Annika was taken aback when she realized what had happened. As Shivaay extended his hand for a handshake with Mallika, there was another hand shaking his hands, and it wasn't a feminine one.

Si: Hello, Oberoi.

S: Hello, Rana. How come you both are here?

Si: Well, Mallika's my wife. Annika's my wife's friend. And my saala is Annika's to be jiju.

Shivaay stood shocked at all the info when Annika cleared her throat.

A: I think that's a lot of information for one day. Let's move on from this. Sid, Mallika, how come you're here so early. Engagement's in the evening right?

Annika noticed that both of their faces were becoming concerned.

M: Anni, we had to talk to you about something actually. Zara chal humare saath.

When Sid and Mallika carried Annika to her room, Shivaay stood there clueless. He opted not to interfere with their conversation and turned to put on the remaining lights for the stage decor.

***

In the evening, everyone was getting ready for the engagement. The girls in Maya's room while the boys in Ranveer's room. Annika appeared to be lost the entire time, which Maya observed.

M: Anni, why are you lost? Is everything fine?

Annika flashed a grin.

A: Everything's fine didu. I was just worried if all the arrangements are done properly or not.

M: Sure? You know tu mere saath kichhu bhi share kar sakti hai, right? Kuch bhi.

A: I know, Didu. Don't worry. Everything's fine. Get ready. I'll just go and check the arrangements for one last time.

After saying this, she bolted from the room, only to collide with a masculine chest.

S: Araam se, Dr. Kabeer. Stop being this clumsy or else, you yourself will be your first patient.

Annika frowned and looked at him scowling,

A: I'm fine, SSO. You need not worry. And FYI, I can't be my first patient because you were. Remember? Kal raat?

S: That was nothing serious.

Annika took a step back and walked away. Shivaay was perplexed when he saw Annika walk away without giving it back to him, but he shrugged it off.

***

The engagement theme was white and pink, thus the entire hall was decked in that color scheme. Everyone was in a good mood. Annika was pleasantly conversing with everyone, but Shivaay sensed something was wrong with her.

He was about to go and ask her once, but then the groom's side of the family walked in. He walked that way to greet everyone. Annika was standing right next to him when he noticed her stiffening up, as if something was amiss. He turned to find her smiling, as if nothing was wrong. But he had a feeling something wasn't quite right about her.

They were all standing and talking, when a couple approached them.

V: Hey Anni. How are you?

Annika didn't notice them coming and went stiff just by hearing his voice.

A: Hi, Vikram. I'm good. By the way, it's Dr. ANNIKA for you. Mujhe Anni sirf family and close friends bulate hai and you're none. How are you, Ragini?

Ragini just forced a smile at her before turning to Vikram,

Ra: Vik, let's just get something to drink please. The surrounding's making me suffocated.

She dragged Vikram away from there while Mallika, Sid, Aditya (Maya's fiance), Maya, Gauri, Bhavya and Ranveer looked at them with a scowl.

Annika excused herself to see another visitor. Maya glanced to Mallika once she had departed.

M: Malli, this is the reason she was worried all this while. I knew something was wrong.

Mal: Sid and I told her beforehand when we came in the afternoon so that she remains prepared.

M: I understand. It's okay. She's strong. She'll keep it cool.

ShivOmRuPri was completely oblivious to what was going on. Gauri noticed them and explained,

G: Vikram is Anni Di's ex. They dated for a few years before they broke up. We don't know the reason they broke up or anything but we know that something big must have happened. Otherwise, Anni di would never get panic attacks. She's a strong soul. But if this person did break her, he must have hurt her bad.

R: Why's he here then?

Ad: Because he's related to my family. They're a distant relative.

Shivaay was taken aback by the news. Annika has always struck him as a vibrant, upbeat individual. He had no idea she was going through something like this.

Even though Annika was a little lost, the engagement ceremony concluded on a positive note.

***

Annika's P.O.V

I have to take care of myself. All of the functions will be attended by Vikram and Ragini. I can't keep falling apart like this. It's been a long time now. I'll have to forget about it. Everyone will be concerned if I act nervous or upset. Yes, indeed. I'll take care of it. I am strong.

P.O.V ENDS

Annika changed into something more casual and decided to go for a drive to unwind. Shivaay stopped her as she was about to leave.

S: Anni.

Annika turned to him startled, when he spoke again,

S: I mean Annika. Sorry. Woh, kahin ja rahi ho?

A: Yes. I was going for a drive. I feel a bit stressed so, I just needed a  change of atmosphere.

S: Do you mind if I join you? I don't mean to disturb, it's just I needed a change too.

Annika agreed since she was worried as well because it was late at night and she was exhausted. So she reasoned that Shivaay joining her would be safe.

Shivaay, on the other hand, was concerned for her safety after learning everything, and when he spotted her out so late, he grew frightened. As a result, he decided to accompany her in order to keep her safe.

But there was another reason he wanted to accompany her deep down. What if she decided to reveal herself? What if she needed a sympathetic ear tonight? He didn't know why, but if something like this happened, he wanted to be the one, she opens up to.

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