A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Annika is important person

Shivay, refreshed and back in his suit, intended to grab breakfast with the family before heading to the office. As he descended the steps, he overheard Annika's voice, oblivious to his presence.

"Let's finish this up quickly, everyone!" she was saying to the workers. "That way, you can all have breakfast, and I can head home for lunch. We're all famished after skipping breakfast this morning. Come on, let's move!"

Shivay was taken aback. Here they were, famished after skipping breakfast, and yet they were diligently completing the puja cleanup tasks. This unexpected revelation caused him to pause, his thoughts swirling. With a newfound resolve, he continued towards the dining hall where his family awaited him at the breakfast table.

Shivay slid into his chair at the breakfast table, his face an emotionless mask. Without a word of greeting, he turned to Rudra.

"Rudra," he said curtly, "head to the living area and tell everyone to take a break. Let them eat breakfast before getting back to work." A barely perceptible pause followed. "And Annika," he added, "tell her to join us here for breakfast."

His words sent a ripple of surprise through the room. When did Shivay, the notoriously business-oriented Shivay, ever show concern for the staff's well-being?

Rudra practically vibrated with excitement. He sprang out of his chair and dashed towards the living area, worried that Shivay might change his mind.

Kanika, however, couldn't resist a sarcastic scoff. "Shivay, why on earth would you call Annika here? She's just a staff member. She can have breakfast with the others."

Shivay met her gaze with an unwavering glint in his eyes. "You, Kanika, are not officially family yet, and you still share meals with us. Annika holds a special place in Dadi's heart, and that's why I invited her. If you have a problem with that," he continued, his voice low and dangerous, "you're welcome to take your breakfast to your room."

Shivay's pronouncement hung heavy in the air, effectively silencing any further objections. Kanika, fuming silently, picked at her food, her eyes narrowed in a mixture of jealousy and confusion. It was crystal clear that questioning Shivay's decision was not an option at this moment.

Rudra burst into the living room, his voice booming with mock seriousness. "Stop working this instant!"

The staff members, startled by his sudden outburst, looked up in confusion. Annika, ever composed, inquired, "Is there a problem, Rudra? Why the call to halt everything?"

Rudra, trying his best to maintain his charade, scowled. "Indeed, there is a problem!"

A collective gasp escaped the room, sending shivers down spines. Annika, however, remained unfazed. "A problem? What kind of problem?"

Rudra, dropping the act, revealed the truth with a grin. "The problem is none of you have had breakfast! You've all been diligently working on empty stomachs." He softened his tone further. "Please, everyone, take a break for breakfast. You can finish the remaining tasks after you've eaten."

Relief washed over the staff's faces. Their initial worry about a potential mistake dissipated into grateful sighs. As they began to disperse, they looked expectantly at Annika, who gestured for them to go ahead while she continued packing.

"Didi," Rudra called out, using the respectful term for elder sister, "didn't you hear what I said? Breakfast first! Why are you still working?"

Annika, focused on her task, replied without looking up, "I heard you, Rudra, but I didn't bring lunch today. I'll finish packing quickly, go home, and then eat."

"Oh, Didi, that's a minor issue," Rudra chuckled. "You don't need your lunchbox. Come join us for breakfast in the dining room!"

Annika's brow furrowed in surprise. "But... how can I possibly sit and eat with you all? Your brother wouldn't approve."