𝖉𝖎𝖘𝖊𝖓𝖈𝖍𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖊𝖉 [ON HOLD]

𝔱𝔴𝔢𝔫𝔱𝔶 𝔬𝔫𝔢

Annika chewed her lower lip, as her eyebrows pulled into a V, forming crease lines on her forehead. She scribbled down the addresses on the piece of paper which laid on the book on her lap.

She startled, as a bouquet of pink peonies and white roses appeared in front of her face.

Blinking, she moved her neck slowly, to see her husband smiling sheepishly at her. "I'm sorry for my behaviour last night," he stated in a quiet tone.

Annika merely arched an eyebrow at the bouquet in his hands, before pushing his wrist away harshly. She heard Shivaay sigh audibly, and her grip tightened around the pen in her hand.

What would you know about family, Annika? Jiss ke paas parivaar tha hii nahi, that person shouldn't be talking.

She gritted her teeth, blinking back the tears as her heart ached.

The words had been haunting her all night, the previous night, and even during the day.

What would you know about family, Annika? Jiss ke paas parivaar tha hii nahi, that person shouldn't be talking.

She'd spent a good hour bawling her eyes out, and crying into the pillow as she'd replayed the sneer on his face and the jeering tone.

The taunt had stabbed a knife in her heart and twisted it impossibly deeper, making her ache all over, before bleeding into exhaustion.

What would you know about family, Annika? Jiss ke paas parivaar tha hii nahi, that person shouldn't be talking.

His words had reminded her of the orphanage—— when she'd spent hours, after being beaten up, crying for her parents to come and save her. The reminded her of the hours, she'd spent begging them to take her to them—— exhausted beyond measures from protecting her sister with her body and her sanity—— before chiding herself for being selfish and leaving Chutki all alone, in a cold, cruel, vindictive and selfish world.

Chutki had been the sweetest little creature—— so kind, caring, sweet and forgiving—— always with a soft look in her eyes and a shy smile.

The only light in Annika's otherwise desolate and miserable life.

She startled, feeling a weight on her lap, and glanced down to see the bouquet on her lap.

I'm sorry, Annika," Shivaay whispered softly. He took her hands in his, prying the pen from her grip. He kissed each of her fingertips, mumbling apologies over and over.

Annika breathed in slowly, before looking away from her husband's pleading gaze.

She knew he'd lashed out in desperation, not at all prepared to accept the fact that his family was less ideal than he himself deemed them to be.

She stood up, ignoring him and walking to their bedroom in quick long strides. Laying on her side, she wrapped her dupatta around her and closed her eyes, squeezing them tightly.

She breathed shakily, choking back her tears.

Jiss ke paas parivaar tha hii nahi, that person shouldn't be talking.