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Hello everyone :) I want to begin by thanking God for his blessings and all of you loyal readers who are reading this story and continuing to make it reach high success by reading it and appreciating it :)

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Important Warning: Casual alcoholic drinking is mentioned in this chapter for storyline purposes only.

Important Warning: Also, this part has mild violence as part of a brawl sequence. I have tried my best to tone down that scene, but if you do not like this scene, then please let me know and I will cut it out of the story.

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I am so sorry for the delay, but I am not kidding and lying as I wrote this chapter for 13 hours straight today and this chapter really drained a lot of my energy, so I am so sorry for the delay, but I really did put my heart into this chapter.

I want to continue to be encouraged to write, so if you wish then please do upvote this chapter because I do put in a lot of hardwork and I am not sure how many readers are actually liking the chapter and the storyline, so if you wish then you may upvote this chapter :)

I tried my best and I am not sure if you will like this chapter, but I tried :)

A lot of Shivika moments following these two parts.

Anika is a confusing character and she is getting more confusing in this chapter. Why is Anika so confusing readers? What is going on with her? Let me know in the comments below :)

Also, let me know if you think a secret war is being waged in the Oberoi family against Shivaay?

Again, I did my best and I wrote for 13 hours straight, so I want to continue to be encouraged, so if you wish then please do upvote this chapter only if you liked this chapter. I really want to know how many readers are actually liking the storyline. I really don't want to leave this story hanging in the middle...Thank you for reading :)

If you wish, you can read part 3 that is after this chapter :)

Again, I tried my best and wrote the best I could. I was quite tired by the end of posting these three chapters, so if possible, if you like this chapter, then if you wish, you can upvote this chapter :) I hope this story succeeds because I really tried my best.

Ch. 26 of is more Anika's point of view because this chapter sets up her journey in the crazy Oberoi family. She will be introduced to the weird, unsupportive family Shivaay has and she will change a little towards Shivaay in the end of the ch.

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Part 2

My vision clearing up as my head brushed lightly against his jaw. Lifting my head up, a pair of blue eyes glistened towards me. My breaths stopping as my body trembled under the teasing edges of his touch. Shivaay's hand slipping underneath my blazer and on to my waist as his fingers tip toed slowly across the edges of my waist pulling me closer against him as the cameras continue to flash at both of us.

Biting my lip, I looked away as his touch began to feel alluring to me. The softness of his hand against the cloth of my crop top as their heat appeared to seep through. The end of his hand touching the bare skin of my waist as my shoulders suddenly shook flinching backwards. My hand immediately reaching his as I looked at him. His feet moving a step forward forcing me to follow his step as my heat once more stumbled on the rumble.

Lowering my head to get clear sight of where I was walking, the cameras continue to click at us as I began to hear the paparrazi yelling questions at us. Their shouting and yelling appearing as a blur as I began to feel more nervous. The crowd of them making me shake and tremble and increasing my nervousness as I felt myself freezing up.

Shivaay's hand drumming against my waist as he attempted to catch my attention.

"It's alright Anika ok? You will be fine ok?" His voice appearing as a soft, comforting whisper amongst the chaotic scene that was unfolding in front of the nightclub as paparrazi continued to crowd over us and hurl questions that my anxiety was blocking out as a stress response.

Shivaay taking control of my body as he began to walk pulling me against his body as my feet forced themselves to walk. My legs shaking as Shivaay pushed us through the crowd. Our legs matching in rhythm as he used his strength to pull me out of the stress response my body was taking itself into.

The doors of the nightclub opening as an escape from the chaos outside. Shivaay pushing me inside as the doors slammed shut behind us. My breaths heavier than usual as I placed my hand on my chest trying to control my uncontrollable heartbeat. Nausea overcoming me as I took deep breaths leaning against the wall of the nightclub. The loud music emitting itself from the nightclub not helping either.

Feeling his hand on my shoulder, I looked up at Shivaay as he appeared slightly concerned. A bit unusual of him. "You ok Anika?" I sighed as I shook my head leaning back as I noticed Gauri and Omkara entering through the entrance.

"Anika what happened?" Gauri questioned as she walked up to us.

"You guys ok?" Om questioned as Shivaay sighed and signaled a waiter to get water.

"Y-Yeah, I am fine...Everything was overwhelming outside. I felt overwhelmed by the lights and hurls of questions..." I whispered feeling breathless as Shivaay handed me a glass of water that I quickly downed. The coolness of the water mildly lowering anxious bundle of nerves I was carrying at the moment.

"It's alright Anika. The reporters can be overwhelming," Gauri said consolingly as she rubbed my back to calm me down.

"Ok, how about we sit down at the set of sofas there alright?" Om noted as I nodded and used all my strength to lift myself from the wall.

My legs still shaking and feeling flimsy as we walked down the black marbled steps and on to the large dance floor where large crowds of people danced with their heads held high and bodies close together without a care of their lives and only living in the moment. Clasping my hands together, I looked back at Shivaay who appeared to closely follow behind us.

https://youtu.be/25ROFXjoaAU

Smoke and the smell of alcohol filling up the air as I coughed feeling nauseous. Somehow this moment reminded me of the winter dance at medical school in my first year. I remember that night. How I broke down over not getting my research picked from my professor and how Shivaay saved me from a thief. It felt like de ja vu as similar music was playing loudly while only purple, red, and white lights flashed in the dark room.

"Here let's sit down ok?" Gauri noted as we made our way to a pair of large sofas that were lined across from one another.

I quickly took a seat as I clasped my hands together trying to calm my nerves. Calm down Anika. It's ok. This is only a crowd and nothing will happen Anika. I felt my heartbeat slow down as I found myself calming down. Indeed, therapy is helping me.

Feeling Shivaay hovering me, I quickly looked up at him as he stood next to me. It felt odd. The moment itself as I realized how Shivaay had somehow protected me outside and guided me towards an escape.

He did that before when we were married. He would hold me when I would break down at times and face my nerves. He would comfort me soothingly, a complete opposite from the typical demeanor he carried at the time and still did. However, he would never support me. If something wrong happened, he took control of the moment and protected me, but always blamed me for the causes of my problem. So, this moment was odd because it was as if the past repeated. Why is he protecting me? Why is he comforting me?

"You want something else Anika?" He broke the silence between us as I shook my head in a no.

"Sure?" He asked once more with a small hint of concern in his voice.

"Yes." I looked away awkwardly as I clenched on to the loose ends of my skirt and pulled it below my knee.

"Fine. I will be at the bar ok everyone?" Shivaay remarked as Omkara shrugged before Shivaay looked back at me and quickly walked away.

My eyes following him as I saw him walk to the bar. I guess he still has not reprimanded his habit of drinking and partying despite how much I pleaded to him back in our relationship. Why would he reprimand himself? He never did and probably never will. Shivaay Singh Oberoi always does what he wants. I sighed as I looked away.

"Priyanka and Akash were following us right?" Gauri asked Om as he shrugged and took a seat at the sofa across from us.

"I don't know Gauri ok? Can you just sit in silence and peace for once? What is wrong with you? Why are you so interested in indulging nonsense?! Do you even know how much nonsensical things you mention in a day? I have been watching since tonight and tone down please!" My eyes widening as I felt quite taken aback by Om's rude tone with Gauri.

Quickly turning toward Gauri, I noticed her lowering her eyes as she clenched on to sadness reflected in how her eyes were beginning to glisten with sadness. Embarrassment clearly seen in how her body appeared to become limp.

In that moment, that dash of anger reflected across his eyes was identical to Shivaay's. The way he leaned back with his leg over the other with a demeanor showing a sense of pride was uncanningly like Shivaay who acted the same way when we were married. I remember how Shivaay would project his anger on the smallest questions or comments I made. I felt a tinge of anger at Om in how he behaved with Gauri and wanted to speak, but I knew it would worsen the matter between the two and that I shouldn't interfere.

"There is so many reporters outside! We barely made it," Akash noted with annoyance as he walked towards us with Priyanka besides him. Priyanka somewhat appearing different than when I saw her earlier tonight. Her face appearing pale as she appeared a little nervous.

"You ok Priyanka?" My curiosity rolling out of my tongue as Priyanka looked up at me. My eyes falling to Akash's hand that appeared to squeeze her hand tightly. A faint smile barely escaping from Priyanka as she looked at me.

"Um...uh...of course Anika I am fine. The reporters made me feel a little anxious I guess. Um...how about we all get something to eat? I am a little hungry, so that's why I am feeling a little faint," Priyanka remarked as Akash appeared to let go of her hand leading her towards me.

"How about you ladies enjoy? Um...Om let's go and grab a drink ok?" Akash said as he appeared to smile, but it was definitely pretentious.

My eyes followed them as they walked towards the bar that was towards the other side of the nightclub quite further from everyone else. Om and Akash exchanging glances as they appeared to look at Shivaay. Shivaay seemingly downing drinks like it was a spice eating contest. Om's hand placed on Shivaay's shoulder as he appeared to catch his attention and say something. Shivaay's face reddening as clearly the alcohol was getting to him. Suddenly, Shivaay appeared to widen his mouth and be frustrated throwing his head up in the air.

Something is not right. I cannot pinpoint what it is, but I feel something is off. Running my hands through my hair, I looked back at Priyanka trying to dabble in conversation as my eyes darted back to Shivaay. He appeared to be in an argument of sorts with Om as he kept drinking whisky from his glass. Something is going on between those three that I don't know of.

Shivaay's Point of View

"I cannot believe you are bringing this topic back after a few weeks have passed. Look Om, I want to support your start up company and I am investing in it of course, but how much more do you want me to do? You company is not doing well and frankly you made me lose my own business associates because I vouched them to invest in your company and they lost money in return." I know I was being harsh and my words acted like a blunt knife that slashed any hopes Om may have had from me, but it was the truth and this is something he should face. Om should work for himself without asking others for favors.

I know I have failed to show affection to my brother, but it doesn't mean I don't care for him. I do care for Om and have done everything to help his start up do well, but if it means that rest of the Oberoi empire may suffer due to his ill decisions, it is better I guide him in the process.

"Shivaay, I cannot believe you are saying this. You are my brother and you are supposed to support me through thick and thin!" Om argued clearly being frustrated by my statement. I sighed as I shook my head back and forth looking at him.

"I am being practical Om. You know how burdened I am already in ensuring Oberoi hospitals continues to succeed. Oberoi Hospitals was failing under Papa and it's finally succeeding since the past few years. It's my duty to ensure our hospitals continue to succeed while Papa continues to do what he is good at which is oil and textiles. Om at the end of the day, I will be leading these three types of big businesses we have and I have to be cold hearted in this matter." I sighed as I took a deep breath as I took another sip of whisky.

Om furrowed his eyebrows as he looked back at Akash who was a mere onlooker of our argument. I could tell Om was angry and frustrated at me. He has the right to be angry that I have decided to not vouch our business clients for his company, but I know I am doing the right thing.

"So you are being selfish Shivaay? You are only thinking about your power and leadership in the company and nothing more? Nothing about your brother or even your sister. Aren't I right Akash? Doesn't Priyanka deserve her fair share now that she will be finishing residency and joining the hospital board? Don't you think she should have some power?" Om questioned as my eyes widened quite taken aback by Om's statement. Om never spoke such type of nonsense before. He was never power hungry, but why that hunger for power now being seen in those rage filled eyes? My eyes darted back to Akash who appeared to agree as he nodded and also appeared frustrated.

"Indeed Shivaay. I have ardent hopes Priyanka has some form of strong financial power once she joins the board of the hospital. We have a future to think of course. I mean we will soon have children and they need a good solid future," Akash retorted singing a similar song like Om.

I raised my eyebrow as I rolled my eyes looking at both of them. What game is this? What are they both doing and playing? I raised my eyebrow as I twirled my fingertips on the edges of my half filled glass.

I remember Papa once told me to never even trust family when it comes to business. Papa taught me a lot, all of which I take as nonsense, but I feel I should take this one statement and look at it more closely. I never listen to my gut feeling, but today I am sure it is right. Something is being planned and I can smell it.

A smirk playing across my lips as I sipped the whisky and looked at both of them. The whisky clearly strengthening my ego and command as I felt it rush through my body. My face reddening as I chuckled and looked at both of them.

"Listen to one thing. At the moment, Shivaay Singh Oberoi runs the game. He runs the hospitals and he will for sure run the future Oberoi empire. You know why?"

Om and Akash clearly appearing like wet cats caught in a thunderstorm as they appeared tongue tied. Clearly, they knew that I was understanding what was going on in their mind.

"Why?" Om's voice cold and distant as he looked at me.

I smirked as I bit my lip before leaning forward towards him.

"Because...Shivaay Singh Oberoi has never failed and will never fail at running the reigns and bringing in the money, power, and fame to this empire. I brought it. I worked day and night like a bloody fellow to bring more financial power and strength to our empire while you all were out and about enjoying your lives without a care about our family, our image, our money. I was the one who stood up to investors and fought for money! I brought the money! So, for hell's sake don't you all dare try to show me the door and kick me out of it because I will not leave that door. I will sit on the throne of Oberoi empire! Do you understand?!" My voice getting louder and louder as I grabbed my glass of whisky and slammed it on the bar table.

My anger getting the best of me as my obsession with power took over me. I know its an obsession. I have an obsession to perfect everything I join and ensure its success. I was born and raised that way and I don't regret it.

Om and Akash appearing quite shocked from my sudden anger as it has erupted upon them. Not another word slipping from their tongues as they looked at me. I can tell they despise me at the moment, but I don't care. I don't give a damn what these two think of me.

"For what and whom are you fighting this power for? For once think about us and our children! I have a family Shivaay and Priyanka likely will too! Our financial strength is extremely important for our family's future! Do you have any children or family Shivaay for whom you are fighting?" Om questioned as I clenched my jaw tightly looking at him. He was getting to me and if he was not my brother, I would have literally shown him his place right now. Who does he think he is? I know that last statement was a taunt from him.

This is what you get Shivaay for sharing your secrets with others. Om knows about me and Anika and he is now playing this to his advantage to make me feel bad about how I have failed in my personal life.

"Om. No one plays with Shivaay Singh Oberoi and you better understand that. How about you first show me how capable you are and then I will think about it. I will think about helping you again alright? And you Akash...first let Priyanka prove herself capable of having power in the hospital.I want Priyanka to be on the board and she will be, but her true power, more than being a board member, will be seen once she works to improve healthcare and its meaning by being part of the board and not just sitting there. Alright?" I signaled the bar tender to give me another drink as I sat down on the bar stool.

I will lead the Oberoi empire after Papa and I have to ensure the empire has a solid foundation for our future generation of children...especially Chaaya. I know I am being selfish, but I am a father and I have the right to think about Chaaya and her future. My hopes are that Chaaya leads the empire after me and I will do everything to ensure she is in a position of power. My only goal in life right now is to have enough financial strength that would secure Chaaya's future and help Chaaya lead a life as a strong, independent woman. I will do anything for Chaaya.

My eyes focusing upon the bottles of alcohol as I pretended they both did not exist for me at the moment as I watched them walk away. I don't want to ruin tonight by creating a fight and it's best I try my best to control my anger. Anika is here of course. If she see's me fuming in anger then what will she think of me?

I sipped more whisky as I looked back at Anika. My heart skipping a beat as I took sight of her. She appeared to laugh as she leaned her head back. Her smile widening as her red lipstick appeared seductive at the moment. The way she crossed her legs and shyly tucked her skirt down her knees appearing alluring. She looks like a vision tonight...The way she carries herself with class, but shyness. However, whatever she is wearing doesn't matter...she wears the beauty of her soul and that's what attracts me.

Her need to avoid my gaze, as she hates my attention, deepening my need to hold her, bring her close to me, and make her mine. Her smile brings light to the compelling sadness I carry inside of me...sadness from losing her. Her innocence makes me believe there is truth in the world. She is peculiar, different, beautiful than any other woman I have met before and that is what draws me to her and makes me want to possess her.

I smiled as I saw her giggle and seemingly joyful. It had been long since I have seen her this way. I noticed a figure behind her as I tightened my grip on the glass of whisky with anger realizing it was Armaan. His hands wrapping around her as he took her in for a hug. Her slimy hands running behind her back. Her bare legs leaning against his legs. A wide, cheeky smile apparent across Anika's face as she appeared to become gleeful by seeing Armaan. The vision in front of me piercing my heart and bringing a heavy weight and emptiness to it. Disgust filling my mouth as I sucked in the remnants of the bitter whisky trying to drown the heaviness that was becoming a black, ugly hole wound on my heart inside of me.

Only my hands should be touching her. Only I can hold her like that. Only I deserve that smile from her. Who is this Armaan? What does he think of himself? He is a nobody. He has nothing compared to me. Then why is Anika showing interest in him? Why is Anika willingly allowing him to bring himself close to her? Anika cannot do this to me. I don't deserve this from her. I let her go for her happiness with her family, but not for her to find new romances.

I love you Anika. I love you so much. I want you to be happy and find an independent life, but I cannot imagine you with anyone else besides me. I want to fight for you Anika. I want to protect you. I want you.

The alcohol's effects taking over me as I felt my head get heavy. I sucked in a breath before grabbing my glass and made my way through the large crowd of people dancing like crazy animals. My mind making twisted twirls in the air as I knew I was beginning to lose track of my thought process and control of myself. The alcohol pushing me towards Anika and the rest of them.

"Oh! Look Shivaay is here! I was thinking where you went," Armaan said as I rolled my eyes and took the empty seat next to him on the sofa sitting right across from Anika.

Anika scrunched her nose up as I smirked knowing that was her innate response to anyone who had taken a drink. Her brown marble eyes looking at me with innocent anger and disgust over my state of being a drunk. If you only had lust for me Anika and at the present feel nothing for me, then why do you look so concerned with the fact that I am drunk? Why do I find pity for me in those eyes? I slightly smiled as I ran my thumb across my lips taking in each and every inch of her beauty that she emitted. Her eyes attempting to avoid me, but returning back to me. You will always return back to me Anika.

Anika's Point of View

https://youtu.be/u_6r6Jg2IJ4

I felt disgusted looking at him in this state. Alcohol clearly twisting his mind as his eyes appeared more playful while he appeared less stiff and more loosened up as he leaned against the couch. He is clearly drunk and now will definitely do something nonsensical. He always does when he is drunk. It's as if the alcohol takes over his mind and turns him into different people starting from playful at the beginning to a man full of anger and rage at the end. My heart tells me that this night will not end well.

"I am going to get a drink! Um...you want a drink Anika?" Armaan asked catching me off guard as I felt quite surprised by his question. He should know that I do not drink since I am pretty sure I have mentioned it before.

"Anika doesn't drink." The devil's advocate vouching for me without my permission as I threw him a glare. Shivaay smirked as he looked at Armaan.

"You are her boyfriend and you don't know this basic thing about her?" Shivaay clearly taunting him as he licked his lips and smacked them against the glass of whiskey he held to the tips of thirsty lips.

Armaan's cheek reddening as he looked embarrassed. "Um...well now I know. But, how do you know?"

Great. Shivaay is an expert at digging a hole for himself and falling in it along with pulling me into it. I mentally facepalmed myself as I looked at Shivaay pretty annoyed at him.

"I know Anika more than anyone does..." His words rolling out of his drunk tongue and setting fire to the suppressed anger I held. How can he do this to me? What is wrong with him? To think he decided to let me live in my happiness, the last I would think was he would do something like this. If we were alone, I would have blasted him for his ability to embarrass us in public and put our secret in jeopardy.

"What?" Priyanka clearly surprised as she leaned forward looking at Shivaay.

"I am her boss after all," Shivaay said chuckling as he leaned his head against the sofa as everyone looked at him confused with their eyes darting between him and I. They will definitely get suspicious now.

"I am going to get drink and some for the group as well ok? I will be back," Armaan said as he smiled and walked away.

An awkward sense of tension coming between all of us as Shivaay leaned his head back against the sofa clearly trying to outlaw himself from everyone else and not be involved in conversations that emerged between Om and Akash.

"Um...anyways. So, how is the organization for the fashion show going Anika?" Priyanka said excitedly as she looked at me.

"Great in fact Armaan has helped me a lot in organizing it. Hopefully, the fashion show is a success," I said smiling.

"Oh Armaan? Hm? I never thought he had it in him. I think you are just siding him, but you probably did everything," Shivaay intervened as I furrowed my eyebrows. The smoke of jealousy clearly being emitted from him.

"Well Armaan helped. He didn't leave me in the middle like someone else who speaks lies." My voice acting as a double edged sword as I knew I hit his weak spot. He knew exactly what I was talking about...the separation that brought us apart. The separation that broke my heart and fulfilled him.

Shivaay glared at me as he diggedhis fingers into the end of the sofa. You deserve these bitter words for what you have done to me. How can you think I will forget everything so fast? You broke my heart and this is the least I can speak on this matter...I can be more bitter if I want to.

"Um...how about we keep it cool guys right?" Priyanka's voice intervening in between our tension.

"Yes, please let's keep peace. Already this night is turning me off," Gauri said as she looked at her phone. Her mood off since Om yelled at her.

"Oh come on Gauri bhabhi do not be a sore loser," Priyanka remarked as Gauri took a breath of frustration and looked at her.

"Tell your brother Om to behave properly with me alright Priyanka?" Gauri snapped as I looked both of them back and forth stuck sitting in the middle.

"Gauri Bhabhi, please behave properly with me!" Priyanka's voice rising as I grabbed Priyanka's arm trying to calm her down.

"Stop it both of you!" My body suddenly shaking as I looked at Shivaay who clearly was annoyed by the argument.

"Shivaay please..." I whispered trying to tone down the situation.

"Oh please Anika, don't try to tone me down alright? Look at these two. Look, Priyanka you are my sister and Gauri I have always treated you like my sister and a member of my family. Can you both please behave in public and argue back at home alright? I don't know what is wrong with both of you today, but stop it for the sake of maintaining your own dignity in public?" Shivaay clearly had a point despite being drunk. Surprisingly, I am finding myself agreeing with him and a little impressed by his ability to handle his family.

Gauri and Priyaka semi agreeing with Shivaay as they leaned back against the sofa appearing to ignore one another.

"OK fine whatever. Anyways, I was thinking to lighten up the mood by playing a game," Priyanka said smiling.

"What game?" Om questioned as the rest of the guys came back.

"Hmm...truth or dare!" Priyanka announced excited as my eyes widened. What? Where does Priyanka get these ideas? I hate truth or dare as it is one of the most nonsensical games.

"I am totally in. I love this game." Armaan quickly sat down next to Shivaay as other members of group appeared quite excited.

Shivaay clearly not in the mood as he growled and mumbled a few words as he looked at everyone. "What is this nonsense?" He questioned angrily as Om rolled his eyes.

"At least let others have fun Shivaay. Please," Om remarked as Shivaay sighed and leaned back. He surprisingly did not say another word as he indulged in drinking whiskey.

Priyanka clasped her hands in happiness as she looked at everyone,"Ok, so Om bhai please give me your beer bottle. So, I will spin the bottle and it will land on someone. After that, one of us will spin the bottle and then the person who it lands on, we will ask truth or dare and the rest you all know right?"

Great. This is all this night needed. Already the night is not going well and then Priyanka comes up with magical idea. I clearly was feeling quite annoyed at the moment as Priyanka spinned the bottle making it land at Om.

"Ok, truth or dare Om bhai?"

"Hm, truth."

"So, tell me when was the first time you said 'I love you' to Gauri Bhabhi," Priyanka exclaimed as everyone hooted loudly hitting my ears as I leaned back catching Shivaay who appeared equally annoyed by everyone else.

"Um...on our honeymoon of course," Om said as he appeared to blush. Gauri rolling her eyes and she looked at Om.

"Did you mean it Om? Did you mean the three words?" My eyes widening as I almost spit out the water I was drinking.

Dead silence falling down between us as our eyes fell upon Om and Gauri who looked at each other intently. Their body language indicating a sense of uneasiness, tension, and anger as Om crossed his arms throwing a glare at her while Gauri threw a smug look at him.

"It's one question per spin Gauri ok? Let's talk about this when we go home." Om gritting his teeth as he made his statement.

Gauri and Om are truly facing some serious problems. It's apparent in how they look at each other and talk to one another. I am good at reading such situations since I am a divorcee myself of course. The glares, the taunts, and the need to exert dominance is something Shivaay and I had displayed multiple times before our separation. I can tell when something is seriously wrong between a couple. Here is to hope that things get better as I took a sip of water.

"Ok, Om bhai spin the bottle alright?"

Om spun the bottle as it swiveled and turned before making a stop at Shivaay. Shivaay rolled his eyes as he leaned on the couch look at us.

"Oh come on!" He yelled as he drank his whisky.

"Well if you don't participate then that means you are scared of telling the truth or being dared," Priyanka argued as Shivaay glared at her.

"I am not scared. Fine throw a truth question at me!" Shivaay yelled at Om as Om rolled his eyes evidently reflecting some tension.

"When was the last time you were happy?" Om questioned.

Om's question taking me by surprise as I looked back at Shivaay. Shivaay's gaze stood still on Om as he clenched his fist tightly before he took a deep breath. His eyes slowly turning towards me. I looked at him confused as he smiled.

"Few weeks ago..." Shivaay replied as he smiled and looked at me. My eyes widening realizing what he may just be referring to...that night at the beach... I clasped my hands together nervously as I felt my cheeks heat up. Somehow remembering the moment...the intimacy.

"What did you do?" Priyanka asked curiously as Shivaay smirked and he ran his thumb across his lips before looking at me.

"The moment made me happy after a long time...I found peace in it...that' s enough..." Shivaay said as I felt quite surprised by his words.

Peace? Happy? That night made him genuinely feel like that? Or is he playing with my mind? My curiosity getting the best of me as I began to reflect on his words and replay the night in my mind trying to remember exactly how he was...I stopped the thought as my cheeks began to burn as I placed my hands on it. My eyes falling on Shivaay who had that smirk on his face.

"Ok my turn," Shivaay noted as he held the tip of the bottle with eyes at me spinning it loudly as it twisted and turned before slowly stopping at me.

My eyes widening as I bit my lip looking at Shivaay as a small smirk appeared across his face. He sipped the whisky tasting it as he kept his gaze at me. A sense of discomfort emerging inside of me as he had a teasing, seductive gaze as he smacked his lips before raising his eyebrows and appearing to gaze at my features. His eyes falling on the hint of cleavage I had as I quickly wrapped my blazer around me tightly.

"Oh Shivaay bhai. Do you really want to dare or play truth?" Priyanka questioned as Shivaay smirked.

"Sure. I mean it's nonsense, but why not play and have fun for a moment right?" I gulped nervously as his words did not truly appear his. I know how much he hates these type of party games and I know he is faking it. There is something diabolcle in that tone of his voice.

I felt my mouth slightly gaping open as fear suddenly sucked out the remaining air out of me. Fear of what he might say or do. He is going do something now that is going to make me regret showing up tonight. I just know he scheming something in that sick mind of his. What have I gotten myself into? If I only knew he would be here tonight and I wouldn't have showed up.

"Truth or dare?" His voice lowered as if he was drilling the words at me, teasing me, questioning me.

Gathering my nerves, I held my head high and looking directly at him. "Truth."

He smiled as he leaned forward with a sense of command. "Have you ever fallen in love with someone and loved them to a point of no end? Do you still love them?" His statement shutting me down. His question carving up old wounds that suddenly became sensitive and tender inside of me. My heart jumping and beginning to dance wildly upon hearing that question from him who broke my heart and walked away on it.

I bit my lip as I lowered my eyes trying to hide the vulnerability that I still held...vulnerability from a heartbreak that was untold and unsung to anyone. His question touching the bottle emotion of sadness and frustration over a broken heart. My heart seemingly wounded from that passionate, selfless love that it once had embraced and displayed proudly to the man sitting in front of me.

Tension evident between both of our conflicted souls as I heard everyone else take a sigh looking intently at both of us.

"Love? What is love Shivaay? Is it an illusion or something real? If you call love the fact that you give up yourself for someone and do everything...everything possible to make them happy even it means supporting them through their stress, loving them in their sorrow, and being passionate to them in their happiness...then...yes. I fell in love a long time ago." That thunder of love finally erupting in the pain that it took me to say those words. My lips quivering at this point as I tried to hide remnant pain and sorrow from him. I have to be strong. I cannot show my weakness of which he will take advantage of.

Shivaay's demeanor, full of ego, shattering as his eyes showed loss of his anger. My declaration of my love for him, that I once had, seemingly appearing to affect him. It was peculiar. His eyes darkening as he draped himself with contemplation. He often was ignorant to my calls for my love for him, but right now in this moment...he was not.

Is he thinking about the meaning of love? Is he delving on it for once and trying to understand it? Why is it that I want him to give me hope...hope that he for once is appreciating my love for him and wanting to hear it with his own ears.

"Who?" I looked realizing Armaan had asked the question. My eyes immediately shooting back to Shivaay. His eyes lowered as he circled his fingertips on the edges of his glass of whisky. Not once looking up towards me. My words somehow bringing a sense of shame in him as he ignored me.

I sighed as I clasped my hands together placing my fingertips on my wedding finger as I realized its emptiness. Memories of a lost love still present on the edges of my soul as it twisted. "It was someone. Someone that is now only a stranger who lives across a distance from me," I whispered as I looked at Shivaay's reflection on the marbled table between us. He is far now. Far from my heart and not once returning back to it.

Priyanka paced her hand on my shoulder awakening me from my sadness as I weakly smiled looking at her. Gauri appearing concerned as she looked at me.

"You loved him a lot?" Gauri's voice breaking out as her question appeared to awaken an emotion that I had held tightly inside of my heart. An emotion I did not want to touch at the moment, something I did not want to reflect on.

"Who knows what 'a lot' of love is Gauri? Love cannot be measured...if you really love someone than you know that love can never be given value..." I smiled slightly as my words appeared to touch her. Her eyes showing contemplation and reflection on my words as she looked back at Om.

"Anika...things will get better for you. I know it," Armaan said as he smiled. I slightly smiled as I looked at him. His words giving me hope that someday things might get better for me. That I might just get someone I deserve. At least that is what I wish.

"Ok, enough being serious! Let's play alright?!" Priyanka said smiling as I smiled trying to lift my spirits which had fallen.

I looked at Shivaay as he looked up at me. You love this Shivaay right? You love snatching some pieces of happiness I have and reminding me of a toxic love I had formed for you? You love making me suffer right?

The bottle swiveled once more as the game continued. Laughs and giggles surrounding both Shivaay and I, but our eyes seemingly only going back to one another. Somehow he stole glances at me as I pretended to giggle, but failing since Shivaay's presence was beginning to affect me. His presence reminding me of everything I was trying to let go of. The game continued and so did my misery of still being part of it.

I found misery in the sense in how I felt myself becoming attracted to Shivaay and the demeanor he dwelled in while sitting on the sofa. My eyes glancing over how his white shirt tightened around him and further enhanced his features. My heart racing at seeing him portray that dominance and power. It's wrong of me to be attracted to his toxicity, but I like it.

Priyanka spinned the bottle once more after drinking three vodka shots as part of his dare. The bottle spinning loudly before falling on to Armaan. A wide smile appearing across Priyanka's face as she squeaked loudly before grabbing my hand.

"Ok...Armaan. Um...truth or dare?"

"Dare. You know I love dares?" Armaan noted as he chuckled. Priyanka raised her eyebrows before she looked at me. Oh no, Priyanka. Don't you dare give me that teasing look. Why do I feel this is going to go bad?

"I dare you Armaan to kiss Anika," Priyanka announced.

My heart skipping a beat as Priyanka's words chimed my nervousness. My mind drawing an innocent blank as it froze not knowing what to say or react. The thought of kissing Armaan bringing a sense of bitterness and disgust to me. Some how I cannot see myself being intimate with Armaan.

My eyes darting back to Shivaay as he sat still soaking in anger that was evident in how he drummed his hands against the sofa slamming the glass of whisky on to the table in front of us. His eyes piercing daggers at me and Armaan as he looked at both of us.

My hands immediately brushing against my lips. Remembering how they were tender and swollen once and only by Shivaay. How I have only allowed him to touch me even when he broke me. At that moment, my mind stood still reminiscing that night a few weeks ago...my eyes set on Shivaay as he looked at me. His eyes appearing to moisten as they questioned me...questioned my character...questioned what I was doing.

Everything was now getting to me. It had built up and now was sucking on to my energy and feeding on my anger and frustration. First Shivaay's question that reignited the heartbreak that I have been trying hard to bury and now this dare. I cannot take it anymore. I don't deserve this.

My stomach formed tight knots as my throat began to tighten in sheer nervousness. I shook my head back and forth. No, no. This is wrong. This cannot be happening. Absolutely not. A sense of discomfort rising out of me as I quickly got up.

"You guys play this nonsense game alright? I am not playing it ok?" My voice breaking down from anger that was now beginning to build up inside of me. Anger from how intimacy is being made a mockery right now. Frustration over how I might just not be ready to forget...him as I publicly declared how I loved him. What must Shivaay be thinking? How stupid I was to just say I loved someone? I made a mockery of myself. My heart beginning to pound as I began to feel anxious.

Priyanka grabbing my wrist as she held me back. "Oh come on Anika. It is just an innocent kiss alright? What's wrong with you?" She argued as I sighed trying to gather patience with Priyanka's immaturity at the moment.

Snatching my wrist from her hand, I took a step forward. "I don't care Priyanka. I am different and you know that as well. I don't indulge in this type of intimacy in public." My voice getting louder by the minute as I was about to unwrap my anger. I don't know what the cause of my sudden frustration and anger was, but at the moment I knew I wanted to be left alone.

I grabbed my clutch and placed it on my shoulder before slamming the edge of my heel on the floor and turning away. The veins in my neck trembling with rage that I was trying to control and stifle within myself. Priyanka knows how conservative I am and still she does this nonsense. She should understand me. This is the least I can hope from a friend. Moreover, how can I kiss Armaan? No. Absolutely not. I find happiness when I am around him and I enjoy being with him, but I don't see myself getting intimate with him at the moment. I see it as the fact that I am going slow with the relationship, but somewhere I also feel I just am not ready...not ready to have some other man besides Shivaay to hold me and be intimate with me. It appears unimaginable.

But, then why is unimaginable? It shouldn't be. Is it because of the painful memories that I still have of him? Memories that I continue to attempt to bury, but only to take them out and remenince over them?

Why is it that tonight when I saw Shivaay, I somehow felt attracted to him? Why is it that the seemingly emptiness I had for weeks is filling in my laying my eyes on him? All the time I sat at the sofa, my eyes wandered back to him as I found yself becoming attracted to him. Why is it that when he asked me that question if I ever loved anyone kind of gave me hope? A hope that I shouldn't have.

Shivaay's Point of View

How dare they think of such a disgusting act? Anika and Armaan...no. Never. No one can dare to touch Anika besides me. It's not possible. I will not allow it. I cannot. Only I have the right to. That night she gave me the right and I know her too well. The way she looked at me with those eyes full of pain and an inhibited desire towards me tells me that she only see's me as the one who can touch her. No one else, but me.

"Priyanka, you should have been careful. I am going to get her ok?" Armaan's voice breaking my thought as I looked at him. My anger ready to grab him and throw him down as I hated him more than ever knowing how he dared to snatch Anika from me.

Armaan got up and quickly walked away as my eyes followed his movement. I began to bite my lips roughly chewing them out as I felt an unsettled anger approach me. It felt as if a ton of stones was unloaded on to my heart. Stones with intentions to steal the muse who ruled my heart and ravage it. I will not let my love for Anika to be ravaged.

I felt utter disgust as I imagined Armaan touching Anika with his filthy hands, bringing her close, and then...I shut my eyes attempting to drown the thought as I felt nauseous even imagining that scene in my mind.

"What the hell Priyanka? What is wrong with you?!" My anger coming into human form as I jumped from the sofa.

Priyanka leaning back as she gulped nervously. "I-I....it was for fun bhai. Nothing more. I was just having fun!" Priyanka argued weakly with pure childishness. I clenched my fists tightly as I attempted to not unleash anger on her knowing how sensitive she can get.

"Fun? Priyanka you married damn it and for once grow up! You are Anika's best friend and you do not know that she is uncomfortable with such matters! I mean what is wrong with you!" At point, vexation had become my friend and was further boiling my frustration mixed with fear...fear of losing Anika.

"Shivaay calm down alright?" Om placing his hand on my shoulder as I shrugged it off. I bit my lip trying my best to calm myself down as I looked at Akash realizing he was here. I shouldn't be embarrassing Priyanka like this in public, especially in front of her husband, but she has to become mature.

"Priyanka can you please cut the crap and for once be mature," I gritted my teeth as I kicked the sofa in frustration as Priyanka lowered her eyes avoiding looking up at me. I sighed as I pressed my fingers against my temples before walking away.

My eyes searching for Anika through the crowd of dancers at the club. Where did she go? She has a right to be mad at Priyanka, but she couldn't have just left. It's unlike her. I took a deep breath as I walked slowly trying to find her, but failing do so. My eyes wandering as I walked through the large dance floor pushing myself through the dancers as I made my way up the stairs.

Where is she? I looked around curiously as I walked through people dining on the second floor. My eyes falling on a small hallway that made its way down to the rooftop. Maybe she might be on the rooftop. I walked steadily through the dark hallway and out to the rooftop.

My feet immediately stopping in their track as I stood still. Armaan holding on to Anika's hand as he pulled her closely besides him. She appeared to giggle at the filth he whispered in her ear leaning in towards it. My fingers digging into the doorframe as scratched it back and forth trying to maintain composure, but having it burn down as it felt as if my heart was being set on fire. My hopes burning. My desire for her burning down and turning into ashes. My love barely holding on to life as it called out for her.

Anika's Point of View

I smiled as held on to Armaan finding my spirits lifted by his jokes, however, somewhere I still felt empty and still sad.

I had found myself on to the rooftop to find peace in the cold dry air from anger and frustration that I had been building up since beginning of the night from seeing Shivaay after a long time, to being taunted by him, to being questioned by him, and then Priyanka...It wasn't Priyanka's fault. She was joking, but somehow I took it to heart because I felt embarrassed. I have been actually feeling embarrassed the whole night because somehow I think it is wrong of me to be with Armaan especially after seeing Shivaay.

I don't know why, but it feels wrong. Seeing Shivaay reminds me of that night on the beach and it reminds me of what happened that night. Somehow it feels wrong to be moving on with Armaan after everything that happened that night. I unleashed lust that night and now I am moving forward with that man's cousin. It doesn't feel good, but then Armaan is a good man. I like his company.

It's not wrong of me to move on with him for finding better company in a good person, but then it is wrong considering he is my ex-husband's cousin. What am I going to do? I sighed as I ran my hands through my hair as Armaan squeezed my hand.

"You really loved him?" Armaan's question catching me off guard as I suddenly looked back at him.

Why is he asking? Why is he questioning me right now? I thought as I looked at him. "Um...it's better we don't talk about him," I whispered trying to maintain composure and avoid spilling a secret that I had buried for a long time.

"Is that why you are waiting for us? Waiting for our relationship to develop?" He questioned as I looked up at him.

I don't know what I am waiting for. Maybe fear is something that is making me wait. I do have a real fear of moving on fast like I did with Shivaay and then having everything fall apart. But, then...I feel that this fear is not justified because overall I don't find myself being that intimate with Armaan. It's something I never have thought of. Also, I am being pulled out by a gut feeling I have of not rushing this relationship and I don't know why I have this gut feeling.

"I-I don't know Armaan. I just don't want things to happen quickly I guess..." I whispered as I looked back at him.

He smiled as I felt his gaze fall on my lips. Pulling my hand closer to his he appeared to lean forward. My heart pounding loudly as Arman continued to lean forward as my eyes widened. A sudden eruption of revulsion overcoming me as I snatched my hand out of his taking a step back quickly as I hit my elbow against the brick leveled fence behind me.

"Anika..."

My hand going up as I stopped him from speaking any further. "Please Armaan stop. Um...you know I am not ready for this level of intimacy...Please don't push it right? We have talked before about this on keeping things very base level..."

Armaan sighed as he appeared apologetic. "I know. I am sorry. I got caught up in the moment and everything. I mean...look at you. You look amazing tonight and somehow I thought...I have built this attraction for you and today it has reached a peak. You look like a vision tonight and I just..." He began to stammer as his cheeks turned red with nervousness. A sense of awkwardness approaching both of us as I held my blazer tightly around me covering the slim piece of skin seen through the crop top I wore. Suddenly, discomfort hitting me as it felt strange to be complimented and seen in a seductive manner by Armaan.

"It's fine. Um...let's keep things very base level ok?" I repeated trying to press the thought in his mind.

Armaan nodded as he looked at me. "It won't happen again Anika ok? Um...let's dance or something I guess," Armaan attempted to break the awkwardness as he looked at the dance floor inside the club.

I sighed as he held out his hand for me to hold. I looked at it intently and then him. I could tell he was being genuinely apologetic and I am sure he has a clear idea of what I currently expect from our relationship.

Grabbing a hold of his hand, we walked into the club and to the smaller portion of the dance floor on the second level of the club. Armaan smiled as he grabbed my hand pulling me towards him with his hand wrapping around my waist.

Taking a small step away from him, my hand weakly wrapped around his shoulder as I held his hand. His eyes set on me as I looked away feeling dearly uncomfortable in the moment. Something didn't feel right to me and I didn't know what. Looking away, I felt blinded by the mixture red, blue, and purple lights flashing above us. I squinted my eyes in the darkness of the club as I tried to find comfort in the dance, but failing miserably.

As my eyes wandered, it stopped at a group of guys in the corner of the club who appeared to look at us. An unusual, peculiar gaze apparent across their faces. I quickly looked away thinking they were looking at someone else on the dance floor, but as Armaan twirled me and brought us to the end of the dance floor right in front of them, I noticed their eyes moving up and down as they looked at me. That look of pervertedness apparent across their faces as they smirked and whispered something to one another.

"Um...Armaan...they're looking at us...me," I whispered as I looked at Armaan. Armaan raised his eyebrow as he looked back at the guys. The guys still looking at me shamelessly even though Armaan was facing them.

"They are aren't they?" He noted as a group of people moved in front of us.

Armaan bit his lip before he looked back at me. A look of nervousness apparent as he appeared to sweat. "We should avoid them Anika. It's best we avoid people like these and not cause problems right?" Armaan said as my eyes widened quite appalled at hearing his statement.

"Problems?" I repeated trying to understand if I heard correctly.

"Look these kind of men exist everywhere Anika. It's best we don't indulge in conversation with them and avoid them right?" Armaan noted as I felt quite shocked by his words. He took me back strongly with his words of not fighting back to such men in society. Not once he appeared even angry or frustrated, but took the situation very lightly.

Who is Armaan? The question awakening my sleeping mind on this particular subject matter. I looked up at Armaan as he kept his smile looking at me. He appears genuine. So far he has treated me nicely and made me happy, but who is he in the sense of a human being? The way he has reacted to this situation of men showing pervertedness towards me is astounding.

I don't need someone to protect me, but I should have someone standing by my side and willing to protect and support me in any difficult situation I face. Does Armaan have the capability to do so? To stand by me? Maybe he doesn't considering how he reacted.

Shivaay was never this way. He always protected me and ensured that I was safe. He would've never reacted the way Shivaay did.

Armaan twirled me as I noticed the group of men get up and walk away. My feet making their way around the floor as I tried to balance myself only to have my arm pulled suddenly. My head snapping forward as I stopped myself on top. The long waves of my hair falling over my face as I quickly lifted my head back realizing who it was.

Shivaay smiled as his hand traced down my arm and to my hand. His hand slipping on to mines' as my hand twitched back. What is he doing? I angrily tried to pull my hand away as he held on to it tightly.

"May I steal Anika from you Armaan?" Shivaay questioned as he looked back at Armaan standing behind us. Armaan bit his lip as he looked at me. He clearly didn't appear comfortable with the idea as I sighed about to say no before Armaan interrupted.

"Sure. I am going to go get myself a drink downstairs," Armaan replied as he appeared to hide some disappointment and frustration. My mouth gaping as I looked at Armaan walk away. Not once claiming me to be his and pulling me away from Shivaay like he did back at the bridge. What has gotten into him? I thought as I looked at him walking away.

https://youtu.be/ow1QqW0jzTo

Shivaay looked back me with a fiendish smile before pulling me my hand and pulling me towards him. My heel slipping on the floor as suddenly fear jumped at me with my hand immediately wrapping around his shoulder. My body leaning against his as my head laid his shoulder.

The heat of our bodies merging with one another as we stood close to one another. The pulse of neck beating hard against his shoulder as I felt him take a deep breath. His hand wrapping around my waist as I felt it tense up. Lifting my head up, I took a step back as he took a step forward keeping his hand still on my waist.

My breaths getting shallower as I looked into his eyes pure of seduction. I want to push him away, but somehow I can't. His eyes capturing my attention. His eyes didn't reflect the same usual aggression they always did. They appeared different tonight.

A sense of unusual energy exciting itself inside of me as Shivaay moved to the side leading me on to his steps. My feet following his as our bodies matched a rhythm to the song.

His cheek brushing on the edges of my shoulder as I shivered moving it away. His hand tracing my arm as a set of chills went down it. His touch seductive in and every manner. I knew what he was doing and somehow I was giving into it.

It had been long since he had touched me this way. It had been long since my heart had felt this level of excitement, curiosity, and a desire to be touched, loved, and healed. His smallest touch reminding me of that night. The last time he touched me like this was that night.

He leaned closer towards me without any hesistance as I stood still allowing him to take a step closer towards me. I don't know why I am not resisting, but it might be due to the fact that I have missed this. This need to be touched and admired by him.

That night was a mistake. A complete sin, but it doesn't mean I detest that night. I regret it, but it doesn't mean I didn't find pleasure in it. I found pleasure in his arms. I never find this comfort with anyone and regretfully only in him.

I should be pushing him away, but then I am finding myself becoming attracted to him moment by moment. The way he holds me, touches me with such tenderness, and looks at me is alluring. It's everything that Armaan doesn't do and I don't allow him to. Is this what I was missing for the past few weeks? Was I missing him? Was I feeling empty because of not having him present? Is this the reason why I am standing here allowing me to seduce me.

My finger digging into his back as he pulled our bodies close to one another as my head hit his shoulder. My lips brushing lightly against his shoulder as they quivered upon the foreign touch of his skin that was familiar to be, but still a stranger for many days.

"This is wrong..."I whispered as I leaned closely to his ear. He took a deep breath as he led me a step back.

"I shouldn't have let you go...Then this wouldn't be wrong..."His voice low and husky as his lower lip slid at the side of my neck initiating a tight knot in my stomach making it suck inwards. My hands sliding down his chest as I attempted to press distance between us, but utterly failing.

The ambience around us making him more alluring to me. Darkness igniting and amplifying his mystery and dark persona. The smell of alcohol from him seducing me as it filled up my senses and desire to find pleasure in his danger. The way our bodies move like a melancholic melody convinces me to find pleasure in him.

"We're not supposed to be like this Shivaay...I am with Armaan..." I whispered as my voice crackled feeling vulnerable to my weakness.

He is wrong for me. He is toxic. He is everything I don't want, yet, I only find solace in his presence. The last three weeks have acted like a slow poison for me as everyday I did search for him. I told him to let go of me, but then somehow I am not able to let go of him. I want to let go because I know it is wrong to be with him...he can never change, but I still find pleasure in him. It's lust that I cannot keep tied and buried inside of me.

He raised his arm, twirling me lightly before sliding his hand around my waist. His lips trembling against the side of my ear as I felt my legs trembling and approaching weakness. The moment's sensuality hitting my core as it tied our souls together.

Tightening his hand around my waist, he took a step forward guiding me down towards the dark hallway leading to the rooftop. The moment feeling wrong on many levels. The idea that I might be subtly cheating on Armaan. The idea that I was finding myself enjoying a moment of lust with a former lover more frightening, but outrageously thrilling as well.

His hand trailing up my back before he turned me and pushed me against the wall. My back slamming against the wall as I leaned back raising my heel against the edges of it. Butterflies beginning to flutter inside of me as my stomach flipped and flopped in sheer nervousness from what will happen next. Slamming his hand against the wall, next to me he leaned forward pressing his body against mine.

Darkness casting over his face as I could see tinges of his features in shades of purple and blue reflecting off from the dance floor. My heart racing at this point as my hands felt disoriented and uncoordinated barely holding themselves against the wall. They felt clammy as adrenaline pumped through me with barely holding on to excitement and nerves.

His fingertips tiptoeing the edges of my shoulder igniting a set of goosebumps. A faint smile appearing across his face as I looked into his blue eyes that reflected a passionate fire not seen before.

Breaking the silence, he whispered, "Does Armaan ever touch you like this?" Lifting my eyes up at him, I looked at him confused caught off guard from his question.

"W-what?"My voice barely making it through as I took a heavy breath trying to calm myself down as my body pour out its energy and embrace a sense of weakness.

I noticed a small smile play on his lips as he appeared to lean forward. Small tremors running through my hands as I dug my nails into the wall behind me. The humid air in the club not helping as a hot flash ran through my body.

His hand running through my back as I felt it flinch. I lowered my head giving up to the inevident lust I had as he leaned his face closer towards me. His lips brushing against my cheek. His lower lip gliding against my cheekbone as he nibbled it, teasing me and easing me in. My eyes closing shut as shyness erupted inside of me. My soul turning inward as his touch appeared to mark it.

"Does he ever kiss your cheek like this?" He whispered against my ear as his breath whistled against it.

My body go numb as the mind couldn't think anything in this moment. His touch becoming enigmatic with a sense of dominance and allure. His hand tracing around mines' as he dragged my hand up against the wall.

The moment itself was hypnotic. His eyes alluring and keeping me steady as I looked into them. My body somehow allowing it to be touched by him. Not once feeling scared or uncomfortable. Instead, everything felt right.

"S-someone might see us..."My words barely escaping as my throat tightened.

Shivaay leaned closely as I felt his hand lightly run across my red lips. My lips quivering as his fingertips pressed upon them lightly. I looked up at him barely seeing him as the hallways stood dim.

"You like danger Anika...you like the thrill...that's why you are here right now. You like the mystery...the darkness..." His words beginning to untie the deepest desire I attempt to hold on to. His whispers bringing back a hidden reality of mines'.

A reality I hate to admit, but know it is an inner desire I have. Shivaay's mystery and his demeanor was what attracted me to him in the first place. The way his life slowly unfolds and the way he keep himself wrapped is what appeals to me. The desire to have someone who is dangerous, toxic, has power appeals to me and it disgusts me to find these traits desirable, but I do. All my life, no one has treated me well. I tended to be neglected at home and in the outside world. A sense of loneliness and vulnerability that I found and somehow when Shivaay came...he attracted me because is everything that I am not.

"Does he allure you and charm you like I do?" He questioned as he lowered his face. I turned my face inward as he laid his soft lips against my neck and kissed my collarbone. The touch igniting sensuality as my other arm wrapped around him tightly pulling him closer towards me. My face immediately turning towards him as he turned towards me.

His smile seductive as he looked at me. His hands teasing me as they wrapped around me and attempted to unravel me. I know what he was doing and somehow I was liking it. He never seduced me and this moment of seduction was unfathomable. Something not seen before.

I bit my lip as I pulled it inside of my mouth. Trying hard to not admit that Armaan not once touched me. Not once did I allow him to come close to me.

An idiotic smirk played on Shivaay's lips as he lowered his gaze and looked at me. "I know you are trying to suppress this little secret of yours'. I heard everything..." He whispered as his words hit me with confusion.

"W-what?" I asked curiously as he leaned his face closer to mine.

"Armaan never touched you before and probably never will...I heard your conversation outside on the rooftop..." My eyes widening as he let out a small chuckle.

Great. This is so embarrassing. Shivaay is definitely going to play this card to his advantage. The fact that I am so far and distant from Armaan, "my so-called boyfriend", while having the ability to be seduced my Shivaay himself is humiliating. What has gotten into me? Why am I so lost? It's like these days I don't have any control over my moods and emotions...like something is going wrong despite the fact that my anxiety is coming under control.

I felt my face turn red as a solid tomato as I lowered my eyes avoiding to look at him and get teased. "Anika...don't keep lying to yourself. At the end of the day, you find your comfort, your solace, and your deepest pleasure and desires in me..." His voice husky as it had an edge of roughness to it. The sound of his voice pulling me in.

My eyes falling on his lips as a bright red light flashed upon us before moving away. Darkness present upon us as we held each other. An unusual desire popping up inside of me to get a taste of his lips. To press them against mine and fulfill a hidden pleasure.

His alcohol breath emitting against my face as I felt him lean forward. My body following his exact movements as I began to lean in. Our mouths a few inches apart as he pulled my waist.

Without a second thought, I pressed my lips against his. His lips pulling back as he appeared surprised by my initiation. His hand tracing to the back of my head as he pulled it closer towards him. His lower lip slowly beginning to suck on to mines' as I felt it quiver and tremble in nervousness. My hands becoming flimsy as it clumsily grabbed on to his white shirt as I pulled him closer against me.

The excitement. The thrill. The danger of being seen becoming suddenly attractive to me. His demeanor, his danger, his mystery appearing to fulfill that emptiness I carried for weeks. The fact he doesn't care about the danger of us standing together and living this moment is alluring and thrilling.

As I tasted the bitter mix of sweetness and alcohol from his lips, I became more enticed. He ran his hands through my hair, raising goosebumps along the way as I slammed my back against the wall pulling towards me.

"This is wrong..."I whispered as I loosely let go of his lips, whispering against them. He sucked in a deep breath before laying a soft kiss at the corner of my lips.

"I don't care...it doesn't matter to me...what matters is what you want..." He whispered sending chills down my spine.

I want him in this moment. The ambience intoxicating me further and knocking me over towards him. It's wrong. All of it. Wrong to find excitement in this thrill, but somehow I am. That box of lust has still not filled...that hunger to have pleasure is still there.

He pressed his body against mine leaning me against the wall as he brushed his hand softly against my face. Tracing his hand to my neck he brought his face closer to mines' and began to lean again once more before I felt my stomach beginning to flip and flop. An unusual sense of revulsion appearing inside of me as I felt a toxic bitter flowing upwards from my stomach up to my esophagus.

My head beginning to spin as I felt myself going pale. A bitter toxic mix making its way up as I collapsed my hand on my mouth. Shivaay taking a sudden step back as he placed my hand on my shoulder.

Suddenly, I began to feel nauseous as chills rushed through my body. My head beginning to spin as I felt like I wanted to vomit in this instance. Lately, since the last few days, I have been feeling very nauseous and I cannot pinpoint what the cause is. I think it is a viral, but it should have been gone by now.

"Anika are you ok?" Shivaay questioned as he grabbed a hold of my shoulder as I pushed him away realizing I was going to vomit pretty soon as I began to take large gasps.

My eyes quickly darting as I clasped my hand on my mouth and began to ran down the hallway. Where is the bathroom? My hands beginning to tremble as I looked back and forth hearing Shivaay running after me.

"The bathroom's there. Come on let me take you," Shivaay said as he got to me. His hand wrapping around my shoulder as he took me out to the rooftop and turned towards a corner where a restroom was.

"I am going puke," I barely broke out as Shivaay opened the door of the restroom.

The grimy green color of it further making me feel nauseous as my legs fell weak. The yellow bright light blinding my vision as I stumbled into the restroom.

"It's ok alright? You will be fine," Shivaay whispered against my ear as I quickly slammed open a stall and began to vomit into the toilet.

Bitter, toxic foam rushing out of my intestines as I puked my guts out. Shivaay grabbing a hold of my hair as he held it up. My hands beginning to tremor and shake as I continued to vomit.

"It's ok Anika...you will be fine..." His voice adding a sense of comfort to the chaotic scene that was unfolding.

I took deep breaths as I tried to calm myself down. Shivaay's hand rubbing up and down my back as the puking began to slow down and be done and over with.

My cheeks flustering red as I flushed the toilet and looked up at Shivaay. Can this night get more humiliating in every sense possible? To think he was seducing me moments before and now I am vomiting in front of him. This is so mortifying.

Shivaay wrapping his arm around my waist as he helped me lift myself up and become steady on my feet. I exhaled loudly as I felt the chills slowly going away and my skin returning to its normal color.

"Are you ok Anika?" His asked soothingly which was a major turn around from how he normally talked. It felt so different.

I avoided his gaze as I felt mortified. "Um..yes...I think I have a viral...I am feeling very nauseous lately..." I whispered as he led me out of the single bathroom stall.

Quickly opening my clutch, I took out my mouthwash and a small box having my toothpaste and brush. Thank goodness, I bought this clutch today that I take usually for my on call at the hospital.

Grabbing the toothpaste, I began to brush my teeth in silence with my eyes following Shivaay as he stood besides me leaning against the wall with his arms closed. I expected a look of disgust from his face considering what happened, but it was different. He seemed calm. His eyes appearing to have a tinge of admiration as they looked at me.

https://youtu.be/b0v-X9pcSos

I raised my eyebrow as I turned and looked at him as Shivaay slightly smiled...a smile I hadn't seen for a long time...the genuine smile. What is happening? How is this night ending? I thought as I spat the toothpaste out of my mouth.

Splashing water on my face, I let it run cooly against my skin trying to bring myself to senses. The cool water suddenly pushing me to reality. My reality.

My hands slowly dragged down my eyelids as I looked at myself in the mirror. Shivaay standing right besides me as he looked at me. Everything beginning to replay...everything from the beginning of tonight to what just happened outside the hallway.

What have I done? My fingers running against my swollen lips as they reminded me of my vulnerability...My mind flashing back to pure pleasure I found in Shivaay's arms tonight. My mind running back to Armaan...realizing what I had done...My eyes widened as I took step back realizing I had just sinned...cheated on Armaan...How did Shivaay seduce me? How did I allow him to seduce me? What happened? What the hell just happened? Why did I just not think anything when I was allowing him to touch me? I cannot believe what I did...I just cheated...

"What have I done? What have we done?!" The words rumbling out of my mouth as reality hit me strongly with a backbite.

Shivaay taking a step back as he looked at me quite confused not understanding what was happening. "W-what are you saying Anika?"

I threw my head up in the air as I clenched it tightly with my hands. "I have just cheated on my boyfriend! Do you even know what we have done?! I cannot believe what I just did!" I exhaled loudly as I slammed my hand against the sink immediately flinching it back with pain.

"Cheat?! What the hell is wrong with you?! The man who you do not even allow to touch yourself and come near you matters to you! You didn't cheat on him! You two are nothing!" He began screaming as I took a few steps back. His face red as his hair stood wildly up in the air. He appeared furious and his outburst further scaring me.

I gathered my strength as I put my foot loudly on the floor. "I value relationships Shivaay. I don't care how long it has been since Armaan and I have begun dating, but this is wrong! What we did is wrong! We gave into lust and sinned!"

"Lust?! Are you kidding me right now?! Who are you lying to Anika?! Are you lying to yourself right now?!" Shivaay grabbed a soap bottle slamming it across the wall behind me.

My body immediately flinching as I jumped out of the way. A loud scream erupting from inside of me as I placed my hands on my mouth. His body trembling in rage as he slammed his hand loudly against the wall.

"That night you and I fulfilled our pleasure and attraction for each other. Attraction does not come out of nowhere. Lust does not come out of nowhere! You should know better than me because I know you and know that you understand relationships way more than me Anika! For hell, why do you care about Armaan?! He is nothing and you know it as well! You know you want us and you want me! You find that thrill and excitement that Armaan and no other man can give you!"

My body going limp as his words screamed and sucked the remaining energy inside of me. My breaths becoming shallow as I took a step back holding on to the sink once more feeling faint. My head spinning as his words pushed me in a deep state of reflection.

I know Armaan and my relationship is weak. I confess there is a sense of emptiness, but this is wrong as well. I find lust in the thrill of having this man in front of me. I am attracted to his demeanor, his power, and his ability to run his way. I am attracted to everything that I shouldn't be. That emptiness I have is lust and a desire to have pleasure and I find it in this monster who is nothing, but toxic.

It is so wrong to be in a relationship and cheat with someone else...How can I do this to Armaan knowing how it feels to be cheated on and being left for someone else...

"S-Shivay get out." My voice cold and distant as I looked at Shivaay who stood in silence. His eyes standing still on my face as he appeared taken aback my words.

"What?"

"Get out. I cannot cheat on someone else...I am not you..." Shivaay's eyes widening as the words hit him...seen in how his body appeared to freeze up...No words coming out of him as he took a step back.

Tears beginning to stream down my cheeks as I leaned my head against the bathroom wall. Shivaay lowered his gaze as he took a step forward grabbing the door open. His eyes following back to mines' as I looked ahead trying to not look back. Knowing I would go weak if I did.

Without saying another word, he slammed the door shut behind me as my tears broke out. My body slipping down against the bathroom door as I pulled my knees up together against me.

The love I had for you Shivaay is long gone...I know you are expecting my attention, my admiration, and my expression of love because that is what you want. But, I don't have the energy to love you or anyone at the moment. I don't have the energy to put in my everything on the line for love and be left. I know you Shivaay...you develop obsessions for things, get them, play with them and leave them. That is what you have always done and will continue to do.

Gathering myself, I got up and grabbed my clutch. Freshening myself once more, I attempted to fix my tangled hair and opened the bathroom door. Peeking my head out, I noticed Shivaay was not in sight.

Slamming the door shut, I quickly began to walk headed towards the hallway before I bumped into a large figure. My body stumbling back by the sheer force as I looked up.

My eyes widening as fear slowly began to creep up at me. It was was a man from the same group of men that were looking at me with sheer pervetedness at the dance floor when I was with Armaan. The large bulky figure smirked as his eyes looked at me up at down.

My mind going blank as I took a step away as he walked towards me. My hand slowly going to my clutch as I was about to pull out a bottle of pepper spare. In an instant, he grabbed the edge of my blazer attempting to pull on it.

Shivaay's Point of View

I walked in silence towards the hallway, laying myself against the wall and staring into the darkness. Her soft, tender touch still lingering on the edges of my neck and shoulders. Her tender, shy kisses still giving me goosebumps. The thought of her presence and realization of how close she came to me tonight giving me solace.

Her last words piercing me as I heard the pain in them. The pain of being left upon. The pain of being cheated on. I cannot even look at myself anymore knowing what I did to her. What was I thinking when I decided to leave her for money and saving Chaaya...Of course I had to save Chaaya, but there could've been other ways. Somehow greed for money and power ultimately pulled me to Tia and made me leave Anika. This big betrayal is always going to follow me and follow both of us...How can she trust me? Love me? Despite everything that I have done to her.

Still, I cannot bear to see Anika with Armaan. How can she claim that to be a relationship in which her and Armaan are so far apart? If she is truly committed to that relationship then why did she come back to me tonight? She came back because she loves me. She is not someone who indulges in lust. She believes in love and even if she doesn't admit it, I know she loves me. She finds her comfort and peace in my arms...not the discomfort she has with strangers. She loves me and I will do everything to make her realize how much she loves me and how we belong to one another.

"Help!!Help me!!" A large scream shattering my thought as I quickly jumped up. My feet quickening their steps as I rushed out onto the rooftop.

My feet stumbling as I looked in shock at the sight in front of me. A man grabbing hold on to Anika pulling her close to him. Tears streaming down Anika's cheeks as she screamed her guts out trying to push him away.

How. Dare. He. How dare he touch my Anika? Rage and anger becoming a toxic mix inside of me as alcohol took over. I clenched my jaw tightly as I quickened my feet towards them. Today I will make this man see the day. He will regret ever laying a hand on a woman.

Anika's Point of View

I grabbed hold of his trying to push him away as he pulled me closer. Suddenly a large force grabbed me. My legs flying up as my body felt a sudden push. My feet stumbling as my arm freed itself from the pervert's grip.

A large thud sound erupting as my eyes widened realizing it was Shivaay. My hands trembling as I looked at the man in rage in front of me. Shivaay's hair flying up in the air. His eyes red and darkened ready to commit a crime. His lips quivering with pure anger that pumped through him. His hand grabbing on to the man by the neck as he laid down on the floor.

"How dare you? How dare you lay your hand on her?" His teeth gritted as he hissed out his anger. My legs pushing me forward as I grabbed Shivaay's shoulder trying to pull him back.

"Stop Shivaay! Stop!" I began screaming trying to pull him back as tears streamed down my cheeks. Shivaay pushing me back as he raised his hand up in the air and threw a solid punch on his nose.

My mouth widening as my hand grabbed on to his trying to pull him back. This is going to get out of hand very past. Shivaay cannot ever control his anger and this is going to become a mess very soon.

Shivaay's grip loosening on the man's collar as he pushed him back. My body flying back as I balanced myself with a table behind me. The man throwing a punch on Shivaay's face as I screamed loudly. Is he ok? What if something happens? My worries blanking me out as the stranger lunged towards me grabbing me by the waist. My hands immediately pushing him away, but failing.

"No one dares to touch her?! Do you understand?!" Shivaay grabbed the man pulling him away from me and throwing another solid punch on him. I ran up to Shivaay grabbing on to his hand as he pushed me away lunging towards the stranger in pure utter rage.

"Help! Someone help!" I began screaming loudly as Shivaay pushed me away pushing the stranger down the cement.

A brawl erupting as Shivaay threw another punch on the stranger as he responded back. I grabbed my clutch and ran down the hallway towards the dance floor. My body clumsily making its way as I looked at a group of strangers.

"Help! Please help! There is a fight outside!" I screamed loudly grabbing the attention of bouncers near the stairs. They quickly began running as I ran after them.

My body feeling more faint as I gathered energy making it out to the rooftop. My eyes widening as I saw Shivaay landing multiple punches on the stranger. Utter chaos erupting as people began taking pictures and videos. The bouncers pulling the men back as Shivaay kicked his feet up in the air running up to the stranger, but failing as two bouncers held him back.

"No one can lift a finger on Anika! Anika is mine! She is my girl!" Shivaay screamed.

I stood in shock hearing those words slipping out of his mouth. The way he asserted me to be under his protection. The way he was fighting for me not once turning his back at me. I was shocked at how he was supporting me and fighting for me. This was different. He never protected me like this. The rage and the anger seen in him is something I have not seen before. This is a different type of anger.

"What happened?!" I looked back realizing it was Om and Armaan as they ran up to me. My body freezing up as I looked at them. Not knowing what to say. My body going cold upon what had happened to me. How a stranger had dared to dust their filthy hands upon me. A stranger violating me...I pulled my blazer tightly around me as tears began to stream down my cheeks.

"Why are you asking Anika? I am damn sure Shivaay just ended up fighting with someone over something nonsensical again!" Armaan spat out in anger and frustration.

I clenched my fists tightly as I looked at Armaan. It's because of him that all of this happened. If he had went to those guys who were looking at me and reported it to security then this would not have happened. My body inching up on my anger as I shook my head back and forth.

"You are right! This is why sometimes I am hesistant of taking him anywhere! He always ends up in such brawls!" Om spat out in anger as Priyanka and Gauri soon came after them.

Shivaay screaming still as he appeared to lunge at the stranger. I sighed as I took a deep breath trying to calm myself down before looking at Om and Armaan. "You both are wrong! S-Shivaay saved me! Saved my pride and honor!" My shouting ringing into their ears as they looked at me.

"W-what Anika? Are you ok?" Priyanka quickly grabbed my arm pulling me close to her as I sighed and looked at Shivaay who was becoming an utter mess as he pushed a table in anger and was ready to create havoc.

Police sirens soon ringing. My mouth gaping open as I looked at the others next to me. What is happening? Is that the police? No this cannot be. I shook my head back and forth in fear. My gut tightening on its own as I realized what might happen now. Pure fear for Shivaay taking hold of me as I pushed Priyanka away running up to Shivaay. What is going to happen to Shivaay? Is the police going to take him away? No this cannot be happening.

My hand immediately grabbing hold of his as the bouncers held him back. Shivaay's blood shot eyes immediately meeting mines'. His anger slowly appearing to subside as he felt the touch of my hand. His hand squeezing mines' as he moved his leaned his head towards me.

"S-Shivaay..." I whispered as he bit his lip shaking his head in indication I shouldn't cry.

"Don't you dare tell the police what happened..." He hissed as my eyes widened quite confused by his statement.

"Why wouldn't I? You saved me..." I attempted to argue as he clenched his teeth and sighed shaking his head.

"Your pride and honor is your parents' pride and honor. If they find out what happened then what will happen to you? If they find out I was involved then what would they think? Thank goodness nothing happened to you, so it's better you don't say a word. Alright?" He bit his lip as he squeezed my hand once more.

"W-What?" I whispered as my body went cold. What is saying? My pride and honor? What is he talking about? He cares for me...? He what?...My mind beginning to spin as I took a step back. Why is he so concerned? Why is he saving me from getting involved?

Suddenly the police came in running as I looked back at a group of police officers running towards us. I took a step back as a police officer grabbed Shivaay's arms pulling it behind him.

"What? No!" I screamed at the police officer as Priyanka pulled me back.

"Ma'am please stay out of this if you are not involved!" The officer yelled back as I took a step fearfully.

My eyes widening as a pair of silver handcuffs came out from the officer's pocket. Shivaay's head held high as he looked at me. His eyes showing command that I remain silent and not say a word. I shook my head knowing I was not going to do that. I was not going to bring him down with me.

"You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions. Anything you say may be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to consult an attorney before speaking to the police..."

My eyes widening as I took step forward as Gauri grabbed my shoulder pulling me back. The loud clink of the handcuffs happening as the police officer tied it around Shivaay's hands.

"You are now under arrest."

Part 3 is posted for Chapter 26 :)

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