MY HIDDEN LOVE

~Lifetime love~

"Snape's patronus was a doe,' said Harry, 'the same as my mother's because he loved her for nearly all of his life, from when they were children."
― J.K. Rowling

The whole oberoi family was sited in their luxurious main hall sake servicing Annika and having a heartful chit-chat with her . It had been a long time since Annika had last met them . Things or maybe the fate was in too rush that she could never really say a goodbye to oberoi's . Luckily internet did it's work and she could have a conversation with the family but the physical distance that could not be recovered . But now here she was again with them , when people are meant to meet they will meet anyhow . Could she think it to be real for her and Shivaay as well?

"Annika di what you have got for me from Japan", Rudra the most jolly personality out of all people in Oberoi family like if you are with and you are in a bad he will fix your mood in a second with his silly jokes and ridiculous dating story . To Annika he always felt like a younger brother who protected her , helped her with her stuffs and gave her emotional support maybe that was the reason he had a special spot  in her heart . The most open minded , lively and emotional Oberoi brother with some exceptional flirting skill since school time . 

"How can I forget to buy something for my Rudy , obviously I have things for you and everyone" , Annika happily exclaimed . 

Annika had gotten a bottle of Japanese sake keeping in mind Rudra's craze for party , she thought of bringing the experience of Japan which people mostly come for . Rudra was too glad to get the gift that he already tried a shot of it . For Om she had gotten a calligraphy set considering his new found love in calligraphy and in respect for his art . It was a beautiful Japanese ceramic set for Pinky , she in the past few years had grown fond of collecting utensils of different styles and colours . Jannvi was gifted beautiful tea set which she could use for her tea ceremony . Annika got to know about her alcohol addiction , so she thought of bringing something which could bring a change in her life and distract her from the worse things . Last but no the least Maneki-Neko or lucky cat which brings luck to the family . What more could the old lady ask for her family's happiness that's it .

Now the last gift was left but it's owner was not in the house so , Annika kept it aside from everyone safely waiting for it's owner to come back and give it to him.

"So, how is everything going with you ?" , Annika who was busy feeling the touch of touch of Shivaay on her hand after the handshake was taken out of her zone with Om's voice . Om was passing by her room and saw her standing idly thinking something so he thought to have a share of her musing . 

"Same as usual , work move work and again move , nothing special", Annika told nonchalantly . For Annika all those past years were like any other normal person work and sleep just with an addition of Shivaay's thoughts .

"Well , that is the same for everyone Annika , I want to know something about your dating life ", Om asked Annika with a mischievous smile . Beneath that smile was his concern for his dear friend who was madly in love with his brother , who in turn never reciprocated it . He did not want her to waste his youth over something she had no control over so during the college days he suggested her to go on some dates but it never really worked for her . 

"Single , empty , I do meet people but they tend have something missing ", Annika stated her opinion but deep down the truth was not that the guys were bad , it's just they were not Shivaay. Every date Annika had been , she could just imagine Shivaay sitting in front her but that was her illusion and she could not do that to other boys . After all these Annika had stopped going on date unless she felt like going to one . 

"But Annika things are not going to settle down like this right , knowing the truth you can't stay forever like this . We both know neither you are going to confess your feelings to Shivaay nor he is ever going to acknowledge love in his life . Annika you should think of starting afresh", Om clearly stated the facts which were known to both them . He wanted to put some brain in Annika because he the real current situation between the two and it was no less than messy . So a person who preaches to pursue love had given up over the case . He just prays to god to put some brain into his stupid brother and notice Annika . 

"Om love is such a thing that can happen easily but can't get away easily. I have fallen in love with and I can't let go it . I know I can never confess nor ever he is going to feel it .  So I have accepted to live this , isn't an unrequited love supposed to be like " , Annika had now tears in her eyes . It was truth she was living with for so many years and she nothing is change it . Having reminded of this again and again just gave her pain . 

"Annika I know it is supposed to be like this but you are hurting yourself in this process and I can't see you like this ", Om said while taking Annika in his embrace . Being the only person who knew about this and a supporter of it gave him the responsibility to take care of Annika and show her the right direction . He was the one who had witnessed her pain , jealousy and love for Shivaay , the first time Om saw true love . 

"Ok , Khanna get it done ", Shivaay was back from his work . Hearing his voice Annika rushed out of her bed to catch a glimpse of him , he looked more handsome in reality than in the magazines. They could never really use his beauty rightly . 

Brushing off the thoughts Annika quickly took the gift she had to Shivaay's room. Just one step away from his room Annika had started to get nervous , it was after many years she was meeting him . Things were not same as before he was changed and she was changed . Would he now take interest in talking to her ? Annika was having a series of doubt only to be interrupted by a voice .

"Annika , what are you doing over there? Did something happen?" , it was Shivaay , he saw Annika standing outside of his room for good 2 minutes . Ending up asking this question.

"Well , yes . Actually I have got this bonsai tree for from Japan . It is quite lucky if you keep it at your workplace it brings wealth , good luck and even peace and harmony ", Annika just gave a little description of her gift as she did not really know where to start from . 

"Oh , I see a great and thoughtful gift . Thanks for this " , Shivaay said this with a smile over his face and his eyes were sparkly . He was happy to receive the gift . Any further he could say something Annika started .

"Welcome , I bought it thinking of your business and all . Glad you liked it , so I will leave good night", without sparing a glance at Shivaay Annika went from there at the speed of light . Her heart was again beating fast like before whenever she used to have Shivaay near her . This feeling of love never really changes with the time just the way of expressing it does. 

Sleep was away from Annika's eyes , her gift was liked by Shivaay . He looked happy . That tree was not just the symbol of peace and harmony but a symbol of her love for Shivaay . Bonsai tends to have a long  lifetime so it represented the longevity of Annika's love for Shivaay .