A Bargain Made with Frosting

Ch 40. City of Dreams, City of Secrets

After a leisurely lunch at the hotel, Annika, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, hailed an auto-rickshaw, its bright yellow paint a jolt against the bustling Mumbai street. Shivay, ever the businessman, raised an eyebrow. "An auto? Are you sure, Mrs. Oberoi?"

Annika, ignoring his amusement, hopped into the back. "Today is about experiences, Mr. Oberoi, not five-star treatment. Buckle up!" With a laugh, she beckoned Shivay to join her.

The auto weaved through the chaotic traffic, the wind whipping through their hair. Annika pointed out hidden street art tucked away in alleys, vibrant murals depicting gods and goddesses alongside social commentary. They stopped at a bustling market, where Annika bartered for a dazzling pair of mirrored sunglasses for Shivay, insisting they were essential for his "movie star aura."

Their next stop was a hole-in-the-wall eatery tucked away in a narrow lane. Annika, undeterred by the plastic chairs and bare-bones décor, ordered piping hot vada pav, a local potato fritter encased in a soft bun. Shivay, initially hesitant, took a bite, surprised by the explosion of flavors. He watched with amusement as Annika savored hers, her eyes closed in pure delight.

The afternoon unfolded in a whirlwind of vibrant chaos. They rode the iconic double-decker BEST bus, Annika clinging to the railing as the wind ruffled her hair, Shivay holding her close with a smile. They visited a hidden gem of a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles. Annika, ever the pragmatist, whispered a prayer for a smooth conclusion to their current business deal. Shivay chuckled, touched by her gesture.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues, they found themselves on Chowpatty Beach. Mumbai's soul seemed to be laid bare here - families picnicking, street performers enthralling crowds, and the aroma of freshly-fried treats wafting through the air.

Exhausted but exhilarated, they settled on a bench overlooking the vast ocean. The city lights began to twinkle on, a million fireflies against the inky black canvas. Annika leaned against Shivay, a comfortable silence settling between them. "Thank you," he said softly.

"For what?" Annika asked.

"For reminding me," he said, gazing at the twinkling lights, "that the most precious things in life aren't always found in boardrooms or five-star hotels." He knew, with a newfound certainty, that this day, unplanned and unpredictable, would be a memory they'd cherish forever.

Annika spoke, her voice quiet. "You know, Shivay, it was a wonderful day for me too. It's been a long time since I've had this much fun."

She took a deep breath and continued, "My parents were in love. College sweethearts, you could say. But their love story wasn't easy. Dad came from a poor village family, while Mom was from a wealthy one. He was brilliant and got a scholarship to Mumbai's best college, where they met. Dad's family hoped he'd get a good job and bring them all to the city. He did get a fantastic offer, but then Mom found out she was pregnant with me."

"Mom's family disapproved. They wanted her to get rid of me and leave Dad. But Mom chose us. They got married in a temple and started building a life together. Dad's family was still angry, though. Especially his older brother's wife, Sudha aunty. She resented me, blaming me for not being able to marry Dad."

"We lived with them, but everything was separate. Our kitchen, our lives. Still, we were happy. We had each other, and my cousins to play with. Grandma loved me dearly. But everything changed when I turned 15."

Annika's voice hitched slightly. "My parents were celebrating their anniversary. I was alone at home, feeling scared, and called them to come back. They were on their way when a drunk rich driver crashed into their car. He ran away, and by the time help arrived, it was too late."

"Sudha aunty blamed me again. A bad omen, she called me. Said if I hadn't called them, they wouldn't have taken the shortcut. It wasn't easy after that. They wouldn't give me any money for school, so I had to work. Then, my aunt's brother... he tried to hurt me. Thankfully, I got help, but it brought shame to the family, and they threw me out."

Annika paused, letting out a shaky breath. "It was a rough time. There were moments I wanted to give up, but then I knew that would be letting them win. So, I decided to live. To live for myself, not expecting anything in return."

Shivay listened intently, his heart clenching with every word. He didn't interrupt, letting Annika weave her painful story. Once she finished, a heavy silence descended between them, broken only by the distant roar of the ocean.

He finally spoke, his voice soft but firm. "Annika," he began, "what you've been through is unimaginable. No one deserves that kind of suffering."

He turned to face her, his gaze filled with empathy and a newfound admiration. "But look at you now," he continued, taking her hand in his. "Strong, independent, and full of life. You didn't let your past break you. You chose to fight for yourself, to find your own happiness."

"Your parents would be so proud of you," Shivay said gently. "The woman you've become is a testament to their love."

A single tear escaped Annika's eye, tracing a glistening path down her cheek. She leaned into Shivay's touch, seeking comfort in his silent understanding.

Lifting her head, she met his gaze. "Shivay," she began, her voice soft yet firm, "promise me something."

Intrigued, Shivay leaned in closer. "Anything," he replied, his heart skipping a beat under the intensity of her gaze.

"Promise me you won't dwell on your past," Annika continued. "The past can only bring us pain if we cling to it. We should learn from it, yes, but we also need to let go. It shouldn't be a roadblock on our path forward."

Shivay's gaze flickered. Did Annika somehow know about his own troubled past? He couldn't be sure, but a strange sense of vulnerability washed over him. Perhaps, he thought, it was time to shed the weight he'd been carrying alone.

He met her gaze steadily. "I promise," he replied, his voice low and sincere.

Annika's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. If she truly trusted him enough to share her painful story, maybe, just maybe, he could trust her with his own. The day, filled with her vivacious energy, had brought him more than just a break from his routine. It had brought him a connection with Annika that transcended shared experiences. It was a connection built on trust, vulnerability, and the promise of a future, together, where they could leave their past behind.