When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch 56. Daydream

Shivay began his search for Annika, starting with the relaxation area. Soft music and calming scents filled the space, but Annika was nowhere to be found.

Undeterred, Shivay proceeded to the lounge area, scanning the stylish seating and elegant décor. Still, no Annika.

He continued his search, checking the library, meditation room, and art studio, but Annika remained elusive.

Shivay's thoughts turned skeptical. Had the guard misled him? Had Annika already left?

As he headed back to his cabin, a nagging feeling persisted – Annika was nearby.

Shivay glanced at the floor plan display, his eyes hovering over the gym section. "Why would Annika be in the gym?" he thought, shaking his head. "I'm just missing her, that's all."

Yet, his heart refused to let go of the hunch. Shivay's feet seemed to move of their own accord, drawing him closer to the gym.

"Listen to your heart," he told himself, surrendering to his intuition.

Shivay pushed open the gym door, and his eyes scanned the room. Treadmills hummed, and mirrors reflected the soft lighting.

That's when he saw her – Annika, standing near a treadmill, her focus fixed on the display screen.

Shivay's heart skipped a beat. A mix of surprise and delight swept over him.

Flashback ends

Mishra entered Shivay's cabin, intending to inform him about the upcoming meeting. He found Shivay seated in his chair, head resting on the headrest, hands clasped beneath his head, and eyes closed.

Mishra assumed Shivay was deeply engrossed in thought, contemplating a critical project.

" Sir, I've arranged the meeting room. You're expected to arrive in five minutes," Mishra announced, his voice clear and respectful.

However, Shivay remained unresponsive, lost in his thoughts.

Mishra repeated his message, slightly louder, "Shivay Sir, Shivay Sir!" But Shivay didn't flinch.

Undeterred, Mishra tried again, and again, but Shivay's eyes remained closed, his expression serene.

Unbeknownst to Mishra, Shivay's mind was a thousand miles away, reliving the morning's events. He was replaying the moment he stumbled upon Annika at the gym.

In his daydream, Shivay was slowly approaching Annika, his heart racing with anticipation.

Suddenly, a loud voice pierced his reverie, "Shivay Sir, are you alright?" Mishra's words echoed in Shivay's ear, startling him.

Shivay's eyes snapped open, and he sat up with a jolt, disoriented for a moment.

"Mishra?" Shivay said, collecting his thoughts, his voice laced with a hint of embarrassment.

Mishra's expression turned concerned. "Sir, I've been calling you for a while. Are you feeling unwell?"

Shivay shook his head, clearing the cobwebs. "No, I'm fine. Just thinking about some project."

Mishra nodded. "The meeting, sir. It's in five minutes. Shall I escort you?"

Shivay nodded, pulling himself together as he rose from his chair. He took a deep breath, mentally shaking off the lingering haze of his daydream.

"Get a grip, Shivay," he muttered under his breath, his voice low and self-critical. "Focus on work, not Annika. You can't afford distractions, especially not now."