Healing Him | ✓

08.

"We're drenched." Shivaay grimaced peeling away the wet sweater from himself. Annika pouted as she took a good look at her bag which was thrown in the ground, thankfully it landed on the stone otherwise it would have gone muddied like their shoes. Shivaay picked it up and handed it to her. She shivered as she pulled up her bag. Shivaay noticed this and sighed. Told her she's going to be sick if she continued.

Shivaay opened his bag earning a curious look from her. He handed her the hoodie, she took it hesitantly. "Don't worry, it's washed." He chuckled. Annika rolled her eyes, "Dummy, it was not that. If I take this what about you. From what I can see you're the one needing it more." Annika giggled seeing his now reddened nose. He rolled his eyes.

"My house is near, you'll have to walk the opposite way. So you should it keep." There was thundering sound again and the soft drizzles turned heavy and Shivaay was now done. "Well, lead the way." Annika said grabbing his arm walking forward. "I thought you said lead the way?" Shivaay asked raising his eyebrows.

"Well, what can I say you're too slow to catch up." She muttered huffing. Shivaay couldn't help but laugh. She smiled seeing him laughing. "But where are we going?" Shivaay asked. "Your home" she said. "I'm too cold. I'll ask my caretaker to pick me up once the rain stops." Shivaay frowned.

"Are sure about the idea?" Annika nodded. "Alright but do inform at your home, your parents might be worried." He advised. She nodded. "They're never home." She said in a clipped tone, it was true. She has spent more time with her caretaker than her parents. It was not that they didn't love her, but they were so entangled in their professional lives that she rarely got to see them. She knew they loved her as much.

Shivaay smiled sadly at that, Annika looked at him. "Why do you take my parents side so much? When they want me to stop seeing you."

"I don't want to be the one causing rifts between you." Annika looked at the way ahead. "You won't." She muttered distantly. They arrived at his house.

"Bhaiya" came a joyous yell and Annika watched as a brilliant smile took over his features.

"No—not right now. I'm drenched, your clothes will get wet too. Wait till I go and change." Shivaay said stopping his brothers when they came to greet him. The kids stopped and looked at perplexed. "Who are you?" The youngest one asked crossing his arms. He was trying to glare at her but he looked adorable as he came to hold Shivaay's hand. Shivaay ruffled his head in affection. He ushered them inside.

"Haaye pura bheeg gaya hai." And the towel was thrusted into his hands and he was pushed in his room. He opened his mouth to tell his grandmother about the guest they have but the door was shut on his face. He pouted and went to change.

Annika waited at the doorway awkwardly. The elderly woman looked at her in surprise. "Dadi! She came with Bhaiya." Rudra huffed. She looked at him amused. He doesn't seem to like her. While older one at his back was looking at her with a calculative look on his face.

"You are—?"

"I'm Annika. Shivaay's friend." The woman was surprised at this. She looked at her carefully, Annika shuffled under her intense gaze.

"Annika? You're still drenched? Wait I'll get you towels." And before Annika could say anything Shivaay rushed back. He soon came back with the neatly rolled dry towel in his hands. He guided her towards the guest room where he ordered the butler to bring fresh clothes.

Shivaay pinched his nose frustrated when he was informed there were none available. His eyes fell on the shopping bag lying on the table of his room. They were brand new. He sent them for her.

Annika sighed in relief as she changed into the warm clothes. The tags were still on. She chuckled when she noticed them.

She nervously went outside. She was enveloped in a warm hug. It was the elderly lady, his grandmother.