It was undoubtedly the worst day of Annika's life. Nothing went even close to right, and now she couldn't fight anymore. Her migraine was killing her, and this was all the pressure she could take. She remembered Mr. Khuranna's words the previous week, "Women don't deserve to lead beta, for they always prioritize their personal life!"
She did exactly what he said. She chose to let go of the most happening deal in her company because of her wedding. But how was she supposed to choose! She was already guilty that she wasn't very attentive to Shivaay. He made so much efforts and she did none. She realized she failed. She failed as a fiancée; she failed as a boss. Her eyes were now full of her agony, tears spilled out. She stood up and was horrified to see stains on Shivaay's white couch. She felt the door creak, she turned to see Shivaay looking at her butt. Her cream colored pants were clearly soiled. Embarrassment filled her up slowly. Shivaay's expression changed when he saw her wet cheeks.

"Honey, eat first okay. I'll arrange you clothes and other necessities. I'll send someone to clean up first." Shivaay said softly.

"I'll clean it myself Shivaay," Annika said in a low tone. Understanding her plight, Shivaay nodded. He closed the door and proceeded to Priyanka. He couldn't ask anything to anyone else after all.

After a few attempts, Annika successfully removed the red stain. It was thankfully white again. She gorged in all the food, gosh she had forgotten how hungry she was the whole day. She sniffed her tears in between. Self-doubt is the worst demon one could have. Sometimes, it is just asleep in some people and when the sorts like Mr. Khurrana question you and when things go terribly wrong, the demon is awake. This was how Annika felt; full of doubt. Even the strongest of people had their weak days, after all.

"Annika?" Shivaay saw Annika quickly wipe off her tears. He did not hesitate, he immediately went and held her tight. She didn't break down as both expected she would, she somehow drew strength in his arms. "Let's go to the guestroom next door. You change first, we'll talk after that okay?" He handed her a bag and lead her.

"The designs you'd sent for the stage were beautiful Omkara Ji. I think they would go well with the theme!" Gauri's praise made Omkara blush.

"I felt you would appreciate it!" Omkara replied, which somehow sounded cocky to his own ears. He was thankful that Gauri didn't pay a heed to his tone, and she continued to talk worriedly,

"We have so much to do, I am not sure whether I'd be able to all of it alone!" She looked at him, hoping he would say what she wanted to hear. Omkara blankly stood there. Gauri mentally smacked herself, why did she think it was a good idea! When she turned, she heard him say,

"I'll help you. But only if you agree to my proposal, terms and conditions applied!"

Rudra had made extra efforts to avoid Bhavya, and his behavior was irking her. She knew she had offended him, but she was confused how to apologize to him. But ever since she stepped inside, Rudra refused to even step in her vicinity. She tried initiating a conversation, hoping they would go back to their own bickering self. She realized she enjoyed it while it lasted. His apathy now was low key killing her. "Bhavya!" She rushed to Dadi, and saw Rudra standing next to her with a frown. "Bhavya puttar, help Rudra in taking all the flowers to Pandit ji!" Rudra, without any word, cued her to follow him and left.

Annika decided not to ponder about how Shivaay knew about her underwear's size and how the hell he arranged all this in such a short notice. She took a warm shower, making sure she didn't wet her hair which would worsen her headache. She changed into the black flowy dress he got her, and that was comfort made into a dress. She was sure she would sleep well in it. She tried to shove away the sinking feeling that had settled in her gut, maybe that was the feeling they meant when they said 'gut wrenching'. She plastered a smile on her face, and walked out.

"Annika, come sit!" Shivaay took her to the couch. "I have spoken to our airlines. You'd be able to leave to Hamburg on the 29th. Vijay papa said he'll arrange for someone to clean your house there and book some temporary housekeeping!" Annika looked at him with her mouth agape. How the hell did he know!

"Shivaay, I appreciate all that. But I don't think it's fair if I start working the right after our special day." Shivaay pursed his lips, his woman was impossible. "Okay, now tell me one thing, if I were the one who had an important deal, would you keep me home?" Both knew what Annika's answer would be. She looked down, "Annika listen, I spoke to the whole family and they felt this was the right thing to do. Mom suggested me to accompany you, but..." Annika looked surprised,

"You aren't coming?"

Shivaay chuckled, "Honey, I think we should take off to a foreign land for some romance only if the two of us are relaxed and are ready to be exclusively for each other!" He winked and needless to say, Annika blushed a little.

Gauri tried not to let out a giggle that was hardly kept hold at her throat. With a grave expression, Omkara had told Gauri that she must accompany him to the taste tests, because Annika had demanded a lot of deserts, much to Omkara's dismay. Gauri nodded her head and Om threw a million dollar smile that sent her heart off to the north pole. "It's surprising how our strengths and weaknesses complement each other's!" Omkara walked off leaving behind a Gauri who smiled a little. She wondered after everything that happened, how was she able to be comfortable with Omkara at such short notice.

Shivaay tucked Annika to sleep and came down. The pooja had begun and he silently sat with Omkara. He noticed his brother stealing glances, and both Gauri and Om seemed surprisingly happy. He breathed in, he knew Om would never hurt Gauri. He turned to see Bhavya who was throwing glares at Rudra, who paid no heed to her. He seemed completely unfazed. Shivaay did not fail to notice how Rudra was efficiently doing all the works that was given to him. Though he did not still see why Annika crazily shipped these two, he was glad Bhavya had a positive effect on him.

"Shivaay..." Annika's voice croaked as she came downstairs. The light was too bright for her that she felt blinded with it, and her head throbbed a little. She managed to see everyone seated on the couch and were laughing about something. That was the reason Annika came down. She felt someone grab her wrist and she knew she was safe now. She sat down where Shivaay made her to.

"Offo Annika, you only slept for two hours! Why did you wakes up?" Pinky shook her head. She realized she now had to take care of both her workaholic kids to make sure they were well fed and well slept. Not that she was complaining, for that was the only thing everyone around her thought she was satisfactory in doing.

"Pinky ma, I heard all of you laughing. I didn't want to miss out!" Annika turned away unable to tolerate the LEDs. Om silently dimmed all the lights, earning an appreciative nod from Gauri. That was much greater than any other laurel!

Shivaay took a cloth that was next to him and blindfolded Annika. Rudra whispered something to Om, and Gauri who was next to him also heard it. They guffawed and Bhavya curiously asked what it was. Rudra shrugged, "I said it right? It's probably just lame and insignificant! Why bother?" Om and Gauri exchanged glances,

what the hell was with these two?