

Was she going through a premenstrual syndrome? Well quite likely. Cause she had no idea of those extreme feelings she had been experiencing for over a day now. Nice way of blaming nature!

She moved her eyes to the alarm clock. It was just a few minutes past six. She could sleep for some more time at least until he got up. For she had no experience in getting untangled from this mess of a position. Perhaps she did not want to. Or maybe the former more.

* * *

He stretched his arm up into the air and was going to flip over to sleep with his abdomen against the mattress. That's when he realised there was no place. If he hadn't opened his ryes slightly he would've collided with her sleeping form. A charming smile curved up his face. He placed his elbow on the pillow and scooted upwards. Resting his head on his hand he gazed at her. His fingers made way to her black locks. Gently, he ran his fingers through those sliky tresses. His eyes hungrily sinking in the features of her face. His pretty wife.

His fingers stilled when his gaze stopped at her lips. There he was losing his control. Just a kiss away. He slowly bent down. His lips inches away from hers. He then realised she was sleeping. He din't want tobwake her up. She seemed exhausted the previous day. Placing a feather kiss on her her head he sat up, slowly pulling his leg away from hers.

Smile was inevitable. He was smiling like an idiot he knew. But he couldn't help it. It was so good to be back home. Stretching himself he walked to the bathroom. Soon life would change and reach that milestone of perfection he had dreamed of.

* * *

Anika was mad at herself for sleeping so late. But she couldn't deny the fact that she slept well after so many days. She hurried about the kitchen preparing breakfast while Pinky was making tea.

"Where is Shivaay ?"

"I don't know Mumma. He isn't at home."

"Now where did he go? Since when did his morning come so soon?" She laughed.

Anika smiled at her taunting remark. She couldn't help but once again go back at thinking where he was?

"Morning Lovely Ladies!" His voice made the women turn around at once.

"Think of him and he is here!" Pinky smiled.

"We were discussing about you?"

"So I am the hot topic is it?" He said grinning giving his mom a side hug.

"Hmmm..see Mr. NRI. Anika I am telling you he is on cloud ten, forget nine! Hot huh?" She pulled his ear.

"Come on mom. " he freed himself.

"I guess you are still running on the US time zone!'

"Nope. Went for a morning jog!"

"Oh. Ho. I am impressed. Anika see this man who hate waking up early forget about exercise has gone for a jogging walk."

"Well. With what I have learned, someone is very particular about fitness at home. So obviously, I have to follow the Law of land. " he said once again looking at her. He couldn't help but step glances at her. She looked so beautiful with her hair tied in a messy bun with stray strands all over. Despite the imperfections she looked perfect to him.

Anika had been quietly doing her work. Smiling at the mother-son remarks but not looking up. He looked devilishly handsome in that same black gym-tee and tracks. Hair moist with sweat and that grin that did not show any signs of wiping off his face. She looked up when he made her mention quite indirectly though.

"Ahem." Pinky cleared her throat. "That I agree. Your wife is very particular about exercise. At least to me. I m the mother in law after all. So she has to be strict with me. Oh, Shivaay you have no clue, of what I have endured in your absence!"

Anika and Shivaay both gaped at Pinky. She broke into hysterical laughter. "I was kidding. "

"Obviously!" Shivaay shrugged.

Anika narrowed her eyes at her mother-in-law. "No Serra, for you today." She smiled.

"That's not fair." Pinky argued. "I am not diabetic, my husband is!"

"But your cholesterol is high. Plus, you just ended up with minus one for false accusing me." Anika leaned against the kitchen counter.

"I was joking!"

"I took it a little too seriously." Anika played along."

"Remember, I did one extra round of walking yesterday?" Pinky was relieved she had a point to put forth.

"Remember two days back you did two less?" Anika said giving a winning smile.

"Women. Hold your horses. How about you both continue this later? My stomach growls." Shivaay intervened the court proceedings going on in the kitchen.

"First bath Shivaay!" Pinky gave him a tight smile, letting him know she meant what she said. She walked out with the tea on tray for Shakti.

"Anika won't let you sit at the table!" She added on her way out.

He looked at her. Suddenly the kitchen grew smaller and the heat was inevitable. The heat of their locked gazes. Anika tore away her gaze from him an tried to focus on what she was doing. She could feel him walk closer. Her heart was jumping crazily.

She felt him closer and closer. Still close. A little more close. Her back as inches away from his chest. She trued hard to not be obvious that she was affected. His hand came forward. Anika could only blindly guess what he was upto. He simply grabbed an apple from the fruit basket before her.He pulled his hand away. She looked up at him, her eyes slightly wide. A look and she knew, he did it on purpose. That grin gave away big time. He was going to bite into it when she startled him by calling his name.

He stared at her. Finally a glimpse of his wife like she would be.

"Wash it!"

He nodded and hesitant at his staring she tucked back a lock. It was best to escape at the moment. Before she could his hand held her wrist. She turned back to look at him.

"Thank you!"

For telling him to wash the apple before eating? She looked at him questioningly.

"For everything!" He said softly. He knew he owed her much for being there by his parents and loving them, taking care of them and more importantly for being in his life. Only he knew how much of his life was what it was because of her. He could never tell in words.

----------------------

Just a piece of information. According to a psychological article I read, couple who sleep like that ---

"When you sleep with arms and legs tangled, it's a sign that you can't get enough of each other even while you sleep. It means your lives are intertwined, that you function as a pair."

While as Shivaay was sleeping..

His head on her shoulder... It would mean he sort of depends on her.

Of course not necessarily but in general.

Did a random reading on sleeping habits of couple while writing that part. Because usually the way you sleep tells a lot about what's going on with you or your general behaviour. .

-Anami!