Anika felt different, in a way she could not decipher. Was it in a positive way or negative, she could not comprehend. It was as if something was about to change. Butterflies had been dancing in her stomach ever since she came to her office. When she saw her husband doing away in his Tesla, not before giving him a peck on his cheeks, that feeling took over her emotions.
It was not every day Anika Shivaay Singh Oberoi felt this way. A whirlpool of confusion was sucking her in. Not only did anxiety cloud her mind, but fear also grasped her heart. She feared the unknown, the faint possibility of something taking place sitting in the corner mocked her.
It is we who often turn blind to reality.
This same feeling had compelled her to call her husband and ask him to meet for lunch. Anika shook her head sideways, staying at home with her baghad billa had surely messed her mind up.
Shivaay glanced at his watch, the clients from Oberoi Industries were late, actually awfully late. They were supposed to be here by lunchtime, but the meeting was scheduled after lunch. While waiting for the two, whom Shivaay assumed as the manager and his assistant, lunchtime had passed. Shivaay was beyond annoyed. He was supposed to go on a date with his wife, but the plans were spoiled due to the late clients. He swore that if this deal was not concerning the welfare of his brothers, he would have canceled it right then.
Muttering a series of curses, he decided to video call his wife, who was surely pissed at him. A smile bloomed on his lips as his wife's pouty face came into view. Anika had her reading glasses on, and her lips painted orange was in a pout. Could his wife get any cuter? Hotter? Or prettier?
"Ani.." Anika cut her husband off. " You kanji aankhon waale bagadh bille! How dare you keep me waiting for this long?!" Anika yelled while her husband tried to stop his laughter. "You are sleeping in the basement for the rest of your life!" Shivaay couldn't help but laugh. "You shameless man, don't laugh. I am angry." She huffed.
"I'm so so sorry, Anika, my beautiful wife, my paanika" Shivaay tried to melt her anger. "Carry on, why did you stop? Say sweetu, cutu, shona, jaanu, etc etc." Anika smiled at her husband who was now making a gagging expression. "Ewww! What's with that sweetu and all? Those are too cheesy and Shivaay Singh Oberoi does not just say common cheesy stuff," Shivaay smirked, causing his wife to roll her eyes.
Shivaay's eyes softened, "I am sorry, Anika. I promise we will go for dinner to your favorite Indian restaurant," Anika narrowed her eyes at him. "No, Shivaay. You are going to cook for me tonight," She demanded to which he acquiesced.
"And after that can I have you for dessert?" Shivaay asked, innocence lacing his voice. Anika's face turned crimson. "We are both in office, you shameless creature!" Shivaay chuckled seeing her scarlet cheeks.
It's amusing how we could want someone so much while in love.
"Anika, the clients have arrived, the ones from Oberoi group." Shivaay did not wish to lie or hide things from his wife, not anymore.
His phone, the one used for office purposes, beeped with a message that the clients were there. "Shivaay, will you be alright, do you want anyone else to do the meeting?" Anika asked, concerned. "No, Anika. It's just the manager and his assistant, I guess." Anika nodded before blowing him a kiss, which he returned.
"And yes, you may have me for dessert" Anika allowed before disconnecting the call hastily. Shivaay shook his head, his wife was crazy, and that made him love her even more.
Straightening his blazer, he took a deep breath. It was just the officials, yet he felt anxious. Dealing with Oberoi Industries was tough, now tougher than he had previously imagined. Shivaay sighed, this company was his dream, his grandfather's dream. The 500 crore worth, which he had himself increased to 5000 crores, could not dissolve into ruins. He could not permit that. The same company for which he had toiled day and night, he would not let that crumple and fall.
Sometimes it's our selfishness which makes us act selfless.
Omkara felt a shiver run down his spine. He had a strange feeling, as if something was about to take place, something significant, something vital enough to turn the tables. He shook his head as he gulped down a glass of water. Rudra was in the washroom. Their flight took longer than expected. They had sent their luggage to their hotel and had lunch in a recommended restaurant. Yet they were quite late, very late honestly.
Ever since he entered the bank premises, this strange, unfathomable feeling did not leave him alone. The man they were waiting to meet was the manager, who would not meet them to discuss the loan. As he kept the glass down, the manager's assistant arrived. After exchanging former greetings, he took the copy of the documents that Om and Rudra were supposed to bring.
The unfathomable is often the key to all problems.
Upon asking for anything he required, Om asked for a glass of water, again. He was feeling strange, a gnawing feeling in his gut. His eyes traveled to his wrist, which had the watch, which they three had gotten together. It was a limited edition Rolex, which his brother had gotten from one of his business trips. He sent a brief, silent prayer heavenwards. Hoping that they would get the loan and avoid the loss.
"Apologies for making you wait, gentlemen," Shivaay said as soon as he entered the meeting room. Omkara felt rooted to his seat, it was as if a bucket of cold water was thrown over his head. He feared to look up and face the source of this voice.
How was it even possible?
