Shivika SS: A Journey To Remember

Chapter-6

The train finally reached Manali. On the railway station, a couple stood waiting for their friends, respective friends to be precise. While the girl, Meera waited for her childhood bestie Annika, the guy, Haider waited for his buddy cum business associate Shivaay. Haider and Meera were a happily in love couple, who resided in Manali only and Shivaay and Annika had already informed them about their arrival. They didn't know that Shivaay and Annika already know each other but when they saw both of them exchanging looks while coming towards them, they knew there was something happening between the two. Leaving the question and answer round for sometime later,  Haider and Meera made their way towards Shivaay and Annika.
This time Annika had decided that she will only listen to her heart. She had already endured all this pain once by listening to what society had to say but now, for once, she will live for herself and just follow the lead of her heart. For once in her life she is ready to take a risk for Shivaay, for this relation or whatever they had between them but most importantly for herself. She, for the first time,wanted to live her life to the fullest. Throwing a glance towards Shivaay, she made her way towards an eagerly waiting Meera.
One thing that Annika's eyes told Shivaay was that she herself wanted something to happen between them, as much as he did. He knew that this was his last chance to bring Annika back to his life, to have something proper with her, which they could name unlike college days. And he was adamant to cash upon this chance and exploit it to its fullest. With this resolve Shivaay made his way towards Haider.
Both Shivaay and Annika couldn't exactly understand as to why they were moving in the same direction but the nonetheless they carried on and went ahead to hug their respective friends. That's when they understood that they were friends with a couple and are most likely to be introduced to each other by them soon.
"You both know each other right?", asked a visibly confused Meera.
"Yes. We've studied in the same college.", replied back Shivaay.
"Oh great then. Now you guys won't feel awkward around each other and we can enjoy this trip to the maximum." , said an excited Haider.
Ironically, that was the exact thing both Shivaay and Annika were feeling at the moment. Awkward. Both of them had thought about spending time together but now, with Haider and Meera being their common friends, they were most likely to spend almost the 'whole' trip together. Whether this was right or wrong, they left it upto the time to decide.
Shivaay had already talked to their Dean about including Haider and Meera in their group and had arranged everything accordingly. They made their way to the campsite in Haider's open jeep. Meera very casually went and sat beside Haider, leaving no option for Shivaay and Annika other than to sit with each other at the backside along with the luggage.
Reaching the campsite all of them were left awestruck. It was a site to behold.  With cottages sprawled out in the valley, covered by the mountains from three sides and a stream from the fourth, it was enchanting. After a short trek from the main road and crossing a beautiful stream, they reached their cottages. Annika and Meera took the one which was nearest to the river. The boys had their cottages on the opposite side to that of the girls. The darkness had already descended, therefore they decided to call it a night after having their dinner.
Annika laid their, listening to the voice of the flowing water and contemplating about all the events of past two days. Her ever so boring life had suddenly taken an interesting turn. And she was sure that this was just the beginning, there was much more in store. Same thoughts were revolving around in Shivaay's head. He was way too much excited and just couldn't wait to start the camp from the next morning. Both of them finally closed their eyes anticipating the events which awaited them in the coming days.
*****
So here goes the next part. This is kind of a filler chapter but it was required to set the base for the coming chapters. Moreover, I have just joined my classes, so didn't had much time. I hope you guys will understand. From the next chapter onwards you will see Shivaay and Annika indulging in different activities and eventually coming closer.
Do vote and comment guys.❤