Dil tadap k kehta hai

42

[Annika - A, Shivaay - S, Gauri - G]

It's been two days since the fight. Two days since they last spoke to each other. Two days since they last called each other. Two days since they have been ignoring each other.

Annika left the room early in the morning before he woke up.  And after dinner, she spent her time with different members of the family, massaging daadi's feet or chatting with the ladies. In the evening, Shivaay either stayed in the study or in the kitchen while Annika spent her time with Sahil.

Shivaay started spending more time at the office, he went to work even on days when he could have worked from home.

The two of them avoided each other like the plague.

But in front of the family, both of them smiled and laughed like everything was perfect, oscar worthy performance.

****

Annika and one of her employees were walking out of the restaurant along with their client when they passed the lounge.

Sonal: Ma'am isn't that your husband over there?

Annika turned to see Shivaay sitting at a table with Tia.

A: yeah, it's a client meeting. Come on let's go, we have loads to do

A(in her mind): why am I even surprised? I should have expected this. After all, it's the same restaurant I've seen them at, multiple times.

What she felt today wasn't anger though, it was heartbreak. Her chest throbbed, and she held her file close to her chest, protecting herself from breaking apart right there

She drove her scooty and went to the same beach they used to come to every night after her driving lessons. She sat there on a rock and kept looking at the tide. She saw a couple walking while having ice cream and instantly she traveled back in time

Flashback

It had been 15 days since they started the driving lessons. Shivaay and Annika walked up to the ice cream shop

A: Shivaay, just order for yourself. I don't want to eat

S: why?

A: You'll think I'm shallow but I've gained weight because of these late-night ice creams. My clothes feel a little snug and I don't want to end up getting new clothes

S: Actually, I should also come clean. I'm not very fond of ice cream. After the first couple of days, I was only eating to give you company

The two of them laughed together

A: we'll have to replace ice cream chats with walking and talking.

S: let's go

The two of them started their beach strolls that night

End of flashback

She wiped a lone tear from her cheek and headed home.

Meanwhile, at the restaurant

S: Tia, I've gone through these papers and I think the deal is airtight now. Dushyant and you should take it. And it's a lot of money also, enough for both of you to start your new life together.

Tia: I wish my mom was as understanding. She only cares about money. She can't see how happy Dushyant makes me. All she sees is his low bank balance. She thinks he's a freeloader who is using me to get our wealth but he's not.