Estranged lovers

CHAPTER 7

ANNIKA

The meeting today went well. Siddharth, he seemed surprised and impressed. 

We are on our way to the lake house to make sure everything is done right and the work should be starting in a week's time if everything goes as planned. I couldn't be happier. This day is perfect. Now, I only need to worry about arranging the money for my sister's marriage. Today morning I had promised di and ma that I would arrange the money and they could proceed with the preparations.

Purabh will help if I ask him but I feel ashamed to do so. We need the money for our company, but this is the only way. I'll find a way to repay him later. I always have.

My eyes fix toward the man I cant seem to avoid over the last few days. He just draws me in. He is talking to Purabh and the team. As if sensing my eyes on him he turns his head in my direction, our eyes lock. Usually I'd just look away but I can't seem to turn away from the look of desperation in his eyes. He is the one to break eye-contact this time. Again I notice the slight shiver in his hand, as if he can't stand the thought of entering the house. 

Is that why he wants to sell this house? To get rid of it forever. But why?

"The team is reviewing the plan and we should be done soon" Purabh says from beside me.

When did he get here?

"Oh! Great. Can't wait to start working on this project" I say.

How do I ask him for the money?

"Are you okay? you seem out of it today." he asks worry seeping in his voice.

"Yes. yes of course. I just find it hard to believe that's it. Actually-"

"Hey why don't we celebrate today. Our company will finally be debt free and we will still have enough money left for the new project that I got assigned yesterday. I am thinking of giving some bonus for our team since they have overworked for the past few months, also heard some saying that they weren't too happy with the pay. What do you think?" He says keeping an arm around me.

My stomach sinks. Shit. He's right, the team deserves more than what they get for the amount of work they do. This is the first time in months that he has sounded so relived. There is no way I can ask him now.

 My phone rings. Its di. I'm sure she has called to ask about the money. Oh My God. I feel like throwing up.

" I'll....... I'll be back in a minute." I say as I rush into the house.

SIDDHARTH

What did that fucker say to her. I follow Annika into the house. She looked like she'd seen a ghost.

Don't ask me why I care.

"But di I can't get that much money right now. I'm just asking for a few months please."

Her voice is small. Almost like she's crying.

"I know I promised, and I still plan on keeping it but I just need more time."

She listens to the person on the phone. I see her shoulder slump as she leans her head against the wall.

 "Its not like that di. hello-" *sigh*

"How much?" I ask.

She is startled as she turns to look at me, her hand on her chest.

"Sorry?"

"I'm sure you heard me."

"Yes but I don't need you help sir. And it doesn't concern you." she says as she tries to walk past me