A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Cool your anger with water

A new day dawned, washing away the exhaustion of the previous night's event.  Refreshed after a shower, she headed to the kitchen, only to find Rohan still in his  room.

Knocking on the door, she inquired, "Rohan, you haven't left for school yet?"

His reply surprised her. "Didi, what day is it today?"

Annika furrowed her brow, momentarily forgetting. Then, her eyes landed on the calendar, and a wave of guilt washed over her. Today was the second anniversary of Rohan and Ishita's parents' passing. Annika wasn't Rohan's biological sister, but their bond was deeper than blood. She saw the emotions Rohan tried to conceal.

"Silly boy, of course I remember," Annika said gently. "I already called the priest to prepare for the puja. Afterwards, you'll come with me to the office, then we'll visit that restaurant you always went to with your parents."

Rohan sighed in relief. He had worried his sister might have forgotten due to the event. He remembered his aunt, his father's sister, suggesting they stay with her. He'd never even met her before his parents' passing. Her sudden appearance, claiming blood ties, reeked of ulterior motives.

Unlike Annika, his aunt didn't seem fond of him. Her motives seemed more about acquiring their house and settling her husband's debts. But Rohan and Annika's bond remained strong, and his aunt's attempts to sow discord had failed for two years. Annika, however, had earned his trust over the past two years. His parents' will ensured custody fell to Annika if anything happened to them, unless Rohan and his sister wished otherwise.

"Let me cook breakfast," Annika offered, "then we'll head to the puja."

Despite having planned everything beforehand, the grand event had nearly caused her to forget their important day. She made a quick call to confirm the puja arrangements and hurried to the kitchen to prepare a meal.

Meanwhile, at the Oberoi mansion, workers were dismantling the decorations. Dadi, hearing this, instructed someone to call Annika for payment. As Dadi sat on the sofa, Shivay sipped his morning coffee, engrossed in business news on his phone.

A servant informed Dadi that Annika hadn't arrived with the workers.

Shivay, ever the critic, seized the opportunity. "Dadi, what kind of event manager did you hire? She didn't finish yesterday and isn't here today. Sounds like a slacker to me."

Dadi remained silent but dialed Annika's number. Annika, who had reached the temple and was about to climb the stairs, heard an unfamiliar number ringing. Hesitantly, she answered.

"Hello, who is this?" she inquired politely.

Dadi's voice filled the line. "Annika puttar, it's me, Priyanka's Dadi. You didn't come with your workers today. I wanted to give you your payment, beta."

Annika replied apologetically. "Namaste Dadi, I have some personal matters to attend to, so I couldn't be there. You can send someone to my office around noon. I'll be there then."

"Alright, beta," Dadi agreed, "but come and see me sometime, just to visit, not for work."

Annika, surprised by the unexpected invitation, hesitantly agreed. It was the first time anyone had asked to see her outside of professional settings.

Shivay, feigning absorption in his phone, eavesdropped on the conversation. "Wow, Dadi," he quipped, "unprofessional much? Asking you to deliver her payment?"

Dadi shot him a gentle but firm look. "Enough, Billu. Why are you so critical of this girl?"

"Now I wonder who to send to her office," Dadi mused, her voice laced with concern.Just then, Shivay received a call.