Anika's POV continued:

As I played, my mind averted from him. But it was so much fun to hang out with these Oberois. We played for about an hour until we were all out of energy.

"Bhaiah!! I am so tired." Priyanka said relaxing herself on the bench.

"Then, shall we go back?" Shivaay asked unbuttoning his jacket. I could see his T-shirt perfectly stuck to his well built body soaked in his sweat, illuminating his muscular structure. Instantly I looked away because I already had enough for that day.

"No bhaiah!! Let's sit here for some more time." Rudra sat down leaning against Omkara.

"Hmm. I don't mind" Shivaay said sitting on the grass. He leaned back by resting his weight on to his arms and stretched his legs.

I sat down beside him, sleep hovering me. I was really tired. It was after such a long time I had played again. The soft wind kept brushing my face taking away all my exhaustion and I sighed closing my eyes.

I heard someone bark a laugh which suddenly disturbed my sleep. I didn't know when and for how long I slept but it surely relieved me. When I opened my eyes, I saw Omkara chasing Rudra near the parking lot and Prinku walking behind them chuckling.

I rubbed my eyes with my fingers to clear my vision. And it was when I realised his warmth over my skin. I could feel his familiar scent. I was still sitting on the grass and my head rested on his shoulders.

I looked up quickly, in surprise only to meet his eyes. They were twinkling more than usual under the moon light.

"Got up so early?" He asked with a mischievous grin.

I frowned and looked at my watch wondering how long could I have slept for. It showed half past three.

"I just took a nap for 10 minutes" I said standing up. " why didn't you wake me up?"

"Because.." he stood up, stared at me for a moment before walking away.

"Because???" I shouted "Hey! Shivaay!!! Tell me"

"Nothing." He said peeping back. "Now, let's go. We are already late"

Like really? We were already late. A few seconds extra doesn't make any difference. And what was that? Why did he stop in between? This man is really confusing. I am sure I would go crazy sometime.

I followed him back to the car thinking. I didn't ask him anything because I felt it would be awkward before Omru and Prinku. And even he didn't speak a word after that. We drove back silently to the mansion finally.

.........................................

As we got down the car, Rudra came running to my side and hugged me tightly.

"Anika didi! You are the best" he grinned.

"But for what?" I laughed, breaking the hug.

"You know its been so long since the last night out." He pulled my cheeks and continued "Its just because of your idea that we stayed back and had an awesome time."

"Yeah Anika!! Even I enjoyed it a lot." Om said wrapping his arm around Rudra. "I hope even you did" he looked straight into my eyes to get his answer.

"Yes!! Of course" I said assuring him. I know he was the one who always cared a lot for my well being and comfort.

"Good night Anika. Oops! Good morning actually." Prinku said giggling, cutely holding her water bottle.

"Good morning Prinku!" I smiled, immediately hugging her when Omru joined us.

Shivaay walked up to us after parking the car. He cleared his throat and we all looked at him.

"Even I am here" He said "No one cares for me" he faked a sad pout.

"Bhaiah!" Rudra pulled him into our group hug and I felt complete in the embrace of my family.

We entered the mansion quietly not wanting to disturb anyone. Everyone waved bye not speaking a word and retired to their rooms except for both of us.

Shivaay was checking something on his mobile. God knows what! I looked at him but it seemed he didn't bother, so I quickly walked a few steps before his voice stopped me.

"Soo..?" he took a pause and I turned back to him.

"Enjoyed?" he asked.

Yes, I am thoroughly happy. But I didn't want to tell it on his face. After all he is 'the Bagad billa'

"Nope" I said supressing my smile.

He cocked an eyebrow at me ,puzzled. "It's because of you I didn't have my Ice gola. Remember??" I continued, making my tone sound irritated. He nodded.

"You didn't even change a bit, Shivaay" I said crossing my arms across my chest. "Jaise bachpan mein mujhe khane nahi deta tha, tumhari aadat nahi badli"

He smiled. "Yeah!! Because they are unhygienic. And its really not good for your health."

"Haan! Aagaye hygenic ka samrat" I snorted, rolling my eyes. "I don't care."

I started walking again before his strong arm held my wrist. He whirled me, pulling close to him and I slammed into his rock hard chest.

I looked at him bewildered. Something tugs at my heart when he is close to me. I tried relieving myself but in vain.

He shifted his hand holding both my wrists in his one big palm and pulled me more closer. I held my breath, not able to exhale.

Oh jaanaa

Khoya khoya rehtha hain

Dil tadap ke kehtha hain

Tu hi meri jeene ki wajah

He pushed my random strands behind my ear and leaned forward, his lips brushing my ear.

"Jaise tumhari pani phenkne wali aadat nahi badli, PAANIKA" he whispered in his husky voice. His voice passed hundreds of shivers in my body and I closed my eyes taking in his words.

Suddenly I grasped. "You remember?" I asked looking at him in disbelief.

"Could you forget?" he raised his eye brows. I froze, in shock. He remembered me. He remembered our friendship. Something inside me screamed out of excitement and joy.

"Good night, Paanika" he said releasing me. He turned and walked away swiftly.

"Good night. BILLUUU....." I cooed. He didn't look back but I could feel him smiling.

My lips twitched and I stood there still, watching him until he disappeared. I recalled our childhood days how my whole family used to spend our vacation at Oberoi Mansion.

My dad and Tej uncle, I mean bade papa were business partners and we used to stay in Kolkata as my dad handled the over there. But distance never made us apart. We never missed a single chance to meet.

We were not blood related but this mattered. We were nothing less than a family. And thus , chutky and me shared a great bond with Billu and Om.

We sisters used to always cry when ever our holidays came to an end and I still remember how Shivaay and Om used to surprise us to make us smile.

Shivaay himself used to collect my favourite red roses in the garden and make a beautiful bouquet with them along with a card written for me.

I kept them safely with me. Always with me. They were the moments now I craved for. He's been my sweet friend ever. He didn't even change a bit. The same tadi along with same meetapan. My smile didn't leave me until my thoughts took me to that incident.

That dreadful incident which took away my life. The mere thought of it brought chills down my spine. My eyes instantly glazed with tears.

That accident snatched my parents away. It took away my sister from me. I walked to my room, my mind preoccupied with this thought.

I still wonder what made me survive and how. It would probably because of my mother. She held me so close and protected me in her embrace taking all the broken glass pieces on to her back. They pierced her flesh and still she smiled giving me all her life. Her blood made my heart beat.

After that incident, I decided to spend the rest of my life in Kolkata. I didn't want to leave back all the memories of my parents, my sister and my childhood.

But Pinky maa kept insisting me to come back and stay with them.

I knew I needed a family and their love but I m scared to move on. If loving a family could break my heart into million pieces, I don't have the courage to do that again. I can't afford to loose this family too.

Until last year, I was all alone living at my house in Kolkata, with my dayima. If it wasn't for my internship, I wouldn't ever stay here.

Despite the fear I was holding on, I couldn't deny my heart from accepting this family. The moment I arrived, the moment they poured their love on me, It stole away all the pain and loneliness I had carried all these years. It brought back all the memories of my happy life.

And now, I m again happy after so long. Thanking god for one more time, I dozed off.

Hey guys,

I know you people are right now so pissed off at me for not updating. It's been nearly a month and I sincerely apologize you for that. You all have the right to be made at me.
But I m struck with my OS competition. I had to submit two stories for it. And successfully finished it last sunday.
As soon as it got over, I sat down writing the next chapter and here You go.

I hope you will enjoy reading it. And yeah! Please pray for me. The result of the OS comepetition will be out soon.

Thanks for 10K guys!!!! Its my firdt story and you gave me already what I wanted.
Keep giving me your love. Please vote and comment.

Yours
Trushnamallipudi
xoxo