Shivika SS: A Journey To Remember

Chapter-10

Last night's conversation brought a certain kind of relief in both Shivaay and Annika's life. As if a heavy burden was taken off their chests. Both of them discovered back the connection which was lost somewhere amongst the never ending plethora of misunderstandings and questions. They couldn't wait to explore the depth of the bond which they shared.
The next morning came with brighter hopes and stronger resolutions. Their today's activities were all planned around the river, starting with river valley crossing. All of them got ready and met at the breakfast. When Shivaay and Annika's eyes met, both of them just passed a smile to each other. After having a light breakfast,  all of them went towards the activity area. Shivaay was the first one to go. Having done river crossing many times before, this time too he enjoyed it to the fullest. Next was Annika's turn. She was quite nervous at the starting but when the instructor put the harness around her waist, attached the pulley to an overhead rope and pushed her lightly, Annika felt all her fears taking a backseat and the thrill taking charge. She could feel the wind blow through her hair the cool breeze touching her skin in the gentlest of ways. She let herself free and enjoyed the lightness that came along. All she could think at this moment was that this is the life she always wanted. Full of adventure and thrill and no worries about the next day's meals. Maybe now it was her turn to enjoy life, with Shivaay. Maybe it was the time when all her dreams will come true. Maybe  this was the moment for which she had worked her ass off till now and can finally let herself free. Maybe Shivaay is the person she had been waiting for all along.
Shivaay was observing every single change in her expressions from the other side. All he could deduce was that she was happy,  extremely happy. Her peaceful smile was giving that away. At that moment Shivaay vowed to keep that smile intact on her face forever.
After finishing their activity, both Shivaay and Annika made their way towards Haider and Meera who were sitting on a rock in the middle of the river. Annika was fiddling with her phone and Shivaay was walking behind her. Deciding to tease her a bit Shivaay moved near her ear and screamed,  "Bhoooooooo"
Annika jumped due to the the sudden sound and the phone in her hands went flying straight into the water. She ran to save her mobile and in the process hit her foot with a rock resulting in her toenail coming out. Her toe started bleeding profusely.  Shivaay was unable to make anything out until he heard Annika screaming and crying. That's when he saw her foot bleeding. He didn't know his one prank would result in this. Annika was just crying and crying. Not knowing what else to do, Shivaay hugged her tightly. Rubbing her hair gently,  he tried to calm her down. By the time Annika stopped crying, Haider and Meera were already there. Haider had picked up her phone and Shivaay and Meera helped her to move towards the rock to sit. Once they were there, Shivaay took out his handkerchief and tied it around Annika's toe. He cupped her face and rubbed her tear strained cheeks with his thumbs. Looking straight into her eyes, he started to speak,
"I am so sorry Annika. I didn't realise that my one silly act will result in you getting hurt. I never wanted this to happen. I never wanted you to cry. Please forgive me. I promise, I will never repeat this again. Please forgive me for the last time."
Annika was just looking into his eyes which were a shade lighter than the usual. He was looking so cute while apologising. Annika couldn't stop herself from smiling. She held his hands which were still cupping her face and said, " You need not apologise Shivaay. It was because of my silly mistake that I got hurt. I just ran towards my phone without looking down and got hurt. It wasn't your fault and I am fine now."
"You sure?", Shivaay asked still not convinced.
"Yes baba, I am absolutely fine. See I am smiling too.", with that Annika showed all her 32 teeth, making Shivaay chuckle at her cute antics.
Haider and Meera were witnessing this cute exchange between the couple with amused smiles on their faces. Both of them were so happy to see these tadibaaz people finally opening up to each other.
*****
So here goes the next part guys. Shivaay and Annika have finally started to behave a bit like other couples, all caring towards each other. What all will they do now on this trip? To know more keep reading. Do not forget to vote and comment.
And I am so sorry for updating the story this late. I am having 11 hour classes daily and its difficult for me to take out time even on weekends.  I hope you guys will understand and forgive me. Keep showering your love as always.❤❤