Shivay, fueled by a desire to make amends with Annika sprang into action. He barked out an instruction to Mishra, his secretary.
"Mishra, call A Happy Orphanage. Tell them Oberoi Industries is interested in making a donation."
Mishra, accustomed to his boss's efficiency, didn't bat an eyelid despite the surprise. Shivay, however, wasn't finished.
"And Mishra," he added, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice, "tell them an employee will be coming by to deliver the donation today. Is that alright?"
Mishra relayed the message, and the orphanage, overjoyed by the unexpected generosity, readily agreed. He returned to Shivay, a question lingering in his eyes.
"Sir, they're happy to receive the donation, but who will be delivering it?"
Shivay, who had already reached a decision, grabbed his coat and turned towards the door. A determined glint shone in his eyes as he replied, "I'll be handling this one myself, Mishra."
Shivay wasted no time, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and nervousness. He reached the orphanage and was greeted by an employee who,
oblivious to Shivay's identity, greeted him at the entrance and ushered him towards the director's office. There, Rekha, the director, beamed a warm smile."Welcome, sir! I'm Rekha, director of A Happy Orphanage. "
"Thank you, Ms. Rekha," Shivay replied, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "I'm Shivay Singh Oberoi, from Oberoi Industries."
"It's a true honor to have you here." her voice brimming with gratitude.
Shivay nodded politely. "Thank you, Ms. Rekha. Oberoi Industries is happy to contribute to the wonderful work you're doing here."
Rekha's eyes widened as Shivay presented a hefty check, a donation far exceeding her wildest expectations. "One crore rupees?" she gasped, disbelief tinging her voice. "This is a life-changing contribution, Mr. Oberoi. We can't thank you enough."
"Please," Shivay insisted, "consider it a token of appreciation for the difference you're making in these children's lives. And," he added, lowering his voice slightly, "confidentiality is key. No need for this to make headlines."
Rekha, overwhelmed by his generosity and discretion, nodded fervently. As Shivay tucked the signed check away, his mind raced, searching for a way to ask about Annika without revealing his true motives.
As if on cue, Rekha spoke up. "Your arrival today, Mr. Oberoi, reminds me of another angel who graced us with her presence. We've organized a surprise party for the children, and if you wouldn't mind, you could join us.
Shivay, his heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and excitement, feigned a check of his schedule. "Let me see," he murmured, stalling for time. "Hmm, it seems I do have a few spare minutes."
A wide smile bloomed on Rekha's face. "Wonderful! Follow me, then." She led him out to the garden, a vibrant tapestry of laughter and joy. A group of children, their faces flushed with excitement, were playing with a woman whose back was turned to them.
"That's her," Rekha whispered, pointing towards the woman. "Annika. We approached several event planners, but none were willing to take on the task at such short notice and within our limited budget. Annika, however, stepped forward and promised to pull it off in just two days, at a fraction of the usual cost. We were skeptical at first, but her dedication and enthusiasm were infectious."
Shivay stood there, a silent observer, as Annika's infectious laughter echoed through the garden. He heard children calling her Angel Didi. His heart swelled with a strange mix of emotions – pride, admiration, and a flicker of something deeper he couldn't quite define. He found himself drawn to her, his steps unconsciously guiding him closer to the scene. Just then, as Annika stumbled, Shivay's instincts kicked in. He rushed forward, his arms instinctively reaching out her.
YOU ARE READING
A Symphony Of Silence And Storm
FanfictionIn a world bound by tradition, two souls carved from defiance found themselves entangled in a forbidden dance. Shivay a man cloaked in stoicism, believed himself invincible, a master of solitude. Then came Annika a whirlwind of chaos and unyielding...