A Bargain Made with Frosting

Ch 52. A Fresh Start with a Secret Recipe

Annika was back at the bakery, the comforting smells of flour and sugar failing to mask the turmoil within her. The familiar warmth did little to soothe the storm brewing in her heart. Every knead of dough, every swirl of frosting, was a stark reminder of Shakti's threat.

Her team, oblivious to her inner turmoil, bustled around her. But when their usual cheer couldn't pull a smile from Annika, they knew something was wrong. Gently, they coaxed the truth out of her. She revealed Shakti's threats, the words tumbling out in a torrent.

Roshni's anger flared. "How dare he say such things! He should be focusing on finding his son, not forcing you to marry his other one."

Siddharth chimed in, "We all know Shivay wouldn't abandon you like this. He loved you deeply."

Juhi presented the most pressing question, "What will you do now, Annika Mam? We'll support you no matter what."

Annika looked at their concerned faces, her heart heavy. "I don't know," she admitted. "I can't betray Shivay, but I can't leave my child either."

A sudden outburst from Karan startled them. "I have an idea!"

Intrigued, they listened as Karan elaborated, "Why don't you leave Mumbai? Go somewhere they can't find you. That way, you can be with your child without betraying Shivay."

Annika contemplated this. It seemed like a viable option, but fear gnawed at her. Where would she go? How would she manage in an unfamiliar place?

As if reading her mind, Juhi spoke up. "Annika Mam, you could go to Shimla! My grandmother lives alone there and runs a small shop. You could stay with her, keep each other company. There's even space for another bakery – you could start your own there! I know she'd be happy to have you."

Roshni chimed in, "Yes, Shimla sounds perfect. Don't worry about the bakery here. We'll take care of everything. We'll call you daily, video chat, and involve you in all important decisions."

Annika felt a flicker of hope amidst the storm. Shimla, nestled in the cool embrace of the Himalayas, presented a fresh start. The image of a cozy bakery, infused with the aroma of her creations, calmed her racing thoughts. But practicality soon returned.

"Leaving the bakery… it's my dream, my lifeblood," she confessed, her voice thick with emotion. "Can I really just walk away?"

Siddharth stepped forward. "Annika, your dream is alive within you. You can rebuild it anywhere. Besides, think of it as an expansion. A Shimla branch of Sunshine Slice! Who knows, it might even become more successful."

His words held a surprising truth. Annika envisioned a quaint bakery nestled amidst the hills, drawing in tourists with the promise of warm pastries and breathtaking views. A tear escaped her eye, a single drop landing on the flour-dusted counter. It wasn't a tear of despair, but a tear of bittersweet possibility.

"Alright," she declared, a newfound resolve firming her voice. "Shimla it is. But I can't leave you guys hanging. How about we spend the next few weeks preparing? I'll train you all on some of my signature recipes, and we can finalize the details for both bakeries."

A cheer erupted from the team. Roshni pulled Annika into a hug, relief washing over her face. Juhi beamed, already making plans for contacting her grandmother. Karan, ever the innovator, started sketching ideas for a mountain-themed logo.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Annika set about not just baking, but crafting a plan for her future. The weight of Shakti's threat still lingered, but it was no longer a crushing burden. It was a challenge, and Annika, with the unwavering support of her team, was ready to face it head-on. She may be leaving Mumbai, but she was taking her dream, her strength, and the delightful aroma of Sunshine Slice along with her.

A whirlwind of activity swept through the bakery. New recipes were developed and mastered by Annika's team, a testament to their unwavering support. Juhi's grandmother buzzed with excitement, preparing a warm welcome for Annika in Shimla. To maintain secrecy, Annika and her team decided on a fresh name for her new bakery, severing any connection to her past life.

While Rohit, blissfully unaware, anticipated their upcoming marriage, Annika and her staff kept their escape plan under tight wraps. Finally, the day of departure arrived. To avoid detection, a late-night train was their chosen mode of escape. The platform bustled with tearful goodbyes. Each embrace with her team was a silent vow to reunite someday.

Annika's heart ached as she gazed at the familiar faces one last time. But a resolute glint shone in her eyes. This wasn't an end, but a new chapter. With a deep breath, she boarded the train, embarking on a journey filled with uncertainties. Yet, a flicker of hope remained –  one day, reuniting with Shivay.

The rhythmic clatter of the train lulled Annika into a restless sleep. Every rattle and bump was a reminder of the life she'd left behind. Mumbai, with its vibrant chaos and the aching absence of Shivay, receded into a distant memory.

Dawn broke, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. As the train snaked through the countryside, Annika's heart swelled with a strange mix of trepidation and excitement. The rolling green hills and quaint villages offered a stark contrast to the bustling city she knew.

Days blurred into one another, punctuated only by the rhythmic clickety-clack of the train and the changing landscapes outside her window. Annika spent her time poring over maps of Shimla, trying to visualize the town that would become her new home.

With a final screech, the train lurched to a stop, jolting Annika from her restless sleep. Shimla had arrived. Stepping off the train, she was greeted by a wave of cool mountain air, a welcome change from Mumbai's stifling humidity.

Following the address Juhi provided, Annika snagged a taxi and soon found herself at a charming house. Juhi's grandmother, a woman whose eyes sparkled with warmth, stood waiting on the porch. Her embrace, strong and comforting, soothed the knot of tension in Annika's shoulders.

Juhi's grandmother, happy for the company, helped Annika settle in. Knowing Annika was four months pregnant, she insisted on rest, a luxury Annika hadn't allowed herself in the whirlwind of recent events. The older woman's kindness, a balm to her soul, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.

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