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Hello everyone! So, I have decided to post two chapters today!!!! Please read chapter 11 and chapter 12 which I have posted. I decided to surprise everyone and give a double chapter considering how much love you have given to this novel. I am so grateful to God for giving me such lovely readers who read, comment, like, and even go on social media to promote my book. I mean this means a lot to me that you have utilized your valuable time to spread the word about my book. Thank you so much :) !!!!! From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank all of you.

Chapter 11 and Chapter 12 will explore the depths of a broken relationship that Shivaay and Anika share. These chapters will be the turning point of the story as Anika will be moving forward soon :(....I know Shivaay and Anika are my favorite and I promise this novel will get a happy ending for Shivaay and Anika fans! :) However, my novel has lots of twists and turns, so buckle up and read these chapters and upcoming chapters :D

Hopefully, I will update soon :) I am intending to start writing the next chapter.

Also, if possible please do read my new novel. It's a pure work of fiction and has new characters, but it is a good story.

So, if possible please do read The Web of Love Tales (https://www.wattpad.com/756284965-the-web-of-love-tales-chapter-1-the-storm). I posted this earlier and got rare views, so I pulled it off wattpad. Now I decided to give it another chance, so please give this novel a chance and read it if you wish to :)

I worked really hard on these chapters, so please do read and give feedback if possible. I am not sure if this is my best work, but I am trying to improve.

Thank you so much and please read, comment, and like. Thank you for spreading the word about this book and please do continue to do so if you wish too. I love getting both positive and negative feedback, so please do give feedback. After this chapter, Anika will be moving on :)

Also, let me know if I should enter this story for wattys 2019. So, far I have seen yes's from many, but please do let me know :) Also, I will be replying to all of your previous comments and comments to these chapters as well, so feel free to give feedback and advice :)

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Anika's Point of View

https://youtu.be/qOTASsLZ8v8

Laying still on my bed, I stared at the stars outside of my window. Why did he save my life? Why did he jump into the water to save me? I sighed as I tapped my fingers lightly against the bed sheet. My fingers grazed against my lips as if to touch the remains of his lips that had breathed air into me. His breaths had brought me back to life. How could I just let this matter go without questioning him?

I heard a loud pager peeping as I looked up realizing it was the night nurse, Lizzy.

"Hello Dr. Malhotra, how are you feeling now?" She asked smiling as I smiled and shook her hand.

"Better...I guess. I still have significant pain in my rib," I noted as I winced when I felt the sudden stabbing of the pain.

"I know...I am so sorry. It must be painful. We can do more pain medications if you would like too. I can talk to Dr. Garrison about that," She noted as she began charting my symptoms and signs.

"It would be a good idea, but I don't want to take too much," I said as she shook her head and began typing out a message for Dr. Garrison.

"Is she doing better now?" I recognized the familiar voice as I shifted my head realizing it was Shivaay.

He's still here. I thought he would have left by now. Why is he still here? I looked at him curiously as he walked in. He looked like a disaster waiting to happen as his face looked tired and aged. Dark circles spinning down his eyes as his hair stood up in the air. His kurta still half wet and dried as it stuck tightly to his skin. I moved my eyes away from him as he shifted his eyes towards me.

"Better she is, but we will have to keep her one more day in the hospital to ensure the rib fracture is not too serious. We highly doubt it, but want to do another x-ray on the ribcage," Lizzy noted as Shivaay shook his head.

Another day? That means I won't be able to...go to the wedding? What? Priyanka's my best friend and I cannot miss her wedding. I sighed as I shook my head.

"I have to go to Priyanka's wedding. Is there any way this x-ray can be fast tracked or something?" I questioned Lizzy as she shrugged her shoulders.

"I know Dr. Malhotra...I am sorry, but I cannot do anything...Even if we fast tracked the x-ray, we still have to keep you for one day to make sure you are good and on the way to recovery," Lizzy said as her pager began ringing.

"I will be back ok?" Lizzy walked out as she closed the door.

Shivaay sighed as he crossed his arms and walked towards me.

"Why are you still worrying about Priyanka huh? Because of her you are here today in this hospital. Do you even realize that?" Shivaay questioned with a tinge of anger in his voice.

I looked at him confused considering Priyanka was his sister and shouldn't he be supporting her and not judging her. Moreover, I know this whole ordeal was not Priyanka's fault. I know her too well and I know when she get's drunk, she goes overboard. I have witnessed it many times in medical school. I just do not understand why Shivaay is overreacting. I mean I am fine now.

"Stop blaming Priyanka ok? She would never do anything to hurt me. Moreover, she's your sister! You should know her best!" I argued as he rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"Can we just not talk about this sole subject Anika? Please?" He ordered as he held his hand up preventing me from speaking another word.

"You know what Anika? Priyanka is getting married tomorrow and should know her responsibilities and be more mature. She cannot act childish anymore!"

I bit my lip in frustration as I looked at him pacing back and forth. What is going on in his mind? What is he thinking right now? I attempted to figure his thought process as he sat on a small sofa next to the window.

"Enough about Priyanka....I wanted to ask how are you?"

My eyes widened at his blatant approach. I looked at him a bit taken a back at his change in demeanor as he appeared to have lost the dark aura. His eyes showing vulnerability and anxiety as he kept running his thumb against the edge of his lips. He appeared to have a feeling that he could not let go of.

"I am fine...But what about you?" I questioned as I raised myself up laying my back against the hospital bed.

Raising his head up, he looked at me confused as he ran a trembling hand through his hair.

"What are you saying?" He muttered as he avoided my gaze.

"Why do I feel that you have lost yourself today?" I questioned as his widened as he looked at up at me.

"Lost? Shivaay Singh Oberoi never loses himself."

"Well you did. I can see vulnerability in you..." I softly spoke. His face slowly changing colors as he furrowed his eyebrows attempting to project his previous self, but failed to do so.

"Why did you save me today?" I questioned as he looked up at me, appearing dumbfounded as I caught him off guard.

"Because...because you were drowning Anika...Why wouldn't I save you? Huh?" He attempted to argue as he clasped his hands against his mouth as he shifted his body back and forth. Nerves were getting to him and weakening him.

"Why are you still here? Why" I questioned as my voice weakened. I felt my throat tightening as I felt tears slowly building up inside of me for no reason at all. Why am I tearing up for no reason? I mean there is no reason to right? Are these tears due to the realization of how much I am still connected to a broken relationship or happiness that, perhaps, that relationship has life? That witnessing the vulnerability in a previous love may hint it may not be over.

"Because....I....I don't know to be honest...The minute I think I should go, I can't," He replied as he appeared defeated to turmoil of emotions he experienced. I heard the loud sound of thunder making its way as rain began to fall lightly.

I sighed as I played with my fingers nervously waiting for him to say something more, but he didn't. I attempted to wait patiently to get answers from him, but somewhere I knew I wouldn't.

"Tell me for once...just tell me...Why did you decide to save me and why you took the initiative to bring me here? Why are you still here?" I attempted to urge him to give me a clear answer.

"I don't know Anika ok?! I don't know!" He exclaimed as he got up in frustration. I felt my body shake under his sudden outburst of frustration upon me.

"Out of all the people, I would've thought you would be the last person to save me! Then why did you?! Huh?! Why did you decide to give me CPR? Why come to this ER? Why are you still here hours after I have gained consciousness and am ok?!"

"Can you stop repeating the same damn thing over and over again?! Huh! Just shut up!" He yelled as kicked the sofa in frustration.

"What is wrong with you?!" I yelled as I grabbed his wrist and pulled him towards me as he avoided my gaze.

Looking the other way, he struggled to pull his wrist out of my hands as I clasped both of them around his. I attempted to catch his glance, but failed to do so as he turned his head away from me. What is going on his mind? Why is he avoiding me? Why is he avoiding answers to my rightful questions?

"Look at me for once damnit! Just look at me and for once be clear in your answers!" I felt my voice getting hoarse from screaming as I felt my cold hands tightened around the warmth of his wrist as I pulled myself closer to his hands.

"Don't drown me in a lost ocean Shivaay. Don't leave me lost and confused than ever before! I am nothing to you! Isn't that what you said?!"

"You are nothing to me Anika! You are nothing!" He yelled out of nowhere as my eyes widened a bit taken aback. I sat still as I felt my tears drying against my cheeks. Nothing? Am I truly nothing to him? Why can't my heart come to terms with that.

"I saved you because...because I just...didn't want...problems at my sister's wedding. That's why I'm here making sure you are ok, so my sister has a nice and smooth wedding without facing any problems or formal complaints from you. I am mad at her for being childish and stupid, but she carries the Oberoi name. I cannot let the Oberoi name to be tarnished because of her stupidity," He noted confidently as my eyes widened as I looked at him trying to understand if he was speaking the truth.

"Look into my eyes and repeat what you said Shivaay..."I softly spoke as I laid my head against his hand. His hand staying still as against my head as he didn't move it an inch away from me.

There was silence. Utter silence as the only sound was the rain tapping the window lightly. I sat still as I began to cry. Tears parting from my eyes as they resembled the parting of our relationship. I know I shouldn't attempt to gather pieces of a broken relationship, but....I sighed as I attempted to control my thoguths and emotions.

"Anika...I..." He stopped in his tracks as I looked up at him. His gaze standing still on the dried tears on my cheeks. Immediately looking away, he snatched his hand slowly away from my hands. Snatching the lines of my fate with him as he turned his back to me.

"Please don't make this difficult..." He spoke as he looked at my reflection in the window.

"You are making everything difficult Shivaay. I want to let go of you, but I can't...Somehow fate pushes me towards you. Am I wrong? Am I wrong in wanting...." I stopped in my tracks as I knew my emotions were pushing me towards the edge.

"To want is not what one should ask for Anika...Fate has spoken for us already," Shivaay announced as I looked at him confused as he turned towards me.

"This relationship and its remains will keep burning you Anika. You have to accept fate," He softly spoke as he sighed and reached into his pocket.

I looked at him confused as he took out a small red rose. My eyes widening as I looked up at him as his gaze stood still on the rose. My eyes moving towards it as he ran his fingers through the petals that appeared crumpled and some fell down on my bed.

"Just as fate has determined...I bought this rose...as a means to...um...they're your favorite...But look the petals are falling just as our fate has fallen Anika...As this flower has aged in a few hours, so has our relationship." I shook my head back and forth as he laid the rose on the bed sheet.

He took a deep breath as he looked at me as I wiped away my tears. Without saying another word, he walked out of the room slamming the door shut.

I looked back at the aging rose as I picked it up carefully. My eyes following the thorns on it. You can only pierce me with thorns Shivaay. This is the love you had for me and will continue to express.

Midnight

Shivaay's Point of View

I laid my head against the wall as I took a sip of whiskey. Her eyes...intoxicating me as they kept racing in my mind. Her vulnerability and innocence...Why do I keep thinking of her? Why is my mind set on her?

How could I tell her that I was still in the hospital because I cared for her? That I couldn't go because I was worried for her and didn't want to leave her alone? If I told all of this to her then I would be misleading her. I don't want to ignite false hopes in which she will burn herself in. I cannot give her false hope. Hope that our relationship has life. After hurting her for years, I....I cannot hurt her more....I don't know why, but I cannot see her hurt because of me.

I looked at the photo in my hand as a soft smile appeared on my face. Her arms wrapped around me tightly with a wide smile as she laid her head against my shoulder. I had the most goofiest and stupid smile on my face as I held her waist pulling her closely towards me. Looking towards the camera, I was pointing my finger at the large bump...I took a deep breath as I stared at the bump...a life that was part of me and her. The picture represented what could have been that didn't happen. Life right now would have completely different...but fate had other plans.

I heard a sudden knock on my door as I looked at the time signaling it was midnight. Walking towards the door, I opened it only to realize it was Ma. I rolled my eyes as I turned my back towards her.

"What were you doing for so long at the hospital Shivaay? What has gotten into you?!" She exclaimed as she walked inside.

"My life. My choice," I replied tad bit annoyed as I looked towards her. Sipping the last of the whiskey in front of her. Her eyes widening as she appeared shocked at my courage to drink in front of her.

"Shame on you! How can you just be drinking the night along huh?! Most of all shame on you for not being here and helping prepare for your sister's wedding!"

"Shame on me! Huh?! Wow...what about Priyanka who did such a foolish act today! She endangered someone's life!"

"So? So what?! Anika is ok right?! Then why are you overreacting!"

Slamming my glass across the floor, I turned my hands into fists. Ma took a step back as she looked up at me trying to capture the hidden reason behind my anger.

"I will react because Anika...because Anika might have died Ma! She might have left me! Alright?!"

Ma stood utterly confused as she looked at me taking a step towards me.

"What are you saying? Tell me! What do you mean?!"

I stood still at the realization that I might have just said something that I shouldn't have. I took a deep breath as I attempted to think of something to say.

"Nothing! Ok?! Priyanka is just an irresponsible girl who is not in the right state of mind to be getting married. She is so childish and immature!"

"Oh shut up and stop diverting the conversation! I knew it! You and Anika...I knew something was up!"

"Ma just get out of here!Ok?! Just get out!" I yelled.

There was sudden silence as Ma took a deep breath and before I knew it she was gone.

I sighed as I slammed the door shut and locked it.

I have to be more careful. I have to ensure no one finds out about Anika and my past. I have to control myself and my tongue before getting caught. If someone finds out then...hell will break loose.

The Next Day

Anika's Point of View

I laid still in the hospital bed as I kept staring at the lights above me. I sighed as I winced at the pain I felt on my rib. Placing my hand lightly over the painful sight, I kept thinking about the moment Shivaay must have touched this exact place as he breathed life into me. Out of all the people I know, Shivaay would be the last person who would've come to mind if someone asked me who would you rely on saving your life. I felt a faint smile on my face as I touched the rib. Sometimes pain can give a dose of a happiness or an illusion.

Does Shivaay really care for me or was he just being human? Was he being honest that he saved me and remained at the hospital for hours so I don't complain or cause problems to Priyanka? Why would he say that? He knows me too well and knows I wouldn't complain. Hell...I didn't even complain when we got divorced. Not once did I fight for myself. I closed my eyes shut as I attempted to gather my thoughts together as I kept repeating yesterday's incidents in my mind.

Flashback

I sat in silence as I looked over my answers for the exam and back at the clock. My eyes moving everywhere around the classroom except the figure in front. Professor Shivaay Singh Oberoi. After the winter storm's happenings that involved me staying at his home after my car broke down and almost kissing my professor, I had been avoiding Professor Oberoi. The next day, I had immediately left in the morning without any goodbyes as I grabbed an Uber and rushed to my apartment. It's been a week since then and I have been avoiding Professor Oberoi. The only reason I am in his business class today is to finish my final and get rid of this professor for once and all.

I took a deep breath as I played with my pencil tapping it lightly against the desk. My eyes shooting up as I caught his gaze. Professor Oberoi staring straight at me without a blink of an eye as he played with the pile of papers in his hand.

I sighed as I was one of the few students left as the final was about to end soon. Quickly collecting my papers together, I got up and walked down the aisle towards him. Lowering my eyes and avoiding his gaze, I placed the papers in front of him as he grabbed them brushing my hand slightly. Pulling my hand suddenly back from the cold brush of his hand, my eyes shot up as he slightly smiled and looked back up at me.

"Um...you think you did well like usual?" He whispered as he placed my test papers together and on to a pile of the other exams.

"I-I...I don't know," I mumbled under my breath as I placed my bag onto my shoulder crossing my arms across my chest.

"Humble, I see. Anyways...um...the final is about to end, so I wanted to ask if you can wait five minutes. I want to talk to you about something."

My eyes shot up as I raised my eyebrow in curiosity at him as he smiled lightly towards me. My eyes attempting to read his face and try to decode what he was thinking, but with no luck. I took a deep breath as I thought about his offer. Should I wait? I mean...I shouldn't. But, what about that close moment we shared in his apartment? Maybe I should...I kept contemplating as he tapped his foot impatiently as he tried to read what I was thinking.

Forget about it Anika. I mean the class is over and it is best you stay away from him. He is bad news. Somewhere you too know he is bad news.

"Um...I....I can't. Sorry. Thank you for teaching such an amazing class and I enjoyed it." I weakly smiled as I was about make a dash for the door.

"Wait!" I stopped in my tracks as I swiftly turned around. My eyes catching a glimpse of some students looking at both of us curiously as they appeared to whisper. Great, just the attention we needed. Their eyes stood still on Shivaay and I as they appeared to decode what was happening, but failed to do so.

Shivaay stood still as he kept his gaze still at me. I looked away awkwardly at the students who continued to whisper. Shivaay moved his eyes back towards the class as he furrowed his eyes towards them.

"The exam is not over!" He announced as the whispers suddenly stopped. The students looking towards each other before they began to write the exam again.

Great. Just great. I thought as I gulped and stood on my heel looking back at Professor Oberoi as he quickly walked towards me.

"Look, the exam will end in five minutes. Ok? I am sure you can wait," He whispered as I sighed and looked back towards him as he bit his lip impatiently waiting for an answer.

"Sure," I replied as I looked at an empty desk and took a seat there as he smiled back towards me.

I sat still as the time ticked by slowly. Staring at my hands in silence as I attempted to avoid his gaze that remained on me. Standing still with his hands in his pockets, he looked back towards me as I felt him looking keenly towards me. Fixing my black sweater, I clasped my hands in my lap in the awkward silence.

As the exam ended, the class slowly filed out of the door as I sat still in my chair not moving a muscle. My mind lost and confused as it went into overdrive. What is happening? Am I in trouble? I mean probably not, but is it about that night? Oh God, this is going to be so awkward. I thought as I felt my anxiety pulling up a notch. Just relax and take deep breaths as the psychiatrist told you too. I thought as I took a deep breath in and out trying to calm my nerves.

A silence surrounded the classroom as I noticed him gathering the exams and placing it in the side pockets of his large laptop bag. As he finished, he looked up towards me as he cleared his throat awkwardly and walked towards me.

"Um...thank you for waiting. I wanted to talk about that night," He said as my eyes shot up a bit taken aback at his direct behavior.

"What about...it?" I whispered as I fumbled with my fingers nervously.

"Look...that night...um...I felt something that I haven't felt in a long time."

I felt my heart beginning to flip flop as I began to feel my cheeks heat up as I remembered the moment. The moment he held me so close against him. No man has ever touched me the way he did that night. Wait...what am I thinking? He's my professor. I mean it's completely inappropriate of me to think of him in such manner. I took a deep breath I as I looked up towards him as he looked into my eyes not blinking once. His chest moving back and forth quickly as he appeared to gather strength.

"What are you trying to say?" I whispered as he bit his lip and looked at me.

"I...You and I both know...I mean...We were about to kiss each other. Clearly, there was a spark between us."

My mouth widening slightly as I felt caught off guard. What is he saying? Did I even hear correctly what he just said? Oh God, Anika...no. Just do not get yourself caught up in a mess.

I mean this conversation itself is inappropriate considering he's my professor. I mean I barely got into medical school and I cannot screw up. I could get possibly expelled if someone finds out I spent a night at my professor's house. I mean nothing happened, but there's no proof. Anika just avoid this conversation and get out of this web before you get entangled in it. I shook the thought out of my head as I quickly grabbed my bag and got up.

"What are you doing?!" He exclaimed as he held his hand up blocking me to move any further.

"What do you want me to say? I mean...Professor Oberoi...what you are saying is out of line. I mean...that night...I don't know what happened, but what are you thinking? I mean you are my professor and I am your student. That's how much we are and that's how it should be," I mumbled as I fixed my scarf and threw my head up in the air in frustration.

"I know that." He hissed as I noticed a change of expression on his face. His eyebrows furrowed as he pursed his lips together and looked back at me grabbing my wrist tightly.

"Professor.."

"Shhh..." His finger laying still against my lips as my eyes widened at his audacity. I felt my lips tremble under the cold hard touch of his finger. A flutter appearing in my chest as he moved his face closely.

"Don't tell me you didn't feel what I felt. You and I both know we had a connection. Hmm? Don't deny me. Don't deny Shivaay Singh Oberoi," He hissed as I felt my heart thump loudly as I witnessed his eyes darkening as they appeared to redden.

"Please, can you let go of me?" I whispered as I attempted to wrestle my wrist out of his hand as he held it tightly.

"I beg of you don't lie to me. Look into my eyes and tell me that you didn't feel anything that night? Hm? Tell me," He ordered as he brought his face closer towards me as I felt his breath playing lightly against my face as I looked away as he held on to my wrist.

I mean I...I felt something. Something new, but I cannot let go of my ethics. He's my professor and right now what's happening is inappropriate. I shook my head as I looked back at him.

"Just let go of me please. I don't want to talk about a subject that tests our relationship as a professor and a student. Ok? We have ethics in this medical school that have to be followed," I said bravely as I took a deep breath and gathered courage as I looked up into his eyes.

"And if there were no ethics then?"

My eyes widened at his remark as his grasp loosened around my wrist letting it go. Pulling my hand back swiftly, I fixed my bag on my shoulder.

"Honestly, let's not even think about that," I whispered as he took a large sigh and placed his hands on his waist, tapping his foot loudly in frustration.

"Have a good winter break," I muttered as I made a quick dash out of the classroom.

Flashback Ends:

"Knock. Knock." My trail of memories broke apart as I looked up and realized it was Priyanka.

With a small smile on her face, she walked towards me slowly as she held a large bouquet of yellow roses as I smiled looking back at her.

"I am so sorry Anika. I truly did not mean to push you into the pool. I was not in my senses. I am so sorry!" Priyanka exclaimed as she grabbed hold of my hand with tears making their way down her cheeks.

I could see she felt awfully guilty as her hands trembled as she avoided my gaze. Deep down I know Priyanka did not mean to put my life in danger. She would never do that to me considering she's my best friend and practically a sister to me.

"It's ok Priyanka. I know you too well and I can say you can never harm anyone. It's ok. Alright? Let's just forget about. You were drunk and I know you absolutely did not attempt to harm me on purpose."

I smiled at her as I tightened my grip on her hand to ensure that there were no hard feelings between us.

"What are you doing here so early? I mean today's your wedding and you're supposed to be getting ready!"

"What do you mean Anika? How can I just move forward with my day without meeting you and seeing how you are doing. You're my best friend!" She wrapped her arms around me as I winced in pain.

"Ouch!"

"Oh so sorry Anika. I didn't mean too!" Priyanka exclaimed as I rubbed my ribcage.

"It's fine. No problem," I said smiling as she smiled and placed her hand on mines'.

"I'm guessing you won't be able to make it to the wedding..." She mumbled as I shook my head.

"Yes...um...I'm under observation for today. So, I will definitely miss the wedding. I'm so sorry." I sighed as I placed my head against the pillow feeling awful I was going to miss Priyanka's wedding.

"It's ok Anika. This is all my fault and I am sorry," She mumbled as she wiped away her tears and held my hand.

"May I come in?" I looked up as I saw Armaan. I weakly smiled as he placed a basket of lilies in front of me.

"Oh...thank you Armaan." I smiled as he shook my hand and stood behind Priyanka.

"How are you doing? Feeling any better?"

"Yes, I am feeling good besides the pain in the ribcage, but that's about it," I replied smiling at him as he shook his head.

"Well I'm happy you are feeling good. Man, yesterday was a rough day." Armaan shook his head back and forth as he shrugged his shoulder.

"Thank God, Shivaay bhai saved you Anika. I mean the way he went into rescue mode and saved your life. It's quite commendable of him," Priyanka said smiling as she looked at me.

"Hmm...well I mean if I saw you before Shivaay, I would definitely dived in and saved you." Armaan intervened between us.

"Oh excuse me...I'm getting a call," Priyanka noted as she picked up a vibrating cell phone and walked out of the room.

"I was really worried about you. Thank God you're ok," Armaan noted as he grabbed a seat next to me.

"Yeah, thank you for checking in. Also, thank you for the lilies as well," I noted smiling as I ran my hands through them.

"Well I am happy you liked them. Um...so...I was thinking that didn't we set up a date for tomorrow?" Armaan remarked as I raised my eyebrow at him.

Date? I don't think we ever agreed on a date. I mean I remember him asking me on a date during the haldi yesterday, but I never agreed.

"Um... I don't think so..." I mumbled awkwardly as he rolled his eyes at me.

"Well...I mean I thought we had a date," Armaan remarked as I shook my head.

"I mean I don't even know you too well to agree on a date."

"Hmm...true, but I mean lunch or coffee will allow us to get to know each other better Anika."

"I will think about it," I replied smiling slightly at his persistence.

Armaan appears as a nice man. He seems pleasant and polite, but I don't know. I don't see myself going on a date with him. I mean I don't know him too well. Plus, he's Shivaay's cousin. Clearly, I will be entering a dangerous zone if I choose to go on a date with Armaan and Shivaay finds out. I shook the thought out of mind as I looked at him.

"Well, we can go for coffee. Coffee is the perfect start of getting to know someone new," He smiled crossing his arms. I rolled my eyes and let out a chuckle.

"So, you won't give up so fast huh?"

"No, Armaan Oberoi never gives up once he sets his eyes on something or someone he likes."

I felt my cheeks burning up as I looked up at him as he gave me a teasing smile. There's something about him that is clearly charming me. I don't know if it is that smile of his or that twinkle in his eye...Oh God, I am so cheesy. I should stop thinking such utter romantic nonsense. Wait...romantic? Anika, what are you thinking?

"I guess your face says it all. Coffee it is then!"

"Well, I didn't say anything and as far as I know, people have a hard time reading me," I said proudly as he shook his head.

"No, Anika. You are like a mirror that anyone can read anytime they want to. You are the mirror in which I want to see myself in."

I felt my ears simmer and burn red hot as I felt my heartbeat pounding loudly. Wow, it's been so long since someone has complimented me in such manner. Last time it was Shivaay. Armaan appears so genuine and I...still can't. I mean Shivaay and I were married. I sighed as I shook my head.

"I will think about it," I muttered. Yeah that's a good answer Anika. I mean you are in the hospital and in pain, so it's better you go home and clear out your mind and decide. I mean you did promise yourself to move forward and Armaan is nice, but he's Shivaay's cousin, so you need to think through this. Yes, this is a good choice. I thought as I slightly smiled.

"Wow, really?" He gave a goofy smile as he grabbed my hand and held it in his.

"I mean this is good considering you didn't outright reject me. So, I will keep in contact and make sure you say yes," Armaan announced proudly as I laughed and took my hand away from his.

"Acha, Anika. I am so sorry, but Ma is nagging me to come home now. I so don't want to leave you like this!" Priyanka exclaimed as she walked into the room.

"It's ok Priyanka. Today is your wedding and you have the right to enjoy it! Ok? Don't worry about me!" I said smiling as she hugged me tightly.

"I am sorry Anika. I never meant to hurt you. I really didn't," Priyanka repeated as she began tearing up again as she held on to my hand.

"Priyanka please forget about this incident ok? I know you too well and I know you will never ever hurt me. We're sisters ok? Now, forget about me. I am totally fine. Now go and enjoy the most important moment of your life. This day will never come back, so have fun ok? I know you're leaving for your honeymoon tonight, so after you come back, please do give me all the deets alright?" I grabbed her and hugged her again as she smiled.

"I promise I will give all the insider detail. Take care Anika ok? Let me know if you need anything!" Priyanka said as she let go of me.

"Don't worry, I will be here to help," Armaan said as he winked towards me as I chuckled.

"Ok! I will see you later my sister!" Priyanka blew a kiss before she walked out.

"I will keep in contact with you Miss," Armaan noted before he waved and left.

I felt a soft smile appear on my face as I thought of Armaan. He's seems nice and down to earth. I mean he is the complete opposite of Shivaay. Better than him for sure. He's not dominant, hostile, or aggressive the way he was. Anika, you should definitely date someone who's not like Shivaay. It will save you from the type of gash Shivaay left on your heart. Good job Anika. Wow, I cannot believe it. Did I just take a first step away from Shivaay?

Chapter 12 is next :) Please do read the double chapters and give feedback. Thank you for reading such long chapter :)

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