The wedding preparations began in full swing. Annika started glowing more and more each day as the day came closer. She called Ayan everyday to let him know about the rituals. She didn't mention the tension in the Oberoi Mansion lest he got worried. She missed him not being a part of the ceremonies. Mri was really happy that her brother was finally getting married to the love of his life and Shivaay was on the seventh heaven of delight. He couldn't believe that he would soon be the husband of Dr.Annika Singhania. Everyone was a part of the wedding rituals apart from Jhanvi and nobody really missed her. Though Shivaay and Annika had , had their own engagement, Harsh wanted them to exchange rings once again. After the engagement, there was the mehendi ceremony. And when Annika was about to write Shivaay's name on her hand, the tube which had the mehendi splattered blood. All the Oberoi's noticed this but said nothing.At night , Annika said 'Shivaay that blood incident has really freaked me out. What if it's a way of the murderer saying that the next target is you?'
Shivaay said 'Annika as long as you are with me nothing can happen to me. I just hope that the psychopath doesn't make you the next victim to hurt me. I am definitely sure this is Mr.Oberoi's game plan. By the way who got the mehendi?'
Annika said 'Mri.'
The colour drained Shivaay's face and he said 'I really hope Mri isn't behind all this.'
Annika said 'Shivaay honestly? That girl is just twenty . She is innocent and naive and more importantly, she loves you.'
Shivaay said 'Exactly. She loves me a lot . Maybe she is just jealous of you and instead of killing me she will kill you.'
Annika laughed and said 'Shivaay , you are completely of your rockers. Please , relax.'
Shivaay said 'You don't understand Annika. When Mri was very young she was diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia. After years she was cured. But maybe the symptoms are back and she doesn't know what she is doing. And maybe in the end when she comes to know what she has done she will kill herself too.'
Annika placed a hand on his shoulder and said 'You need to relax a lot. I know all about her case history. Before I joined work here , the psychiatrist who treated Mri had told me about her. Trust me Shivaay , she is completely normal. You are just thinking too much. Maybe these aren't even murders. They might all be accidents.'
Shivaay said 'I am scared Annika. There is this air of suspicion that makes me really afraid. And after that blood incident you really think, something won't happen. I am scared of the fact that you are living at your house alone. Annika , stay here please.'
Annika said 'It's against the rituals Shivaay and plus your folks won't want me spending any more time here.'
Shivaay said 'Promise ,you will stay safe.' He played with some strands of her as he said this. Annika said 'Yes, I promise. Now I gotta go and get myself bride ready for tomorrow. Get some sleep for yourself too.'
She kissed him on the cheek and Shivaay saw her leave.'
He said 'I hope this marriage happens quickly and then I can leave with these two.'

And soon the wedding day arrived. Annika looked like a royal queen in her maroon robes and gold and ruby studded jewellery. Her face was radiating a golden glow and it seemed to make others whoever got trapped in the glow shine too. Shivaay looked no less than a handsome prince and the happiness that both had to be able to marry each other was evident.

They got married without any hurdles and Shivaay heaved a sigh of relief. The next morning, Shivaay got up early and just stared at Annika lovingly. He loved the red colour on her forehead and the black and gold beaded locket that she adorned. She was his now forever. He kissed her forehead and stroked her bare back gently and tucked her hair behind her ear. Annika got up and Shivaay said 'Good morning honey. I didn't mean to wake you up. Go back to sleep.'
Annika smiled and said 'It's so nice to see your face early in the morning.'
Shivaay said 'I know. And you know I have to say yesterday night , I had the best first nigh ever.'
Annika rolled her eyes and said 'Best ? You have had more first nights ?'
Shivaay laughed and said 'No, you know that's not what I mean.'
Annika said 'Well , you should get a grammar check done dear husband.'
Shivaay mumbled 'Married for a day and already the picking out faults stage has started.'
Annika hit him with a pillow and got up. She said 'I will make some breakfast for you.'
Shivaay looked alarmed and said 'Please don't. Let me serve you.'
Before Annika could think of a retort both her and Shivaay's phone rang. After a serious conversation both hung up and looked at each other. Both knew by the look on their faces that the evil had struck again. Both of them said together 'Jhanvi was the target this time.'

And the beautiful morning turned into a dark night without an end.

Sorry for the short update. But tell me your views and did you all like it? The story is about to end soonish and things will be revealed . Are you excited? Do let me know. Lots of love