𝖉𝖎𝖘𝖎𝖑𝖑𝖚𝖘𝖎𝖔𝖓 | ✓

𝔰𝔦𝔵𝔱𝔢𝔢𝔫

Shivaay watched as his father and Bade Papa's eyebrows scrunched while they contemplated their answers. Shivaay's eyes stayed on each of the senior Oberois for a few seconds while he assessed their facial expressions and postures.

Shivaay may not be as capable of being empathetic as Omkara or even Rudra, but as a businessman, he knew how to read seven major emotions: panic, confidence, secrecy, anger, frustration, joy and confusion. Unfortunately for him, most of his family displayed all except the last two.

He swallowed his morsel of food before standing up abruptly. "I'll check on Annika," he muttered, plating some parathe and paneer butter masala onto an empty plate before walking away.

<>•<>

Bhavya scrolled through her laptop, jotting down all information regarding Sara Seth Rathore and her family history; while Gauri gasped out loud, causing her to pause and stare questioningly at her.

"Kya hua, Bhabhi?" Bhavya questioned.

"The location coordinates are near Kalyani Mills," Gauri gaped at Bhavya. She frowned, "What could possibly be there?" She glanced at the file where the names of the companies were written. "How come none have mentioned these names: AvRaz or RC?"

Bhavya shrugged. She glanced at the sleeping form of Annika, whose eyebrows were creased in a frown as she mumbled something inaudibly.

A knock caused them to pause, eyes widening as they hastily scrambled to cover the papers and makeshift murder board with a blanket.

Gauri walked towards the door and opened it slightly to see Shivaay with a plate of food and a glass of water. "Bade Bhaiya, aap?"

Shivaay raised an eyebrow, trying to peep inside, only to be blocked by Gauri, "Annika yahan hain?"

"She's asleep," Gauri replied.

"I brought some food for her," Shivaay tried to step inside but Gauri smiled nervously as she closed the door even more.

"Laiye, hume dijiye," Gauri extended her hands. "I'll give them to Annika Bhoujai once she's awake."

"Has she eaten anything yet?" Shivaay raised an eyebrow.

She nodded, "She had some halwa after coming back home."

He frowned, "That's it? She didn't eat anything before going to the doctor's did she?"

She bit her lower lip, "She said she did."

He rolled his eyes, "Aur tum logo ne baat maan li?"

Gauri smiled hesitantly, "Yes?"

He sighed, "Tell her to eat something when she wakes up. Pagal ladki kuch nahi khaengi until someone forces her to." He added under his breath, "Unlike before."

Gauri looked at him curiously with a smile, "Aapne kuch kaha, Bade Bhaiya?"

Shivaay shook his head and left, causing Gauri to shut the door behind her and lean back against it with a sigh of relief.