QUERENCIA

28. ON WHICH SIDE AM I ON?

"It's utterly serene!" Annika thought, wrapped in a thick blanket inside the cosy gazebo. Watching delicate raindrops kiss the earth, she cradled a mug of velvety hot chocolate, its warmth seeping into her chilled hands. The landscape unfolded like a masterpiece: emerald trees stood sentinel, snow-capped mountains pierced the mist-shrouded sky, creating a breathtaking view.

She took a sip of her hot chocolate, her lips curling into a small smile. The warmth of the drink provided a brief moment of comfort. But the smile quickly faded, turning into a frown as she noticed a large figure approaching her. Confused, she squinted, trying to make out who it was. This was private property, and no one was allowed without permission. Her eyes widened in disbelief when she finally recognized the person. She never imagined in her wildest dreams that he would be here.

Quickly getting up from her seat and setting her mug on the table, she whispered, "Shivaay."

Shivaay quickly reached her, his clothes soaked and water dripping from his hair. Annika could see the anger in his eyes, which only added to her confusion. She wondered what could have happened to make him so furious.

"Shivaay, you're here? Is everything okay?" Annika stammered, her voice laced with worry. Her gaze darted over his drenched form, trying to find clues to the storm raging within him.

"Where the hell have you been for the last three days? You just emailed me your leave application and disappeared. Ever since we came back from our business trip last month, you've been acting differently. At first, I thought it was work pressure, but then I realised you were intentionally ignoring me. And now, suddenly, you vanish, saying you need a week off."Shivaay roared, his voice echoing in the quietude. His anger was palpable, and it was evident he was barely holding himself back.

Annika realises the blunder which she created in her immaturity. To run away from her feelings she decided to ignore him but whenever she sees his gloomy eyes she wants to be with him but the constant fear of heartbreak she tries to distance herself more and when she couldn't take it more and got an invitation of this place she took a haste decision and came running here.

"I... I am really sorry, Shivaay, for whatever happened last month, but it was an emergency that I have to come here." Annika stammered, her voice barely audible. Her eyes, filled with remorse, pleaded for his understanding.

Shivaay took a deep breath, closing his eyes as if to gather his composure. When he reopened them, the tempest in his eyes had subsided, replaced by a calmer intensity. He brushed away the errant strands of his wet hair, then cupped her face gently. "Look, I'm sorry. I overreacted. I was just worried sick. Did I make you uncomfortable? Or was it something related to the Rishabh case? All sorts of dreadful thoughts were running through my mind," Shivaay confessed,looking deep in her eyes.

Once again, all those feelings erupted in her heart, the ones she'd been desperately trying to suppress. It was almost incredulous to believe this man, who seemed so impervious to love, could stir such a tempest within her. Not wanting to add to his worries, she decided to omit the truth. Keeping her hands gently on his, she found her voice, "It's really nothing about you, it's just... my Nani called me here. And I came rushing without thinking things through."

"I didn't know you had a grandmother. You've never talked about her," Shivaay said, his curiosity piqued.

Yes, I do... it's a long story, and first, you need to change or else you will..." Before Annika could finish her sentence, Shivaay let out a violent sneeze followed by a coughing fit. Concerned, she immediately began rubbing his back soothingly.

"See, I told you you'd catch a cold. Come, let's go to the cottage," she said, her voice laced with concern as she immediately grabbed her belongings and an umbrella. They turned and headed towards the cottage.