A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Shivay learn about Annika past

The Oberoi family departed after breakfast, leaving Shivay behind at Singhania Mansion. Still unfamiliar with the vast house, he got lost several times before reaching Arnav's study. Arnav, already inside, invited Shivay to sit.

"Shivay," Arnav began, "since you're now family, I think it's important you understand Annika and our history. She hasn't shared much about her past." Shivay nodded in agreement.

Arnav continued, explaining their family structure. Their grandfather had four children: three with his first wife, whom he loved dearly, and one with his second wife, married due to his father's insistence. The Singhania Mansion housed only the current head of the Singhania Empire, with others residing in a separate house nearby.

Annika's father, first born to their grandfather's second wife, faced mistreatment along with his mother at the hands of the first wife. The firstborn was traditionally bestowed with leadership, but their grandmother schemed for her second-born son to take the reins. Unsuccessful, it was Annika's father who eventually assumed the role and moved back to the main mansion, forcing the grandmother and her son to relocate. My father, having a strong bond with his stepbrother, also resided in the mansion with his family.

The arrival of Annika, the first girl born in the family after a long time, brought joy to their grandfather.  Interestingly, Arnav, Annika, and Ritesh were all born in the same year, with Annika being the eldest by a few months.

Tragedy struck when Annika's parents passed away. The realm now falls into the hand of Ravendra who rules like a tyrant. As the next in line for the leadership role upon reaching 18, she became a target. Someone repeatedly tried to injure her, aiming to clear the path for Ritesh to become the elder child. Their grandfather, discovering this plot, sent Annika to the US for her safety just as she turned 18.

There, she built her own successful event management company, but the threats seemed to follow. Their grandfather devised a test: whoever among Arnav, Ritesh, and Annika held the most company shares and had established their own successful business by the age of 28 would be the next heir.

After six years in the US, Annika decided to return to India. However, she chose Mumbai instead of Rajasthan and spent some time there alone. Two years later, that's when you met her.

Arnav paused, observing Shivay's reaction. Shivay was clearly overwhelmed. He realized Annika had endured a lot from a young age, yet she never displayed weakness.

Seeing Shivay deep in thought, Arnav offered him water to help him process this information. Shivay took a drink and gestured for Arnav to continue.

Arnav explained that in Mumbai, Annika established a small event management company and married you. She also managed to secure the majority of shares in the Singhania Empire, and both her companies thrived. However, things took a turn when you left her.

Annika's pregnancy was complicated. Doctors warned that only the mother or child could be saved, not both. Determined, Annika returned to the US to ensure a safe delivery where she gives birth to their daughter, Aadhya. She then returned with a two-month-old Aadhya to Singhania Mansion and reclaimed her rightful position as heir.

This decision infuriated Ravindra, who had expected Ritesh to take over. Annika, surprisingly, appointed me as the owner of the Singhania Empire, while she focused on her event management companies. She entrusted the Mumbai branch to Kavya's care, managing both Kavya and the US company remotely.

The road wasn't easy. Due to pregnancy complications, Annika lost a significant amount of blood. Skipping meals could be dangerous for her health. Yet, the stress of work led her to faint six times, putting her well-being at risk. This is why their grandfather decided to arrange her marriage, either to you, her ex, or someone else, fearing for her life.

Arnav leaned back in his chair, letting the weight of the revelation settle on Shivay. "You can understand now, Shivay," he said, "why Annika is so fiercely independent. Why she built her own life, her own security blanket.  She doesn't trust easily, and opening up about her past must have been difficult for her."

Shivay remained silent, his gaze fixed on a point beyond the window. A kaleidoscope of emotions swirled within him – shock, admiration, a pang of guilt for leaving Annika during such a vulnerable time. He finally understood Annika's fierce protectiveness of Aadhya, her reluctance to show weakness, and the underlying reason behind their grandfather's drastic plan.

Arnav, leaning back in his chair, concluded, "There you have it, Shivay. Annika's a fighter, but even warriors need a hand. Now that you understand her story, the ball's in your court. Will you be that support for her, for Aadhya?"

Shivay, his gaze hardening with resolve, simply replied, "Yes."

Arnav nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes. "Good. Because Annika needs someone who can stand beside her, someone who can be her rock. The decision is yours, Shivay. But remember, love and family come with their share of challenges. Are you ready to face them?"

A newfound resolve hardened Shivay's gaze.  "Don't worry, Arnav," he declared, his voice firm. "I'll never let anyone hurt my wife and daughter."  With that, he strode out of the study, returning to his own quarters.

Shivay's mind raced. The truth about their separation gnawed at him. He wouldn't rest until he unearthed it.  He decided to meticulously reexamine the events that transpired five years ago, determined to find the answers he craved.

He didn't waste time. He contacted Kavya, seeking details about the investment and event they organized at Hotel Paradise five years ago. The conversation revealed a horrifying truth - Shivay's misunderstanding. He had misinterpreted the situation and condemned Annika without giving her a chance to explain. Regret washed over him. Had he just communicated, had he trusted her, their lives could have been different. Shame burned in his gut. He, not Annika, was responsible for their fractured relationship. Now, his mission was clear: mend what he'd broken. He would win Annika back, not the other way around.