Shivika reached their pent home by night. They had their dinner prepared by Maria and moved to their rooms but sleep was far away from Anika. She was thinking about him and the way both of them enjoyed in snow, the way he reacted when she referred him as bagadbilla were running in her mind. Did he really meant what he said? Does he really wants me to give a chance for this relationship? I think I won't be able to love him after what happened between us. You shouldn't let him enter your heart. Taking a firm decision, she tried to sleep thinking about him.

*****

Next morning,

Shivaay was preparing coffee for Anika and espresso for himself. He was waiting for her as he knows she would wake up now. Just then he heard the door bell ringing and saw Maria.

M: Good morning Shivaay!

S: Good morning aunty!

M: Where is Anika?

S: She is still sleeping aunty!

Both entered inside and Shivaay placed the coffee cups in a tray and moved upstairs while Maria went awe with his gestures. Reaching her room, he knocked the door but she didn't give any reply. He again knocked but there was no response again. He opened the door to see her still sleeping. Placing the tray on the bed side table and moved towards her. He was shocked when he saw her shivering a little. He touched her forehead and it was burning.

S: Anika..Wake up!

He shook her a little and she opened her eyes a little to see him next to her.

S: Just stay here..I will call for a doctor!

She tried to say something but he ran out and yelled Maria's name.

M: What happened Shivaay?

S: Aunty call for a doctor! Anika isn't well!

He moved towards kitchen and arranged a bowl of cooling water and moved to her room. He then took out a cloth and sat next to her. Dipping the cloth in the water, he placed it on her forehead to reduce the temperature.

S: It's just fever and I know you will get well soon. Kuch nahi hoga tumhe..I know!

He was assuring himself that she will be fine. He got her back after three years and now he is fearing about her absence in his life again. He won't let her go away from him at any cost. He again dipped the cloth in the bowl and placed it on her forehead and waited for doctor. In a while Anika opened her eyes and Shivaay smiled widely.

S: Thank god you woke up! I was very much afraid thinking of what happened to you! I already called for a doctor. He will be here soon. And you just take rest and I will handle everything. I know you might be feeling very sick but don't worry..Once doctor comes, he will give you medicines and you will be fine. And..

A(cut him): Mein theek hoon.

S: No! You are not! Did you see your body is burning? How the hell can you say you are fine? Only doctor can say it. You are not moving anywhere until doctor checks you!

She again tried to say something but he glared. After a while she started to move a little but he stopped making her more angry.

A: Shivaay..please move!

S: No!

A: Can't you understand I have to go!

S: I said you are not moving anywhere! Sunti kyu nahi ho?

A(looking down): Washroom jaana hai!

Shivaay was embarrassed. Both of them stood up and he placed his left hand around her shoulder and his right hand was clasped in hers.

A: I can walk!

S: I know it. But you aren't well so I need to help you!

Muttering something inaudible to him, she moved towards washroom and banged the door shut. After a while she came out to see him standing at the same place and made a grumpy face. He once again helped her to lie down on the bed and started to put wet cloth on her forehead again. Meanwhile doctor entered along with Maria. He checked Anika and Shivaay was standing next to her while Shivaay filled in all the details.

S: Everything is fine?

Doc: Yes Mr. Oberoi! It's just a normal fever. Both of you had traveled a lot and spent a day in snow and Mrs. Oberoi wasn't able to cope up with the climate! Make sure she takes medicines and give her ample rest. She will be fine in a day!

He prescribed some medicines and left. He asked Maria to bring medicines and helped Anika to sit properly.

S: I will bring breakfast here! Just freshen up and sit.

She nodded and he bought breakfast in a while. She was sitting on the bed looking outside through window. He sat next to her and helped her to eat.

A: Shivaay please I can eat! Don't worry about me!

S: How should I not be worried Anika? It only happened because of me! I am sorry. I shouldn't have taken you there! It's my mistake!

A: Will you just shut up! What are you even saying? You really are a billu ji! Mujhe kuch nahi hua hai! Don't ask sorry if you are not at fault. I really don't like it!

S: I will remember that Panika!

A: What did you say?

S: Nothing!

A: No, I heard you saying Panika!

S: So..It's true that you are Panika..Remember how you used to throw water on me!

A: No don't call me that billu ji!

S: You can call me billu and bagadbilla and what ever..But I can't call you as Panika! Just great!

Both of them stayed silent for a while and later began to laugh like maniacs remembering their old times. The only thing they used to do is fight like cats and dogs forgetting about everything. He was lost in her smile. After many days he saw her laughing her heart out. As if in a trance he asked her,

S: Where was this Anika all these days? Why did you hide her?

She looked confused and he slowly cupped her face.

S: The Anika in front of me..Why did you hide her all these days?

She didn't dare to look into his questioning eyes.

A: I..don't know...what are you..saying.

S: You want me to really believe it Anika? Look into my eyes and answer me the same! Why are you hiding from everyone?

She felt vulnerable and slowly looked into his eyes. He was assuring her to say everything.

A: I don't know.

S: Why were you being so aloof Anika? That was not you. You have to be the real you. The one who makes others smile even in very sad situation. The one who used weird words. That Anika who used to fight with me every second. That Anika who attracts everyone with your warm welcoming nature. Why did you change yourself? Don't you think you are doing wrong with yourself? Everyone want back our khidkitod Anika.

Tears pooled in her eyes. Understanding her, he pulled her gently towards him. She rested her head above his chest and cried silently. He soothed her by rubbing his palm on her shoulder.

A(whisper): Are you really thinking I am hiding myself?

S: Anyone who knows you can say it Anika. Even you know the answer then why are you asking me?

He was asking like he was talking to a small baby. She gripped his shirt tightly and held him close to her. Right now she wants a person to support her and didn't mind if its Shivaay.

A: If I answer..Will you..leave..me?

S: Never. I also know I am responsible for this condition of yours. But don't hide your feelings. Say it openly. And do you know why I am asking this? For both of us to move ahead in our relationship, we have to open up completely. Like I said mistake is mine, I will earn my forgiveness. But for me to do that you have to bring out everything! Just say it.

A: I am afraid Shivaay..I don't want to suffer another heart break. I left everything and lived only for Sahil all these years. I was living but I lost my soul when I lost my baby. I never wanted anyone to see me with pity. I only had Sahil for me and many times I thought of getting support from him. But he is a kid Shivaay. He already bore so much for me. And I don't want him to neglect his studies because of me. I was afraid to trust anyone. And the pain and my guilt made me like this.

She cried in his embrace trying to erase all the pain. Shivaay was ashamed of his deeds. What had he done to this girl? The only girl who he loved her was in this condition is because of him. No, he won't let her fall week anymore. Until now he is the great wall of SSO only for his family. And it's time for him to be the great wall for his lady. He won't let the guilt eat him like past. He had done a mistake and he will rectify it. He slowly broke the hug and wiped her tears.

S: Galti Shivaay Singh Oberoi ne kiya hai Anika. Lekin aaj tak uss galti ka punishment tum face kar rahi ho. Abh aur nahi. Iss galti ko sudharega bhi Shivaay Singh Oberoi! I promise you I will bring back my khidkitod Anika.

He kissed her forehead and hugged her to get back his lost strength. He will work hard to make their future beautiful not thinking about the painful past.

*****