Dearest Shivaay, || Shivika AU FF

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕋𝕣𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕𝕚 𝕊𝕥𝕠𝕣𝕪

Anika reached the hospital and ran inside after paying the rickshaw driver.

"Kalyani Singh Oberoi," she said impatiently to the receptionist. "Room 394, but seeing her now is unadvisable—"

Anika didn't even let the receptionist finish before moving away and rushing to find Room 394. When she finally got to the hallway, just outside Kalyani's ward, she was met with a devastating sight.

Gathered there were all the Oberois, in pain. Pinky was sobbing, and Jhanvi was trying her best to hold her devrani still without breaking down herself. Tej and Shakti had worried expressions on their faces as they talked to any nurse they could get ahold of.

It was then that Anika's eyes fell on Shivaay, and her heart shattered. Shivaay was holding on to Rudra while he muttered incoherent assurances to his baby brother, whose tears fell freely. Omkara seemed as though he was watching his life flash past his eyes, as he sat next to Shivaay, curled up with his knees drawn to his chin, shaking slightly.

Shivaay was on the verge of tears, she could see them glinting in his eyes. But he reached over and hugged Om. He put their pain above his own. Anika felt her knees go weak, her eyes tearing up. It was then that Priyanka saw her, and stood from her seat next to Om.

Priyanka cried, falling onto Anika as though the latter was her crutch, her savior. It was probably the other way around, though, because Anika's knees were about to give in, when Priyanka came and embraced her. Anika had to stay strong, because none of the Oberois—not even Shivaay—were in the proper emotional state to be the shield right now.

If truth be told, even she wasn't fit for the task, but she was willing to try.

"Priyanka, just sit down. Stop crying. Dadi will be alright," Anika assured as she sat Priyanka down on the other end of the hall, wiping her tears. "D-D-Dadi! Anika, I'm sc-scared!" Priyanka hiccupped. "Shh," Anika calmed Priyanka down as she buried the girl's head further into herself, serving as a cocoon from the harsh reality outside.

Anika didn't ask what happened. She didn't move from her seat, her uncomfortable position. She held Priyanka's quivering body for what seemed like hours. She kept kissing Priyanka's hair, muttering that everything would go back to normal. She wasn't just assuring the girl, but herself, too. Dadi would be fine. She was sure of it.

"Prinku," a voice called. Priyanka came out of Anika's embrace to see Om standing there. "Chal, let's go get some tea for everyone," Om said, his voice hoarse from the crying. Priyanka wiped her tears and nodded, standing up with the help of Om's strong hand. "Anika, do you want anything?" he asked, with the bravest smile he could manage.

His pained smile made Anika smile weakly, too, as she nodded her head in no. Soon, Om and Priyanka were gone, and the rest of the Oberois were left to console. Anika stood up as well, and made her way to Jhanvi. Pinky had gone to the restroom to freshen up, because she was exhausted with crying and Shakti had told her it was best to wash her tiredness away.

"Jhanvi Aunty, are you okay?" she asked softly. Jhanvi turned to look at Anika. "Anika? When did you get here?"

"Just a while ago, Aunty. Priyanka called and told me about Dadi."

Jhanvi looked down. "Mummyji told us that she was fine, I don't know how—"

"Aunty, it isn't your fault. It is no one's fault. Don't blame yourself, because you couldn't know."

Jhanvi smiled weakly. It vaguely reminded her of Om's weary smile. That smile that said they would be okay, even if they were falling apart on the inside. "You are wise beyond your years," Jhanvi complimented, caressing Anika's hair. A mother's touch, Anika thought to herself.