HEALING HIM [ ✓ ]

22.

Annika tried to part herself but his grip didn't relent. She looked up from her position, and a frown settled on her expression. Shivaay's eyes were closed but his tears didn't stop. She caught them with the pad of her thumb, like she did every other time. His eyes opened and smiled.

"No more tears." She whispered giving him a teary smile.

"No more tears." He promised. His hands sunk into his pockets for a handkerchief but her hands were quicker. She wiped them with her fingers. Shivaay looked up surprised. They parted slightly and to make themselves presentable. His hand lingered around hers, his little finger stayed entangled with hers. He refused to part away from her.

Her cheeks heated slightly but Shivaay remained oblivious. He went to the table and retrieved what seemed to be like a box of wet tissues from one of the drawers. He pulled out one and gently tapped her face with it, clearing out the tear marks. He was doing it utmost care. He hasn't changed even in the slightest.

There was a knock on the door and Shivaay called him in. The man looked between them back and forth. Shivaay cleared his throat, and Mishra now solely focused on him. Her eyes grew surprised as his eyes narrowed down and his lips turned straight. "Sir, you have a scheduled meeting in ten minutes." Shivaay frowned. Did he forget to mention it to Mishra, to clear his schedule for today? He was looking forward to spending it with Ani.

"With who?" Where did the soft voice go? Annika blinked. She may have missed out on a few things. "I'm sorry, sir. But I wouldn't have troubled you if it wasn't urgent. It requires your presence." Shivaay nodded. He turned to her with an apologetic smile. She returned the smile. Mishra watched in surprise.

Shivaay walked out of the room, Mishra hurriedly following him. Annika was surprised, she had forgotten the professional demeanor of his. Somehow it suited him, that was what she thought. Since it was her first day, she was just informed with what she was supposed to do and a minor document work to begin with. It was done in no time. And it gave her time to observe her surroundings and mingle with her peers.

She observed the whole, Shivaay ran here and there. He entered and exited the office within shorter time spans and it settled a deep worry within her.

"Is he always like this?" She asked a lady.

"Today is less. He is busier than this most of the time." Annika's frown deepened. It was now lunch time. She had not seen him at the breakfast table and Rudy informed her that he left early in the morning without having breakfast. And by the looks of it she could guess that he was also planning on skipping the lunch. But it won't happen on her watch.

She entered his cabin and had delivered the food there only. Minutes later Shivaay entered the cabin in rush with his phone attached to his ear. He stopped in his tracks when he spotted Annika sitting on his chair with a glare. His heart warmed at that.

She got up the chair and Shivaay hung up the call. She had him seated and pointed towards the tray. Shivaay opened his mouth to protest—

And the spoonful of rice was pushed in it. Annika smirked. Shivaay mumbled something gibberish before swallowing the food and turning to face her with a pout.

"I have lots of files to go through." Shivaay spoke gesturing towards the files that were kept on his table untouched. He ran a hand through his hair. Annika watching the gesture intently, and a small smile curved up at the corner of her lips.

"Okay, then. You do your work. I'll do mine." She winked. Shivaay thought she understood and he turned back to the files. Reading and signing.

"Open up." Shivaay looked up from the file. Annika was holding the spoon to his lips. "Annika" he began with a sigh. She simply raised her eyebrows. "You think you can win against me?" She asked with a smirk. Shivaay chuckled at that. No, he dare not disobey the queen she was.