Thank you for completing the target. Means a lot. I really hope you'll complete this too! I will update only when the target's met. And as promised, here's the next chapter!
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Shivaay was working in his cabin at Oberoi Industries Headquarters when a knock disturbed him.

S: Come in!

Hearing him, Ranveer came inside, confusing him.

S: Ranveer? All okay?

R: Yes, jiju. Wanted to talk to you. Only if you're not busy though.

S: Sure, come in.

Shivaay got up and settled on the couch in his cabin with Ranveer in front.

R: Jiju, I know, as a brother you're worried for Priyanka. What happened yesterday was sudden but then again, every sudden decision in our family usually leads to good, right? Like you and Anni Di. Jiju, I just wanted to affirm you that, I will take care of Priyanka till my last breath. I know we're not in love but I believe, with equal efforts and respect, we'll be there soon. She'll be my better half and I will support her through everything.

S: I trust you, Ranveer. If there's any family who'd love my Prinku like their own, it'd always be the Kabeers. And you are a Kabeer, my Annika's brother, no one could've been a better match than you. Trust me, I'm happy and relieved.

R: Then, forgive her for her mistake, jiju. She won't be happy without her bhaiya's blessings.

Ranveer spoke folding his hands which surprised Shivaay. He immediately moved towards him and held his hands, indicating in a no. Right at the moment, Priyanka who was hearing them from outside, walked in wiping her tears. Shivaay turned to look at her and stood up to make his way towards her. Priyanka immediately engulfed him in a hug breaking into sobs making Shivaay caressed her hair while Ranveer looked on with a smile.

Pr: I'm sorry, bhaiya.

She spoke still sobbing.

S: Shh. It's okay. I'm not angry at you Prinku. I was just worried about you thinking what if something worse happened. I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have shouted at you.

Shivaay spoke wiping her tears, while she sniffed.

Pr: You owe the sorry to bhabhi, bhaiya. You shouted at her unnecessarily.

Shivaay sighed and caressed her face before replying,

S: More than her, I owe it to someone else for hurting her.

Pr: Who, bhaiya?

S: Don't worry about that. You're happy right?

Priyanka smiled.

Pr: Yes, bhaiya. There could be no one better than Ranveer for me.

Shivaay smiled in relief. Ranveer too smiled hearing her. Shivaay turned to Ranveer and spoke,

S: You guys should go home now. You have the rehearsals for Sangeet too, no? Ranveer, take her home.

Bidding adieu to Shivaay, both of them left while Shivaay made his way towards Tej's cabin, knowing he could find Harsh there. Since, Kabeer Industries' office in Mumbai was being renovated, Harsh was looking after the works from Oberoi HQ itself. He knocked on the door and entered after hearing a 'come in' from him.

Shivaay entered to see him going through some designs sitting on the couch and called him out.

S: Are you busy, Papa?

H: Shivaay? Come in. No, not at all. What's wrong?

He went and sat in front of him before speaking,

S: I wanted to say sorry, Papa.

H: What for, beta?

Harsh asked confused.

S: For yesterday. I shouldn't have shouted and pushed Annika like that. I know, how you must be feeling as a father. I'm really sorry. I was extremely angry and worried and didn't have control over it.

He spoke honestly looking into his eyes, making Harsh smile.

H: I'm lucky to have you as my son, my child. I can understand, how you would've been feeling as a brother because of which you did that. But I also know, how much you care for my daughter. I've never seen her this happy like she is, when you're with her. People make mistakes but we should never overlook all their good qualities for one mistake. So, you need not apologize, son.

Harsh spoke patting his back while Shivaay smiled, relieved and guilty for hurting her.

***

On the other side, a knock on the cabin door disturbed Annika while she was going through a report. She looked up to see Mallika entering and smiled,

A: Hi, Malli. You here?

M: Hi, Anni. Are you free?

A: Yes, come in.

Mallika entered and sat in the chair in front of her before looking down nervously, which Annika noticed.

A: Malli, is everything okay? I can feel something bothering you.

M: I think Sid and I might be heading for a divorce.

Mallika spoke at once shocking Annika.

A: What? Why?

M: It's complicated.

Mallika spoke, her voice breaking. Annika held her hand and spoke,

A: What's going on?

M: I don't know, Anni. Ever since, Adi's wedding, things haven't been good between us. We fight for no reason and sometimes big enough that we sleep in separate rooms. We tried to mend things but yet things aren't working out.

A: But Sid was here for the function too. Even that night he seemed fine.

M: It was momentary. We acted in front of everyone. But as soon as we were alone, for one reason or the other, we started bickering. Things have gotten so bad that we can't even bear the sight of each other.

A: Is that why he left?

Mallika nodded with tears while Annika sighed sadly.

A: Every marriage faces trouble, Malli. But we can't just give up, right? Also, I have seen how much Sid loves you. Love doesn't die that easily.

M: Exactly. Love doesn't die easily. No matter how old.

Mallika muttered looking down while Annika looked on confused, hearing her.

A: Matlab?

M: Nothing.

She wiped her tears and smiled.

M: I needed to get it off my chest by telling my best friend. We'll look into that matter later. We need a break from all that, hence, I stayed. Maybe then, we'll be able to think of a solution.

A: I hope you do.

Annika spoke caressing her hand and smiling at her.

***

Late in the afternoon, Annika entered home along with Mallika to see everyone sitting in the living room waiting for the choreographer. Shivaay smiled at her and moved a bit further making some place for her to sit beside him but, she totally ignored him and took her place beside Avantika.

Soon, the choreographer arrived and everyone started rehearsing. After the elders' rehearsal was done, they moved to rest. Now, only the youngsters were left. They decided on some group performances followed by a couple performance.

For the couple performances, the pairs were asked to come forward while the singles that included Bhavya, Rudra and Mallika were asked to sit along with Maya and Adi since due to her pregnancy, they wouldn't be performing either.

Throughout the evening, as the rehearsals went on, Annika didn't even bother to look at Shivaay for once. He tried talking to her but she clearly ignored him unless someone was watching them as she pretended everything was fine in front of everyone. Hence, Shivaay took it as an opportunity to talk to her since finally, she won't be able to escape due to the close dance.

As he pulled her for the dance, as instructed by the choreographer, he went closer to her nuzzling her cheeks and spoke just audible enough for her,

S: We should talk, no?

He gripped her waist tighter feeling her trying to push him away.

A: Leave me, Shivaay.

She whispered, annoyed and angry.

S: You know, I would never.

He replied holding her close while she tried to pull away. They were brought back to the reality by the voice of the choreographer who asked them to follow her steps. Annika was failing to do one step, which made the choreographer ask her to focus. However, Annika still failed.

M: Anni, it's quite easy. Let me show.

Ch: Oh sure. Annika please let Mallika dance with Shivaay. She can show you properly then.

The choreographer supported Mallika while Annika looked on apprehensively. Shivaay, understanding her, immediately denied,

S: It's okay. If Annika cannot do this step, then change it. I don't want to swap my partner.

Ch: We're not swapping, Mr. Oberoi. And if we change the steps, it'll be messed up. Please allow Mallika to show.

Shivaay was about to speak again when he felt someone pulling him towards her. He turned to look at Mallika tugging at his arms.

M: Anni, you sit. This man would never end this argument.

Shivaay looked glumly at Annika who reluctantly left his hand and sat along with the others. Mallika felt Shivaay stiff and held his hands putting them around her waist, while Annika looked on. As they danced gracefully with arms around each other, close to each other, Annika couldn't help but secretly wipe a tear drop that escaped her eyes.

After some time, which felt like years to Annika, the choreographer finally clapped and asked Annika to dance with Shivaay, now that she saw how to do the step. This time, within a few tries, Annika nailed the step although she didn't dare to look towards him at all.

***

At night, Shivaay entered the room after dinner and found Annika picking up their clothes for laundry. He went towards her with a plate containing food since she had skipped dinner over the excuse of a headache, but he knew that she just wanted to avoid him.

S: Anni.

Annika stood silently without bothering to look at him making him angry. However, this time he decided to play calmly. He took a deep breath and held her hand making her sit on the bed and sat in front of her.

He took a morsel and brought it near her mouth. She opened her mouth to deny and using that chance itself, Shivaay put the food in her mouth, making her frown.

S: You're angry with me. Not with the food. So, stop ruining your health because of that.

He spoke sternly making her eat while she ate without any response. After she was done, Shivaay got up to take the laundry bag to the laundry room when something caught his eye.

S: Isn't this the shirt I wore just today? It's new. Why're you giving it for a wash already?

She couldn't just tell him that the shirt smelt heavily of Mallika's perfume, due to them dancing closely, could she? So she made up an excuse.

A: I smeared some lotion on in mistakenly. So, I put it for a wash.

Buying her reason, Shivaay walked out with the bag.

***

The next day, all the performances were done for the Sangeet and the only performance left was the couple dance, before which there was a small break.

Annika was talking to some guests when her phone rang showing a call from Sayali. She picked up the call and listened to her before hanging up. She looked around for Shivaay and saw him talking and laughing away with Mallika and someone else. Sighing, she made her way towards him.

A: Shivaay. Can I speak to you for a moment?

She asked him after greeting the other guy with them, who she found out to be both Mallika and Shivaay's college friend. Shivaay nodded and was about to move with her when Mallika pulled him back,

M: God, Anni. Not now. We're catching up after so long, you can have your husband later.

Saying this Mallika pulled him along with her towards their other friends making her fume. She looked on as he went with them. She saw Pinky passing by and went towards her,

A: Maa, I have to attend an emergency in the hospital. Please let people know if they ask.

P: Okays, beta. Don't worry.

***

She came back to her cabin after completing the surgery only to be surprised seeing her husband sitting there, all angry. She passed him a look and moved inside to pack her things when he pulled her by her arms, making her turn towards him.

S: You could've let me know before you left, no?

Annika too looked at him angrily and freed herself making him jerk.

A: I did come. You had some catching up to do.

She spoke and turned away again.

S: How long will you keep ignoring me like this?

He spoke while she remained busy with her own work, without speaking. He turned her towards him and spoke in a loud voice,

S: Look at me when I speak, dammit.

A: I will. Once you give up on this habit of shouting in anger.

She spat out making him take a deep breath to calm himself down. He moved towards her and held her face tenderly and spoke,

S: I'm sorry, Anni. I know I made a mistake. I couldn't control myself in anger and shouted at you.

Annika jerked his hands away from her face,

A: Shouted only? You pushed me, Shivaay. Such that I fell into Papa's arms. Not only that, you blamed me for what happened to Prinku. I always wished for good for her and you blamed me.

She spoke teary eyed.

S: I understand I shouldn't have shouted and pushed you..

A: No, you don't.

She cut him off.

A: I agree, as life partners, better halves, we can vent out all our bottled up frustrations at each other. And I have no issue with you doing the same. If not me, who'd hear you? But you did all that in public. In front of the whole family, in front of my parents. That's what hurt me.

She spoke loudly in anger seeing which Shivaay tried calming himself. He hated it when people shouted at him. He could understand how she felt but his ego took over.

S: Don't shout at me.

He spoke sternly making her chuckle sarcastically.

A: Hypocritical much?

She spoke pushing him away making him stumble.

S: What do you want me to do, huh? I've been roaming around you while you ignore me, I'm asking for your apology, aur kya chahiye tumhe?

He spoke frustrated, loudly again making her flare in anger.

A: Maafi maangi nahi, kamayi jaati hai.

Saying this, she took her bag and marched towards the parking lot angrily and walked towards his car, knowing very well, he won't let her drive home alone while he's there. Soon, he came downstairs too and they made their way home, silently.

***

Reaching home, Annika directly went to the room whereas Shivaay stopped to talk to Tej. He entered the room to see Annika had already changed and standing near the table looking at some reports. He stood behind her and was about to touch her shoulder when a splash of water hit him, drenching him from top to toe.

He wiped his face and looked towards her to see her glaring at him. She did this for two reasons. Firstly, her anger, obviously. Secondly, yet again, he smelled like Mallika which grated on her.

Shivaay sighed and was about to speak when a voice startled them both.

M: Oh god, Anni. What have you done? Don't you know, Shivaay catches cold easily?

Mallika spoke at once running to him and wiping his face with her stole making Shivaay awkward and Annika hurt, which Shivaay noticed. He moved away from her and spoke,

S: I'm okay, Mallika. Also, it's between me and my wife, please give us our privacy.

He spoke sternly making Mallika visibly upset. She apologized and left the room at once. Shivaay turned to Annika to speak to her only to see her moving out too.

S: Tum kaha jaa rahi ho?

A: I'm sleeping with Gauri-Bhavya tonight.

She spoke in a heavy voice and left without turning towards him, making him close his eyes tightly in anger.

***

At night, while Bhavya slept, Gauri and Annika sat near the window enjoying a cup of tea when Gauri spoke,

G: Di. How's your married life?

A: Matlab?

Annika spoke confused, taking a sip from her cup.

G: I mean, you had an arranged marriage, right? So, how did you and jiju adjust to each other? Did you guys face a lot of problems?

Annika understood that she was having pre-wedding jitters and smiled speaking,

A: Surprisingly, we didn't face much issues. I didn't even realise how we got adjusted to each other. Of course, we are quite different from each other like, he is a hygiene freak while I tend to be messy at times. He's a light sleeper while I move a lot in sleep, making him get up in the middle of the night sometimes.

She spoke chuckling making Gauri chuckle as well.

A: Those did bother sometimes, in the beginning but now, it's a part of us. In fact, now things get reversed sometimes. That Bagadbilla tends to get angry and mess up the whole room, sometimes forgets to keep his clothes in the cupboard, which I have to do. But those don't irritate me, you know? In fact, I miss these when I'm away from him. Him holding me tight in sleep, so that I don't move much and let us both sleep in peace. Him being cranky after a stressful day at work and coming home and ranting to me as I massage his head. Him cooking me my favourite food when I'm feeling low. Or taking me out for ice cream after we've fought. Or just simply holding me tight, whenever I need him.

Annika spoke dreamily seeing which Gauri smiled.

A: You know, I knew him as a shrewd, rude businessman who doesn't give a damn about anyone. But when that same man, cancels a whole deal just to be with me because I've had a bad day, it makes my heart swell. He understands me and my problems even before I speak about it. Just like I know his. Hum ladte bhi bohot hai. But then again, unhe dekhe bina mera din hi nahi jaata. Like Shivaay says, we complement each other. I guess that's what soulmates are. No matter what, you feel at peace with them.

G: You're in deep, Mrs. Oberoi.

Annika smiled hearing her.

A: Maybe, I am. And if I am, I never want to crawl up.

G: I'm so happy for you, Di. You know, I would've asked you about your sex life too but let it be. Hearing things from Rudy and Om and now the way you spoke about him, I can guess it's amazing.

Gauri spoke winking at her to which she blushed hitting her.

A: Badmash.

G: But honestly, Di. How was your wedding night? I mean, weren't you nervous?

Annika laughed hearing her to which Gauri looked at her confused,

A: I was super angry at Shivaay since a day before our wedding because he vented out his anger for somebody else on me. So, the moment he entered the room, I threw water at him.

She ended up laughing again while Gauri looked at her agape.

G: You what?

A: Sirf itna hi nahi, he did manage to placate me that night. Then in the morning, being the sleepy head I am, I even forgot that we're married and shouted at him for being in my room.

Gauri burst into laughter making her chuckle too.

G: Bechare jiju, suhaagraat barbaad kar di aapne unki. But di, on a serious note, when you guys did it for the first time, were you comfortable? I mean men don't feel the pain, so we can't always expect them to be considerate.

Annika blushed before answering.

A: Not if the man is Shivaay Singh Oberoi. He was the one scared for me instead. He cared for my comfort more than anything. More than his needs. Even now, he does. One look of discomfort from me and than man would create a scene by worrying for me.

Annika chuckled recalling how Shivaay wanted to stop just by looking at her discomfort. She smiled and continued, holding Gauri's hand,

A: Don't be scared, Ri. Om is Shivaay's brother. And now, mine too. I'm sure he'll love you and pamper you just like Shivaay does for me. Unlike the Bagadbilla, he's calm even in anger. Just never lie to him. That's the one thing he can't bear. Otherwise, he'll never hurt you.  

G: Thank you, Di.

Gauri smiled at her gratefully. Annika got up to move towards the bed and sat down when Gauri continued,

G: Waise di, aap ladke aye ho na jiju se? Can he stay without you? I heard, he never leaves your side easily. Even picks you up in front of everyone and takes him with you when you're angry at him and ignore him.

Gauri spoke teasing Annika to which she blushed before replying,

A: Reh lenge woh. Make sure to lock the door properly before you come to bed. Or else, you won't find me in the morning.

Saying this Annika lied down to sleep while Gauri moved to lock the door. On second thoughts, she decided to leave it unlocked to see what actually happens and moved to sleep.

Late at night, Gauri's sleep broke due to some noise and she slightly opened her eyes to see Shivaay carrying his wife away with him while she slept soundly, clinging to him. This brought a smile to Gauri's face and she slipped into slumber praying for their future along with Om and hers.

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