A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Storm awaits them

The night of the kiss marked a turning point in their relationship. It was like a dam had broken, unleashing a torrent of affection. They were utterly captivated by each other, stealing kisses whenever they could, their gazes lingering just a beat too long. Gone were the days of guarded emotions and whispered confessions. Now, their love was an open book – for each other and the world. Public displays of affection, once a rarity, became their signature move. Holding hands wasn't just a gesture, it was a constant reminder of the connection they had rediscovered.

Despite their newfound bliss, a single piece of the puzzle remained incomplete. A silent yearning remained, a shared anticipation for the day they would become one in every sense.

Blissfully unaware, they reveled in their newfound happiness, a storm brewing on the horizon, ready to test the very foundation of their trust and love.

Despite the restraining order barring him from the Oberoi family and their empire, Viraj refused to return to the US He knew his father was innocent, a victim of a tangled web of deceit. Driven by a burning conviction of his father's innocence, Viraj spent eight arduous months searching for evidence, any clue that might exonerate him.

His efforts, though fruitless in proving his father's innocence, did unearth a potential weapon. It wasn't a shield, but a sharp point he could exploit. Nestled within the labyrinth of his grandfather's will, Viraj discovered a hidden clause. The will stipulated that Shivay inherit the entire Oberoi empire upon turning 29, on one condition: he had to be married. This wasn't news, a point discussed openly during the will's reading. However, another crucial detail had escaped their attention that day. There was a second condition – Shivay's marriage had to endure for more than two years. If he divorced before that mark, the empire wouldn't fall solely to him. Instead, it would be divided equally amongst all the Oberoi grandchildren – Shivay, Om, Rudra, Priyanka, and of course, Viraj himself.

A twisted satisfaction bloomed within Viraj. While he couldn't claim the entire Empire for himself, he could ensure Shivay didn't either. His mission was clear: break Shivay's marriage. His mind churned, formulating a plan to dismantle the newfound happiness radiating from the Oberoi mansion. The fragile peace was about to be shattered by Viraj's sinister machinations.

Consumed by jealousy and a desire to destroy Shivay's marriage, Viraj had dedicated another month to uncovering Shivay's wife's identity. Since Shivay had yet to reveal Annika as his wife, Viraj's investigation remained frustratingly fruitless. Finally, after weeks of dead ends, a breakthrough! He learned that Shivay had married his wedding planner, a woman he had only met briefly on their wedding day.

Fueled by this revelation, Viraj formulated a plan to dismantle Shivay and Annika's marriage. A malicious idea sparked in his mind - a scheme he believed would lead to their inevitable divorce. But overestimating his own cunning and underestimating the strength of Shivay and Annika's bond, Viraj's plan was destined for failure.

Stench of desperation clinging to him, Viraj decided to confront Annika directly. In his warped mind, manipulating her against Shivay was the key.  Annika, working alone since Kavya was on leave, heard a knock on her office door.  "Come in," she said.

The door creaked open, revealing Viraj.  He offered a curt "Hi," hoping to delay recognition.  Annika studied his face, a slow recognition dawning. "Viraj Oberoi," she finally stated, her voice laced with steel. "You have a restraining order against you. What are you doing here?"

Viraj, feigning innocence, played dumb. "Restraining order? Of course, you're right. But I'm not here to see any Oberoi family members. I came specifically for you." He gestured for her to sit.

Annika, surprised by his audacity, did as he said, all the while scrutinizing his face. "Are you by any chance involved with the Oberoi family?" he probed, hoping to gauge her connection to Shivay.

Annika, deciding to play along for now, smirked. "No, not at all. But why the sudden interest? And why haven't you returned to the US?"

Viraj concocted a flimsy excuse about unfinished business. Then, shifting gears, he launched into his real motive. " Actually," he began, "I'm here to propose an event for my hotel next week. Would you be interested in taking it on?"

Annika, unwilling to be entangled with him, politely declined, citing a busy schedule. Viraj, his plan faltering, simply nodded and said, "I understand.  One more thing, though. Do you know Shivay's wife?"

Annika, unsure of his endgame, replied cautiously, "Yes."

Viraj, a predator circling his prey, continued, "Excellent. Can you tell her that her perception of Shivay is a complete illusion? He's a serial womanizer, I assure you. Having kept tabs on him, I know for a fact he's had numerous affairs before marriage.  Even Kavya wasn't good enough for him.  If you have any doubts, I have proof of his past transgressions – during college and before his marriage. Hopefully, you'll share this with his wife and expose him."

With that, Viraj slunk out, leaving behind a poisoned chalice.  Annika opened the packet he left, revealing photos – some showing Shivay kissing various women, others more explicit.  A practiced eye, however, could easily spot the telltale signs of digital manipulation.  These were morphed images, a clumsy attempt to sow discord.

Annika scoffed. It was amateurish and transparent. She considered calling Shivay to expose Viraj's scheme, but a misplaced sense of wanting to handle it herself clouded her judgment. A decision that, unbeknownst to her, would soon have unforeseen consequences.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Oberoi mansion's pool area, Annika and Shivay found themselves nestled in their usual spot, unwinding after a long day. Annika, ever since adopting the endearing habit of addressing him by his name, initiated the conversation.

"Shivay," she began, "it occurred to me that if your brother, Viraj... well, if he hadn't returned, things might be quite different. We probably wouldn't be married."

Shivay, oblivious to the underlying motive behind her question, replied simply, "Annika, why dwell on such hypotheticals? And honestly, we didn't even know Viraj was our brother until that fateful day. Hopefully, he's back in the US and not plotting any more trouble."

Annika offered a weak smile, pushing down the disquiet Viraj's visit had caused.  Suddenly, Shivay shifted the topic.

"By the way, tomorrow, don't wait up for me. I have a crucial business deal in Pune that requires my immediate attention. I'll be back the day after. It's a competitive one, several companies are vying for it, but my main rival is Ravindra Singhania."

The name struck a chord within Annika, momentarily stealing her breath away. "Ravindra Singhania?" she echoed, a flicker of unease crossing her features.

Shivay, caught up in his own excitement about the deal, continued without noticing her reaction. "Yes, the Singhanias. Our biggest competitors. We're always neck and neck for the number one spot. They reign supreme in Rajasthan, and now they're setting their sights on Mumbai."

Annika, feigning tiredness, excused herself, her mind swirling with the unexpected news of Inder Singhania's arrival.  As sleep enveloped the mansion, Annika wrestled with a hidden past suddenly clawing its way back to the surface.