Kismet...

Ch 11|Something like that

Ann walked on eggshells around Shiv most of the time. Ann was careful not to even touch him accidentally. She also made sure that Ansh was always in the middle of them and they were never alone. She purposely avoided any eye contact, and often just looked at his feet, when communicating.

Shiv knowing that she was avoiding him like the plague, just sighed out loud, every time she left the room. Ansh rolled his eyes at him every time he did.

"You are never gonna tell Momma are you? Dad...you know your face looks like that dried plum over there?" He pointed at an old dried fruit on his breakfast plate.

"There is nothing to tell bud...She is happy..I am happy...And you Mister gotta focus on getting better...I...I gotta go to work! See you in a few hours?"

"Okay...If you say so..."

"I love you son...."

"I love you too Dad..."

Shiv placed a kiss on his cheek and ruffled his hair. Though it was the last thing on earth he wanted right now, he walked in on Vikram and Ann, arguing in the lobby. He thought to ignore and just walk away before either of them spot him. But he thought he saw a tear glisten in her eye and he couldn't move any further. He clenched his fists and though he wasn't the one to eavesdrop, he just stood there, wanting to know why this asshole was bringing tears to her eyes early morning!

" Vikram...I already did the ring ceremony...I cannot do the wedding end of the week...My son is coming back home, I have to give him full attention...Please...Don't force me..."

" Annika...You can't be serious...the wedding cards are printed already..."

"You should have asked me before printing them then...Ansh comes first...I want to take him home..."

"Ansh...Ansh...Ansh...When will you start thinking about yourself? Your life? Our life now?"

"I cannot compromise his wellbeing for a stupid party to feed five hundred people that I will never meet again!"

"Annika..." He grabbed her wrist and twisted it rather harshly.

"Ow...Vikram you are hurting me..." He continued to twist her hand so abruptly, she could hear her wrist crackle.

"Vikram you want to do this here in public?....Please...I beg you..." She pleaded in a low shaky voice.

"You are begging him now? For what?"

Shiv's stern, voice came from behind startled both of them, and Vikram let go of her hand. She hid her hand behind her back, and gave Shiv an awkward smile.

"Ah...Just a private talk between between fiancé's..."

Vikram leaned in and placed a kiss on her lips when she pursed her lips, almost looking afraid.

"It's not private, if you are doing it in the middle of a hospital lobby is it now, Thaper?"

Shiv took a threatening step towards Thaper, clenching his fist. It looked like he was about to a throw in a punch to break his nose, face, or all of him when Ann stood in between.

"Ansh...Ansh's things...Have to pack....Will you help...Please...Please Shivaay?"

She made a feeble attempt to distract him and blocked his way. Thaper shrugged, and turned to leave taking the opportunity.

He glared at Thaper until he left, and he pulled her hand out; the one she was hiding behind her back.

"What the...Did he do this? ANN....DID HE DO THIS?"

His eyes were welling up, and she didn't know why she was tearing up either. He stared at the bluish bruise and her swollen hand. He dragged her to the emergency room, huffing and puffing.