It wasn't unwilled, but it was unplanned.
She didn't expect a nuptial knot at 19.
He didn't expect a spouse by his side at 23.
Undoubtedly, a circumstantial relationship, with both not knowing anything about the other.
Will love find its way while h...
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It is thought in astronomy, that the galaxies are held together by their black holes. Just like how humans are held together by their demons, although they are thought to be destructive. But destruction is good. For, how does one rebuild without destruction in the first place?
So, demons were good. But for Annika, her demons were far more comfortable with her and her with them, that she never took a chance to fight them. She let the darkness engulf her thoughts long back that she would claim to see in the black. Like the information lost in the black holes of our universe, she had lost herself in her black hole. Anyone who had been acquainted to the actual Annika, whom she was until sixteen, would have told you she was the girl who always smiled. She always made others feel good about themselves and she was the little girl who craved for ice creams on a rainy day at heart. But her core of life was lost with the tragedy. So, when she sat in the jeep looking at tigers, she did not have even the slightest feeling to rejoice attaining something she had wanted for years. Even Omkara and Gauri bickering about who took better photographs did not make her smile, nor Rudra trying to vlog which was clearly despised by Shivaay. And with that, she knew something was wrong. But wrong felt good. Because a part of Annika felt that joy was sin, after losing her people. Living was not supposed to feel right, especially at this time of the year. Shivaay's voice brought her back...
"Shh... Guys, look at the tigress and her three cubs. We will never be able to see this and live this moment if you are with you cameras and GoPros. So shut it down!" He commanded and looked at Annika. She gave him a small smile and took out the twig stuck in his hair. He looked at her in a certain adoration that made her almost aware of her heartbeats. In her world of darkness, he was a burning candle. She did not believe that he would be able to light her world up enough. It was only until time his wax melted; his patience melted.
Shivaay looked at her intently. If seen from far away, one would think she was fine. But then, a close look into her eyes revealed. They were hopeless, emotionless and lifeless. She existed here, but lived in her world of darkness. But it was time that some sunshine came, and he knew he was her sun.
*
"Isn't it a beautiful evening Annika?" Shivaay asked as he slowly grazed her arm and held it as they walked toward their cottage. The sky thundered a little making Annika tremble a little. When it started drizzling, she was about to rush in, but Shivaay tugged her hands. "You love rains, don't you? Don't tell me you used to, because I know you still do. Allow yourself Annika, please." His eyes pleaded along with his words, and she couldn't resist. She slowly looked up the sky and spread her arms. She let the rain wash her whole body and it was almost as if she was cleansing. Each drop made her feel nice, which she did feel after a long time. She inhaled the petrichor and she had to admit, she felt good. She looked at Shivaay who was smiling brightly at her.
*
"Are you going to come inside Gauri?" Omkara called impatiently as he watched on her dancing in the rain. NO! He DID NOT think she was beautiful. But he stood there watching her, ONLY because it was his responsibility. And whoever did not find this believable is specially asked by Omkara to go to hell.
But, wasn't the only man admiring her.
Mohit and Abhishek stood in a distance with lubricious eyes.
*
"Annika, I think we should go now. You will fall sick," Shivaay said, hoping she would listen. Honestly, he did not feel like ruining that moment. He saw how peaceful Annika stood in the rain and he knew he had never seen her like that. She had dropped her defenses down for some time and she seemed almost... human.
"Few more minutes please," She smiled when he nodded. That smile was enough for him to ignore the sourness building in his throat.
*
Annika wondered why she felt tremble in her sleep. She could feel something burning in her skin. She woke up slightly to see Shivaay beside her who was shivering in the air conditioner. She placed her palm on his forehead and was quite startled to feel the heat of it. She switched off the AC and placed some cool cloth on his forehead. She knew she was the reason behind his fever. She shouldn't have made him stand out in the rain. She didn't even have to try to make others' lives miserable, her mere presence was enough to ruin everything. She tucked Shivaay with all the extra blankets and hoped he felt cozy. She sat beside him as the clock ticked the night away.
Annika rushed to the door before another knock came by because she didn't want Shivaay to wake up. She opened the door to Rudra, who stood there all decked up.
"Bhabhi, you aren't ready yet?" He removed his shades as he asked.
"Actually, Shivaay is down with fever. I think you guys should carry on!" She stepped away from the door to let Rudra in. He came in to see Shivaay fast asleep. His temperature hadn't gone down at all. Rudra asked for Shivaay's back pack and fished out a box. Apparently, Shivaay carried a mini pharmacy, according to Rudra. Annika immediately took out the thermometer. They checked for his temperature, ensuring he didn't wake up.
"102? Rudy, we should take him to the doctor!" Annika said worriedly, to which Rudra chuckled.
"I hope he listens to you when you suggest that Bhabhi! Please let us know after he gets well. Until then, best of luck!" He grinned at her and left.
Annika wondered why she needed luck. Probably because Shivaay wasn't awake yet...
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