Kusum, Dev and Shivika were sitting outside the house, enjoying the cold breeze.

S- It feels so good and refreshing here in this atmosphere without pollution.

A- True. It's very rare in the city.

S- The environment here is so lively and happy. Everyone here looks so happy and contented.

D- It's all because of the queen.

Shivaay and Anika's eyes widened.

S- Queen?

K- Yes. She lives in the estate across this village. She has helped us very much. She pays all our taxes.She even buys all the crops which are grown by the farmers of the village. She's a golden hearted lady who has given humanity a new definition.

S- Oh! Have you ever seen her?

D- No. Mostly her workers came here to give the money to us and take the Utilities.

S- Hmm.

Anika cleared her throat.

A- Uh! I think I should go for a walk. I'll feel better.

K- Yes you're right. Take Shivaay with you.

A- No! I'll be fine alone.

Anika said suddenly and all of them looked at her stunned.

D- Beta, you should take him with you. Anyways, your wounds are still fresh and it would be better if someone's there with you.

Anika unwillingly nodded her head and stood up followed by Shivaay.

They started walking side by side.

S- So you did this for all of them?

Anika immediately looked towards him with shock.

A- N... No... She said... That queen did this for them.

S- I know it's you so no need to lie.

A small smile covered Anika's lips but she hid it successfully.

A- How can you so sure that it's me?

S- Because you only said that your mafia queen handles everything from abroad and I feel that it's you who has that golden heart to help them.

A- Hmm.. So much confidence in me.

S- Yes. I've started getting to know you a little.

A- Hmm. I've adopted all the villages that surrounds the estate. I just wanted to support them with everything I can do.

S- You really have a golden heart.

Anika smiled a little.

S- You know I'm really getting fond of your mafia life. You guys are really good and kind hearted except for murdering someone.

A- We don't murder just anyone who passes by our side. We only murder those who betray us or those who are wrong.

S- Hmm. Ok.

Suddenly Anika groaned in pain. Shivaay held her worriedly.

S- Are you okay?

A- Just a little pain but I'm fine.

S- Nonsense. Let's go and sit somewhere.

Anika looked at him keenly.

A- Are you ordering me?

S- Yes I'm.

A- Will you do the same if I had my gun with me?

Anika asked him with a smirk and Shivaay's eyes widened in horror.

S- No. But as you don't have it now so I'll try my luck.

Shivaay said while chuckling nervously and Anika controlled her smile.

A- Let's go. There's a lake nearby. We can sit there.

Shivaay nodded his head and followed Anika.

Soon they reached the lake. Shivaay was stunned by the beauty of the area.

Anika sat on the broken tree branch. She patted the space beside her.

A- Come.

Shivaay sat beside her.

S- Everything is so beautiful. How did you even know this place?

Anika chuckled.

A- I've adopted this village and don't you think that I'll know every nook and corner of it.

Shivaay Shrugged in understanding.

S- You're right.

They were sitting in silence which was broken by Anika.

A- You never told me about your family.

Shivaay looked at her.

S- Why are you asking about them?

A- Just casually. I won't harm them. I promise. So?

S- My parents live in London but they don't consider me as their son anymore so I think I'm alone.

Anika frowned at him.

A- What? Why?

S- Maybe because I chose my dream over their wish. My dad wanted me to join his business but I chose journalism as my career. It was unbearable for him so he disowned me. The thing is even my mom didn't support me.

Shivaay said with a sad chuckle and Anika entwined their fingers to give him support.

A- Are you all alone? Or is there anyone who's still there for you?

S- There's someone. My best friend plus my brother Omkara and his wife   Gauri. They are my only family here. They've supported me through all thick and thins. I'm just worried because they might be thinking that I'm dead.

Shivaay said sadly.

A- Do you wanna talk to them?

Shivaay looked at her with a jerk.

S- Really?

A- Yes. But I've a condition. You can tell them that you're safe but if you tell them your location then.....

Anika moved a little closer to his face and Shivaay gulped.

S- Then?

A- Then I'll throw you in this pond, which is I think filled with many crocodiles.

Anika said with a smirk and Shivaay nodded nervously.

S- I promise I won't tell them anything.

A- Good.

Anika said while forwarding a phone towards him.

S- How did you get a phone?

A- I always keep a spare phone, keeping all the situations in mind.

S- But what if someone tracked the phone? Won't you get caught?

Shivaay asked worriedly.

A- Are you worried about me?

Anika said while moving closer to his face.

S- No... No... I.... Ju... Just....

A- Make a call. The network is private and won't be traced. Hurry.

Shivaay nodded his head and dialed Om's number. Om received the call after few rings.

O- Hello?

S- Hello Om.

O- Shivaay? Is it you?

Om said surprisingly.

S- Yeah it's me.

O- Oh! Thank God you're fine. We thought you're....

S- It's alright. I'm good.

O- But where are you?

Shivaay looked at Anika who was also looking at him keenly.

S- Somewhere very safe. How's Gauri?

O- Oh! She's just worried about you and doctor has advised her not to take stress as it may cause complications in her pregnancy.

Shivaay got worried.

S- Is she with you?

O- Yeah! Here talk to her.

G- Hello Bhai.

Gauri started crying.

S- Hey Gauri.

G- Bhai, you're fine, right? This Om is an Idiot. He told me that there was no news of you but I had faith that you're fine.

S- Hey Gauri. Please don't cry. You know I can't tolerate your tears. I'm perfectly fine.

G- I miss you bhai.

S- I miss you both too. I just wanted to tell you both that I'm good so please don't worry. For now bye.

G- Bye. Take care of yourself and try not to get yourself killed.

Shivaay chuckled.

S- I'll try. Bye.

Shivaay disconnected the call.

Shivaay looked at Anika and she faced opposite direction to hide her tears. She immediately wiped them and maintained a stern face.

S- Thank you for doing this.

Anika sternly nodded her head.

A- Let's go back. It's getting dark.

Shivaay nodded his head and they made their way back to the house.

Hello everyone. 🤗🤗

Here you go with the next chapter. 😄😄

How was it? 😊😊

Please keep voting and give your precious comments.☺☺

Stay safe and stay at home. 🙏🙏

Love you all. 😘😘

Bye bye. 🙋🙋