"Morning Oberoi!"

"Morning Jasper!" He called out to his neighbor who was clearing the snow off his garden. He buried his hands deeper into his pockets. Hitting the gym this early was certainly not the best idea but he had nothing else to do. His sleep cycle had shortened considerably. It could be the changed environment, changed food or maybe the changed lifestyle summed it better. 

He was glad that he had a studio apartment on a first floor. It was small but sufficient. He could have considered staying at his father's friend Raheja uncle's place. But he did not want to depend on anyone or cause any problem to them. Moreover he couldn't stay at someone's place for that long. More than that he wanted to prove it to himself that he was good enough for handling things himself. 

As he walked down the recently snow cleared way he felt glad he had convinced Anika to stay back at home. She would have frozen at this place. He remembered what a drama she put up at Manali, when they had gone for their honeymoon. Ultimately, making her drink brandy was the found solution. One entire day was wasted because of her cold- war with the weather. Not that he minded because that only meant more of them together. 

Inhaling a deep breath he walked faster. The gym wasn't that far from his apartment. He usually walked it that way a little warm up was done. Though in all honesty if one was to ask Shivaay, he'd only say it was freezing up. There was nothing warm about walking early in the morning from his apartment to gym. But he had got used to it now. Initially he had been sick the first few days. Anika was so worried every time he called. She'd get mad at him for not taking care. A mere thought of her and he had a smile on his face. She'd be surprised to find her husband having all toned muscles and physique. 

But the past few days made him mad at himself more than her. It had been four weeks to the argument and she hadn't spoken to him properly after that. He couldn't blame her. He shouldn't have yelled. But she should have understood what he meant. Anyways. When she'd see him he knew in the blink of an eye she'd forget everything and run to him. Oh he wished that moment was soon. He missed her terribly. She certainly was the best wife ever. Despite her anger she made it a point to ask him about his health and if he was eating well. 

He waved at the old doorman and the man smiled at him cordially. "Morning Oberoi!"

"Morning Douglas!" 

"What's with that smile this morning young man?" The old white haired fellow asked grinning at Shivaay.

Shivaay's smile got wider. "Simply!"

"Huh, come on. Tell me the name of the lady, young man!"

"Anika!" Shivaay grinned.

"Anika! Nice name. Girlfriend?"

He laughed nodding. "Nope. Wife!"

"Oh wonderful!"

"Have a great day Douglas!"

"You too Oberoi!"

* * *

He kicked the door of the apartment shut as he entered inside. He placed the packets on the kitchen counter, grabbed his clothes and walked to the bathroom for a quick shower. He moved into the kitchen area. His mother would have freaked out if she knew he stayed at a place where bedroom, living area and kitchen was all in one big room. 

He quickly put the pan and broke three eggs emptying its contents on to the pan. He was about to season it when hi phone rang. Turning the flame low he ran to it."Hello, Yes Mr. Collins. No not a problem. Los Angeles? Sure. What time? " he asked glancing at his watch. "Perfect I will be there. Thanks! Good day!" He sniffed something. Oh no! He ran and looked at his burnt eggs turning off the flame. Amazing. He emptied the contents into the bin and decided to grab something from Starbucks or the Harvest Cafe. Quickly he got dressed took a small bag pack– he kept one ready at all time.  Left after locking the door securely. 

This city worked so differently. Very differently. From the buses to the fire brigade everything was so different. Though the city had its own share of being notorious. At times he had spotted people so casually carrying arms. It was shocking at first. But soon Shivaay had learnt the ways of he city. He could only be glad that Anika wasn't here. He wouldn't dare to leave her alone in an apartment or be on herself around this city. She would be a nervous wreck on these busy streets and uncomfortable around odd looking muscular people he spotted in the lanes. 

But the city had it's own charm. The white snow laid paths. The peaceful and lazy morning sun. The way the sun rays filtered through the old trees spreading themselves on the snow.

He reached the railway station. Yet again an altogether different scenario. It would roughly take eleven hours from San Francisco to Los Angeles. Hopefully this Rosewood Hotel Owner Hayet Rosewood would strike a deal. After the last lost deal, Shivaay had become very sceptic. Surviving in the States in the Hotel Industry was a very hard task. Shivaayhad understood that too soon. But he had seen the knee interest of them setting up in India. Especially for Heritage Hotels. Resorts meant more investment. Shivaay ruled that out for now. Maybe someday when he's established Oberoi Hotels all over the top cities in India he would think of expanding to Resorts. 

* * *

The train journey wasn't tiring and seemingly endless like in India. In fact his most work happened on board these trains. He was sitting opposite to a cheerful couple with a cute daughter. She didn't seem more than ten. But the girl was very sharp. He noted how the girl always looked up from a book after intervals and told her parents what was happening in the book and what she felt about it. From what he heard the book seemed about two twin sisters. She would randomly look up and say,"If I were her I'd tell her friend about it we mustn't lie to best friends. If I lied to Ashley she'd be so mad at me." Or something of the sort. Shivaay was amused how she had an alternative idea to every thing that happened in the book just like his wife! His wife would comment on everything and out things her way. He smiled. God he missed her so much. He looked back at the file hoping this deal would be successful. 

* * *

A day later he entered the lane where his studio apartment was located. It was Christmas and the entire city had been decorated. He saw the beautifully decorated home of his neighbor Jasper. He was at the door helping his old grandmother fix the Christmas wreath on the door. His lips adored a smile. Few seconds later his wife came and scolded him for taking grandmother out and took the old lady inside. Shivaay chuckled. He was reminded of his parents. Just the same way his mom used to scold his dad on petty things. When they were gone Jasper spotted him he waved. "Merry Christmas Oberoi. " 

"Merry Christmas Jasper!" Shivaay wished jauntily.

"Not going back home for Christmas?" The man asked. 

Shivaay's smile faded slightly. "Nope not this Christmas. "

"Come over!"

"Some other time. Just back from work. You guys enjoy. Good night!" He wished quickly walking grabbing his coat and pulling it closer. The night was growing colder. Of course, he missed the warmth of home. He entered his apartment to be welcomed by customary emptiness and shabbiness. God! He missed home. He looked at the kitchen counter. He had no energy to cook anything.  He looked at the clock. 

It was almost half past eight. That meant around nine in the morning in India. Anika would have left for work. She won't pick up he knew. The excuse would be busy in work. Yet, he tried. As expected she didn't lift the call a minute later there was a message saying she was busy at an event. He chucked the phone on the bed the little appetite he had, disappeared. She could have at least picked up and said she was busy. That way at least he could hear her voice. 

He lay on his low platform bed. All he could listen was the ticking of clock and a distant music of Christmas carols. Occasionally a loud cheer was heard from people –perhaps a group of friends, or perhaps family.

He walked up tot he window to look out. The streets were empty and looked beautiful under the glimmering lights on the trees that flocked either sides of the roadway. He saw Kevin, the bachelor who stayed on the floor above him. 

"Hey Oberoi. Coming for a drink? I am going to the pub to have some fun. "

"Nope. You carry on!"

"Why man! Come on we'll have some fun. Its Christmas!"

" I have work, Kevin. Have fun. Night! " this was something Shivaay always said to Kevin. Kevin was a well recognized Playboy, Shivaay couldn't even remember the amount of different girls he had seen him with. Kevin assumed him to be in depression for he never went put with him. Only when he knew he was married and loved his wife did he understand why he never came out on nights with him. 

One and a half hours later Shivaay still couldn't find sleep. Shivaay as usual was looking at their pictures. He had spoken to his mother, his dad was at Delhi. Anika was at an event. He missed home. His beeping phone had his attention. He had to attend a meeting the next day at lunch. He sighed and decided to eat some bread and take the sleeping pill. It had been a week he hadn't had a good sleep. Four hours per day was all he had slept and he felt extremely tired. 

That night he slept well. Hoping he'd get home soon. Successful. 

-Anami!