A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Kanika try to kill herself

Two hours before Annika's arrival at the Oberoi Mansion, Shivay was engrossed in a file when his office intercom buzzed. He picked it up with a curt, "Mishra, what is it?"

"Sir," came Mishra's voice, "Mr. Ahuja is on the line. He insists it's an urgent matter and needs to speak with you directly."

Shivay's brow furrowed. Mr. Ahuja, Kanika's father, at his office? This was the first time he'd visited since the alliance between Shivay and Kanika had been finalized. A knot of suspicion tightened in his gut. What new game was Kanika playing now?

Mishra ushered Mr. Ahuja into Shivay's room, leaving them alone. Shivay, ever blunt, bypassed formalities. "Mr. Ahuja, what urgent business brings you here?"

Ahuja launched into a fabricated tale, feigning sadness. "Mr. Oberoi, this concerns my daughter, Kanika's, well-being."

Shivay's confusion deepened. "I don't understand. Explain yourself."

Ahuja continued his elaborate lie. "Since the party yesterday at Shekhawat's, Kanika returned home furious and locked herself in. This morning, when she didn't appear for breakfast, we grew worried. We found her on her bed, bleeding from a hand injury, attempting suicide! Thankfully, we arrived in time."

Shivay was stunned. "Suicide? Why would she take such a drastic step?"

"According to her, it's because of you," Ahuja claimed. "She believes you don't want the marriage and have feelings for someone else. She's deeply in love with you and can't bear the thought of you with another." He added another lie, "And you haven't shown her any affection either."

Feeling trapped, Shivay asked, "What do you want from me?"

"Before the wedding, we want you and Kanika to get engaged," Ahuja proposed, his voice laced with manipulation. "We discussed a direct wedding, but this engagement will publicly announce your commitment, deterring others from pursuing you."

Shivay, clearly irritated, reminded him, "Mr. Ahuja, we already agreed on a direct wedding."

Ahuja pressed on. "Shivay, a simple ring exchange will solidify your commitment. People will know you're engaged and leave you alone. But, if you refuse, I'll be forced to tell your family and the media about Kanika's suicide attempt."

The air crackled with tension. "Are you blackmailing me?" Shivay demanded, anger flashing in his eyes.

Ahuja countered with a smug smile, "Consider it a suggestion. We'll be at your place this evening to finalize the engagement. If you're not there, your family and the media will learn the 'truth' about Kanika."  With that, Ahuja left, leaving Shivay fuming.

Shivay's frustration boiled over. He hurled his phone across the room, the clatter echoing in the tense silence. He was caught in a web of his own making.

Suing Ahuja was an option, but a risky one. Their alliance secured the land for his prestigious hospital project in Mumbai. The land would be fully transferred to Shivay upon his wedding to Kanika. Breaking the engagement meant the land would revert to Ahuja, and all the ongoing construction would be demolished. This project wasn't just his dream; several investors had poured their money into it. A broken engagement would cause them immense financial loss.

Earlier, Shivay had called Annika to discuss their feelings, but the situation had spiraled out of control. He considered explaining the deal to Annika, hoping for her understanding.

Returning home, he found his family gathered with the Ahujas. Dadi's worried inquiry confirmed his dread. "Shivay, is it true? You're getting engaged?"

"Yes, Dadi," he replied with a heavy heart. "The engagement will be in two weeks." He desperately hoped to explain everything to Annika before then.

Pinky, oblivious to the undercurrents, excitedly ordered sweets. Shivay noticed only his mother and the Ahujas shared her enthusiasm. The rest wore somber expressions. He silently prayed for Annika's arrival after the Ahujas left.

His prayer went unanswered. Annika entered just as his mother distributed sweets to everyone.

Now at present, Shivay watched Annika's retreating figure, a whirlwind of emotions battling inside him. Every instinct screamed at him to chase after her, engulf her in a hug, and confess everything. But his hands were bound by the precarious situation. The weight of the project, his family's honor, and the potential devastation for his investors all held him back.

With a heavy heart, Shivay formulated a new plan. He would intercept Annika before she reached the Oberoi Mansion again. Tomorrow, he would be at her office before she arrived, desperate to explain the tangled web he was caught in and hoping she'd understand.

Annika retreated to her room upon reaching home, a stark contrast to her usual routine. Ishita and Rohan exchanged a worried glance. Unlike other days, she didn't join them, didn't inquire about their day, nor did she offer any details about her own. The silence hung heavy in the air.

"Ishi Di," Rohan began, concern etched on his face, "did something happen to Annika Di? She seems so down."

Ishita nodded in agreement. "I think so too, but you know Di. If we ask, she won't open up."

A shared sigh filled the room. They turned off the TV, a silent acknowledgment of the dampened mood. Ishita prepared a plate of food, her movements filled with concern.

Ishita prepared a plate of food, her movements filled with concern.

"Di," she called softly outside Annika's door, "I left your food outside. We know you're upset about something, but please eat. Don't let your anger affect your appetite."

With that, Ishita retreated, leaving Annika alone with her thoughts and a growing sense of isolation.

Annika sank onto the plush bed, the weight of the day threatening to crush her. Tears welled up in her eyes, blurring the image of Shivay's emotionless face as his mother announced the engagement.  His forced smile and distant demeanor spoke volumes, a stark contrast to the warmth she felt from him just a day ago.

But a spark flickered within her tear-filled gaze, soon transforming into a determined glint.  "Why waste tears on someone like him?" she thought fiercely. These feelings were in their infancy, and she could extinguish them before they consumed her.

Annika squared her shoulders, a silent pep talk raging within.  "Annika," she chided herself, "how naive could you be to believe that arrogant man reciprocates your feelings? Money and status are his only gods.  Remember, he insulted you the first time you met, and then practically put a price tag on you. Maybe this engagement is his petty revenge for never backing down and giving him a fight."

A fierce pride welled up within her.  "I've faced worse and emerged victorious," she declared. "Tomorrow will be no different.  My feelings will not control me around Mr. Oberoi. He'll see a different Annika, one who never loses."

Taking a deep breath, Annika reminded herself of her purpose.  She came to Mumbai to achieve something, and distractions would not be tolerated.  With newfound resolve, she rose from the bed and headed towards the bathroom to freshen up, ready to face whatever tomorrow brought.

Emerging from the bathroom, refreshed but not entirely composed, Annika found the untouched plate of food Ishita had left outside lying forgotten on the floor.  She picked it up, the weight a tangible reminder of their concern.  Taking it back to the kitchen, she opted to reheat the food. Seeing her siblings worried about her had only intensified her resolve.

A wave of protectiveness washed over her.  These were the people who truly mattered – her siblings, her unwavering support system. Their happiness, their well-being, that would be her priority

Shivay and his family, the engagement announcement – they were just a hurdle, a bump in the road to her dreams. .  From this point forward, her priorities were clear.  First came her brother and sister, the anchors in her life.  Then came her career, the reason she'd come to Mumbai.  Shivay Oberoi and his tangled mess would fall somewhere at the very bottom of the list list.

From now on, her interactions with them would be strictly professional. No more emotional vulnerability, no more getting swept up in the confusing warmth Shivay had offered.  She would be a fortress, her emotions shielded, her goals clear.  Annika was a force to be reckoned with, and she wouldn't let anyone, not even a captivating but complicated man, derail her from her path.