Shivika SS : The Ties that Bind

Part 6

 Shivaay sat in his room, unable to concentrate. She did say Wednesday MORNING right? Well it's almost 11. It'll be afternoon soon. He ordered Khanna to keep an eye out for Ms. Annika. The man gave him a knowing look (wonder what that was about) and promised to make sure she was safe.

Then he felt her presence. He didn't understand it. His heart picked up and there was an urge to get up and go to the window facing the entrance to their building. He watched the dozen people entering and spotted her, in a black shawl covering her head. She was looking over her shoulder, as though avoiding someone, or worrying about being followed. He looked all around for anyone, but no one was paying any particular attention to her. Then Khanna came up to her, and she smiled gratefully at the burly man. She unwrapped her shawl and shook her long hair free, and he admired her from afar. His heart beat faster at the sight of her and he became impatient to know why.

She stood the door as he opened it, both looking at each other with a surprised look.

" Hi.." she whispered.

"Hi .." he smiled back.

She was ushered in and seated, two steaming Americanos, arriving promptly.

"Were you worried about something?" he asked abruptly, watching her eyes widen and knot in confusion. "No, you looked like you were anxious when you arrived, is something the matter?"

She looked at him silently. Yes, Shivaay. I am scared. Veer's men are looking for me, and my only safe place is with you. They are probably watching you. I need you my love.

He snapped his fingers to snap her out of her silent staring daze. She smiled distractedly and he let the topic go. She was nervous, he wondered what he could do to ease it.

"Mr. Oberoi..."

"Shivaay...please.." and she fell silent.

"So, how are the kids doing?" he asked and she looked startled.

"Huh?" she said , one hand absently on her abdomen.

He laughed softly. "You are so nervous about something, will you just spit it out already?"

"I can't. You won't understand."

"Why wouldn't I? Just say it."

She got up abruptly and walked to the window. He followed her silently and bumped into her as she turned back. The ease with which he caught her to him in a split second, was as fast her winding her arms around him. He hugged her to himself in a split second, unthinkingly.

She snuggled in his arms and hugged him back tightly. Poor thing, she's really frightened. Is someone stalking her again?

Again?

She froze and awkwardly moved out of his arms with an apology. He felt the loss of warmth and quite frankly the sense of dejavu was to strong. There's no making sense of this, of her, he's just going to play it by ear.

"Look, sit down. You're really need to relax. There's security guards here, and nothing to be afraid of. But can you tell me who is following you? And Why? Should I make a police report for you?" he asked to no response. She looked ready to leave again, and he had to stop her.

"Okay, okay, shall we go through the ledgers then?" he found their middle ground and she nodded. Going over the books, a calm came over her.

"You're really weak with numbers," he admonished pleasantly, "Really how is it that you aren't swindled all the time?". Her eyes narrowed and an indignant pout appeared, it was the cutest thing he'd ever seen.