Estranged lovers

Chapter 30

ANNIKA

The days after that night felt like a blur to Annika.

The tension with Siddharth, the harsh words from his parents, and the vulnerability she'd experienced were still fresh in her mind. But she had learned to bury it, just as she always did.

The last thing she wanted was for anyone, especially Siddharth, to see her unravel.

Work was a welcome distraction.

Annika threw herself into the theme park project, but even the excitement of being part of such a creative team couldn't erase the unease she felt at home.

Siddharth had grown colder, more distant. Their interactions had become minimal, and when they did speak, it was strictly professional. She couldn't remember the last time he'd asked her how she was doing or showed any sign of interest in her beyond their shared living space.

But at work, things were different. She had found a connection with Shivani that had surprised her.

It was one of those late afternoons, she was at her desk, working on her designs, trying to ignore the ache in her chest.

Shivani, as always, was the first to notice. She had a way of reading people without them saying a word.

"Annika!" Shivani's voice was like a breath of fresh air. "Come on, get away from that desk. Let's go grab coffee. You need a break."

Annika hesitated but then saw the genuine concern in Shivani's eyes.

"Okay," Annika said, standing up slowly.

They made their way to the small coffee corner in the office, and as they sat down with their drinks.

"You know," Shivani began, leaning forward, her eyes shining with curiosity. "You've been pretty quiet lately. Not like you. What's going on?"

Annika froze, her fingers tightening around her cup. She hadn't realized how much she had been retreating into herself, but Shivani had picked up on it immediately.

"It's... nothing," Annika said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just work, you know."

Shivani raised an eyebrow. "I'm not buying that." 

She paused before adding, "Look, we're friends now. You don't have to keep everything inside. Talk to me, okay?"

"Pleasee!!!!" she said

The softness in Shivani's voice was like a gentle nudge, urging Annika to open up. For the first time in days, Annika felt like she didn't have to carry everything alone. She sighed deeply and set her cup down, feeling the weight of her emotions rise to the surface.

"It's just... everything. My marriage, work, the city. I don't really have anyone to talk to here..."

Shivani's face softened , she reached over, squeezing Annika's hand. "I get it. I really do. Moving to a new city, being far from family, it's tough. But you're not alone, Annika. Not with me. And you also have our crazyyy team. They an be workaholics, but we are soo close to completing our first big step in our project." she says nudging her shoulder

Annika's heart swelled with gratitude. She hadn't realized how much she needed someone to just listen. She looked down at her hands, gathering her thoughts before speaking again.

Annika nodded. "I just... I don't know if I can fix it. My marriage. He's so cold, so distant. And honestly, I'm not sure if I even want to try anymore."

There was a long pause before Shivani spoke again. Her tone was surprisingly serious.

"You deserve more than that, Annika. You deserve to feel seen, to feel loved, and to feel like you matter. I know you don't want to hear this, but you don't have to stay in something that's making you miserable."