ALWAYS FOR YOU

[vi]

                                                        vi. The Heart Desires

Annika woke up again early but this time it wasn't due to a restless night, rather she had one of the peaceful sleep, which she always desired.

Waking up Sahil, she shooed him to the bathroom as always, even after not being connected by blood they shared many similar traits. One of them was their love for sleep.

After seeing him off, she opened her wardrobe to get ready, she really hadn't been keen on clothing before but now something in her wanted to get all dolled up. She laughed at the time when she scolded and annoyed Chanda while shopping.

Her phone rang, displaying Chanda, "You I was just thinking about you." She said as soon as she picked up the call.

"Long life for me then." Chanda giggled. "Yeah, long life with your sweetheart." Annika teased.

Annika could say her friend was blushing, "I called to inform you, we just reached Delhi" she paused "it is so hot here." Chanda cribbed. One of the reason why people hated Delhi.

"Delhi hai mere dost, enjoy and call me once you reach home." Annika said.

"Sure I..." Annika heard a ruffling sound and soon realized that Ruhaan was on phone now, "Annika are you sure about rejoining?" Ruhaan asked with  concern laced in his voice.

"Yes Ruhaan and don't worry, I won't make myself ugly." Annika said. She had explained her friends the previous night why she should join back and yet Ruhaan was doubtful of her decision.

"Don't worry about me you have fun with you to-be wife. I will join you guys soon." Annika exclaimed and cut the call before Ruhaan could tease her back.

Turning back to her wardrobe problem she sighed, after ten minutes of observation, she picked up a black tank top and paired it with a grey,high waist trousers. Applying simple makeup as usual, she picked up her bag and was about to leave when her eyes fell on the small drawer.

She opened it, picking up the letter and the bangles she started at them. Mallika's words from the letter rang in her ears, she adorned the bangles in her hand, she was in love!

***

Shivaay paced his room constantly looking at his watch, it was already half past nine and Annika should be here any moment.

He smiled remembering the previous day, her smile was reason he felt guilt free, she was a charming person not just by appearance but also by heart. By now he had judged what made her happy and what didn't, he didn't realize why he knew but he was glad he did.

Even after facing his worst side she was accepting to give him a chance and he didn't want to ruin it again, he had made up his mind he would offer her a hand of friendship, from all that he had observed about her, one of the most beautiful thing was if she loved a person once, she could do anything for them.

He also wanted to be the part of that close knitted group of hers.

He felt his heart pacing, beating slightly faster than it usually does, her sensometre, he rushed down the stairs and his eyes glanced at her beauty, her dress fitted her at perfect places, bringing out her curves, her hair which was tied in a ponytail gave him a clear look of her features, her eyes were down as she walked speaking to someone on the phone, involuntarily Shivaay recalled the accidental kiss they had shared.

Walking towards her he stood there waiting for her finish the call, "Good Morning Annika" He wished as soon as she end call. He remembered how she had forced him to wish her once upon a time, it all felt like decades back but now he wanted to wish her, how things had changed.