Thank you God and all my readers for giving so much love to this story :)

Hello everyone, thank you for loving my past update and as I said I would be doing more frequent updates, so this is the midweek update of this week :)

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Anika's Point of View

My hands ran through my hair as hazel color dripped from it as a reflection from the sun. I sighed as I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I puffed out my cheeks as I tried to look more energized despite the clear appearance of dark circles that I attempted to hide with concealer. My body clearly wanting to sleep right in this moment, but I couldn't considering I had an important meeting to attend at the hospital.

I slightly winced as my ribcage still hurt from the drowning incident. My hand running over it as I remembered it was a result of Shivaay saving my life as he gave me CPR. Indeed, I am grateful to him for saving my life, but in no manner does it mean that such action has created a soft corner in my heart. It shouldn't.

I should be out of the hospital for two weeks considering the injury I have, but I am beginning to contemplate if it is healthy for me to continue to stay at home with my thoughts that signaled anxiety and sadness over a dreadful past I have had. Moreover, considering what happened last night, I have realized I may have poor self restraint over my emotions and that it may be better to go back to work and focus only upon it. It is something I am currently contemplating upon. I paused the thought as I quickly grabbed the beige colored purse and placed it on my shoulder as I dashed out of my car towards the main entrance of the hospital.

Today is a supposedly important meeting the Oberois are holding for all physicians and medical residents in the Internal Medicine department, so I decided to show up considering it was important and I should definitely not miss out on it.

I fixed my black jumpsuit as I held onto my white coat and made my way towards the elevators in the main lobby. Considering my unusual fear of elevators, I still decided to take them considering it would be quite difficult to walk the stairs all the way up to the top floor. A crowd of people made their way in front of me as I followed along into it.

"Hm...long time no see Dr. Malhotra. Did you enjoy your small vacation?" Dr. Amoli smirked as she hit her shoulder lightly against mine before walking into the elevator. I threw a glare towards her without saying a word considering she was the chief resident who had authority over me while I didn't. I do have distaste for her to a certain extent considering how she always targets me and makes me work long hours, but what can I do? Nothing. She's in power and considering this is my last year in residency, I have to be on my best behavior and just get done with residency to move on in life.

I took a breath of annoyance as Dr. Thakur got in. I looked inside and noticed I was clearly not going to make it as everyone squeezed together. Amoli gave me a smirk as she crossed her arms and looked at me up and down.

"Too big...see you next time ok?" Amoli said smirking as my eyes widened at her comment. I threw a curse at her in my mind as the elevator doors closed.

I looked down at myself and fixed the v-line cleavage of my jumpsuit as I felt a bit self conscious. Ok, I admit I may be going a tad bit high on the junk food lately despite knowing as a doctor it is unhealthy, but I have tried hard to be a size 10. I have always struggled with my weight ever since I entered teen hood and at one point going over 200 pounds, but I am trying hard and I should feel no shame at all. Everyone is human and no one should be judged especially by a doctor, but I guess Amoli has no respect for her profession.

A bout of anger approached me as I tried to maintain my cool and waited patiently for the elevator. The doors of the second elevator opened as I shook my head in frustration and walked inside. I looked at my watch with realization I was late for the meeting, but what can I do considering the elevators are working at snail speed today.

"Yes Papa, I got the file from the car and I will be up in the conference room ok?" A familiar voice said as I looked up realizing it was him.

He looked like a vision in his black suit as he walked quickly towards the elevator. My eyes tracing the edges of his muscles that appearing underneath his blazer. An untouched feeling appearing in my heart like it did last night. My mind flashing back to last night as I remembered it...how close we were without any care of the consequences of our actions. I felt my heart drop as shame and guilt overcame me as I realized how I had crossed my boundaries. You fulfilled your lust last night and you still dare to have it despite with the realization of how you have broken your values and decided to be with a man without any relationship to him whatsoever. Stop it Anika. Remember how you have decided to walk away. You have to walk away. Last night, you dared to step on to a dangerous path by going back to him, but you cannot go back...it will not be good for you. That path only has pain. Only pain.

An air of awkwardness approached us as I looked at him awkwardly as he placed his hand on the elevator door that was about to close. His eyes meeting mines' as he bit his lip and got in. The doors closing leaving only us in it.

Shivaay stood right next to me as I felt his arm lightly touching mines'. I took a step away as I looked at the elevator slowly making its way to the top floor. We both stood still barely taking a breath as I felt his presence igniting goosebumps on the side of my arms with my heart beginning to race. I felt a sense of vulnerability approaching me as I somehow felt the invisibility of his touch on my skin which I remembered from last night. I tried to keep calm as I looked at the elevator moving unusually at snail speed.

I felt his eyes making their way towards me as I placed a strand of hair behind my ear. I looked up at him curiously as he appeared to hide a small smile on his lips.

How can he just smile after all that happened? What happened last night was a mistake, but no this man only wants to gloat as if he won a trophy. Well, what can I expect considering his past actions where he found pleasure in playing with my mind.

"What are you looking at?" I asked bluntly as I looked back at him. He appeared a bit taken aback from my snappiness as he looked back at me.

"Hm...then why did you allow me to be so close to you last night if even my mere gaze towards you makes you want to slay it. Last night, you wanted me to only look at you Anika...you cannot deny that..." He spoke softly. His voice seemingly attempting to unravel my barriers and putting a pause on my anger and frustration.

I don't know what to say because he is so right. He is right that I wanted to be the only one that he would look at and admire last night, but it was when I failed to realize what the consequences of our mistake would be.

I avoided his gaze as I noticed him taking a step towards me as I stumbled back and hit the elevator's wall behind me. My eyes following the movement of his body as he took a breath and took a step towards me. My hands laid flat against the cool metal wall of the elevator as I tried to keep my nerves in control. I felt the elevator stumble its way up slowly at snail speed as I shook my head in frustration and avoided his gaze.

The smell of his perfume filled my senses as he laid his hand against the wall right above my head. My eyes widening at his audacity as I looked up at him as my head touched the edge of his nose. He was too close for comfort as I felt an unusual awkwardness fill me up.

"It was lust and sin. The best would be to forget, so please do not create a ruckus here at work. You are my boss and it is completely inappropriate to even talk about this in the workplace and most importantly we broke an important code of conduct and ethics considering I am an employee and you are the boss, so please stay away and do not bring this subject up ok?" I said confidently as I pointed my finger at him. A slightly smirk appeared on his face as he suddenly grabbed my finger. My mouth widening in shock at his audacity.

His eyes matched mines' as his smirk disappeared and formed a serious expression upon his face. I felt the elevator shake as I looked up and realized we were about to reach our floor. He moved his face closer towards mines' catching me off guard as I felt his hot breath touching the soft tones of my skin.

"You didn't say that last night. How can you say to forget everything Anika? I mean how do you have the power to say that. I know you too well to believe you gave into lust. You would never do that. Admit it Anika...admit that you still love me..." He whispered the last words as I felt my heart drop.

The ground beneath me slowly removing itself as I begged it to hold me and not allow me to fall down. Is he correct? Did I really feel something more that pushed me to cross boundaries...no it cannot be. It cannot be something more than that because that would be too dangerous. It's too dangerous to even think and reflect on last night because it may spark feelings that I have attempted to let go of for many years. I looked up at Shivaay and thought of something to divert the conversation and put an end to it.

"If you have small bit of respect for me then please don't talk about this in front of anyone or even me. Last night was a mistake and let's make one thing clear which is that I can never love you again. Ever. After what you have done, I will never love you like I did...never."

I was quite amazed at myself considering the confidence I used in stating my viewpoint and I know for certain I had shot chances that Shivaay had imagined in his mind as his expression dropped upon my declaration. He took a deep breath of frustration and tightened his grip on my finger.

"First do not ever think I would dare to display our dirty laundry to others in public. Second, how can you say you do not love me without even reflecting on your thoughts? How can you say that Anika?" He said as I laid my head against the wall of the elevator and shook my head.

Reflection is not an option Shivaay. I cannot dare to go back again and be with you. I have self respect and I know I did not think about it last night, but from now on I will not compromise on my self respect. Moreover, how can I even think him and I could get back together again considering we underwent the ultimate end of an relationship which is divorce.

"I do not love you and if you respect me an ounce then end this discussion right now alright?" I replied as I looked into his eyes to make my point and ensure he and would reach the same page.

Suddenly, the elevator doors opened as I jumped back and looked back noticing a group of doctors from my department chattering and some looking back at the doors that opened. Whispers beginning to emerge as some looked at us. My eyes widening as I looked back at Shivaay who stood closely against me and trapped me with his arm while holding my finger. I threw him a glare as I snatched my finger out of his grasp. He appeared to be shaken out of a daze as he turned his head around and looked at the physicians who appeared a bit wide eyed. I lightly coughed at him and threw him a glare as he fixed his tie and removed his hand away from me before looking at the group of physicians.

"Meeting is in the conference room everyone," He shot a cold statement as he walked out of the elevator as I rolled my eyes and followed behind him. I felt gazes upon us as I awkwardly looked away and avoided their stares.

"Aren't you smart Dr. Malhotra?" I heard a snarky remark as I looked back realizing it was Amoli. I rolled my eyes once more as I looked away and crossed my arms as I allowed the crowd of doctors to enter the conference room before us.

"What do you mean?" I questioned curiously as Amoli smirked and shook her head.

"None of us are blind Anika. We can clearly see what's going on between you and Mr. Oberoi...or Shivaay as you may call him of course-"

"Shut up!" I snapped as I looked back at her as she giggled in a high pitched, whiny voice that she tended to have.

"Oh don't be so sensitive Anika. It's not only me talking, but everyone at the hospital. I mean you clearly are acting and pretending as if you do not realize the chemistry you share with Shivaay or Mr. Oberoi as we say it. We see the way you give each other the looks and find instances of being near each other. I mean Mr. Oberoi took you off your shift and took you with him. Then the other day when you were admitted, Mr. Oberoi was right there with you for hours...and not to mention the beautiful flowers you received. Now, considering such evidences we have a right to gossip do we not?" Amoli remarked as my eyes widened.

Everyone's talking about Shivaay and I? They can't. No, this is not good. If someone somehow takes an in depth interest in us then it would not be good. They may find out who were were...Most importantly, people are talking about us. This is his fault. He can be blamed for all the situations that occurred and brought this idea in everyone's minds. Why does he find ways to ruin everything and make it worse? This is one and only thing he is good at. I have to do something to remove this misconception from others' minds.

"Anyways, pretty smart to trap such a rich man. You may have a solid future ahead I guess," Amoli said laughing as she hit my shoulder once more before walking into the conference room.

I clenched my hands into fists as I felt anger building up inside of me. I attempted to calm down as I followed her into the conference room and made my way to the last row of chairs that were stacked in front of Shivaay and Shakti uncle who stood in front of the conference room ready to give a presentation.

Grabbing the last seat near the door, I sat down as I noticed Shivaay's gaze following the course of my movement. Placing my white coat in my lap, I took out a small notebook from my purse ready to take notes as someone passed down a packet of flyers to me.

"Hello everyone, so I hope you are doing fine so far this morning. Recently, we have found huge success in gaining more patients and turning the hospital into profitable after the transfer of it under Oberoi Hospitals of course," Shivaay announced proudly as he smiled as everyone clapped at the achievement.

"However, we have much more to achieve in the sense of making this hospital more accessible to others in our community and publicly present. We have a huge issue of reaching out to underserved communities in the past as this hospital has previously failed to serve them to best meet their needs, so I have come up with a plan which is that we will be building out own free clinics throughout locally and in the Central Valley as well," He announced as my eyes widened at the plan.

An awkward silence approached as I began to hear whispers amongst physicians and medical residents. Hearing certain distaste as they did not like the idea of going to poorer areas and working there. Of course, they never liked this idea and had always resisted to even the idea of volunteering every six months in a poorer community in the previous hospital administration. Clearly, they were not standing up to their oath.

Somehow I felt a bit amazed by his plan considering it was something I had been advocating for a long time amongst senior attending physicians and hospital administration to implement community programs and indeed I did find some satisfaction that these were final being implemented, however, I never thought it would be at the hands of Shivaay Singh Oberoi. For some reason, I have always seen him as money minded and probably this project also is masking his intentions of making Oberoi Hospitals dominant in the area...Probably I am right, but still I am somewhat satisfied that the community is getting better healthcare and this is something I have always been an advocate for. Indeed, the satisfaction I had led me to the only one to clap.

My clapping leading to diversion of everyone's attention towards me. I gulped as I noticed senior physicians throwing me a glare as medical residents shook their head. I slumped back in my chair trying to hide as I noticed only a few agreeable looks from some physicians while others were not happy. Of course they wouldn't considering the hospital is in an upper middle class neighborhood and they only find comfort in treating them.

Indeed, my clapping caught Shivaay's attention as he smiled and placed his hands in pockets. He appeared somewhat satisfied by reaction as he appeared to bath in the fact that I supported him. Don't give him the wrong ideas Anika. Perhaps, he thinks I am supporting this idea only because of him and not the cause, but he is wrong. I am only supporting the cause. I threw him a side eye before looking back at Shakti uncle who smiled at me and gave me a thumbs up.

"Great attitude Anika! That is the attitude I want in all other physicians at this meeting. Oberoi hospitals is based on the idea of increasing access to affordable healthcare to all members of the community whether rich or poor. Moreover, Oberoi hospitals has been a high achiever not only in promoting clinical research in hospitals, but also in being a leader in spreading care to underserved communities. Since this hospital has recently come under our control, we want it to be on the same level as our other hospitals. This hospital is surrounded by communities ,beyond the middle class and rich, of those who are poor and underserved. As a hospital we must do outreach to such communities and make them members of this hospital alright?" Shakti uncle said proudly as he appeared to put all of us on a cloud of dreams and goals he had for us.

However, Shakti uncle failed to touch the physicians as many grumbled while only some were happy and agreed with the idea. I sighed in annoyance towards their poor attitudes as I continued to look towards the front of the room.

"Well I don't care if you all don't like the idea, but I do and so does the various cities, where the program will be implemented, agree as well. I would like to say that for once reach out to your humanity and reach to the true meaning of your profession which is selfless service..." Shivaay paused as his words somehow strung the cords of my heart as I stared into his eyes feeling somewhat captured by his words that touched a tinge of inspiration.

"Now as an organization we will not force you to participate in the free clinic since I do know that this is an unpaid position, but I would say that you should some justice to your profession and serve others," Shivaay reiterated.

A soft smile appeared on my lips as I appeared slightly impressed by his word choice. It's a surprise to me, but somehow I agree with his thought, however, this is a confession that I rather not say it out loud. I do not want to give him the wrong idea of course.

"Now who would like to participate in the first free clinic that will open up next week?" Shivaay questioned as I noticed complete silence as no hands went up. I shook my head as I looked at him and thought about it.

It is a good opportunity and something I am passionate about, so why not give it a chance right? I still have the ribcage injury, but it's better I come back to work and continue my passion for it rather growl over the pain. Thus, my hand shot up in the air. Shivaay smiled as he looked at me.

"Just as I expected. Only one person and that is Dr. Malhotra of course. Anyone else?" He questioned looking around at the conference room as I noticed Dr. Mathews beginning to raise his hand up in the air as Shivaay smiled and quickly took note of our names.

"Not bad. It is a good start for now considering this is only the internal medicine department and I am hoping to recruit physicians from other specialties as well who can volunteer, but my goal is that by the end of this year, I get all of you on board," Shivaay remarked.

"Anyways, moving forward, we want these free clinics to also receive funding from the community and to fund that I have come up with the idea of doing a fashion show to raise funds and this fashion show will include professional models who will showcase outfits donated by fashion designers that can be auctioned off later" Shivaay announced as my eyes widened.

Fashion show? What? Could he not come up with a better idea of funding the free clinics. We could have done another fair again or a festival. I mean a fashion show with professional models? What is he thinking? Aren't we supposed to relate to the general public? I thought as I looked at him confused. Shivaay you were this close to earning some respect which you have lost due to this odd idea. I am ok with a fashion show, but with professional models?

"What?" I said and a bit too loud as his eyes immediately dropped on me. He raised his eyebrow and crossed his arms with a breath of annoyance. He shook his head as I could tell his really face was beginning to appear...the one in which he hated being challenged. After all that's how our fall began when I dared to challenge him and insult him in public that led to revenge.

Shivaay slowly walked up to me as his eyes stood still upon mines'. Not once did I flinch as I tried to be brave and not bow down to his demeanor. He clearly is trying to put down my voice and quietly saying to not challenge him through standing straight and tall with his intense gaze upon me.

"What do you mean?" His voice low with breaks of anger in it.

I gulped as I felt nervous, but attempted to be brave as I got up from my seat and took a step towards him as he stood his ground. He didn't move an inch as he kept still. Somewhere I felt that unusual tension from last night building up. A repetition of unusual mixture of emotions involving physical attraction, anger, and nervousness. It was odd I was still experiencing these emotions despite hours had passed from the incident.

"The idea of a fashion show is good, but shouldn't we making an attempt to appeal to all members of our community. I know Oberoi Hospitals stands for equality and accessible healthcare to all then why not represent our community through this fashion show?" I said as I attempted to gather confidence and not budge in front of him.

His eyes somehow changing their appearance as they appeared to soften. I noticed a small smile appear on his lips as he appeared a little impressed from my idea.

"And how is that Dr. Malhotra?" He questioned as he appeared to gauge on to my thought process and my ideas.

I pressed my lips together as I tried to think what I was getting at. I guess what I don't like is that we have professional models. I mean they are great at their job, but we should include members of our community who are all different and unique.

"Well, I respect professional models, but we can attract more members of the community to the fashion show if we encourage them to model in the fashion show. We should include people from all backgrounds and ages. We should have children, teens, young adults, adults, and seniors as well. Also, include people of all sizes. It would be a great idea to gather clothes from designers from all diverse backgrounds and then auction them off to our community members who would see themselves wear those clothes every day or on certain special occasions. If we do a fashion show like this then we will project a brilliant image about how inclusive we are as a hospital and how we are truly dedicated to serving others."

A proud smile appeared on my face as I just realized I came up with a brilliant idea without anyone's help. Wow, good job Anika. For once you came up with a brilliant idea that actually makes sense.

"That is a great idea Anika! Great job!" Shakti uncle said excitedly as he walked up towards us. I smiled and looked at Shivaay who broke out with a wide smile looking back at me. He was again giving me those goofy eyes as I avoided them and looked away towards Shakti uncle.

"I must say I am impressed," Shivaay said as he smiled and looked at me as I nodded and awkwardly looked away. Don't give in Anika. He is just trying to play his stupid mind game and try to act as if he is charmed by you.

"In fact, we should include physicians in this as well. Am I right? We should include all staff members who want to model," Shivaay said as he announced it to the physicians.

"I can model. I did professional modeling in college," Amoli announced with a proud smile as I side eyed her.

Of course you did Amoli. You are perfect at everything aren't you? Especially, putting people down for their size like me. I thought in my mind as I threw her a glare and grabbed my seat.

"That's great and we can get other staff members to volunteer along with recruiting members from the community. But, this fashion show will take a lot of work and we want it to happen in two weeks, so I think Anika you have such great ideas and of course I believe you are out from work from two more weeks due to the ribcage injury, is it ok if you work with Shivaay on running this fashion show?" Shakti uncle questioned.

My body became stone cold as his statement reached my ears. Work with Shivaay? What? How can I work with him? No. No. NO! In no way can I work with him. My plan is to avoid him especially after what happened last night. I can tell we have an unusual tension between us and an unusual physical attraction that has not been erased despite what has gone down between us. In no way can I just work with him. I cannot.

"Um...I...uh...I don't know too much about this field. I mean...it was just an idea, but I think you can recruit a better person with experience like Amoli who has experience with fashion and modeling," I said quickly pointing towards her as Amoli proudly smiled and flipped her hair.

Shakti uncle pressed his lips together and looked at her. He appeared to contemplate for a second before looking back at me and shaking his head.

"Yes, but Amoli is the chief resident I believe. Am I correct Shivaay?" He questioned as he looked at Shivaay as Shivaay looked at Amoli and then back at me.

My eyes stood still upon his face as he looked down at me. A smile played on his lips as he seemingly appeared to glide his eyes across my face. I looked at him curiously as I attempted to avoid his gaze.

"Correct. Amoli is chief resident and she already has a lot of duties of course, but Anika...I am sure you can help us since I think you are passionate about helping the community and surely you have great ideas that can make the fashion show a big success. Of course, you have injury in your ribcage, but as much as I know you, I know you will not let that get in the way of your dedication to serving others. Right Anika?" Shivaay questioned as I looked up at him.

He clearly had turned my words against me as I could tell he was trapping me in them. It's not that I do not want to help in the fashion show as I do, but helping out means spending more time with Shivaay and that is something I cannot dedicate to as I want to be as far away from him that I can be. It's important to stay away and not give into the vulnerabilities of weak emotions that I hold. Last night was evidence for the fact that I have vulnerabilities and weak spots in my heart for him. But, then how can I just give up on the fashion show? I mean the free clinics that are opening likely need a lot of funding and I cannot just give up on my passion for helping those who need medical care the most due to the fact that I have to work with Shivaay. I contemplated the thought as there was still pin drop silence in the conference room.

"Well I think it is a done deal then. I know you do have an injury and I won't force you Anika, but I believe you can do a great job at this fashion show and create magic with Shivaay," Shakti uncle paused as he looked at both of us.

Magic with Shivaay? That magic died years ago. That magic full of ecstasy of love I had for him which I thought he too had. That magic that made us only see one another and no one else. The magic that came to life when we put our heads together and did creative projects...I highly doubt that magic can come back.

I do not want to work with Shivaay, but how can I just give up on my passion for helping others due to him. I cannot turn back on the humanity I have and sacrifice it due to my selfish reasons of not working with him. I am not going to sacrifice my vision for him.

"O-Ok, I will assist with the fashion show."

Shakti uncle smiled as Shivaay took one last look at me before walking to the front of the conference room. If Shivaay thinks he won by manipulating his way into making me do the fashion show then he is wrong. If he thinks I agreed to participate in organizing the fashion show then he is wrong. He is not worth it. I am only doing this for those who are in need and not because of him.

The rest of the conference went in a daze as we talked about the logistics of the free clinics along with the sources of funding which including getting investors and public events such as the fashion show that would bring in funding. I sat in silence as I avoided looking up because somehow I could feel Shivaay's eyes frequently stopping upon me as if he wanted to catch me looking up at him and show that vulnerability like I did last night.

Last night. It has been going on repeat in my mind ever since I woke up. Each and every event replaying in my mind and somehow his presence making it worse as the events repeating at a faster pace. The way he came close to me, kissed me, and made me feel comforted from a sense of pain I had. It was wrong, but it felt right in the moment. However, when I look back it was wrong.

"Ok, so we will end the meeting here and I hope you have a good day. Also, if you want to participate in the fashion show then please do email my secretary ok?" Shivaay noted as I quickly got up and grabbed my bag making my way out the door.

I let a crowd of physicians move ahead before me as I waited patiently. I looked back towards Shivaay who appeared to be bidding Shakti uncle goodbye. Shakti uncle smiled and waved at me before leaving the conference room from another door at the opposite end of the room. My eyes followed Shivaay who continued to have an animated conversation with his secretary. Thank God he is busy as at least I can avoid him, I thought as I looked away only to find a familiar face in front of me.

My heart jumping out of my chest as I placed my hand on my chest looking up at Armaan. He seemingly had come out of nowhere and was standing right in front of me with a peculiar smile on his face. I rolled my eyes as I looked away in frustration. How can I forget that yesterday Armaan was a contributing factor to my breakdown? The way he led me to fly high on a moment of happiness in which he made me feel good and then dropped me down because he thought there was something going on between me and Shivaay was unacceptable. In fact, his doubts actually became reality partially due to his contribution of making me more vulnerable to my own feelings.

"What are you doing here?" I asked a bit annoyed as he sighed and placed his arm in front of me to prevent me from moving forward.

"Look Anika, I thought about last night and what I did and I am truly sorry. I shouldn't have said that and hurt you in such manner. I just had these stupid doubts in mind that something was going on between you and him," He softly whispered the last word as he looked up at Shivaay who was looking towards us.

Anika be smart. This is your moment to show Shivaay that you don't have any feelings for him as you are moving on in your life with Armaan. But it is so wrong Anika. You slept with his cousin last night and now you are going back to him. This is not you. This is not your character. You should have integrity and not try to entangle yourself between two men who share the same blood with one another.

Yet, why shouldn't you move on with the man of your choice? Wait, is Armaan a man of your choice? Well, he is respectable, kind, and considerate. He is the type of person I should be with then why be scared. Last night did not meet anything as it was only lust. So, why contemplate upon this. I shouldn't. I should forget about last night and continue my determination to move on and so I will move on.

"Look Armaan, we don't know each other well and probably that's why this misunderstanding occurred, but I would say that it's ok. I forgive you." I remarked as I looked back at Shivaay who clearly was listening to our conversation as he bid adieu to his secretary and continued to stare at the both of us. An unusual anger appearing on his face as he appeared to clench his teeth.

"So, are we good Anika? Can we just press restart please?" Armaan said as he placed his hand on my shoulder and smiled looking into my eyes.

I sighed as I contemplated on the thought. It is not easy to press restart,but we were just testing the waters and he does deserve a chance. But, what have I done? I crossed a line yesterday with this man's cousin and now I am thinking of going back to him. However...he's just his cousin and it was a mistake. I mean...it's better to move on and I should forget about last night and only think about the future. I should give him a chance, but should I tell him about Shivaay and I? Should I? I thought as I looked back as I saw Shivaay fuming as he held the leather chair tightly in the conference room. His face red with his veins throbbing in his neck.

I sighed as I looked back at Armaan and thought about it. Move on Anika and show him that he isn't worth it. I pressed my lips together and smiled as I shook my head.

"Of course. I will give us a chance," I said a little loudly to make sure Shivaay would hear. Somehow I found a tinge of pleasure in annoying him and proving to him that he does not hold that same position of respect and love in my life anymore. It was wrong, but it felt right.

"Great, then let's go for lunch ok?" He said as I smiled at him. Yes Anika, go to lunch with Armaan and for once live for yourself. Do not think about what will Shivaay say or how he will react, but think about yourself and your chance of moving on. Even though Armaan is his cousin, I should still give him a chance as he is a good person, so I began walking with him.

"Dr. Anika Malhotra!" I stopped in my tracks as I recognized the deep voice of anger and frustration.

I quickly turned around and looked back at Shivaay as he clenched his fists and cracked his knuckles before making his way towards me.

"Can you stay back for a moment?" He said in an attempt to lure me back.

I could smell the burning of jealousy emerging from him. It was quite apparent from the anger ravaging across his face as he cracked his hands. He slowly made his way towards us standing right across from Armaan. I stood between them as they looked at each other eye to eye. Shivaay not looking away for a second as he stared him down.

"Armaan, what are you doing here?" He questioned as he appeared to clench his teeth looking at him.

Armaan pleasantly smiled and patted Shivaay's shoulder.

"Hello to you as well. Actually, I saw Anika here in the conference room as I was passing by. As you know Shakti uncle has been nice enough to allow Papa and I to tour the hospital and see how the takeover is being done since both of us are also doing a takeover in the hospitals in the South. I was passing by the conference room and I saw Anika and I had to talk to her, so that's why I am here," Armaan noted as I smiled and agreed with him. Shivaay sighed and shook his head and looked back at me.

"Anyways, thanks for the long explanation, but I want to talk to Anika for a second if you don't mind," Shivaay noted.

Armaan raised his eyebrow as he looked at him and then back at me. I awkwardly stared down at my feet to avoid looking at him. It was too embarrassing. What is Shivaay doing? I mean I just made a claim to Armaan that nothing exists between Shivaay and I and out of nowhere he pops up and creates more confusion.

"Sure. Anika, I will be waiting outside ok?" Armaan said sliding his hand on my back as he appeared to look back at Shivaay as if giving him a message. He quickly walked out of the conference room disappearing from sight.

Without a minute passing, he grabbed my arm pulling me a step closer towards him. My eyes widening as he closed the gap between us and moved his face closer towards me. I struggled in releasing my grasp from him as he looked at me. His eyes bloodshot as he fumed with pure anger and jealousy apparent across his face.

"Let me go! What is wrong with you?!" I yelled as his breaths of anger became apparent and blew across my face.

"I should be asking the same damn question Anika! The same damn question! How the hell can you do this to me?! How?! He is my cousin and after what happened last night, you have the audacity to do this!" He yelled as he pushed me against the wall behind me holding my shoulders tightly.

His words initiating a cascade of anger that began to boil inside of me. His words somehow slashing my character and questioning it as I noticed his eyes somehow questioning who I was and what values I held. Of course he would think this. In fact, anyone would if they look from the outside, but if they look from what I am feeling in the inside they would understand.

My soul is going through utter confusion and turmoil because I cannot comprehend and understand why I took the step necessary to come so close to Shivaay. It was wrong, but it felt right. However, I have gone down this painful path before and in no manner do I want to go back and walk upon it. I fear reflecting upon my actions because I have a feeling that such reflection will lead me to the wrong path which is back to him.The only escape for this situation is to move on and indeed this is the escape that I have to choose in order to not undergo the same misery again.

"Don't you dare question me and my character after how you have treated me in the past. What is happening now is exactly how you treated me Shivaay, so don't forget. You threw me away like trash, so how does it feel?" I said snarkly as I smirked.

He appeared a bit taken aback as he continued to stare towards me. His eyes attempting to read mines' and understand what I was saying was the complete truth. I continued to look at him not budging because that was the only way to hide the utter confusion and turmoil I held in my mind. In no manner should he find out what I am thinking.

"You're lying. You would never treat me like trash. Never. I know you too well Anika. Are you doing this to make me feel the way you did when I treated you this way right? I know I have wronged you Anika, but please don't do this to me. Please," He whispered as he lowered his head looking away with regret.

A tear slipped down my cheek as I lowered my head slightly touching his as I felt a moment of closeness again approaching us. That unusual tension appearing between us like last night. I felt my body heat up as my heart began to beat quickly.

"Don't. Don't do this. For once respect me and don't try to manipulate me...Please," My voice came out in a soft whisper as I placed my hands on his chest. He looked up at me with confusion as I shook my head and lightly pushed him away.

"I do respect you Anika. I do," He said as he placed his hand on my are arm initiating a set of goosebumps as the soft touch was familiar from the one last night.

"You never respected me and I don't think you still do. How about you begin to learn to respect me first? The way you approached me today in the meeting when you found your idea challenged and the way you approached Armaan and questioned my character shows that you do not respect me. What can I expect? You're such a narcissist that you don't even care about respecting others as you only think about yourself," I claimed as I took a step away from him.

"Anika...what are you saying?" He questioned as he approached me from behind.

"The truth," I repeated as I crossed my arms and looked at him.

I attempted to be brave and project an image of strength as I looked back at him. He stood still as he appeared to process my words and try to understand what I was saying. He appeared a bit hurt as his eyes softened as a curtain of guilt appeared across his face. I could tell he had some guilt, but I also could say that his acknowledgement of his mistakes was not enough.

"Sir! Sir!" I quickly turned around noticing his secretary rushing into the office.

I looked at the secretary confused as the secretary quickly turned on the TV in the room.

"What's going on Max?!" Shivaay exclaimed as he quickly walked next to him looking at the TV.

My heart began to beat fast at the sudden rush of tension that entered the room. My eyes followed the TV in front as I noticed a woman wearing a tight pink dress smiling widely as she flipped her hair. A group of images suddenly appeared on the TV screen. My heart dropping in an instant as the ground beneath me began to slip away. I grabbed on to the chair behind me holding it for strength. My eyes widening as I noticed the images were from last night.

"Has the most eligible bachelor and top ten billionaire Shivaay Singh Oberoi finally found love again? We think so! Shivaay was recently spotted being cozy with an unidentified woman last night at Offshore Beach. Indeed was it a one night type of a fling or something more only time will tell!" A woman chimed with a high-pitched voice.

Then a set of images ran from a distance. There Shivaay was holding me tightly in his arms. My face appeared to be hidden and not caught in camera as a series of images rolled by. An image clearly indicating he was kissing me as the back of his head was towards the camera. Another showing him picking me up as darkness remained on my face due to poor lighting of the night.

"Only time will tell who this special someone is!" The host chimed as the same image of us hugging appeared.

Oh my God.

My mouth running dry as I looked at the images rolling by on the screen. My heart grasping on to beats as I realized what was happening. The reality of our relationship coming into media's eyes and somehow being threatened to be revealed. I looked back at Shivaay as he looked back at me. He appeared equally in shock as he realized what was happening. Fear emerged that a distant past was coming back to bite us in the back. At that one moment our fear united us.

Sneak Peek:

I pulled my hair up in a bun as I ran m hand through the gown in frustration. I picked up the end of the red gown and made my way out the dressing room. I crossed my arms in frustration as I looked at Shivaay.

"Happy?" I remarked in annoyance as Shivaay turned around stopping in an instant as he looked at me.

His mouth slightly gaped open as his eyes ran over the red gown that snuggly hugged me. His eyes appearing to take in my features as he stood still not uttering a word.

"Beautiful," He whispered as he took a step towards me.