Copyright © jasminedarcie

All Rights Reserved

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner or language whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.

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Slipping the pastel pink dupataa across my neck, I let the light flower shaped embroidery cascade down to my waist to cover the deep neck blouse beneath it. The sheer fabric of it failing miserably to do such. I stared at myself in mirror, barely unable to recognize myself. It has been years since I have dressed up. Last time when I had done such was when I was with Shivaay....I always dressed up only for him, never for myself.

I took a deep shaky breath to interrupt my thoughts, not wanting to dwell on them anymore.

God I hate dressing up. Forming an annoyed scowl, I threw up my curled waves in a high ponytail only to notice a pair of locks still sticking out. I sighed loudly in defeat as I let the pair of locks to curl up against my cheeks.

"Anika! Hurry up! It is your best friend's engagement and you have to be there to help her get ready!" Ma yelled as I quickly slipped on my pink bangles and downed my ears with a pair of golden jhumkas.

"Yes, Ma I am here, at your service." I bowed to her dramatically as I held my small pursue in my hand. Ma forming an immediate smile as she walked up to me to place a small black dot behind my ear to ward off any evil eyes.

"Wow, you look so beautiful Anika." I rolled my eyes, knowing fairly well I did not. My mother only finds me beautiful because I am her daughter.

"Not more than you Ma." I threw her a cheeky smile as I fixed my golden colored heels. God I hate heels. There is not a day when I can walk properly in them.

"Look at how you're walking. It's like the walk of a toad on heels," Ma said laughing as I threw her an offended look while hiding a smile.

"Very funny! Anyways, please Ma come on time ok. You are always late and make sure Papa is ready on time to come too okay?" Before rushing out the door, I hugged her goodbye and grabbed my care keys.

The sun shined brightly into my eyes as I covered my face, barely able to make my path down the steps to the driveway.

Today was Priyanka's engagement and for some reason I was in charge with helping her get ready for her big day. Basically an unofficial assistant considering Priyanka is an all-time panic mode and unable to think properly for the last week due to excitement. In fact, she insisted I stay with her throughout today to help her keep calm, so here I was. This was the day she was waiting for since she had been dating Akash ever since college and she has waiting for long for him to propose. Well he finally did. From a mile away, any stranger can see how excited Priyanka is for the wedding.I can feel the love she has for Akash in her voice and it is a voice I am familiar with...since it was mine at one point in time.

Quickly sitting into my car, I turned on the ignition and drove it quickly out of the driveway. Putting on my pair of sunglasses, I turned on the radio to only feel my breath stop as I heard the song , "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran. I took a deep breath as I listened the lyrics playing. I felt my hands tremble and my breath stop as a rush of memories approached me.

Flashback-Pennsylvania: 5 years ago

I smiled as I made a turn on street and looked for a parking spot in the parking garage right across from the medical school building. I can't believe it is my first day in medical school. Gosh, this was what I was waiting for and finally the moment is here. All the years of hardcore undergraduate, then two gap years to improve my gpa and extracurriculars and finally the pain is over. I am finally here where I always have wanted to be.

I smiled as I hummed the song "Perfect" by Ed Sheeran that played on the radio while searching for a parking spot. My feet immediately pressing the brakes as a car began to reverse out from a parking spot. Suddenly, I felt myself shake as my car shook like a mini earthquake had hit it. I quickly glanced at my rearview mirror as my eyes widened and I noticed a white Ferrari close, too close to my car. I took a deep breath as I felt my body shake from the rush of adrenaline. Quickly getting out of my car, I walked out to see the destruction in sight. My mouth widened as I noticed the silver-colored bumper of my small little Honda Civic pushed inwards. I clasped my hands on to my mouth in utter horror. Oh no. No no. not today. I took a deep breath as I turned my head around to see the driver's side of the car prop open and a tall figure emerged from it. He began walking towards me as I looked up at him. He seemed furious, enraged, and frankly scary-and I could tell he was ready to chew me out.

"This is your fault! Do you know how expensive this car is?!" He exclaimed as I looked at him in confusion. What how the hell is this my fault? He is the one who hit my car-am I blind or is he making me a fool?

"What do you mean? My car was stopped, but you crashed into it!" I spoke my truth as he took a frustrated breath and took off his pair of sunglasses to reveal his furious blue eyes.

"Oh really?! It's your fault because you braked suddenly!" He yelled as his voice got louder by the minute. I felt my body shake a little bit from his thunderous voice as he got closer into my face. I took a step back not wanting to feel his spit fall on to me.

"Look sir, it was not my fault. You could have watched a little carefully," I spoke calmly to diffuse the situation. However, he shook his head in defense not ready to listen to me one bit.

"Oh really? It was my fault! Do you even know who I am? Do you know what I can do?!" I felt anger building up inside of me as I furrowed my eyebrows. Self-entitled brat, that is what you are.

"I don't care who you are! Alright?!You have damaged my car and it was your fault. Now don't show your useless ego on me okay?!"

His mouth dropped down, appearing taken aback from comeback since he seemed to not have expected this response.

"You know what? I am getting late for my class, but I will deal with you later. Let me just get a picture of this accident and your insurance copy, so I can deal with you through my insurance!"

Yes go back now. I bet he thought he could scare me off, but little did he know I have a mouth that can talk him off too.

He went back to his car to get a copy of his insurance as I sighed and went to get mines' as well.We began to take pictures of the accident to report to our insurance company and jot down our insurance information.

"I also need to take a picture of your license," I said as he rolled his eyes and slammed his license on my car's trunk. I stared back at the license and read his name: "Shivaay Singh Oberoi".

"Your name is like a royal, no wonder the haughty attitude you carry-fits a self-centered prince." I spoke in a cheeky manner. He threw me a glare before walking back to his car and reversing it. I took a deep breath and sat in my car as I drove down the parking spaces and parked my car. I stared at the traumatized bumper that dropped down slightly. How was this my fault?! He should have noticed that I had stopped. God, and look at his behavior. What does he think of himself? I hate people like him. The entitled ones who think they own everything and everything has to go according to their way.

I quickly grabbed my bag and began running towards the medical school building.

Gosh, I am so late. I thought as I rushed to my Introduction to Business Management class. This was the class I needed to pursue the MBA I was intending to do along with the MD. I always dreamed of my own clinic and in order to run a clinic I needed to understand the business side of it of course. I quickly walked inside of the class and grabbed a seat in front of the classroom in an attempt to hear the professor better and get a clearer view of the lecture slides.

I heard the door open as I was placing my notebook on my desk along with my pen. The person cleared their throat loudly, leading the class to fall into complete silence. I looked up only for my eyes to widen in shock. My mouth went dry immediately as my face swelled up like large, red, embarassed tomato.

"Good morning everyone. Welcome to Introduction to Business Management. I will be your professor for the term, Dr. Shivaay Singh Oberoi." I gulped in horror as he smirked and turned his face towards me to stare directly into my soul.

In that moment, I knew I was goner. I was his target for the semester.

Flashback Ends:

I broke out of my trance as I slowed down my car and turned into the posh neighborhood. My eyes widened as I stared at the long line of gated mansions that stood across an array of long trees slipping down to the edges of a steep hill. The sight resembled a beautiful forest that drowned in sunlight which collided with the disappearing fog that embraced it. I could tell this neighborhood stood as an escape from the day-to-day worries of the common man-these houses solely stood as a symbol of luxury and a reminder that normal people like me are not welcome.

I drove my BMW slowly down the path in search of the Oberoi residence. Surprisingly, I never visited Priyanka's home. She always has lived in an apartment throughout medical school and her residency for convenience of reaching home quickly after a long day of work. In fact, Priyanka had recently moved back in after her parents kept requesting her to do so.

"You have reached your destination," The GPS quipped.

My eyes widened as the stared at the large driveway which snaked to a pair of large black gates. Tall black iron fences, decorated with barbed wires, surrounded the entire lot. Far away, I noticed a faded view of a large, coffee colored mansion. Large groups of body guards surrounded the mansion as I veered my car down the driveway.

There was a medium sized building right next to the gates where a bodyguard sat in a chair. Wow, this is true luxury. How do people live like this? Always under tight security and not being able to breathe freely without anyone following you around.

I rolled down the window of my car as the bodyguard stared at me with a stone, cold expression.

"Name? Why are you here?" He said as I smiled and showed him my ID.

"Good morning, my name is Anika Malhotra. I am Priyanka's best friend. I am here for her engagement" I said as he looked at his computer. He shook his head.

"Okay, you are clear to go," He spoke in a blank expression as I attempted to smile, but got no response.

Simply awe hovered over me as I caught the image of the expansive landscape which welcomed me. An array of rose bushes surrounded an expansive circular plot of grass where a beautiful marble fountain laid. I slowly drove down brown stoned driveway while looking at the large ten car garage that likely stored all of the family cars. I drove up to the entrance of the mansion which stood with a pair of pillars extended up to the 100 foot roof of the mansion.

The mansion was beautiful. It drowned in shades of coffee brown with large white panel windows, covered by creame colored shades, that towered the mansion probably until the third floor disappeared.

I took a deep nervous breath, realizing where I was at the moment. The amount of luxury and old money was overwhelming me and the simple life I came from. Clearly, I was going to be a misfit today and some how I have to survive it.

Taking in all my energy, I got out of the car as a man appeared in a suit.

"Hello, I'm the valet. You may give me your key and I will park the car," He said as I smiled and handed him my keys while he gave me a return ticket to retrieve my car later in the night.

I grabbed my purse and quickly made my way up the long pair of stairs which followed up to the pair of large wooden doors. I bit my lip nervously since this was my first time being here. To be pretty honest I feel intimidated. I was raised in a working class family and I am still in student debt. The little amount of money I am earning in residency goes mostly towards the house mortgage I bought for my parents as a gift and my student loans. This is obviously a new world to me.

I sighed as a pair of bodyguards stood and looked at me as I smiled. They looked at my ID and opened the pair of doors. As I was about to enter, I suddenly jumped back feeling a snake like object embrace my neck. I immediately looked down to see a beautiful garland, made of fresh pink roses, lay delicately against my neck.

"Oh no I am so sorry," I heard someone say as I looked up and saw a short woman, about my mom's age, approaching me quickly.

I looked up and smiled at her, making no issue of the matter. "Oh no worries, I should have seen where I was going." I chuckled as the elderly woman rolled her towards the pair of workers who were attempting to hang rose garlands around the door frame.

"The engagement is in seven hours and you both still haven't finished decorating the door frame! If you don't do this on time, watch what I will do! I will complain to your boss okay!" She yelled as she shook her head in irritation.

"Namaste, I am sorry I didn't catch your name."

"Oh sorry. Namaste, aunty. My name is Anika Malhotra. I am Priyanka's friend. I am actually here because she wanted me to come in a bit early to help her get ready."

Aunty's eyes widened as she smiled and hugged me tightly, suffocating me in her bear hug.

"I recognize you now! Priyanka told me all about you and how you helped her a lot in adjusting back at medical school. She told me about all the food you used to make for her since you know she was such a bad cook, but all due to your teaching she actually cooks really well now." She announced happily as I chuckled.

"Anyways, thank you so much for supporting her. Honestly, she never went out alone in the world without all these luxuries. For some reason, she was determined she wanted to be independent and not bring any cooks or housekeepers with her. So, thank you for supporting her... Oh, look at me I forgot to introduce myself to you. I am Mrs. Pinky Oberoi. I'm Priyanka's mother."

I gave her a small smile and knelt down to touch her feet out of respect.

"Wow, I wish my kids had such manners," She said as she blessed me. I began to take my heels off as Pinky aunty smiled and looked at me.

"No need to do that beta."

"Please aunty, this is your home and I should respect your space. The party is outside and I will wear them again," I said as she smiled while I took off my heels, somewhat admiring my manners. But what can I do? Out of habit, I cannot just parade around in my dirty heels in such a clean home-my OCD will not allow me to.

"Here you can put those in our shoe closet," Pinky aunty said as she walked down a little bit in the hallway and opened a wooden sliding door where I place my pair of heels.

"Ma, that stupid wedding planner is not here! Where the hell is she?!" I heard someone yell loudly behind me. Being familiar with the voice, I turned around to see the exact man I didn't want to start my morning with. Shivaay.

He stood firmly on the ground with a look of irate and anger. He stared at me with piercing eyes that held shock and most of all disdain for my presence. However, that did not stop my eyes from wandering down to his white dress shirt that clinged tightly to his body to reveal every inch of muscle he carried. But, it was not only me who was staring at me belligerently, he was as well. I noticed his eyes move from my face down to my lehenga that wrapped around me a bit too tightly. He drew a smirk on his face and placed his hands in his pockets before walking directly up to me.

"You here?" Shivaay spoke in a curious manner as I looked up at him.

"You both know each other?" Pinky aunty said as we looked at each other with our eyes widened.

"Um...from work Ma obviously," Shivaay noted sternly to indicate our relationship was merely professional and nothing more. I immediately shook my head in agreement with his lie.

"Yes, from work," I smile weakly to reassure her.

"Oh, but so many people work for you," Pinky aunty said as she raised her eyebrow, appearing to not fall for our conjoined lie.

"Priyanka introduced us the other day, so that's how I know. They are in the same residency program. Anyways, Ma I have other important stuff to talk about. You know that wedding planner Amy is not here! How the hell is everything going to get ready?!" He exclaimed as Pinky aunty rolled her eyes, not amused by him.

"Ok fine, just relax. I will call her, but can you please show Priyanka's room to Anika? Priyanka is in panic mode and I think she needs Anika to calm her nerves."

"Ma, you can take her-," Shivaay was cut off as aunty held her hands up.

"Look, I know how to handle wedding planners, but can you please courteously show Anika Priyanka's room? You know Anika is her best friend and was really helpful to your sister back in medical school. The least we can do is be polite and respectful to her," Pinky aunty successfully convinced Shivaay who took a frustrated loud sigh.

"Okay, I will see you later Anika. If you need anything, just let me know okay?" She patted my cheek in an adoring manner before walking away.

"What the hell was that?" Shivaay snapped as I threw him a glare, not liking his tone one bit.

"What do you mean?" I asked in confusion. He immediately grabbed my arm and pulled me closer towards him. Indeed, he forgets he does not have the right to touch me anymore.

"First you come to this engagement and now you charmed my mom. How the hell was she being nice to you? She is the least nicest person I have met in my life!" He hissed as I tugged my arm out of his grip.

"First, Priyanka's my best friend and I cannot just 'not' come to her wedding. She is like a sister and honestly, after what you did to me, she was the support system I had. And second of all, it's called respecting your elders. If you respect your elders then they will like you. But, I highly doubt you know how to do that," I formed a proud smirk from my successful comeback. He clenched his teeth tightly and before I knew it, he grabbed both of my arms and pushed me gently against the wall.

My heartbeats suddenly began to quicken. My breaths becoming heavy as I felt the weight of his body against mine. He placed his hand on the wall right next to me. His eyes full of darkness and anger as he stared directly into my being.

"Don't test me Anika...just don't do that. You know me and you know what I can do. Don't try to come too close to my family. I don't want anyone to know..."Shivaay's stern warning cut off by me.

"I know. I will not tell anyone. Okay? Now can you show me Priyanka's room?" I threw my head back against the wall in frustration. I hate myself right now. Why am I liking the fact he is standing so close to me? Why does it feel nice to still share that familiar level of comfort with him?

I noticed him slip himself closer towards me making me turn my face away immediately. My logic is telling me to push him away. But my heart desires the opposite.

I felt his hot breath sizzle against my neck as he appeared to admire my features. My cheeks began to burn a deep shade of red. I found myself struggle against the smell of his intoxicating perfume which deemed to entrap me.

I suddenly felt a warm touch on the base of my neck as I shivered and looked up at him. My nose lightly brushing against his as we found eachother lost in each other's presence. Our gazes exploring the depths of each other's eyes.

At one moment, I found losing myself right into his heavenly blue eyes. The eyes in which I once wished he would only keep an image of me. The eyes I wished would always look at me with love for eternity.

I raised my eyebrow in confusion as I noticed his hand wrap around the flower garland hanging down my neck. Suddenly, he gave it a tug, pulling it off of me, and throwing it on to the floor. The flowers crumbled into pieces and scattered lifelessly between us.

"Ouch!" My hand clasped against my neck to feel the remnants of the strings against my skin.

"You know... I am not your..." I began as he threw me a glare not liking what I dared to say.

I placed my head against the wall in defeat. No use to talking to him. He is not worth your time Anika. Why are you engaging in conversation with him? Why dare to remind him of a past that he himself has long forgotten?

He slammed his hand loudly against the wall to suppress a hidden thought. He immediately backed away and turned himself away from me.

"Let's go."

I threw him a glare as I began to follow him down the hall. I let my attention drift to the massive diamond chandelier in the middle of the hallway right across from the front doors and a marble floor that followed us down our pathway. Family pictures decked the hall as we made a left turn down a pair of stairs. My eyes widened as I caught sight of the large hallway which split into a living room on my left and another hallway right next to a pair of large stairs which turned and twisted up. I noticed the interior was painted a shade of cream white as large leather sofas haunted the living room. Wow. I found myself speechless as I looked at the expensive antique pieces spread throughout the hall as Shivaay led me up the stairs. I noticed hype everywhere as servants ran around with decorations and accomplished orders. I gripped on to my clutch tightly, feeling nervous and out of place, as I followed Shivaay down the hallway.

"Just don't overdo yourself," He noted as I sped up to his pace and looked back at him.

"What do you mean don't overdo myself?"I asked in curiousity unable to understand him. He stopped in his track and sighed loudly in annoyance. as he

"Don't overdo how you are, alright? This personality you have of talking too much when you are around strangers, being socially awkward and that niceness you play with." My mouth widened in shock. Why is he so accurate on point? How does he know me so well despite years we have been apart?

"Just shut up alright," I spat in irritation as he walked to a set of doors and knocked on it.

"Come in!" I heard Priyanka say as Shivaay opened the door.

Bright lights suddenly blinded my vision from the bright ceiling lights which dazzled across her room. Clothes were scattered everywhere across the room. A set of women were running around the room while Priyanka sat in the center of the room. She sighed in frustration while running her hand through her curlers before fixing up her pink robe. She immediately turned in her chair and exclaimed as hugged me tightly.

"Oh My God! Thank God you are here Anika! Do you know how big of a day this is for me? Oh my god, that dupatta ripped! And look at the tragic makeup the stylist is trying to give me. Also, look at my face yaar. Look at this pimple," She began to speak without taking a breath, clearly terrified and anxious. I grabbed her shoulder and forced her to stop.

"Just breathe Priyanka ok? Just deep breaths like we talked about and learned in that stupid meditation class of yours," I spoke in a calmn voice. She and I began to take breaths together. Shivaay stared at us like he has just witnessed an alien occurrence, finding himself amused.

"It's alright, I will try to fix your dupatta Priyanka. I will handle it." I walked up to her bed to grab the dupatta while Priyanka bit her nails impatiently.

"I don't know Anika, I am sooo worried!" She sighed as I looked at a pair of boys running around her room.

"Aryan and Luv! Stop that please!" I heard a young woman yell who was running after them.

"It's okay Gauri bhabi, just let them be!" Gauri stopped and rolled her eyes.

"I don't know why Omkara spoiled them so much! And look they ripped your dupatta. I am so sorry," Gauri said as she walked up to us.

"That's why I said you and Om should be strict on them, but nobody ever listens to me," Shivaay remarked coldly as I looked back at him and rolled my eyes.

"I know Shivaay bhaiyya. I should have been, but Om doesn't listen. He spoils them too much."

"It's okay and don't worry. How about we focus on fixing the dupatta. And plus, they're kids. I am sure they are sorry."

Gauri smiled as she looked back at me.

"Thanks for coming. You must be Anika right?" Gauri said as I shook my head.

"Nice meeting you. I'm Gauri and Priyanka's bhabi. Her brother Om is my husband," Gauri introducing herself with a small hug. I greeted her with a smile.

"Nice to meet you as well Gauri." I greeted her with a smile before looking down on the dupatta in my hand.

"Okay how about we start fixing that dupatta," I announced as Gauri lifted the dupatta from my hand to show a small rip on the edge of it.

"Hmmm...not too bad." I observed it carefully while Gauri handed me a box.

"If you need anything, just let me know," Shivaay said to Priyanka before walking out and away.

I quickly grabbed the needle and the thread which matched with the dupatta and began stitching it while Gauri held the dupatta for me. I realized she was pretty friendly and not how I expected Priyanka's family to be. In fact, Gauri was really nice. She loved to talk and apparently she told me her entire life story when we were trying to fix the dupatta. She came from a working class background, just like me, and fell in love with Om at a very young age when they encountered each other at a caf and married after being only three months together. Surprisingly, love at first sight may actually exist since they have been together for eight years and have twin sons. Well, there is one Oberoi brother who can stay in a committed relationship. I thought.

"Wow, this looks great Anika. You surely have a knack for talent," She said as I smiled and held up the dupatta.

"Thank you so much Anika! You are a life saver!" Priyanka exclaimed as the beautician placed a piece of cucumber on her eyes.

"Thanks. I am surprised myself. I guess those hours of learning how to sew for surgery in medical school actually helped." We both broke into laughter having remember the disastrous sutures I did in the operating theater once, leading the surgeon to announce I am hopeless and would have a better life being a fast-food worker.

"Wow, that looks nice," I heard someone say as I looked up and saw a very elderly woman standing in front of us. She placed on her glasses and observed the dupatta carefully to admire it.

"You did this?" She said as she looked at me while I shook my head gently.

"Very nice," She said as I smiled and knelt down to take her blessings.

"Anika, this is dadi. And dadi this Anika. She's Priyanka's best friend," Gauri said as dadi smiled and touched my cheek lovingly.

"Well, everyone deserves a friend like you. Thank you for helping else this Priyanka was really annoying me."

Priyanka rolled her eyes as she took a cucumber off of her eyes and took a bite of it.

"Please, dadi this is important. It's my big day!"

"She has gone crazy since she got engaged to Akash. Anyways, you are also a doctor right?" Dadi sat next to me.

"Yes, I'm in the same residency program as Priyanka."

"Nice, waise, are you married?" She asked as my eyes widened while Priyanka laughed.

"Sorry Anika. This is dadi's new job until this wedding ends. She is looking for rishtas," Priyanka continued to chuckle from this embarrassing moment. I played with my hands nervously from the inquiry.

"Um...no dadi, I'm not married."

"Nice, waise have you met by grandson Shivaay? You know he is very handsome and I think he would be perfect for you. He has a very good heart. Sometimes, he has a temper you know, but I think if he will ever love anyone he will love them with his heart. You look so calm and nice. I think you will bring some peace to that disastrous life he lives in. I think you both would be perfect for each other," Dadi said as my eyes widened in horror. My face turning bright red from embarrassment. The mere thought of me and Shivaay being together makes me want to vomit. Gauri laughed as she placed her hand on my shoulder.

"Waise, I think you would be a nice sister-in-law," Gauri said as I bit my lip in shame and I looked down to play with my dupatta.

"Dadi!" I heard a voice say as I looked up and noticed Shivaay staring at the three of us with frustration and annoyance as he walked up to us. I could tell by the way he walked with stomping his feet that he was not happy.

"What billu? Have I said anything wrong? You know when your grandfather was your age he already had your father and your aunt who were ten years old and look at you! All your siblings have found their life partners, but you! Look, Anika is so nice and pretty. I think she is perfect for you," Dadi spoke in an innocent voice. I could tell she was a harmless elderly woman, who only wished well. If only she knew how her grandson truly was like.

I noticed Shivaay's face changing colors as it reddened. He took a deep breath and looked back at me. I looked away instantly to avoid his gaze. I am sure he is cursing me right now and annoyed because he probably thinks I did something to put this thought in dadi's mind.

"You know what dadi. I don't have time for this. Here is Akash's engagement ring," He said as he placed a golden colored box in her hand and turned around to walk away.

"Aye wait billu! You have to try this one!"

Shivaay looked back at her with a raised eyebrow.

"Me? Why?" He questioned as she rolled her eyes.

"Because your hands look about the same size as Akash's. I want to see if it fits properly or else we will be embarrassed and do you know how much reputation is important to me?"

Shivaay walked up to her and grabbed the box to take the ring. He placed it in his finger.

"There it's fine," He said as he began to take it off until he couldn't.

"What the hell?" Shivaay again tried to pull the ring off, but failed to do so. It was stuck to him like glue.

"What did you do billu?!"

"I did nothing! I don't know how this got stuck!" Shivaay grumbled in frustration trying to pull off the ring.

"What?! That's the engagement ring and it got stuck in your finger! This is bad...really bad bhaiyya," Priyanka exclaimed as she got up from her chair and tried to pull the ring off.

I got up from the bed and walked up to him. I realized he was trying really hard, but the ring just wouldn't budge.

I quickly grabbed a bottle of lotion off of the makeup table and opened it to place some lotion on my fingers.

"Here, let me try to pull this off," I volunteered as Priyanka went into panic mode while dadi cursed him.

I grabbed his hand as he looked at me. My heart skipped a beat from feeling his strong, rugged hand against my warm one. It had been years since I had held his hand and for some reason the same feeling was there. The feeling of desire and the feeling of care that could not vanish for some reason. I felt my heart beat faster as my hands trembled in his. For some reason I felt like I didn't want to let go of his hand. Tightening my grip of his hand, I slowly placed the lotion on his finger and rubbed it gently to loosen the ring. I felt his gaze on me as I tried to take it off.

"Is it working?" He asked impatiently as I tried to pull the ring.

"I am trying." I pulled on it hard with all my force and before I knew it the ring was in my hand, but I my feet were slipping against the wooden floor. Suddenly, I felt a tight grip on my waist and my hand before I could fall down. I looked up and there he was.

Shivaay held on to me tightly as my arm wrapped around him. Our eyes locking into eachother. I felt a deep knot in my stomach which held old feelings of the past-daring to give birth to them. I noticed his eyes not budging away from me like he was admiring me, lost in my presence. My heart began to beat faster, my breaths became heavier while I felt a weight on my heart not daring to go away. A feeling that continued to grow inside of me without a stop. He kept his eyes in mines as I looked back at him. No Anika, you have to be strong and not fall in any of these traps. I broke the gaze and pulled myself up to let go of him.

"Here's the ring." I handed it to dadi.

"Um...I have to go make a call,"Shivaay said as he walked away abruptly. I sighed as I turned and looked back at Priyanka, dadi and Gauri who were smiling as they stared at me. Clearly, they were amused by our little moment.

"Um...I have something," I lied before quickly walking out of the room. Not ready to come in terms with the fact that I was still attracted to the man who broke my heart.

Copyright © jasminedarcie

All Rights Reserved

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner or language whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.

****

Thank you for reading :).