Copyright © jasminedarcie

All Rights Reserved

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner or language whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.

Edit: Please follow me on twitter to not miss out on behind the scenes of writing this story. Also you can provide me feedback on Twitter as well. Please follow me @JasmineDarcie .(https://twitter.com/JasmineDarcie)

Hello everyone! :) I am so sorry for the late post, but life happens and I was extremely busy. I really wished to update last weak, but I got really busy with my midterms. I do not know how you will like this chapter, but I tried my best.

Thank you so much for the wonderful response :) I am so happy by the fact that so many people read this story so far. Thank you for giving an upvote and/or commenting also :) Thank you silent readers as well and please do continue to read. I am adding music to the chapters since I often listen to this music when writing these chapters lol. So, I added a few not too much. You may listen to them if you wish. Thank you for reading and if you wish please upvote and/or comment :) I will hopefully update in about two weeks :) Thank you again! :) Have a wonderful Sunday :)

My playlist for this chapter include the following three songs (P.S. Another song is added in middle of the chapter as well for Anika's dance with.....guess who?)

Please listen to these songs when reading if you wish. These songs bring in more of an understanding of emotions that Shivaay and Anika feel for one another. Also, I added these song along with the text so you can play them then as well if you wish too :)

https://youtu.be/w8LcxY43N5Y

https://youtu.be/PHULePbksEU

https://youtu.be/wPqpmsYISBc

Previously:

"If you didn't feel anything then fine. If you don't want to answer any of my questions then don't. If you find joy in using me then that joy will end soon because from now on this Anika will not let you use her as trash. This Anika is not worth it. You don't deserve someone like me. You don't. From now on our paths are officially separate. You don't come in my path and I won't come in yours',"I declared as Shivaay's eyes stopped me trying to be cold and emotionless.

At that moment everything ended. I ended everything and began my journey to cleanse the relationship out of my soul, but somehow fate had something else in store.

Now:

"Good. That would be best for us," Shivaay said as he grabbed my wrist dragging with him.

"What are you doing? Leave me!" I yelled trying to push his hand off of my wrist as he slammed open the door of the porsche and pushed me inside.

"Because of you I might be late for the sangeet. Can we go now please?" Shivaay said as he slammed the door shut and got into the driver's seat locking the car's doors as my mouth gaped open at him as he rolled his eyes and hit the gas.

"I don't even want to go with you! Get me out of this car!" I yelled as Shivaay rolled his eyes and kept driving.

"Anika, I am aware of your tantrums. One minute ago, you were screaming and going slightly crazy then you were unemotional and now you are back to screaming. Stop it for once can you? Please? Can we get to the sangeet? Afterwards do whatever you want alright?" Shivaay said as I threw him a glare as I took a deep breath and placed my head against the car seat as Shivaay made a turn towards him home.

My eyes followed the brightly lit house as security surrounded the area welcoming the large array of guests who drove in to the house. My eyes followed around as I saw guests everywhere as different array of roses and lights lit up the entire house. Shivaay stopped his porsche midway into the driveway as he got out. I threw him a glare as I got out with my large bag.

"Oh please leave that in my car ok? Don't embarrass me!" Shivaay ordered as he walked up to me grabbing my bag and throwing it in the driver's seat as I glared at him.

"What the hell?" I exclaimed as he rolled his eyes.

"Grab your clutch bag or something, but don't walk into my sister's sangeet looking like an outlier ok?" Shivaay ordered as he grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to him.

"What are you doing? Huh? You had just mentioned I throw tantrums right? Well look at you. You yourself do not know whether to follow your own words or not. You are confused," I replied sternly as he glared and tightened his grip around my bangles as I bit my lip in pain and looked down at my hand. Shivaay loosened his grip as he looked down at me.

"I am not confused," Shivaay muttered as he came closer as I felt his face near mines. My eyes wandering as I realized guests were staring at us as they passed by.

"About me and about us you are Mr. Oberoi," I said tauntingly as Shivaay took a breath and bit his lip.

He knew how much he hated being called Mr. Oberoi by me. I always used to say that whenever I got mad at him or was annoyed by him.

"What's happening?" I quickly turned my head around to notice Omkara and Gauri looking at us curiously as they walked up to us.

Shivaay quickly let go of me as he turned towards them as I took a step back fixing my dupatta.

"So this is where you were? We were looking for you," Omkara said walking up to Shivaay.

"Well, Priyanka was complaining all day that Anika wasn't here, so I got her here. Problem solved," Shivaay said as he looked back at me.

"Well, I am so happy Anika you are here. Seriously, Priyanka was sad that her best friend wasn't here and disappointed. Well, it's good you are here huh? Let's go," Gauri said as she grabbed my arm.

"Wait, what happened to your car Shivaay?" Omkara said as I stopped and looked back as Omkara pointed out the large lines of paint removed from the passenger side of the door of the porsche. I bit my lip nervously realizing the culprit was me who had keyed his car.

Shivaay looked back at him and then towards me. A small smirk appearing on his lips as he looked at me and then the damage I had done. Shivaay's cars mean a lot to him. I remember how obsessed he was with keeping his car nice, clean and damage free. I mean the first time we had met was due to a car accident between his car and my car and I remember how much he had freaked out over the damage done to his car.

https://youtu.be/w8LcxY43N5Y

"Someone...someone who was mad at me did it," Shivaay said calmly as Omkara and Gauri looked at him curiously.

"Who? And how can you be so cool about it? I know how sensitive you are about your cars and how much angry you get even if a small scratch comes on it," Omkara said looking at Shivaay.

"Yeah well this time I am not ok? I will get it repaired and fixed. Waise bhi...I was getting tired of this car. I have plenty more to drive anyways right? So why worry so much?" Shivaay said as he side eyed and looked towards me as I looked away feeling slightly guilty, but attempting to cover up the guilt on my face.

"Acha? Well isn't this your favorite car bhai?" Gauri asked as she looked at him and me curiously catching on that somehow I might have been the cause of this damage.

"It is, but it's alright. The person who was angry at me got their anger out and that's all that matters. Anyways, let's go," Shivaay said as he walked up to me. I looked at him curiously and a bit taken aback by his actions. How could he just let it go? He never let's go of the smallest things then how could he let go of the fact that I keyed his favorite car?

I bit my lip as I began walking with Gauri. We walked up the pair of the stairs as they followed along with us. I looked at awe at the beautiful arrangements as music sounded off loudly as guests danced and laughed. I looked at the colorful rainbows currents hanging down and low from the ceiling as it twisted and turned with colorful chandliers. I noticed the entire living area emptied from all furniture as a small stage made its way present in the middle of the hallway. Truly it was a nice sight to behold as I admired the decorations. I looked up and noticed Priyanka smiling as she held on to Akash's arm.

I smiled as I walked up to her as Priyanka's eyes widened as she entrapped me in a bear hug.

"Oh my God! You made it! You actually showed up!" Priyanka exclaimed as I smiled and hugged her back.

"Tell me how this miracle happened?! Really? Like how?" Priyanka said questioning me as Gauri smiled and walked up behind me. Why does Priyanka seem surprised? Didn't she ask Shivaay to bring me here?

"Because of Shivaay bhai," Gauri said as I looked up and noticed Shivaay following closely behind us as he walked up to Priyanka.

"Bhai? Really? You finally listened to me and brought Anika here?" Priyanka said as Shivaay shook his head.

"Since she is the only best friend you have and this is an important moment in your life, it is my duty as your brother to make you happy," Shivaay said as he hugged Priyanka. I weakly smiled as I looked at Shivaay realizing how dutiful he was to his close relationships. The way he always aimed to fulfil his duty as brother and a son...I wonder why did he fail as a husband? I thought as I looked at them. But, wait did Shivaay bring me here without Priyanka knowing about it. Does that mean hivaay brought me here with his own will and Priyanka didn't ask him to?

"Acha...I will be back. I have to go meet with a few important business partners alright?" Shivaay said as he grabbed Omkara and walked away.

"Wow, Anika I am so happy you made it," Pinky aunty said walking up to us.

"You know Priyanka was so disappointed that you were not coming. All day she was taunting Shivaay. Chalo, at least Shivaay listened to Priyanka and brought you here. Waise, nice dress where did you get it from?" Pinky aunty asked as she looked at my lehenga.

"Of course, where did you get this lehenga from?" Priyanka asked as she looked at my lehenga.

Wait, Shivaay said Priyanka got this for me, but the way she is asking it seems she didn't. My eyes widened as I looked back at Shivaay who was talking to a client. Did he get this for me? Perhaps, he did. I raised my eyebrow. Why do I feel this was preplanned? How could in one day he get a lehenga for me that fitted me? Why would Shivaay do this? I bit my lip as I looked back at him.

"Waise when did you get time to wear this? You were at work, so how did all of this happen? You know I feel like this is one of the trial lehengas I was trying last week. It looks very similar to it," Priyanka asked me curiously as I looked back at her.

"Um...I..." I couldn't think of an excuse as Priyanka, Pinky aunty and Gauri looked at me curiously as I thought of something to say.

"Anika!" I quickly jumped back and saw Shivaay walking up to us as he looked at me.

"Um...can you walk with me for a second? I have something important to talk about," Shivaay said looking at me as I raised my eyebrow at him as he eyed me.

"What is so important that you cannot say in front of us?" Pinky aunty said looking at Shivaay as he rolled his eyes and looked back at her.

"It's about work ok? Anika walk with me," Shivaay ordered as I side eyed him. How can he just order me around? No relationship exists between us then what gives him the right to order me around? Well, follow him for now Anika, it is the only way to escape the tirade of questions from Pinky aunty and Priyanka. I quit the thought as I excused myself as we began walking together.

Shivaay took a deep breath as we began walking in silence out into the lawn where pairs of guests dined on food and danced to music. I rolled my eyes as I crossed my arms and walked in silence thinking about where did the lehenga that I was wearing come from? Was it Shivaay who got it for me.

"I lied," Shivaay announced as I looked back at him confused at his statement as he looked back at me.

"That's not something new," I replied tauntingly as I rolled my eyes and looked away annoyed.

"I got you this lehenga. It was one of the trial lehengas Priyanka was trying on last week and the fitting wasn't good on her. So, I...saved it," Shivaay said as my eyes widened as I looked at him shocked. What is he saying? Why would he save this lehegna?

"Why did you save it?" I asked questioning his intentions as Shivaay bit his lip as it appeared he was thinking of an excuse.

"Because...in case...something happens to the other lehenga Priyanka is about to wear then she can wear this....Anyways, I couldn't just bring you to the sangeet in your work clothes and we didn't have time to go to your house so you can change and come here. I mean I have to be at my sister's sangeet since I am her eldest brother," Shivaay noted as he tried to dig himself out of the hole he put himself in.

"You could have told me all of this," I replied as I fixed my hair.

"Well if I told you the truth I don't think you would have worn the lehenga that I bought for you nor the jewelry," Shivaay muttered as my hands went up to the beautiful pair of earrings that were hanging down my ears. My cheeks slowly heating up as I felt my cheeks flush red. He still remembers what I like. He knows these are the style of earrings I typically like and this type of lehenga fits my taste. He still remembers such little things about me.

"How do you remember what I like and don't like?" I asked curiously. If he indeed cleansed our relationship out of him how did he attempt to remember all of this all these years.

"I don't remember. Really...I don't. I just brought extra piece of jewelry that Priyanka didn't need. They were just extras" Shivaay argued as he looked away from my eyes.

I rolled my eyes. What are you doing Anika? He will never admit it. But your heart can definitely tell you that he remembered. I played with my bangles lightly as they clinked catching on to his ear as he turned towards me and stared at the bangles that he had given me to wear with the lehenga. His eyes stopping as he looked at me clearly trying to control some bit of emotion he had.

"Whatever it is, but my choice looks the best on you," He said quietly as his words slowly simmered towards me touching me in an unknown place of my soul that hadn't been touched by his compliments in a long time. I felt a small blush appearing on my cheeks as I wrapped my dupatta around my finger. Shyly looking up towards him realizing he was somewhat flirting with me....Oh Anika stop it! Stop it now! Don't fall in his charming words. Remember that you have to forget everything. Forget about this relationship and forget out about him. Don't put yourself in a boat that will not sail you anywhere, but a sea full of shattered hearts and relationships that would never see light of day.

I heard a loud cough as I quickly turned around as my eyes widened realizing it was no one other than Shivaay's so-called best friends. Those friends with who Shivaay betted to win my heart and ultimately break it. The friends who instigated Shivaay to take revenge from me. Atul, Ayush and Hemant smirked as they walked up to us as Shivaay greeted them.

"Waise, Shivaay what are you doing here with your ex-wife? Why talking and giving importance to something you used and threw away? Last time I remember once Shivaay Singh Oberoi uses something and throws it out of his life he never looks back," Ayush said.

My eyes widening as I felt the filth of his words touching my soul and attempting to dig into its purity and make it filthy. I fixed my dupatta as I looked back at Shivaay trying to figure if he would say something in my defense, but he didn't.

"Waise Anika, how shameless can you be? Our friend used you, divorced you and threw you out of his life like a piece of trash and you still have the audacity to stand next to him and talk to him. How desperate can you be?" Hemant said triggering tears to slowly burn into my eyes as I bit my lip trying to speak up, but somehow I couldn't.

"Arre, Shivaay is so rich and successful. Anika of course cannot give up so easily right?" Atul said smirking as I shook my head in defeat as I quickly turned ready to make an escape until I felt a force tug on my wrist.

https://youtu.be/PHULePbksEU

"Anika stop," Shivaay ordered as I looked straight ahead trying to wriggle my wrist out of his hand as he tightened his grip on it.

"Let go of me.I am ordering you to let go of my hand." I felt tears trail down my cheeks as I looked away from him. His eyes set on me as he tried to stop me tugging tightly on to my wrist.

"Well I won't," Shivaay replied sternly as I turned my face towards him as he narrowed his eyes at me. He clearly wasn't going to let go of my hand soon.

"Well I am not here to get insulted alright? If you brought me here so I can face insult at the hands of your cheap friends then don't think I will alright? Look, Priyanka is my best friend and you are her brother, so I don't want to create a commotion here ok?" I argued back as he shook his head and looked back at his friends throwing them a glare.

"Can you not see I was having a private conversation before you guys interrupted huh? Look, this is my sister's wedding and Anika is her best friend alright? So, please do not try to create a problem here ok?" Shivaay said coldly as I looked back at his friends.

"Are you going to fight with your best friends for her?" Atul said shocked as he looked at Shivaay.

"I am just saying that please keep calm and try to not ruin this function ok?" Shivaay said to them as he held on to my wrist tightly.

I attempted to wriggle my hand out of his grip only to find it tightening as he turned towards me and began dragging me as I tried to shake my wrist out of the tight grip of his hand.

"Let go of me!" I exclaimed as he kept dragging me up a pair of steps as we turned a corner to the side of the mansion.

"What are you doing? Huh? Why can't you just leave me alone?" I asked as he sighed and looked back towards me as we kept walking on the porch as it led its way to the back of the mansion.

My eyes wandered to a small crowd of guests lingering in the back porch as they giggled and mingled in the quietness that haunted that side of the estate. Shivaay stopped as he took a deep breath and loosened his grip around my wrist. Turning towards me as I stood still trying to read this awful puzzle in front of me.

"What do you want me to say?" Shivaay asked as I raised my eyebrow in curiousity and placed my hand on the small railing of the porch as I looked away towards the moonlight lighting up the sky.

"Nothing. I don't want you to say anything. In fact, I want you to stay away from me," I replied sternly as he sighed and took a deep breath and looked at me and then away.

"Isn't that what you said and wanted? This is what we had discussed on our way to this sangeet. Remember? What we had is over," I whispered the last sentence as I felt my heart breaking all over again as I felt my throat choking up as I tried to hold back tears. Why is the mere thought of staying away from him killing me so much? No, Anika. Be brave.

"I know," Shivaay said quietly as he looked at me as I placed my eyes away from him trying to avoid him because I knew the minute I would set eyes on him I might just break down all over again.

"Look, I know my friends were rude to you. It was completely inappropriate and they shouldn't have said that about you," Shivaay said as my ears stood up realizing he somehow was concerned about me.

Break the thought, Anika. Break it before it consumes you again.

"Whatever. You know the way you can prevent this insult from happening again is to leave me alone. If we stay away from each other then, perhaps, no one will be able to insult me again or question us. So, please leave me alone," I ordered as I quickly turned around about to walk away.

"I want to leave you alone, but..." Shivaay began before stopping himself as my eyes widened as I turned around and looked towards him. He took a deep breath and looked away from me avoiding any eye contact.

"Fine, I will leave you alone. It will be the best for us. Right?" Shivaay said. His tone seemingly attempting to reassure himself more than me as if he was trying to make himself understand that he should stay away from me.

"Yes, that is correct. We should stay away from one another," I announced as I shook my head and began walking away silently as I felt a small tear roll down my cheeks.

Well, it's officially over Anika. Perhaps, that small ray of hope you somewhere had has been killed and it is better that that hope remains buried and does not ressurecate. This relationship was toxic for you and clearly it would be better to have it die then live on and consume you. But, why cannot I get him and his presence out of my head? I sighed as suddenly I felt a hard bump into my shoulder.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed as I began to rub my shoulder as I quickly turned around and noticed a large figure tower over me as he stopped and looked at me.

"I'm so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going," He noted as he gave me a weak smile as I bit my lip and gave him a small smile.

"Waise, hi I'm Armaan. And your name is?" He asked as he held out his hand for me to shake. I lightly smiled as I placed my hand into his as his hand tightened his grip around my hand as he shook it.

"Her name is Anika Obe-Anika Malhotra," Shivaay replied as he walked towards, stopping right next to me as hi eyes went down towards our hands still in each other's as Armaan held it tightly. Armaan's hand lingering on mine's as I pulled it away and looked back at Shivaay.

"Anika, this is my cousin Armaan," Shivaay said with a stern look on his face as he looked back at Armaan emotionlessly and then at me.

"Hi, Shivaay. How are you?" Armaan said hugging him as Shivaay hugged him as he gave him an odd look as Armaan smiled and looked at me.

"Who is this? You didn't properly introduce her to me," Armaan said as I looked at him curiously.

"She is Dr. Anika Malhotra and Priyanka's best friend," Shivaay said as I rolled my eyes at his dominance as he neared himself next to me as if trying to show some sort of ownership. I sighed as I took a step away from him and looked back at Armaan as he smiled and looked at me.

"Nice to meet you Dr. Malhotra," Armaan said formerly as a small hint of kindness shown through his eyes as he looked at me. His olive black hair lightly flying against the breeze as he smiled. His eyes slowly taking in my features as I felt his eyes move across my face. My eyes took a small snippet of his strong jawline that glistened against olive colored skin and eyes. Indeed, good genes runs in the Oberoi family.

"You can call me Anika," I replied smiling lightly as I looked at the friendly face in front of me.

Shivaay cleared his throat loudly as he turned around and looked at me as I quickly turned around and looked at him. He raised his eyebrow at me as I looked at him confused trying to understand at what he was getting at as he looked back towards Armaan.

"We should get going since apparently the performances for the sangeet will start soon," Shivaay said with a tone of annoyance in his voice as he looked back at Armaan.

"Oh yeah. Of course, we should get going. Ma and Papa were asking about you," Armaan said looking at Shivaay as we began making our way down the pair of steps on the porch.

"How are Chachu and Chachi?" Shivaay asked as he looked back at Armaan.

"They are great. Of course, they are still upset about how the property and assets were divided between both of our families, but it will go away with time. I mean we made it to the wedding festivities right? Slowly, everything will get better," Armaan said positively as Shivaay smiled and shook his head.

Properties and assets divided? It properly means there is likely an ongoing dispute between both of Shivaay's and Armaan's family regarding the property that they shared in the past. Rich people and their problems. Sometimes, I realize how we working class people are lucky to not be subdued in these problems related to family disputes over big money and property.

My train of thoughts clearly got the best of me as I suddenly felt my heel get stuck into the edge of steps as I tried to hold on to the railing. A hand clasping tightly on to mines as I threw my hand up in the air trying to balance myself. An unfamiliar touch lightly lingering on to my hand as it held it tightly. Quickly turning around, my eyes caught on to the face in front of me, realizing it was Armaan. Armaan smiled as he held on to my hand tightly as I straightened my legs and looked up at him. His eyes standing still on to my face not intending to remove his eyes from them.

"Thank you," I said as I pulled my hand away from his. My eyes quickly shooting up to the figure behind him.

Shivaay standing stone cold as his eyes shot up directly at me as he bit his lip. His face stating confusion as he attempted to contemplate how to react as he looked at Armaan and then at me. Hitting Armaan's shoulder lightly, he quickly darted towards me as he grabbed my arm and pulled me closer towards him.

"Can you not be careful huh? How many times do I tell you to be careful?!" Shivaay exclaimed as I bit my lip in pain trying to wriggle my arm out of his grip as I shook my head and looked away.

"You are hurting me Shivaay!" I exclaimed angrily as he shook his head and then threw it up in the air.

"Shivaay, let go of her. She's looks in pain," Armaan intervened as Shivaay raised his hand up in the air.

"This is between us alright?...And you Anika. I don't want any more problems or liabilities during my sister's wedding festivities alright? Now can you please try to be careful?" Shivaay questioned as his eyes glistened a hint of care as I attempted to read them. His eyes completely masked and in no mood to reveal its true intentions.

Letting go of my arm, he quickly turned and darted away leaving me utterly confused at his odd behavior. Who behaves in such manner? Yelling at me in public over a small mistake of mines'. It's as if I love falling and tripping. I thought as I shook my head and looked back at Armaan.

"Sorry for Shivaay's behavior," I mumbled as he smiled and shook his head.

"Why should you be sorry? Shivaay has always been like that. Always the angry, young man type. But, it's alright. Let's go. We should watch the performances right?" Armaan said as I shook my head and began walking with him.

The stage was clearly set as Priyanka's cousins began to dance to a fusion of American and Indian music. They indeed were dancing quite impressively as their feet moved in rhythm on the black marble floor as bright red and yellow lights shone on their faces as they encircled their away across the stage. My eyes wandered as I looked around the sea of crème colored tables as guests sat on them and looked on the performances. The whole area surrounded by roses colored yellow and white as white lights shined upon them and held on to large pillars surrounding the estate. My eyes wandered around as I tried to search for Priyanka or anyone familiar.

"Here, I will introduce you to my family," Armaan said smiling as I looked at him curiously as he led the way to a large table front and center of the stage. My eyes catching on to a elderly man and woman in their early fifties who kept a stern look on their faces as they sipped wine and dwelled on it.

"Oh finally, you're here Armaan. Where were you?" The woman said as she looked at us.

"Um...I went to meet Shivaay and everyone else," Armaan said as he lookd at her.

"Meet Shivaay? Oh please. Don't even talk about him," The elderly man said as he rolled his eyes and took a sip of wine.

"Anyways, this is Dr. Anika Malhotra. She is Priyanka's best friend. I thought of introducing her to you both. Um...Anika these are my parents," Armaan said as I smiled and gave them a small hello as they weakly smiled and looked upon me.

"Wow, a doctor. What are you specializing in?" Mrs. Oberoi asked as she looked at me.

"Internal Medicine. I am hoping to provide primary care to the underserved communities," I said smiling as she smiled back.

"Of course, that is a great idea. Are you still in residency?" Mr. Oberoi asked as I shook my head.

"Yes, this is my last year. I work for Shivaay," I said whispering the last sentence as their ears stood up and looked at me.

"Shivaay? Hmm...seems like you are very close to him since you are only saying his name and not being formal about it," Mrs. Oberoi noted making my cheeks flush red as I realized what I had done. Everyone I had introduced myself tonight, I had mentioned Shivaay's name so casually as if we were best buddies or very close to one another. God, my familiarity with the name and the person pushed me to cross that boundary of professionalism.

"Um...I...." I began to think of a charming excuse as I tried to dig myself out of the hole I had put myself in. My eyes wandering aimlessly as I thought of something to say. Mr. and Mrs. Oberoi staring at me intently as they waited for me to say something.

"Anika" My ears shot up as I turned around bumping my shoulder lightly into the hard figure behind me.

"Ouch!" I rubbed my shoulder lightly realizing it was no other than the person who I currently despise the most in the world.

Standing quietly as he looked upon me intently as I rubbed my shoulder. A hard, sharp pain throbbing lightly against my shoulder. Shivaay sighed and rolled his eyes as his eyes followed to the table behind me. Keeping a cold expression on his face, he folded his hands and greeted his Chacha and Chachi.

"Namaste, Chachaji and Chachiji," Shivaay said with a monotone as I turned around and looked at them.

"Namaste Shivaay. How are you? I hope you are managing the business well," Mr. Oberoi said slightly taunting him as Shivaay formed a light smirk on his face.

"Why yes since it's mine of course," Shivaay said smirking as he turned his head and looked back at me.

"What are you doing here Anika? If I'm not mistaken, you volunteered to participate in this sangeet correct?" Shivaay said. My eyes widening as I looked a bit taken aback as I looked up at him.

"Now don't give me that look," Shivaay said as I rolled my eyes and looked away.

"Last time I remember, I didn't have enough time to practice since gee...I don't know...you ditched me during practice," I replied with a taunt as Shivaay threw me a glare as I smirked lightly realizing I was winning this mini-argument.

"Gee....I don't care Anika. Last time I remember you were Priyanka's best friend, so it's your job to be next to her and support her throughout these wedding festivities. So, how about you walk with me and go sit next to Priyanka alright? Soon, we all will have to perform a couple's dance and ,unfortunately, you are my partner, so let's go," Shivaay ordered as I rolled my eyes at him realizing he utilmately won the argument. I mean he is correct since I am Priyanka's best friend and it my job to stay with her and support her throughout all of this. But, dancing? More importantly, dancing with this devil is definitely something I cannot digest.

A slow and steady song suddenly appeared as my eyes wandered to a large crowd encircling itself besides the large stage as the group of Priyanka's cousins pulled up Priyanka and Akash to do a slow couple's dance. The floor soon surrounding itself with various couples as they made their way to the dance floor.

The song:

https://youtu.be/FGTv9-oQhIg

"If you don't mind Anika, may I have the honors?" Armaan asked as my head suddenly turned around looking at him curiously and a bit taken aback by the offer. I looked back at Shivaay whose eyebrows stood furrowed as he crossed his arms and looked at the both of us.

"Armaan...if I may remind you, Anika and I are supposed to be on stage and performing the dance," Shivaay added as he threw him a slight glare before looking towards me.

God, this has to be the most awkward moment ever. Why is Armaan asking me to dance with him? I mean I don't even know him quite well. But, then why do I have to dance with Shivaay? I mean clearly we are not on good terms and even though it's Priyanka's wedding, I still shouldn't oblige myself to dance with Shivaay or be near him. I looked at Armaan and back at Shivaay. This is your moment Anika. Show to Shivaay once that he doesn't matter to you anymore.

"Oh come on Shivaay. I mean it's just a dance and, moreover, both of us didn't practice well enough with each other and we all of course know you are not quite the dancer. Anyways, Armaan...I will be happy to do a small dance with you," I said smiling as I placed my hand in Armaan's as he walked me up towards the stage.

Shivaay's mouth stood gaped open as he looked at me as I walked away with Armaan. His face clearly signaling that his blood was boiling at the moment and indeed I felt some satisfaction realizing somewhere his ego was hurt. His ego that ruined everything. Ruined me and our marriage. This action does not even give the one percent of pain that he has given me.

Armaan's hand slowly slithered around my waist as I felt an unfamiliar touch embrace itself on to my waist. I weakly smiled as I placed my hand in his as we slowly began to move back and forth in silence. I felt Armaan's eyes stand still on my face as I looked away and watched Priyanka smiling as Akash twirled her around.

My eyes slowly wandering off stage as I noticed Shivaay fuming as he stood still and looked at both of us close. Too close according to his perspective as I noticed him clenching his teeth and turning his hands into fists as his eyes didn't move an inch away from my face. Suddenly he began moving as my eyes widened. Slamming his feet hard against the grass as he took wide steps towards us. Oh no Anika, you might just regret your descision of dancing with Armaan. Not bracing any stops along the way, Shivaay quickly stomped up the pair of stairs to the stage. My feet stopping as I felt my heart beating fast not willing to stop as my body readied itself in anticipation of what was to come next.

His hand swinging up to my wrist that laid on Armaan's shoulder. The touch of his hands indicating fire as it laid in silence on my wrist. His touch lingering on to my wrist as he carefully removed it off of Armaan's shoulder. My eyes widened as I felt Armaan's grip loosen around my waist as a peculiar look appeared on his face as he raised his eyebrow and turned towards Shivaay.

Pulling me lightly against his side, Shivaay held on to my wrist tightly as his fingers digged lightly into my wrist. My eyes widened as I felt a familiar touch that I hadn't felt in years. A touch that commanded a sense of ownership and right...a touch Shivaay often commanded when he was mine. I slowly turned my head up towards him as he commanded a look of ownership, a look that demanded respect and a look that made one know who was the real king of the game. Looking straight ahead towards Armaan, Shivaay tightened his grip around my wrist as my bangles clinked lightly against his watch, attaching to them and not wanting to be let go of.

A small smirk appeared on his face as he looked at Armaan as his hand began to trace the shape of my bangles. A state of confusion appeared on Armaan's face as his eyes moved downward towards our hands as Shivaay slipped his hand slowly into mine.

"Sorry to cut it short Armaan, but Anika is my....my partner. I'm the bride's eldest brother, so I have to participate in this dance," Shivaay said in a rough voice. His tone having a tinge of taunt mixed with slight anger.

Grabbing my hand and placing it against the edge of the left side of his chest, he slowly wrapped his hand around my waist. My waist shivering lightly under his tender touch that slowly edged on to my waist and seeped itself through the dupatta that laid across my waist attempting to cover it. Forgetting how to breathe, my breath stopped for a second as he placed his other hand around mines. Pulling me lightly towards him, he tightened his grip around my waist. My eyes drifting away towards our feet that stood right next to each other as he moved a step towards me as I stepped back pulling myself away for a moment as he moved a step back as I moved towards him. The moment itself representing an unspoken relationship between us. Somehow there was a thread that was still binding us that tugged us towards each other no matter how much we tried to move away from each other. My eyes drifted to my hand that stood near and dear to his heart as I realized the thread from my heart attaching itself to his. I gulped as I felt the thread set on fire as I took a deep breath and closed my eyes as I attempted to dwell and set sail away from this feeling. This unknown feeling that somehow still weakened me in front of him and made me want this moment to stand still for eternity. My body begging for him to hold me close for eternity as I felt him shift himself closer towards me. I lifted my eyes slowly up as I looked towards him as his eyes stood still on my face as he took a deep breath. I sighed as he pushed me back lightly and lifted his arm up as I twirled as my eyes fell on to the other couples who appeared deep in love. I took a deep breath as I realized how much I was yearning for that love as I felt myself being pulled back. Wrapping both of his hands around my waist, he held me close as he leaned his head down towards me as I raised my eyes towards him. We stood still in that moment as in that moment something felt right.

I felt a small touch on my head as I looked up as I felt roses beginning to kiss my face lightly as I closed my eyes and began to clear my face of roses. His hands letting go of me as the music stopped as I felt roses beginning to fall on top of us. We stood still as I felt my cheeks wet with tears as I felt a petal lightly stick on it as I wiped it away. Falling on to my hand, the petal lightly crumpled as I shifted my eyes up towards him and then to the petal...It's over. Even the universe is signaling it is over then why I can't I end it?

My attention shifted away from the moment as I heard loud claps as I turned around and saw Priyanka and Akash hugging each other tightly as Akash lightly kissed her cheek. A small smile appeared on my face as I looked at the love they had that once I had and which I had treasured closely to my heart. I so wish that this love between Priyanka and Akash continues to thrive, grow and live until eternity and not be like the love that I had. Feeling his presence close to me, I took a step away from the aura of darkness as I tried to put myself under the blessing of the moonlight which would protect me from it.

I smiled as I began to clap as Akash lifted Priyanka up in the air and twirled her around. I felt my heart tinge lightly as I flashbacked to the moments when Shivaay had shown such love towards me. I sighed as I cleared my throat and tried to focus on my breathing as I looked towards him realizing all this time he hadn't moved his eyes away from me. I sighed as I shook my head signaling we had lost that...that love that had no value and no price. A love that he chose to weigh and decided to give up all for the sake of acquiring power and money. If he had gained so much that he thought had the uttermost value in the world then why does he appear empty now? Why do his eyes show that emptiness of love? He bit his lip as he threw his head up as he tried to breathe, but he couldn't. Losing ground, he shifted his feet and walked away in silence as I shook my head as I watched him walk away into the crowd slowly merging with it and disappearing.

I smiled as Priyanka's family hugged her one by one as I made my way and hugged her tightly as she hugged me and wrapped her arm around my shoulder.

"I hope you get all the love in the world Priyanka. I truly wish you and Akash have a bliss married life," I said into her ear as she smiled as she hugged me.

"Thank you Anika for being here and for always supporting me. You truly are a sister that I always wish I had, but now I do. Waise, thank you for participating in the performance," Priyanka said as I smiled and shook my head.

"Not a problem for my sister," I said smiling as we began walking down the steps as I held her heavy lehenga up as she made her way down the steps.

"Waise, you and Shivaay bhai make a lovely pair. I personally think that and I am pretty sure my family thinks that as well. You should seriously consider Shivaay bhai," Priyanka said.

My mouth gaped open at her statement. If you only knew we once did have a spark Priyanka. If only you knew that the bond you are about to tie yourself in was a bond that I once had shared with Shivaay....my then husband and now ex.

"You must be mistaken Priyanka. It is nothing like what you and others are thinking," I quietly replied as I twisted my dupatta around my finger trying to calm my emotions.

"I don't think so. I mean why would Shivaay bhai travel all across town to pick you up and bring you here? Believe me Anika, Shivaay bhai would never do such for anyone else. I have known him for years and believe me he doesn't have the softest heart on the block," Priyanka noted as I felt a tear fill up in my eyes as I looked back at Priyanka.

"I don't know what to say, but all I can say is that there is nothing between us and I think there never will be anything between us," My voice coming out barely as I shook my head and bit my lip attempting to stop myself from breaking down all over again. God, please give me strength to overcome this. I shut my eyes as I opened them as Priyanka looked at me curiously.

"Why do I feel like there is something more that I should know?" Priyanka asked with curiousity in her voice. I shook my head and took a deep breath as I threw her a weak smile.

"Nothing. There is nothing to be known. We do not have any sort of connection."

Flashback:

https://youtu.be/wPqpmsYISBc

"What is this? Why do I feel this connection that I never felt with anyone else. Ever," He whispered as my eyes widened getting caught off guard as I sat on the sofa. The winter storm still blazing and roaring making itself feel like a large beast as the windows shook loudly.

It was the strike of midnight when Professor Oberoi made the remark after hours of conversations that tangeled our interests and revealed an unusual common ground we shared despite being from completely different class and family backgrounds.

The storm still had not left and here I was still stuck at Professor Oberoi's home. There was complete and utter silence as Professor Oberoi's statement somehow echoed throughout the house. I sat still as I soaked in his words as my eyes stood still on his face. Trying to read him as his eyes stood still on my face. Not moving an inch. I bit my lip as I shifted my eyes downwards realizing his gaze had the ability to charm, seduce and create a butterfly that could touch the cords to shyness in anyone. I looked away as I took in the darkness around us except a small lamp that stood lit next to me.

"What do you mean Professor?" I asked quietly as I placed my finger lightly against my lip as I bit it lightly and looked up at him. His eyes standing still as he bit my lip and looked away running his hand through his hair.

"How is it that I can talk about anything with you without being contested against or interrupted? How can someone have the patience to listen?" He questioned with his blue eyes glistening against the light of the small lamp. I felt a small smile appear on my face as I looked at him.

"I don't know. I could ask the same question as well," I replied as a small smile began to linger on his lips as he looked back at me.

"What do you mean?"

"No one has ever listened to me so much and even taken interest in my conversations. I mean I know my conversations are silly and-"

"They are not silly. You might not realize how deep and meaningful your conversations are. Your words charming and a means to entangle anyone in a web of thoughts."

I let out a small chuckle as I threw my head up in the air as I shook my head and looked at him.

"I don't have the intention to entangle or trap anyone," I replied as he smiled and looked at me.

"I know. One can only get entangled if they wish to like I do," He replied as my ears raised up attempting to make sense of his words. Why is this conversation completely unfamiliar to a normal conversation? Perhaps, you are thinking to much Anika. Deprivation of friends perhaps deprived me of social cues? Could be possibility considering my history of loneliness and anxiety. I shook the thought out of my head.

"Perhaps...I was wrong about you. First impressions shouldn't be last impressions," Professor Oberoi noted as I smiled and looked away. Perhaps...he is indeed correct. Maybe I was wrong that he was arrogant and full himself. He actually seems like a nice guy and someone who one can have a nice conversation with. Perhaps, indeed I was wrong.

"What impression did you have about me?" I whispered lightly catching him off guard as he quickly looked up toward me as a light smile appeared on his face as he looked away and out towards the snowy window.

"Maybe, ask what I think of you right now?" He said as I raised my eyebrow slightly in curiousity as I looked up at him as he smiled. His smile giving me a butterfly feeling as it fluttered and touched my heart.

"I think you are girl that has truly a unique perspective on life. A perspective balanced by practicality, but also dreams that are grounded and touch the roots of the earth. You may appear quiet and elusive, but you are a fresh breath of air that everyone wants to be touched by," His voice touching the chords of my heart as my eyes shifted up towards him as I felt my cheeks heat up. A stroke of silence touched our conversation as I stared at my hands playing with them in silence.

"Will you not say anything?" He questioned as I bit my lip and looked up at him.

"I don't know what to say. It is a compliment that I never heard anyone say before," I replied as I looked up. It was indeed true. I cannot even remember the last time that anyone had complimented me in such manner. I do not even know how to react to a compliment.

"I never met someone like you. In the world I lived so far, I have only met girls who adorned themselves with the materialistic findings of the world. I never met someone who adornes with the nature of the world, the light of the moon and the roots of the earth...someone like you."

My mouth slightly widened as I took in his compliment. Soaking it in silence as I felt my heart beat lightly against my chest. Why is this feeling so unusual and so unfamiliar yet a feeling I want to hold on to. A feeling that made me feel loved and a feeling that I too wanted to express. But, no. He is my professor. However, not for long Anika. The semester is almost over....stop it. I thought as I shook off the feeling. Shake it off Anika and get out of this awkward situation. Do not entangle yourself in a web that will be difficult to get out of in the future. Shivaay is unique, but a person who belongs to a completely different world than yours'. He belongs to the world of riches and materialistic wellbeing while I have grown up in a world unfamiliar with wealth, but only familiar with thorns that pricked one daily and made one struggled against adversity every day.

"Um...it's getting late. I need to um....sleep since of course it's finals week and I need to get up early and take my exam," I noted as I nervously got up and fixed my sweater. Breaking his trance, Shivaay got up fixing his shirt as he looked at me as I looked up at him and gave him a weak smile.

"Um...sure. Let me show you the guest room," Shivaay said awkwardly as he ran his hand through his hear as he quickly began to walk up the long pair of stairs as I followed him upstairs. We walked down a long hallway as we made our way to a large pair of doors near the end of the hallway.

Opening the door for me he let me as I made my way into the large guest room. My eyes widened as I stared at the impressive interior of the room. Defined by white every single object in the room was white or crème colored except a splash of a large green recliner sofa near the window. I stood awkwardly as I cleared my throat and looked up and saw Shivaay standing right behind me like a shadow.

"Um...have a good sleep," Shivaay mumbled as I shook my head awkwardly as I placed my hands together.

"It was nice talking to you," He continued as he took a step towards me as I stood still as I latched my eyes on to his feeling somewhat charmed as I looked at him.

Admiring his features that showcased that bit of goodness he somewhere held inside of him. He stood close as I felt his cologne soak in my senses as I took a deep breath as I felt it stand still in his presence. The heat of his body emitting on mines' as he took a step closer. Feeling a soft touch against the palm of my hand as my eyes wandered down as I saw his hand clasp on to mines. My hand shaking lightly against his, but not wanting to let go as the touch brought a feeling of comfort and security. His face standing close to mine as I felt him breathing lightly against my cheek. I stood still not knowing what to do or say as he held my hand as I looked up at him. His hand slowly letting go of mines as he took a step back and without saying a word he walked away.

Present:

Feeling my heel lightly wedging itself into the grass, I attempted to pull it out of the dark patch of grass as I tried to balance myself only to feel myself trip once again on my heel. Grabbing on to an arm tightly, I struck a balance as I finally pulled out the heel.

My eyes stood still as I felt a soft touch around my hand realizing its familiarity as I quickly turned my head up to see Shivaay's hand on mines'. His head slowly turning towards me as he looked back at me as I looked away avoiding his gaze as I tried to pull my hand away from his arm.

"Careful Anika, you are falling around too much tonight aren't you?" Shivaay asked questioningly as I furrowed my eyebrows at him realizing he was referring to the earlier incident when Armaan prevented me from falling down. I turned my head away as I felt his hand linger lightly on to mines'.

"Let go," I ordered as I looked up at him as he smirked and looked at me.

"Uff....I wish you told Armaan what you just told me right now."

My eyes widened as I raised my eyebrow trying to read his facial expression as he darted his eyes away from my face. What does he mean by that phrase? Did he hate the fact that Armaan just merely held on to my hand to prevent me from falling? He always had been possessive, but why be possessive over someone who holds no importance in his life and holds no relation to him? Pushing my hand lightly away from his I began slowly walking as he followed along right next to me. There was a long silence that followed as we walked next to each other.

"Why are you following me?" I asked out of the blue as I turned towards him and looked at him as a small smile appeared on his face as he gave me a teasing look.

"I could ask the same question to you," He said smiling as I rolled my eyes and looked away.

"We should walk different paths...I mean that is what we have decided for one another am I correct?" I said as I took a deep breath and looked away still slightly wounded, but ready to fight my own war and get rid of every single feeling that I once possessed for this man.

"Correct, that is what we have decided. However, it is not like we always walk on separate paths. At some point in time we might have to walk on the same path," He said as I raised my eyebrow wondering what he may mean as he looked away. Does he want to share the same path with me or is he simply puzzling me and attempting to play mind games?

The sangeet was closing down as guests began to leave in small swarms and empty up the lot. My eyes wandered to the large crowd of family members that surrounded Priyanka and Akash as they happily smiled and laughed with one another. I stopped in my steps as I looked at the sheer happiness that glistened up the atmosphere. Shivaay standing close to me as he stood and placed his hands in his pockets.

We stood in silence as we looked from afar towards them as Priyanka and Akash laughed with one another awaiting a blissful future ahead. The wind playing with strands of my hair as I grabbed a hold of them and placed them behind my ear. The trees behind us swaying back and forth against the breeze that made its way through the bright moonlight that glistened above us.

"Why can't we be happy like all of them?"

A small shiver made its way down my spine as I took in his words that echoed into my ears. The cold breeze playing with both of us as it pushed against as we tried to balance ourselves as we looked towards the happiness that was sterile from any sadness, anger and pain.

"I don't know. I don't know why we are not like them. I don't know why happiness doesn't want to touch us," I replied as I felt his face turn towards me.

"Perhaps, it is lost somewhere. Somewhere that we have to go to ourselves and look for."

"Perhaps happiness may be masking itself behind an illusion. All I wish is that this beautiful couple stay together and have a blissful married life. A marriage free of lies, betrayal and pain," I whispered as the breeze played along with my voice as I looked towards him as his voice stood still not knowing what words to produce.

"Shivaay and Anika, what are you both doing here? Come along and spend time with us," Pinky aunty said smiling as she walked towards us. I weakly smiled as I held my clutch purse in my hand and fixed my dupatta.

"I would love to aunty, but it is getting late and I have to get home," I said smiling as Pinky aunty smiled.

"Oh yes, it is getting late and you should go home. Anyways, you danced very gracefully at the sangeet. Really, you and Shivaay make such a lovely pair," Pinky aunty said suddenly tongue tying both of us as we looked towards one another and then towards us. If only you knew aunty what was the reality.

"Um...thank you aunty. Um...I will get going now and hopefully I make it to the wedding," I said as I took her blessings and hugged her.

"Of course you will come to the wedding!" Pinky aunty said as I smiled.

"Yes, well I do have a shift scheduled that day, so I might be late," I replied as Pinky aunty furrowed her eyebrows and looked towards Shivaay.

"You are off for the next week until the wedding is over," Shivaay announced catching me off guard as I looked towards him trying to understand we had just said. As much as I remember he himself had agreed upon my schedule that encouraged long shifts literally every single day.

"Well, problem solved then. Tomorrow we have a small pool party along with the haldi, so please come beta ok?" Pinky aunty said smiling as I weakly shook my head realizing I would have to show up since it is Priyanka's wedding and she is my best friend.

"Acha, how will you get home beta?" Pinky aunty asked.

"Um...I am going to call an Uber to get home."

"I can drop you off Anika," I looked up realizing it was Armaan who made his way towards us. I smiled at his offer, but feeling a little uncomfortable to agree since I didn't know him quite well.

"Uff...Armaan, you are our guest and you deserve some rest. I will drop Anika off at her home safe and sound since she is my employee and my sister's best friend," Shivaay replied.

What? How can this man just decide everything for me? Don't I have any rights or says? I mean everything is over between us then why such favors?

"Great then beta. I will see tomorrow ok Anika?" Pinky aunty said as I shook my head as I sighed and shook my head as we began walking away.

"Did I ask you to drop me off?" I asked furiously as Shivaay rolled his eyes.

"As I said it is my duty to get my sister's best friend home safely. Moreover, you are my employee. Also, I brought you here, so I have a responsibility to drop you home," Shivaay as I side-eyed him.

"Oh really? Well, you know what? I am going to order myself an Uber," I said angrily as I pulled my phone out only to find it being snatched away from Shivaay.

"What the hell?!" I exclaimed as Shivaay sped his pace as I walked quickly behind him.

"Look Anika, I want you to get home safely, so I will drop you off and end of story," He announced as we walked up to his car as he grabbed open the passenger door for me.

"What is wrong with you? Like leave me alone please!" I exclaimed as I slammed my hand against the hood of the car as he rolled his eyes.

"I would love to, but right now can we not discuss about this matter," He said.

"Is something wrong?" I looked up and saw Omkara looking at us confused as I crossed my arms trying to look casual and calm, but clearly my anger had gotten to me and was reflecting on my facial expression.

"Of course! Everything is fine," Shivaay replied as I shook my head in agreement.

"Are you both sure? I mean I have been noticing that something seems off between you both," Omkara said.

"Off as in she is angry at me because I am her boss and I ordered her to do long day shifts at the hospital, so it makes sense for her to be angry since she wants to attend all the wedding festivities for her one and only best friend Priyanka," Shivaay said as I looked at him as he eyed be to agree with him as I turned my head around and nodded.

"Yes, it is perfectly normal. Our fights are normal. I mean this is how both of us are," I said smiling as Omkara shook his head still somewhat not convinced.

"Get in the car Anika," Shivaay ordered as I threw him a fake smile and got into the car as I waved at Omkara.

Shivaay sighed as he got into the driver's seat and turned on the ignition as I sighed and took a deep breath as I looked at him.

"This is the last time I will accept your so-called favor," I said as I shook my head and looked away as Shivaay rolled his eyes.

"Good, it will be the best for both of us."

________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for reading :) If you wish please do upvote and/or comment :) Thank you again and have a wonderful Sunday :)

Copyright © jasminedarcie

All Rights Reserved

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner or language whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.