Copyright © jasminedarcie

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Shivaay's Point of View

I stared on to the busy freeway as my car stood in a stand still. Ma was humming lightly to the song on the radio as I drummed my fingers on the steering wheel as I tried to think clearly about what had happened today.

How did I bring myself so close to Anika? What did I just do? Something just happened when I saw her breaking down...her vulnerability got to me. She is never vulnerable and I know how much she hates crying in front of others since she hates being seen as weak. I felt a need to comfort her for some odd reason...I cannot tell if it was based on humanity or something more....I don't know what happened. All I can think about is seeing the tears on her face and....I closed my eyes as I opened them again as I placed on my sunglasses and looked to my left.

"So...um....I saw you and Anika..."Ma began as I looked back at her in curiousity. Oh great, she has more ideas in her mind. Clearly, she did see us hugging each other in the elevator and clearly she wants to know what happened.

"Ma...she was having an anxiety attack and I took care of her," I replied as I realized a smile playing on Ma's face.

"What?" I asked as she looked back at me and shook her head as she looked away.

"That's what's different Shivaay....you never do that. You care, but not to the extent you would be physically present and comfort and console the person. That is not your personality," Ma said as she looked at me as I looked back at her.

"I was the only one in the elevator and she might have passed out, so I helped her on the basis of humanity," I replied as a defense as Ma rolled her eyes as she looked back at me.

"Still, if someone else was in the elevator and that happened to them...I highly doubt you would comfort them," Ma said as I bit my lip.

She was right, maybe, I wouldn't have done what I did today. I wouldn't have tried to console them. It's not my personality to do that. All I can think about is those tears and that vulnerability. Because of me she was in therapy all these years. All because of me. I really did break her.

Anika's Point of View

I sat silently on my bed as I brushed my hair. The events of today kept playing in my head and going around and around with no end. What just happened? Why did I bring myself so close to him? I shouldn't have done that.

Why was I able to be so vulnerable in front of him...I messed up today. I shouldn't have reacted in such manner, but for some reason I was able to. I was able to be vulnerable and cry in front of someone. I haven't done that in ages and for some reason it felt right, but it's wrong. Everything is wrong.

I took a deep breath as I got up and grabbed my laptop as from my desk. I slowly opened it as I went into my files and clicked the file that said "Notes". A picture of Shivaay and me appeared. I smiled slightly as I looked at the photo. Shivaay holding me up in his arms as we stood there in that day...that day that changed everything for me....actually for both of us. I felt tears filling up in my eyes as I reminded myself of that day that changed my life forever... I quickly exited from the notes and slammed my laptop shut.

No! No! No! I cannot give myself hope because that is the last thing I want. I don't want hope. Never do I want that. Our relationship is over then why I am behaving in such manner. I have to stop everything that I am feeling in this instant. No matter what, I cannot just rekindle feelings that were extinguished so many years ago. I just cannot. The best thing would be to do is to ignore Shivaay and stay away from him as much as possible. I cannot let a relationship that was a past to come back and give me hope. There is no hope and I shouldn't look for moments that give me one.

Next Day

I quickly grabbed my bag as I dashed towards the employee entrance of the hospital as I badged in my card before quickly rushing down the hallway at fast speed.

Oh God, I am so late. My first appointment is in thirty minutes and I have to go over all the patient histories as well. God, I hate traffic congestion. I quickly rushed down the hallway.

"Anika! Anika!" I heard someone calling me as I turned around and saw Priyanka running after me as I looked at her curiously.

"Hi Priyanka," I said as she smiled and hugged me.

"How are you doing Anika? You feeling better now?" Priyanka asked with concern as I smiled.

"Of course, I am feeling better," I said as she smiled as we walked down the hallway.

"So...guess what? I have dance practice for the sangeet next Friday, so you have to show up ok?" Priyanka said as my mouth gaped open as I looked at her.

"What? Me and dance practice?" I asked in shock as she smiled.

"Oh my God, of course Anika! You have to dance at my wedding. Just do it please?!" Priyanka pleaded as I rolled my eyes and tried to shake off the idea.

"I will think about it Priyanka. You know that I am no professional dancer," I replied as she sighed in defeat and walked besides me.

"I know, but you dance so well on traditional Punjabi songs and I want that flavor in my sangeet. Believe me I need you!" Priyanka said as she shook my shoulders.

"And my answer is I will think about it," I replied as we walked to the elevators.

I looked up at the elevators nervously as I played with the ends of my white lace top. Should I really go in there? What if it get's stuck again? Well, we're on the fifth floor. I can walk up through the stairs I thought as I stared at the stairwell door next to the elevators.

"What happened Anika? Come let's go," Priyanka said as the elevator doors opened. I gulped as I turned around and looked at her.

"Um...you go. I will come through the stairs," I said as Priyanka rolled her eyes.

"I am with you Anika. Come let's go. Nothing will happen," Priyanka said as I shook my head.

"You go now ok Priyanka? I will see you upstairs," I replied as I quickly dashed to the stairwells as I heard Priyanka calling after me.

I quickly ran up the stairs. I felt breathless, but somehow I had to make it as I ran up the long aisle of stairs and made it to the fifth floor. I sighed as I took a deep breath and tried to collect myself as I opened the door before I felt myself slam into somebody hard. My bag went flying down on the ground as I quickly knelt and grabbed it as I felt another hand on top of mines. I quickly looked up as I faced those blue eyes. I stopped for a moment as I felt that same touch that had touched my hands yesterday. Everything flashbacked to the elevator as I bit my lip as I removed my hand quickly and grabbed my bag.

"Sorry sir," I said as I looked up at Shivaay as he looked up at me.

"It's fine," Shivaay replied as he handed his coffee to his secretary as he looked back at me as I stood there glued to the ground. I wanted to move and just get to my clinic, but somehow I felt like I wanted to say more, but didn't know what to say. Shivaay stared at me as I felt a cold tension creep between us.

"How are you doing? Feeling better?" Shivaay asked as I noticed the secretary looking curiously at us with a raised eyebrow as he gathered his files together.

Wow, concern from Shivaay. That is rare and why is he showing it to me? Doesn't he hate me? Wouldn't he be satisfied if he saw me sad all day, but then yesterday he was...I cleared the thought out of mind as I looked back at him.

"Um...yes. I am fine," I replied as I played with my hands as he looked at me.

"If you are then why are you climbing the stairs and not the elevator? I just came out of one and I believe all the five elevators are working fine," Shivaay replied as he attempted to tease the truth out of me.

Fine, I am not that good. I mean all night I couldn't sleep as I kept thinking about those closed four walls and that awful feeling and anxiety I had when I was in it. I still felt myself still somewhat shaky from the incident. Clearly, I am not stepping into an elevator anytime soon.

"I like to get my daily steps in, so I took the stairs," I replied as he shook his head as he clearly knew I was lying.

"We will discuss about this later," Shivaay replied as he walked down the hallway as the secretary followed him, but clearly he was interested in our conversation as he looked at him and back at me.

*********

I quickly charted the last patient before lunch. I felt my stomach grumble as I charted down the symptoms the patient reported and quickly ordered labs for the patient to do. Also, I had a meeting right at lunch. Clearly, we were getting free, good food, but obviously my lunch would involve a meeting. The meeting particularly surrounded around resident complaints and the future workday schedule. The chief reason the emergency meeting was happening was because of Amoli Thakur. Amoli clearly was out for the other residents since she was designated as chief resident last month and she wanted revenge. Clearly, ever since we all began residency, Amoli wanted to be number one, the best and that meant to out any resident who she perceived as competition and clearly she was good at it as she complained about residents, cozied up to doctors to get her way and found ways to get some residents even kicked out of the residency program. She was good and clearly good enough to date Dr. Klent who led the residency program. Apparently, Amoli had major complaints and Dr. Klent of course had to address it since he ran the program.

"This Amoli is so annoying yaar. I really hate her," Priyanka complained as she got up from her desk in the tiny office we residents shared at the clinic.

"Hate is a strong word," I replied as I put my computer to sleep and grabbed my coat and my purse.

"Well, if there was a stronger word than hate then I would use it. Do you know she tried to break up Akash and me? She tried to seduce him, since he was the senior ER doctor, at the night shift when he was staffing in the ER," Priyanka replied as I shook my head as I remembered the large fight Priyanka and Akash had last year as Priyanka found out what Amoli had done and how Akash somewhat fell for it. In fact, Akash broke up with Priyanka, got together with Amoli and realized her true colors before coming back to Priyanka. It was obviously not a good situation.

"I know, but bygones are bygones. You and Akash are stronger now and I am pretty sure Amoli knows that much," I said as we walked down the hall.

"Still, I don't like her. In fact, now that bhai runs this hospital I want her out," Priyanka replied in frustration.

"Priyanka, you know that is wrong. We cannot stoop to the level Amoli is," I replied as Priyanka sighed as we walked to the conference room down the hall.

"Hi Priyanka," I heard a voice chirp as I turned around and saw Amoli as she smirked and walked up to us. She of course had that little gang of our other fellow residents. I bit a laugh as I imagined devil horns on all of their heads as the other younger female residents followed Amoli.

"Hi Amoli," Priyanka said with a smirk as she crossed her arms at her.

"Heard about you and Akash," Amoli replied coldly as she eyed her and then looked at me with a cold stare.

Amoli hated me. I know that since day one of our residency. She always ignored me, gave me the cold shoulder and when she did talk to me she criticized me. Of course, she spread rumors about me as well since she loved it. There was that rumor that I had a secret lover, that I was pregnant, then telling everyone later how I never can get pregnant since I have PCOS and the list goes on.Well, the story about the PCOS is true, but clearly an invasion of privacy. Clearly, she despises me a lot. I don't know why, but she is that average mean girl from high school.

"Well, we are getting married now. You know thank you. Because of you Akash and I are stronger now and he realizes how much he is lucky to have me. By the way heard about you and Dr. Klent. Wasn't Dr. Klent married and isn't he a bit too old?" Priyanka said as my mouth gaped. Oh no Priyanka. This is not good. Amoli will definitely not take this lightly.

I noticed Amoli's face drop and harden as her she pursed her lips covered with red lipstick as she adjusted the large mane of her hair. She reminded me of a witch and not the good one. I adjusted my purse as I looked at the air of tension between Priyanka and Amoli.

"Well, good luck on your wedding. I won't be surprised if he cheats again. You see Priyanka, you always have to go after the rich and powerful. Dr. Klent is rich and powerful. He satisfies all my needs and I want a man like that," Amoli replied as she looked back at me.

"And you. Nothing to say about you. Too boring. But, you are a freak. How I wish your little anxiety issue comes back? That is entertaining. Remember, when we went into the OR and you were freaking out so much! Oh my god, I needed to make a video of it. It would have gone viral," Amoli replied as she laughed with her small gang as she bumped her shoulder against mines as I looked back at her. I felt my eyes tense and anger building up, but some how I had to control it.

"What is happening here?" I turned around and noticed Shivaay standing there with his hands in his pockets as he had the air of a devil surrounding him. His eyes dark with coldness as his face hardened. There was something about him that was different as he walked up to us.

"Um...nothing Shivaay. Nothing at all. I am the chief resident, so I was you know just talking about work," Amoli replied as she walked up to him in a seductive manner as she batted her eyelashes at him. Clearly, she was flirting with him. I felt my heart tinge and creep as I looked at both of them. I furrowed my eyebrows as I looked at them. Why was she standing that way and why is he looking at her like that?

"First of all. Call me Mr. Oberoi and second don't be informal with me. Do you understand? Now, will you all go in the conference room? I am busy and to use my precious time for this nonsense is frustrating and frankly I wouldn't be here, but I have to, so please " Shivaay replied coldly as my eyes widened as Amoli looked away as her face redenned as she walked into the room.

Shivaay was in one of those moods...the one in which the silence that surrounds him is deadly and when you even touch or talk to him one bit he would burst and go haywire on you. Clearly seen the way he stiffened his shoulders as he clenched his fists was a sign of his anger. There was that air of madness and anger surrounding him and he was in no mood for nonsense.

I gulped nervously as I began walking towards the conference room. Why do I have feeling that nothing is going to go well?

"Thanks bhai you are the best. That Amoli totally deserved it," Priyanka replied as she smiled as Shivaay rolled his eyes at her as she walked in and Shivaay followed her in. I followed everyone in and tried to find a seat only realizing there was one left and it was right next to Shivaay. Great, why is it that I always end up next to him? I thought as Shivaay sat at the head of the table with a look of annoyance on his face as he played with his pen. Amoli sat right next to the empty seat. Great, just great. I thought as I dragged my feet to the empty chair and sat right next to Shivaay and Amoli as I stared at my hands.

I noticed a group of cafeteria workers quickly handing us a packed plastic lunch box as we settled down. The worker placed a box of salad sat right in front of me as I stared at it with my eyes wide open. I felt my stomach grumble, but somehow not willing to eat salad. I hate salad. Honestly, no matter how much I recommend it to my patients and read about its benefits, I hate it. I just don't understand how these leaves will give me energy. I sighed as I stared at it in frustration. I looked around and realized there were no turkey wrap sandwiches left either as the workers grabbed the empty cart and wheeled out of the room. I looked back at my salad.

"Here, have this," I looked up as Shivaay slid me his box.

I looked at the box that contained a turkey wrap along with a cookie and a bag of apple slices. I looked up at him as he looked away and played with his pen. Amoli's eyes followed me and Shivaay as I noticed others looking at us as well as they whispered.

"Um...thanks, but you can have it," I said as I tried to push the box back until he placed his hand on it and slid back to me.

"I don't want this. I am going out after for lunch with clients, so I am fine,"Shivaay replied coldly as he looked up at others in the room and glared at them.

"You all love listening to conversations," Shivaay replied bluntly as I noticed the room go in silence and faces went pale and nervousness appeared as they looked away from us.

"My time is limited, so talk about the problem and I can leave. Honestly, I didn't want to be here, but since I am the new CEO I have to be here and other meetings for other residencies as well, so I can keep track of what is happening in the hospital and what is going wrong. I hate it when things go wrong and if anyone screws up then that's that for them," Shivaay replied as I felt an air of threat from his words. Clearly, he was not joking. He was serious.

"So, I will begin Mr. Oberoi. The issue is we want more equality in this program. Some people have it light while others don't," Dr. Klent began as he looked at Shivaay with a stern expression. Dr. Klent...he was clearly under the spell of Amoli. This man never smiled let alone talk to someone in a polite manner. All he did was order, yell at you if something went wrong and criticize you. He loved to pick a fight and in fact I avoided him. He was the negative energy I never wanted to face. In fact, I heard he was married four times and recently left his fifth wife to be with Amoli, so clearly relationships are also not his thing. I am surprised how Amoli got together with him since he is not the type to be impressed really quickly or fall in love with someone so fast. I heard he is crazy about her. Clearly, Amoli is a charmer.

"What do you mean Dr. Klent? I like it when people are clear about what they mean," Shivaay replied with an air of superiority. Clearly, he hates it when someone shows superiority when he is in the room, so he would do anything to be seen as superior.

"Well, Dr. Amoli Thakur discussed with me about the work schedules that our residents are doing in this program. Clearly, some residents like her are working overtime and night shifts while others are not, so we want to change that and ensure that everything is fair," Dr. Klent replied.

Since when did Amoli start working overtime and night shifts? Last time I remembered she did that nine months ago. I remember her agonizing over the shifts, but that was so far back.

"So, Dr. Thakur and I have planned out schedules for everyone, especially those with a traditional light load. We want these schedules to be approved by human resources and be applied as soon as possible," Dr. Klent replied as he began handing us our tentative schedules while handing a master packet to Shivaay.

My eyes widened as I looked at my schedule. What the hell? My eyes widened as I stared at the schedule. I had no days off except Sundays on which I was on call. Everyday, I had work 8 to 5 then a night shift in the ER extending to three in the morning. How will I sleep? I also have two twenty-hour shifts two days in a row for every week. My eyes widened as I looked at Amoli as she smirked at me. This was her doing for sure. She is out for me now. I already have a large amount of patients compared to other residents along with handling shifts for other doctors who are on leave and now this? I love serving patients and I love my job, but I need some amount of reasonable sleep and rest in order to perform well on my job.

"Dr. Thakur this schedule is very workload heavy. I at least need a day off without on call," I replied as she looked at me and smirked as she crossed her arms.

"Yeah about that Dr. Malhotra. See this is the schedule you deserve. You were on call only four times last month. Then you did only seven of the twenty-hour shifts," Amoli replied as my mouth gaped at her as I fumed in anger.

"I understand, but that is the schedule I was provided with from human resources and it was approved by you as well. Moreover, I actually took a decent amount of your patients and covered the shifts for other doctors as well who went on vacation," I replied as Amoli rolled her eyes.

"Well, I like the schedules. It shows more commitment to the betterment of patients. We have more doctors at work which means more chances of saving lives," Shivaay said as my mouth widened as I looked at him.

"What do you mean Shivaay? Do you know this schedule will deprive residents of their well being? Patients are important and they deserve the best care, but that can be given only when our residents receive some amount of rest" I said as Shivaay looked at me as he glared at me.

"Well, clearly you had a light schedule that's why you are fussing. Generally, everyone's schedule is good. Now, I think yours' is tough probably because you had a light schedule in the past," Shivaay said as I felt my blood boiling as I felt my face get warm.

I looked up at the residents and noticed few smirking actually a majority. Priyanka looked at me with a worried look as I looked back at my schedule. They ganged up at me. There is a fair chance a majority of residents ganged up with Amoli against me. They probably did as a means to avoid her wrath on them. I looked at all the residents and realized I had given up my fair amount of days off handling their patients and taking their appointments while many went off on vacation, got married and went off on honeymoons. I was always here for all of them and this is what I get. They all ganged up on me. My mouth widened as I looked at Shivaay.

"I work hard for my work and you know it too. I always helped all of these doctors as I took in their patients at late notice when many went off from work for days. This is what I get? No, absolutely not. I took only a day off per week last month and many months before as I worked full time and over time. I cannot work on this schedule," I exclaimed as I got up my chair in anger as Shivaay threw his pen across the room as it hit the wall. The room fell down to a noise level of zero as they looked at both of us in anticipation of what would happen next. He slammed his chair back as he looked back at me with rage filling up inside of him.

"No one talks in front of me like that Anika. You know that as well. Now about this schedule. You have to do it as a resident. We require commitment to healthcare and you have to serve," Shivaay replied as I bit my lip as I felt tears again filling up in my eyes. Frustration...that awful built of frustration from the amount of work strain was finally about to explode and clearly it was showing in my tears. When will I stop crying and learn to stand up for myself? I thought as I crunched the paper schedule in my hand and looked up at him. I gained all the strength I could as my voice squeaked as I tried to speak.

"I am committed to healthcare and you know it as well, but you are expecting too much from me. This takes a lot of hard work. You all can easily write up a schedule, but the one who has to work painstakingly realizes how hard it is," I said as Shivaay took a deep breath and looked up at me.

"Quit then. If you are complaining so much and cannot handle the work. You obviously are not committed," Amoli chirped as I turned my head and furrowed my eyebrows.

"I am and don't test it Dr. Thakur. Not one bit. Also, I don't quit. This profession means the world to me and I respect it a lot," I said as I realized how shocked I was at my own words. Me saying that means a lot. I never stand up for myself like this.

"Well, you have to do the job Dr. Malhotra. This schedule is almost set in stone. The HR manager likes it as well and will likely approve it if Mr. Oberoi gives the go ahead. Anyways, since you are obiously being feisty, let's ask what our other fellow residents think. Who here is against this new change?" Amoli announced as she looked at the room of residents. I noticed Priyanka raising her hand as Amoli threw a glare at her before smirking and looking at me.

"Well, if majority likes the schedule then we have to keep it," Shivaay announced.

"The majority likes their own schedule. My schedule is not fair at all," I said as I grabbed my purse and stuffed my lunch box in it.

"Well, if you think that is the case then you are free to leave this program or we are free to let you go," Shivaay said as my mouth widened in shock as I looked at him. How can he say that? He knows how much my career means to me and he is threatening to fire me. What has gotten into him? But, he cannot just fire me. I can't let him. I made it so far in my career and I just cannot be fired. What will I do if I don't have a residency completed? My degree is worth nothing. I sighed as I looked back at the crumpled paper schedule as I looked up at the ceiling. Me being a doctor means a lot to my parents. They worked day and night so I could get an education. I cannot do this to them. They mean the world to me and I cannot let them down. Just do it Anika. Do it for your parents.

"Fine I will do it and I will prove my commitment to my profession. But, I am ashamed at the way you all residents treat others...how you treat your fellow colleague. It is shameful," I said as I grabbed my purse and walked out of the conference room.

I heard footsteps behind me as I rushed out down the hallway to the stairwells.

"Anika stop there right this minute!" I heard a voice yell. I looked back and realized Shivaay stomping towards me in anger as I turned around and opened the stairwell door as I began walking down the stairs. I felt myself stop as a pair of hands grabbed my arms and slammed me against the railings.

I looked up and noticed Shivaay in pure rage as he held my arms tightly as I winced in pain. I tried to get out of his grip as he held me tightly and brought me closer to him.

"What are you doing? Let go of me!" I yelled as he pulled me close to him as he looked into my eyes as I tried to look away from him.

He enveloped me in his anger as he came close to me.

"How dare you talk to me like that in public? You know I hate that Anika. You know I have I warned you multiple times not to do it," Shivaay said as I threw my head up and looked at the row of stairwells going around and around up to the ceiling.

"Look at me!" Shivaay yelled as he placed his hand on my cheek as I looked at him as I felt his cheek warm up against mine. I clenched my fists as I furrowed my eyebrows at him.

"What do you want me to look at? Do you know what happened inside? I was ganged up on. I never worked lightly! I am a committed individual to my job. It's not like I requested for a schedule that is not overtly demanding...it is a schedule I got from HR,"I huffed as Shivaay raised his head up in the air as he held my arms in his hand.

"Look you work for me. So, what I say is what you do. Do you understand? I can fire you in one minute. I really can. I know how much all of this means to you," Shivaay said as I looked up at him as he looked at me.

"So, I agreed. Why are you here then? Why is it that you always follow me around like a shadow?" I asked as he looked at me and got stumped. He clearly had no answer as he let go of me.

"Because I wanted to warn you to never challenge me in public and if you do then it won't be good for you," Shivaay said.

"Gee...thanks for the warning," I said as I began walking down the stairs.

"Are you just going to walk away like that? Without saying anything?" Shivaay said as I sighed and looked back at him.

"What do you want me to say?! Like what?!" I exclaimed as he shook his head and walked down to me.

"Are you ok? Are you still having anxiety?" Shivaay asked as I rolled my eyes.

"Unbelievable! Really? Are we really going to talk about this? I am fine and for another thing please do not bring up my health issues in such manner. It is personal and private. We are in a work environment, so why not just stay professional," I replied as I began walking down.

"Well, I have a right to ask!" Shivaay yelled as he grabbed my arm and placed me against the wall as I looked at him.

"What gives you that right? What right do you have on me?" I asked as Shivaay leaned in towards me.

"Well...I am your boss, so I can ask," He replied as I crossed my arms at him.

"So what? It's a private matter," I replied.

"Then what about yesterday? Why were you willing to tell me about your issues and therapy?" Shivaay asked as I felt dumbstruck and tried to think of a reason. Why did I tell him? I shouldn't have told him. Maybe I should twist this conversation I thought as I thought of something to say.

"Well if we are having this conversation then why not talk about yesterday. Then why not talk about why you said you miss me! That you miss us!" I yelled as he bit his lips and slammed his hand against the wall as he brought himself closer to me as he closed the space between us.

"Oh really? Now I have to give an answer to this question then why not talk about how you hugged me? How you were not willing to let go? What about that?!" Shivaay yelled as I crossed my arms and felt anger building up inside of me as I felt his hot breath on me.

"You responded as well. I cannot believe how you change so fast. Yesterday, you were something totally different and today you are something else. Like what the hell is wrong with you?! Actually, I am not surprised. I should know this since we were both..."

"Just shut up! Shut up!" He yelled loudly.

"Well now when I am telling the truth and questioning you this is how you respond! This is what you always do! You always try to avoid your feelings and...."

Suddenly I felt him grab my cheeks as he slammed his lips against mine. I stopped as I stood there.There was silence...utter silence as his lips moved against mine. Their softness taming me and untangling the taste of my lips. I felt my body tremble as I felt my hands getting warm and clammy as his soft lips began moving more roughly against mines in silence. His hands slowly made their way down to my neck and began moving up and down on my neck as I felt myself moan. I felt my heart beginning to speed and jump and flip as his chest lightly touched against mines. My eyes closed shut as I felt him begging my lips to respond. Begging for me to give in and somehow I did. My hands trailed slowly up to his cheeks as I pushed my lips back on his. My lips softly touched his as I tried to take in the moment...wanting to take in the touch of his lips that I never had felt before. His lips ran roughly against mines as I felt his hands deepening into the locks of my hair as my hands reached to the back of his neck as I pulled him close. There was something....some tension between us that I felt being released as he pushed me more against the wall and leaned his weight against me as he kept moving his lips against mines. His lips still soft yet rough as they pushed against mines. His touch intoxicating me.

"I want....you...." He said between kisses as I felt my stomach knotting. I felt him envelope me tightly against him as I kissed him back without any hesistance. My hands feeling clammy as they gripped onto his shirt as my lips softened against his.

There was something in that moment that begged me to go to him. To experience what I wanted for so long and I did experience it. I experienced those same feelings and those same touch that I had many years ago. The spark was there. It always had been. That spark was holding us and pulling us towards each other.

Suddenly, everything stopped. I felt his hands freeze up as they stood still on my cheeks. His lips stopped against mines as they weakened their attachment to mines. I stopped as my hands lost their grip from his neck. I opened my eyes slightly as his eyes widened as he still held his hands on my cheeks as I tried to catch my breath. I stood still as I leaned against the wall as his hands slowly left my cheeks as he kept staring into my eyes. His eyes attempting to gather what just happened and why. I felt my cheeks flush red as I felt my hands tremble as my legs weakened with the rush of adrenaline that was now escaping from my veins.

"Anika....I..." Shivaay began as I looked at him begging for him to say something. To say something about this mess that just got more convoluted due to what happened. Maybe his words can gather this mess together. This mess that is spread in both of our lives.

"Mr. Oberoi! The clients have come to your office to meet for lunch!" I heard his secretary as I looked up and saw him running down the stairs. I quickly fixed my hair as I looked at Shivaay as he tried to break his gaze from me. The secretary stopped as he looked at us with his eyebrows raised in curiousity.

"Yeah let's go," Shivaay said as he looked at me before turning around and walking up the stairs.

I stood there in silence as I heard his footsteps going away from me. My hands laid against the cold wall in an attempt to grasp on and not fall apart. I slowly placed my fingers on my lips as I felt them swollen from his touch. What have I just done? How could I just tangle this web more by my actions? After so many years I allowed him so close to me without any hesistation...without not trying to stop him. I in fact responded and somewhere it felt right. How could I feel right about this? I cannot. But, he is...no he was my...I stopped the thought as I closed my eyes shut as I slumped down the wall and sat on the floor. He is the one who ended our relationship then how can I just allow him to decide whenever to push me away or bring me close to him.

Everything began flashing back to me. Every moment that we spent together escaped through suppression as I felt it gathering and twisting around me. I cannot allow this to happen. But I did. No matter how much I tell myself to stay away from him. I cannot. I sighed as I felt tears escaping from my eyes as I wiped them away.

***********

Two weeks Later

I walked in silence down the hall as I held my purse tightly. Everything was a daze as I walked quietly as I felt the rush of medical personnel around me as they rushed patients down the hall while phones rang off the hook. My eyes begged for sleep as I felt my body ache in silent pain. My fingers touched the edges of my dried lips as I felt thirst approach my tongue. I sighed as I pulled the edges of my peacock green duptaa as I placed my hair to the side and walked towards the stairwells. My eyes followed out to the night sky that spoke in silence as it entwined with the moonlight and the purple evening sky that was disappearing. My eyes followed the rush of evening traffic outside. Wow, how long has it been since I have been here? I thought as I opened the stairwell door and began walking downstairs.

It had been a rough two weeks as I stood on night shifts until 3 AM and if I did not have that then I was in the hospital for a twenty-hour shift. I just broke from a two-day twenty-four hour shift and finally got today off a little early by chance. I sighed as I fixed my anarkali kameez as the green painted flowers flashed on to the white color of the kameez.

Today was Priyanka's sangeet practice and I had to be there since she requested so many times since the past two weeks to show up at the sangeet practice. I really did not want to go, but she requested so many times, so I had to say a yes. Moreover, she asked me to stay the night at her house. I tried to refuse for obvious reasons, but she insisted so many times that I had to give in.

I stopped in my steps as I looked at the stairwell where he kissed me. I stopped as I stared at the wall and flashbacked to that kiss. I had broken down after what had happened because I realized how much I missed it so much all of these years. My eyes closed shut as I opened them and sighed. We haven't talked at all since then. In fact, I haven't even seen him around at all. It is as if he disappeared just like he did years ago without a notice. Without a care of how he had affected me and how his actions always take a toll on me. Maybe it was nothing for him...maybe he just wanted to satisfy his needs. But, why now? Why was he willing to kiss me in such manner? He had confessed that our entire relationship was based on a lie then why did he....? I shook the thought out of my mind as I walked out of the hospital and felt the breeze of the evening touch me as I pushed my hair to the side as I rushed to my car and threw my purse down on the passenger seat and placed my head back on the driver's seat as I felt my body sore from work. I hit the gas pedal as I reversed the car and drove off.

The drive was slow as I rushed against the evening commute. I sighed as I drove the long hour and half way to Priyanka's home. Will Shivaay be there? What will I do when I encounter him...should I talk about happened or avoid it? But, I shouldn't talk about it, but he should since he was the one who created this mess anyways. Maybe, it really was nothing...maybe I am over thinking everything. Maybe I should forget about what happened, but I can't....

I broke out of my daze as I reach Priyanka's home. I went through the security protocol and drove into the driveway as I parked my car and stared at the mansion as it lit up with decorations. There were rows of flower garlands, lights and drapes that rolled and twisted around the doors and windows of the mansion. It truly looked like a wedding was happening here. I felt the wind brush against my hair as pushed the locks away from my face and grabbed my purse as I walked up the stairs as the guards opened the door and let me in.

I felt my duptaa play around as it slipped down my shoulders as I pulled it up as I heard chatter and laughter in the house as I walked down the hallway towards the living room as I tried to look for a familiar face...mainly Priyanka. I held on to my purse as I walked towards the living room.

"Anika beta..." I heard someone call as I turned around and saw dadi smiling as I smiled and touched her feet.

"Namaste dadi," I said as she smiled and touched my cheek.

"It's been so long I have seen you...I like your suit," Dadi said as I smiled and fixed up my duptaa.

"You look so tired...are you ok?" Dadi asked lovingly.

"Dadi, she is tired from work. She has been working nonstop for the last two weeks," Priyanka said as she walked up to us and sidehugged me.

"What? Oh my God why?" Dadi asked as she looked at me curiously.

"Well, you have to ask Shivaay bhai about that. Remember I told you how the residents' schedules changed? Well, Anika got the worst one and bhai even agreed to it," Priyanka exclaimed as dadi shook her head.

"He has gone crazy. I don't know what's wrong with him. He comes home late every night and then he doesn't talk to anyone. He has lost it," Dadi said as she shook her head.

"Anyways, Anika thank you for coming. I feel so bad. You look so tired and now the dance practice. But, you know what after we are done we will eat dinner and have a girls' night ok?" Priyanka said as I smiled and hugged her.

"I know and that's why I showed up because who doesn't want a free pedicure?" I said as I winked as she laughed and grabbed my arm.

"Ok let's go outside where the dance practice is. Also, dadi come nah, we need you to for dance practice!" Priyanka said as she grabbed her hand.

"You know I am too old for this, but still! Anyways, I will come but I have to meet panditji. He is waiting in the study, so I have to go to him. I will come after ok?" Dadi said as Priyanka rolled her eyes as dadi walked away as Priyanka turned and began walking outside as I followed her.

"We have all the refreshments outside, so please snack on them. You need energy in order to stay active and learn the steps," Priyanka said as we walked out to the backyard.

The backyard lit up in lights that spread out on to the grass. There was a large group of people divided into different groups where I noticed dance instructors teaching them steps. Wow, this sangeet is going to be on a different level. I thought as I noticed chairs and sofas spread out on the grass as refreshment tables spread throughout the backyard. My eyes wandered as I felt overwhelmed by the amount of people and unknown faces. Clearly, I knew no one. I thought as I looked at the mass amount of relatives.

"Wow, so many relatives," I said as Priyanka looked back at me.

"Many who I don't know that well either, but mom and dad want everyone to participate in the sangeet, so that's what's happening. Anyways, let's go," Priyanka grabbed my arm as we walked a little further down the backyard where I noticed her family practicing the waltz.

"One, two, three and three, two, one," The choreographer yelled as everyone tried to do the waltz. I moved my eyes through the couples and tried to find Shivaay, but he was nowhere to be seen. Well, that's good. I could avoid him. I definitely do not want to see him ever since what happened. It will be too awkward. I grabbed an egg roll as I stuffed it in my mouth as I felt my stomach grumble in hunger. Dinner is probably going to be in another two hours and I am so hungry. I quickly grabbed the glass of lemon water and downed it as a means to stop my stomach from rumbling.

"Dance properly nah please!" Gauri yelled at Om as he stepped on her foot as she glared at him.

"Well, it's your fault! You're supposed to step to the side like this," Om said as Gauri rolled her eyes at him.

"Priyanka, look what he is doing!" Gauri exclaimed as she let go of Om and walked up to us.

"Relax Bhabhi. Dancing is not an Oberoi forte," Priyanka said as Om rolled his eyes and collapsed on the sofa.

I noticed Pinky aunty waving at me as she waltzed with Shakti uncle.

"Bhoomi, this is my best friend Anika. I told you about her right?" Priyanka said as Bhoomi walked to us and smiled.

"Of course. Well, you are a little bit behind, but we will try to catch up today for sure ok?" Bhoomi said.

"Yes, of course. What dance would I be doing?" I asked as I looked at her curiously.

"Well, Priyanka said you will be doing the traditional Punjabi dance, so we will focus on that for now," Bhoomi said as I shook my head as I grabbed my duptaa and placed it on my shoulder as I wrapped the other around my waist.

"Okay, so how about you all take a break while I start teaching Anika ok?" Bhoomi announced as the Oberoi family took a seat and began eating.

"Ok, so we will be welcoming the sangeet with the jaggo, so you have to hold that on your head and then slowly dance, be carefully because real diyas will be on it. Then, we will place the jaggo on the ground and start doing the gidda like this," Bhoomi said as she stepped her leg in and out and clapped her hands as I copied her.

"Ok, one, two, three," Bhoomi began repeating as I began dancing as I clapped my hands loud as Bhoomi and I rotated around eachother as I moved my body up and down and began moving my legs side to side as we danced.

I felt myself smiling as I danced back and forth as I turned and repeated my steps.

"Wow, you are good," Bhoomi said as I smiled and turned and side stepped her.

"Thanks," I said. Even I was surprised. I was never a profession at traditional dancing, but somehow watching too many music videos helped me to learn. I felt myself rotating as I turned. Suddenly, I felt my foot unbalance as I felt it twist as I turned around.

"Ahh!" I exclaimed as I felt a pair of arms around me.

My hands wrapped on to his shoulders as I felt his hands on my waist. I looked up and it was Shivaay.

I felt my breath stop as he stood there as his eyes landed on to my face as he looked at me with intensity. His hands laying softly on top of the light pulse that knotted in my stomach as his eyes stood still as they gazed into mines. It felt like we hadn't seen each other since a decade yet we were only apart for two weeks, but it felt as if forever. My eyes moved to his lips as I remembered the kiss. Those soft lips that intoxicated me and gave me pleasure. I broke my trance away from him as he kept staring at me shamelessly as I moved my hands away from his shoulders. I felt his hands slowly move away from my waist as I pulled my dupatta up on my shoulder and looked away from him. I felt everyone's eyes on us as I turned around as Om and Gauri had a curious expression on their face as they looked at us with a mysterious smile while pinky aunty sideeyed Shakti uncle.

"Bhai, thank God you are here! Do you know you have to learn this dance! You have to do the dance with the family!" Priyanka exclaimed as Shivaay rolled his eyes.

"I am not doing any dance. I hate this and you know it too!" Shivaay exclaimed.

"Well too bad. Because I am your only sister and you have to dance!" Priyanka exclaimed as she crossed her arms.

"Shivaay, just dance please ok? She is your only sister and this is an important wedding for us. After getting married she is not going to stay with us anymore. Please, make these few days special for her," Pinky aunty explained as Shivaay sighed as he looked at Priyanka and shook his head.

"Fine, but honestly please don't make me look stupid," He said to Bhoomi.

I backed away from Shivaay as my eyes still ached to see him. I felt tension and awkwardness in the air as Shivaay stood with his back to me. This is the first time we had seen each other after what happened and somehow everything was awkward.

Everyone began practicing the waltz as I grabbed another two pairs of egg rolls and ate them. My eyes looked up at Shivaay as he practiced with Bhoomi. Surprisingly, he was a good dancer. I noticed his eyes drifting away to me as he looked at me. I quickly looked away as I sat down on the sofa.

"Well, that's good Shivaay. Now, we need a partner for you," Bhoomi said.

"Oh no, yeah. Bhai needs a partner. But, everyone already has one," Priyanka said as she let go of Akash.

"That's true, all the cousins are already partnered up as well," Pinky aunty replied.

"Good, then I don't have to do it," Shivaay said as he stretched his arms.

"How about Anika?" Gauri said as she looked at me and smiled.

My eyes widened as I felt myself choak on my eggroll as I coughed and got up. I looked at Shivaay as his eyes widened as he looked back.

"That's a great idea!" Pinky aunty exclaimed as I shook my head.

"Um...dancing waltz is not really my area," I intervened.

"Don't worry Anika. It is not too heavily loaded with steps. Also, you and bhai look great together. I think you will be perfect," Priyanka said.

I gulped as I played with my dupatta as I tried to contemplate and think of an excuse to avoid dancing with him.

"Well, not needed. I am not doing this," Shivaay said as he began walking out before Priyanka held his arm and began pleading him.

"Please you both just do it for me. Please, please, please!" Priyanka pleaded to us as I sighed and looked at her. She was pleading really hard.

"If I agree will you stop annoying me?"

"Yes"

Shivaay walked towards me as he grabbed my hand and dragged me to the middle of grass as I tried to let go of him. His hand trailed the edge of my waist as he grabbed my hand and pulled me against him as my eyes widened as I looked at him. He grabbed my other hand and placed it on his shoulder as my eyes darted away from him.

I so didn't want to do this, but clearly the pressure was there as I heard everyone rooting for us. I sighed as his hands stayed on my lower back as he began moving back and forth as I tried to follow his steps. He was close. Too close as his face kept an inch distance away from me as I felt his breath lightly touching the locks of my hair that rippled. He moved to the side as I followed his footsteps.

The music played lightly in the background as we practiced in silence. His hand never letting go of my back as we danced. I heard him clear his throat as I felt his eyes on my face.

"Um...about what happened..." He began as my eyes widened as I realized what topic he was about to approach. I kept my eyes still on the grass as we moved.

"I don't know why it happened and why I did it...." He continued as my eyes slowly moved up as I stared at his shoulder as my hand laid flat on his white kurta as I stared at its seams.

"Did what?" Om asked as he turned his head towards us as we quickly turned and looked at him as he continued dancing with Gauri.

"Um...nothing. None of your business," Shivaay replied with a stern look as Om and Gauri looked at us curiously as Shivaay led me away from them. He grabbed my wrist and dragged me to the patio away from everyone. We stood in silence as he quickly let go of my wrist and ran his hand through his hair in frustration as he tried to contemplate what to say. I stood there in expectation that he would say something. At least say something about what happened and why he took the initiative since he was the one who broke up apart.

"Look something happened in that moment. I don't know what, but honestly it shouldn't matter. I thought about it and I think it was just heat of the moment and it's better if we just..." Shivaay began as he stopped as I looked up at him wanting to know what he wanted to say. I should give a chance to him to clear himself out and explain himself as well.

"Um...we should stay away from each other because obviously everything is getting much more messier," He said as I felt stumped.

What explanation is this? That is all he is going to say after everything that happened. After a moment that brought so many suppressed feelings he will just say that let's stay away, let's not think about why it happened. Let's not think about a possibility that perhaps there is more to this.

I clenched my teeth as I looked up and glared at him.

"Wow, that is all you are going to say? Like no other explanation! How could you do this? Do you not for once think before you speak?! Can we not think through this and figure out why it happened and maybe just maybe....there is hope!" I exclaimed.

Shivaay sighed as he placed his hands on his hips in anger.

"What do you mean?! What do you want to talk about? Huh! It was in the moment and that is all! Ok? Like what happened was just a heat of the moment ok. There is nothing between us and honestly there never will be!" Shivaay yelled.

My eyes widened as I stood still in shock. I felt my blood boiling as I looked up at him. My throat tightening as my eyes darted back and forth trying to make sense of him. Heat of the moment? Stay away? What?! Is he being serious now? Is he doing this all over again? Playing with my mind again and fooling me again.

"Oh my God. You did it again. You fooled me again. You used me to fulfill your needs and now you are just going to treat me like trash. You always have done that and again you did it! Why?! Why do you do this to me? Am I always going to be someone who you will use, fool and throw away? Did I ever mean more too you than just someone you can use? Huh? Have you ever once felt disgusted with yourself and disgusted with the way you have treated me?"

I stopped talking as I held onto the pillar behind me as I laid my head against it. My mind went blank as my eyes laid still on the wooden patio. An unknown pain subsided inside of me as my throat tightened as I realized what had happened...Wow he used me again. After five years he again came back in my life and treated me ill without any remorse for the way he had left me...all broken and shattered.

Tears dropped and dried as I felt my dupatta slip off my shoulder. I felt my body turn to stone as I tried to take in his words and understand what happened. Wow...you are a fool Anika. A fool who still believes that someday you will be back with that one man you truly loved and ever loved in your entire life. How can you just keep on giving into a man and hoping to be with a man who never treated you well? Not an ounce.

"Look...Anika. Let's not go further with this topic..." Shivaay began as I raised my hand signaling to stop him from talking. I looked up as I wiped away my tears.

"Of course that's what you always say. You always talk and I listen. I just listen and then you just walk away expecting that things will happen according to you. You know normal people discuss and try to figure out why something is happening in a particular manner, but you never do that! Why is it that you always decide and I have to go along with it? Like say for example, deciding if we are going to dance together or not? Like why?! I have choices as well!" I yelled.

"Oh really?! You have a choice since when! You never make the right decision, but I always do because you know that I know how to make the right decisions! I have made the right decision that we stay away from each other. Moreover, do not talk to me in that tone!"

"What tone?! Look at your tone! You know what just leave me alone ok?" I said as I turned and began walking away.

"Fine, I will!" Shivaay yelled as he stomped right behind me.

"What happened?" Priyanka asked as she ran up to us. We stopped in our tracks as she looked at us curiously. I quickly looked away as I felt more tears falling down my cheeks. My eyes darted back to Shivaay as he looked at me. His eyes slowly turned up and down on my face as they followed my tears. I quickly placed my hands on my cheeks as I wiped away my tears and bit my tongue in an attempt to not fall apart...especially not in front of him.

"Nothing...nothing at all Priyanka," He said.

"No...something is wrong. You both abruptly just left from practice and you both don't look in a good mood. Anika...are you ok?" Priyanka said as she wrapped her arms around my shoulder and asked me consolingly.

"Um...I am fine. Uh...forget about us. How about you go and practice your special dance with Akash?" I said as I tried to smile.

"Of course, but Anika I have a feeling something is wrong... Bhai did you say something to her?" Priyanka questioned Shivaay as he rolled his eyes.

"Look just focus on your sangeet. Don't interfere in our matter ok?" Shivaay said as he walked away.

"Anika...look I am sorry if Bhai said something. He is a bit different and I don't know why. He has always been a little temperamental and aloof..."

"It's ok Priyanka. Please don't apologize on behalf of him. I understand. Now how about you focus on your sangeet and you dance steps. Come let's go," I said as I grabbed her wrist as we walked back to everyone.

"Where's Shivaay?" Pinky aunty asked us as we went back to the dance practice.

"I don't know about bhai. He just left," Priyanka said as Pinky aunty sighed.

"I don't why he is like this. He never wants to spend time with his family, he never participates in any function and now this! He just left the practice without letting anyone know...I don't know what to do about him," Pinky aunty said as she sat down on the sofa and held her head.

I sighed as I placed my dupatta around my neck and stood by the sofa as I watched the dance practice continue. Clearly, I will not be waltzing tomorrow with Shivaay.

*******

I continued on practicing my dance steps for about an hour and half until finally practice was over. Priyanka grabbed my arm as we bid our goodbyes to Akash and other of her relatives and made our way into the living area.

We walked into the living area where her family sat. They all seemed to surround a panditji as he sat and was looking at a kundali. They all seemed very interested in his sayings. However, except one person which was Shivaay. I noticed Shivaay sitting right next to Om as he played on his phone as he rolled his eyes.

"Come Anika, sit with us," Priyanka said as she grabbed my hand as we sat on the sofa right across from Shivaay. I sat next to Gauri as she smiled and looked at me.

"That is our panditji. We meet whenever we need advice, have family functions or something important is happening in our family. So, there he is. He is looking over everyone's kundalis. And if someone's kundali has an issue then he tells them what to do about it," Gauri said as I looked at the old man in interest as he was reading over the kundali. His longer beard reaching almost to his stomach as his hair fell down on to his shoulders.

"Dadi and Ma wanted me to have a son, so she brought me to this panditji to perform some ritual," Gauri said. My eyes widened as I looked at her. What? How could dadi and Pinky aunty believe in such thinking? Why would they preach this sort of practice? I looked at them curiously. They seem so nice and polite and not the type to do such. Wow, I cannot believe people still believe in such sort of concepts. They should happy if they are gifted a child. I would be if I could have children.

"Panditji please could you let us know what might be wrong? Will he get married?" Pinky aunty asked as I looked at her curiously.

"Shivaay beta please come here," Panditji said as Shivaay looked up at him as he threw his phone on the sofa before going up to him and sitting down.

"Panditji we did listen to you and got him married to Tia, but you know how that ended up. Please tell us what our next step should be and whether he has a marriage yog," Dadi asked.

My eyes widened. Shivaay's marriage? Wow, his family is considering to marry him.Wait...Anika why are you worrying so much? This shouldn't matter to you.

"Oh my God dadi. I do not want to get married," Shivaay said.

"Be quiet, just listen to him," Dadi said.

"Here, show me your hand," Panditji said as Shivaay showed him his hand as he looked at it as he inspected it carefully.

"Well, his kundali does show that the upcoming months show a possibility of marriage. He will get married to someone who is the opposite of him. She won't be from the same class background as him and be a different personality than him, but there will be something about both of them that would connect them. Fate really wants them to be together and somehow it will happen, but not a simple manner,"Pandit ji said.

Wow, marriage in a few months. No, that cannot be possibly true. It is hard believing pandits these days, especially someone who performed rituals so someone could have a son. Gosh.

"That is great news," Dadi exclaimed as Shivaay rolled his eyes.

"But, they won't get along too easily.They will have a tough marriage, but a long lasting one.Waise, he has three relationship lines. Was he in a very committed relationship to someone before Tia?Maybe, married?" Panditji said as he looked at his hand.

My breath stopped in the moment as I felt an air of chills sweeping. My eyes widening as I twisted my finger on my dupatta as I stared at the pandit. Shivaay's gaze immediately swept up at the pandit as he stared at his hand as he rotated his eyes and slowly turned them towards me. My eyes latched on to his gaze as he looked back at me with intention.

"Oh no panditji that was never the case! He never had a strong relationship with any women before Tia," Pinky aunty intervened as I broke my gaze away from him.

"Well, what I see is what I say. If there was a woman in your life for whom you had true feelings for then she may have come back in your life," Panditji said as my eyes widened. Did he mean me? Was I the one? I thought.

Shivaay slipped his hand away as he took his blessings and grabbed a seat on the sofa.

"Wow, impressive prediction. I highly doubt Shivaay bhai ever had such a serious relationship. He doesn't seem the type," Gauri said as I looked at him as he sat on the sofa and got on to his phone.

"Anika you should also get your hand shown. Maybe you might get a prediction of meeting your dream man?"Priyanka said as I rolled my eyes and shook my head.

"Of course Anika. Come on you should show your hand as well," Pinky aunty said as I sighed.

I didn't want to. I mean I don't know if I should even believe in such matters, but clearly I was being pressured by Pinky aunty as she grabbed my hand and made me sit down in front of panditji.

I placed my hand forward as he held it and looked at it investigatvily.

"Well, you are very lucky. Wherever you will get married you will bring luck and prosperity to that family. I see that you will have a good and stable career....perhaps as a doctor. Moreover, you have a good chance of marriage in the upcoming months. Your husband will be prosperous and rich, but he may not appreciate you to the ways you want to be appreciated. There a yog that you have four children," Panditji said as my eyes widened.

Ok clearly he is lying. Me and kids? Never. I have low chances of ever conceiving and he telling me I will have four kids. I bit my lip from saying anything since he was the family's pandit and I have no right to say anything. I felt Shivaay's gaze on me as I looked back at him as he looked away.

"Wow, four kids?" Priyanka said as I rolled my eyes at her.

Panditji looked at my hand and then at Shivaay as he looked back at my hand.

"Someone you have loved for long will come back to your life and it will be forever," Panditji said as I got up and took his blessings.

"Wow, you and bhai had the same prediction. So odd right?" Priyanka said as I shook my head and I played with my hand.

"Waise, I think you and Shivaay bhai have a connection. Om and I both noticed," Gauri said as I looked up at her as my eyes widened.

"Um...no nothing like that," I said as I weakly smile and tried to change the topic.

"Well, maybe you both don't notice, but when both of you are in the same room everyone get's that feeling," Priyanka said as I cleared my throat and the thought out of my head.

I sat quietly as the panditji discussed the auspicious times to apply the mehendi, do the chura ceremony, var mala and wedding rituals. We sat in silence as he talked and left later. My stomach grumbled as I felt hunger quickly approaching me without a warning.

Finally, panditji left and dinner began to be set on the dining table. I quickly followed Priyanka in hopes of getting food to eat as I ran my eyes around the dining room to find a seat.

"Anika and Priyanka come sit with me," Gauri said as I smiled and walked towards her as I took a seat.

I looked at the large feast of different types of foods as their aroma lured me and called for me. Wow, this looks good. I thought as the servants began serving us food. I heard the chair next to be rumble as I looked up and realized it was Shivaay. Great, just great. I thought as I looked around that all seats were full besides the one next to me.

I sat in silence as I began eating my rajma and rice quickly realizing how hungry I was.

"Anika, have some dal," Pinky aunty said as I looked up at her and shook my head.

"You look so tired. Here have some more dal," Pinky aunty said as she handed me a bowl of dal.

"Waise, you should blame Shivaay bhai for this," Priyanka said as I heard Shivaay clear his throat and he took his drink of water. I felt everyone's eyes follow both of us as they looked at us curiously and raised eyebrows.

"Sorry I mean not that way. At the hospital, he approved a very tough schedule for Anika that our resident chief and residency director was pushing for. You know she hasn't had a day off since two weeks? She just came off from a fourty-eight horu nonstop shift. She barely slept five hours total for the two days," Priyanka said as Shakti uncle looked at Shivaay as he furrowed his eyebrows.

"Shivaay we have never taught you to treat someone that way. Do you have a conscience?" Shakti uncle said as Shivaay placed his spoon loudly in his plate.

"I work the way I want to. Plus, we need more doctors to be present and active, so that's what I and the management decided," Shivaay said.

"What has gotten into you? I am surprised Anika is not complaining. I would if I was in her place. To be honest no one deserves such a tough schedule," Pinky aunty said.

Oh believe me I did complain and fight, but I was threatened to be fired by the great royal himself. I thought as I looked at Shivaay as he continued chewing on his salad.

"She doesn't eat lauki ki sabji," Shivaay said to the servant as he was about to put some for me. I looked at him as he looked away.

"How do you know about that bhai?" Priyanka said as Shivaay stopped eating and looked at her.

"Hmmm....waise you know a lot about her," Om said as I felt my throat tighten. Well, this is not good. Clearly, we are trapped in another mess.

"Well...um...why does it matter how I know?" Shivaay said as he replied back harshly as he continued eating.

"Now let me eat in peace ok?" Shivaay said as I looked back at the plate and continued eating.

*****

"I want this light purple color," Priyanka said as I grabbed the nail polish and began it painting on her toenails.

It was officially girls' night and we had kicked it off with pedicures. Music played lightly in the background as we sat on Priyanka's bed. Her room was a mess as her clothes laid around the room while her pillows laid on the floor. It truly appeared a tornado had hit the room.

Priyanka fixed the rollers in her head as she read a magazine.

"Waise...I was thinking. Shivaay bhai knows so much about you. Why?" Priyanka asked as I stopped painting her nails and looked up at her as I raised my eyebrow at her as she looked at me curiously.

What should I say? How should I answer her? Great, this is all his fault and his big mouth's fault. Why does he always have to advocate for me?

"Um...I think it's just a coincidence," I said as Priyanka raised her eyebrow.

"No, I mean he specifically knows what you like and dislike," Priyanka says as I sighed and continued painting her nails.

"Are you going to tell me why? Or what is going on between you two?" Priyanka asked as I gulped and shook my head.

"Nothing Priyanka. There is nothing at all between us," I said.

"But..."

"Yeah! I finally got freedom today!" I heard someone yell as I turned around and saw Gauri happily closing the door and jumping on to the bed.

We chuckled as we looked at her.

"What? Do you know how hard it is to raise two boys? God, finally today Om has their responsibility and I can relax. Waise, Om snores all night, so finally I could get some peaceful sleep today,"Gauri said as she grabbed a pillow and laid down on it.

"Wow, pedicures! It has been a decade since I got one. Can you also do one for me Anika?" Gauri asked excitedingly as I smiled.

"Of course I will do one for you," I said as she smiled and began looking through the nail polish colors.

"So...um....you and Shivaay bhai know each other really well right?" Gauri asked as I suddenly looked up at her.

"Uh...no not really," I lied as I tried to avoid eye contact with her.

"Hmmm....that's what you both say, but I have doubts...Waise Shivaay bhai and you both look nice together. Both of you are shy, but I can help," Gauri said as my eyes widened as Priyanka started laughing as Gauri slapped my shoulder and started laughing.

"Anyways, have to tried on your sangeet lehenga?" Gauri asked Priyanka.

"Oh no I haven't!" Priyanka exclaimed.

"Well, you should because it is designer and we can't get it fixed at the last minute," Gauri said.

"Yeh, let me get it and try it on," Priyanka quickly grabbed a bag and ran into the bathroom.

We waited paitently until she finally got and smiled as she wore her green lehenga and twirled.

"Wow, you look beautiful," I said as she smiled.

"Thank you...waise...I should also try on the necklace since remember the hooks broke? Wait, did Shivaay bhai get it fixed?" Priyanka asked Gauri worringly as she shrugged her shoulders.

"Oh no! The sangeet is the day after tomorrow and what if bhai forgot to get it fixed?" Priyanka said as she looked at us.

"Oh no, Anika can you go and ask Shivaay bhai?" Priyanka said as my eyes widened as I looked at her.

"Um....me?" I said.

"Please, can you go to bhai's room and get the necklace? I feel my blouse is a little loose, so until you come I will check this and see if it is amendable," Priyanka said as I placed my dupatta as I sighed and walked out of the room quickly. I quickly walked down the hall where I think Shivaay's room was. I walked quickly down the hall.

I should avoid him, but then Priyanka really needs it, so I have to go. I will just go and ask and come back. I walked up to his room and quickly knocked on the door. I waited patiently and knocked again until finally the door opened.

Shivaay stood there as he held open the door and glared at me as he leaned against it.

"It's late at night....what are you doing here?" He asked as he looked at me.

"Priyanka sent me here because she wants me to get the necklace she will wear for her sangeet. She had given it to you to get it fixed," I replied as he rolled his eyes.

"Well, desperate much. You used that as an excuse to show up right?" He said as my mouth gaped as I looked at him shocked. How can he just question my character like that?

"How can you say that? We have decided to stay away from each other and I will honor that. I am here because Priyanka sent me that's all," I said as he sighed.

"Anika are you still waiting here?" Priyanka said as she walked up to us.

"Bhai, please let's go and give me my necklace," Priyanka ordered as she grabbed my arm as we walked into his room. Shivaay quickly slammed the door.

"It's in my closet," Shivaay said as he led us through his room and to his walk-in closet.

Shivaay walked up to a drawer and grabbed a key as he walked to the closet and quickly opened it. He then opened another drawer and took out a box and handed it to Priyanka.

Clink. I heard the sound loud as I looked down as my eyes widened. A mangalsutra laid on the ground. Priyanka quickly picked it up as she brought it to light. My mouth opened slightly as I looked at the mangalsutra.

"Mangalsutra? Where did you get this from bhai? As far as I remember it doesn't look Tia's?" Priyanka said.

My eyes stood still as I looked at the mangalsutra as I turned my eyes and looked at Shivaay as his eyes stood still as he looked at it. Time stood still as we stared at because it brought memories...memories of a broken relationship. A relationship full of dreams and a hopeful future. A future that I longed for and still do. That mangalsutra held my dreams and held our relationship because it was mine.

Flashback Begins:

To be continued......

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