Shivika: Journey Till Our Hearts

|| 10. New Beginnings ||

Annika and Shivaay conveyed their decision to the family and as expected, everyone was over the moon. They all hugged Shivika in happiness.

The coming week passed peacefully with Shivaay going to office and Annika spending the whole day with the ladies. She shopped for Sahil, made sure that everything is in place for him and in turn, all the ladies brought a lot of things for her. They talked over tea and Annika was enjoying this very much. Om and Rudra also spent most of the time home with Annika. They helped her in cooking and made her favorite dishes. But most of all, she was happy because she had gotten a mother in Pinky.

Initially, she was hesitatant with Pinky. But soon enough, she came to know that Pinky genuinely loved her. And not just because she had helped Shivaay but she really cared about her. Pinky spent time with her and made her feel special. The betrayal by Tia had hurt her but she never allowed it to shadow her affection towards Annika.

"Ma, I am going with Sahil to buy some last minute things. He has to leave tomorrow and I need to oversee his final packing" Annika said to Pinky who was sitting in the living room going through a magazine, as she took her purse and held Sahil's hand with her free hand.

"Annika, should I also come with you?" The older woman asked getting her eyes up from the magazine.

"No ma. You take some rest. Since the last week, you have been running around with me. I only feel guilty for making you tired. I will go with Khanna" Annika replied.

"Ha toh theek hai. Uske saath hi rehna. Otherwise, you know that Shivaay ka lecture sunna padega" Pinky chuckled and Annika joined in.

"Chalti hu" She bid bye and exited.

She finished the shopping, packed Sahil's bag properly that night and slept with him only as he was going.

The next day, Annika was all panicky. Shivaay had informed her that he would meet her and Sahil directly at the bus stop as he had an important meeting to attend.

"Didi, calm down. Sab packing ho chuki hai. Khanna uncle is also ready with the car, OmRu bhaiya are also coming and I have eaten properly too. Tension chod do" Sahil said exasperatedly as he sat on the bed and saw his elder sister running about making sure everything was perfect. Listening to him, she let out a sigh and settled beside him and cupped his face.

"Bacche, waha ache se rehna okay and have food properly. And also sleep on time. Padhai mein dhyaan dena and beech beech mein I will also call you. Koi bhi problem ho, toh don't hide it from me. Bata dena. Samjha?" Annika kept on instructing him and he finally stopped her.

"Bas didi. You have been repeating these words the whole past week. Take a chill pill and ab chale kya? Nahi toh, all your words will go waste. And like I have been promising the whole week, I do today too. I will take care and keep you updated. Ab chalo, everyone is waiting" He said cheekily and started making his way out.

Everyone except Shivaay were present and they bid him goodbye while hugging him and giving him the same instructions. Pinky and Rudra became emotional as all had become attached to the little boy.

Om and Rudra accompanied Annika and Sahil to the bus stand. Shivaay was already there. Shivaay also hugged him and helped him get in the bus. They bid him goodbye and Annika's eyes teared up seeing her baby brother go away. Rudra noticed that and hugged her sideways.

"Bhabhi, he will be fine. And woh bas thodi hi dur jaa raha hai. He will come back soon. And him hain na aapke liye. We won't let you miss him a lot. Chinta mat karo" And he kissed her on the temples.