Shivaay watched Annika turn back to wave a goodbye before she went inside to the first class lounge. She was to board in some time. He sighed heavily and turned to leave. He stood outside the airport and watched her flight leave. He had to wait for another eleven hours to hear her voice. He mentally noted not to disturb her too much.

"I woke up early because of you Bhavya!" Rudra yawned. It was around 5:30 am and they were walking while holding hands.
"I have to be early and you didn't want to meet at night!" Bhavya chided. She woke up early for him too!
"People get suspicious if I'm late everyday. And I wanted this in the morning!" He winked at her and she just shook her head. They walked in together and Rudra turned to lock the door.

Vilashi hadn't seen her daughter as miserable as she was now, even when Abhishek ended. She almost looked lifeless. She was a little sure that even Omkara would be desolate. Maybe, she had to do something...

People at the Oberoi office were surprised to see their Boss storm into the office on the second day of his marriage. However, being the workaholic that he was, the surprise was rather subdued. Few even pitied his wife, unaware that it was her absence that resulted in a foul mood. Talk about dependency, because five hours of not talking to Annika brought out a desperate side of him out. He also did some back work for her meeting for the next day without her knowledge, because if it ended well sooner only meant she would be back. The two of them had a few more rituals to perform, which was on hiatus until she returned. Shivaay took a minute and realized the effect Annika had on him. He smiled a little and looked on the picture of her he had on his table. He had sneaked it from her cabin before their first date. Their first date brought back so many memories. They had come a long way from then, yet they had a longer way to go. He took out some files and resumed with his work, in a much better mood. Only Annika could do that, even if she wasn't there...

"Accha Puttar, we'll all be there then. Okay!" Kalyani cut the call with a smile on her face. She was happy that her Zulfi grandson would meet the reason behind his happiness soon, who would take all his woes away.

Annika- Reached Shivaay! I'll call
               you when I activate my
               sim.

Shivaay- Call soon!

Annika dialed as soon as she got her old sim activated. She sat on the balcony and gazed at the streets. So much had changed in those few years. Though she had shifted back to Mumbai, that place felt like home. That's the thing about places, you leave a part of yourself and take a part of it with you when you move out. Those were the days of her life. She straightened up when she heard Shivaay say hello.

"Annika, when are you coming back?"

She giggled and replied, "In 84 hours Billu Ji!" She heard him sigh and she was sure he sat down at that time. He was probably loosening his tie, which she knew, he hated to wear.

"Did you eat anything? Are you planning to work right away? Honey, please tell me you are planning to sleep!" Shivaay spoke in one breathe.

"Jeez yes, I'll eat and sleep well. And I expect the same from you! I heard you didn't eat your lunch..."

"Gosh, how did you get the message all the way there woman?" He was definitely shocked.

"I have spies on you Mr. Oberoi!" She grinned. She had received Pinky's text when she landed, but of course, Shivaay didn't have to know that. "It's late afternoon here Shivaay. I'd probably work for sometime. I hope you are planning to sleep early!''

Shivaay hummed in response as he entered their room. He looked around and realized he had some work to do. "I need to go now Annika! I'll talk to you later." He cut the call before she could respond.

Annika, utterly disappointed, went back in. She was about to call up and order for food when the door buzzed. She saw in the security TV and was delighted to see what she wanted. The delivery boy gave her a bag of food and a bouquet. It had a note that read:

'Eat well, love.
You'll fall sick if you eat anything else.

-Your Billu Ji'

She scrunched her nose reading the last line. She opened to see two boxes of salad and some chocolate milkshake. She took it in and was grateful to see the salad had some cold pasta. And Shivaay knew one box wouldn't be enough for her! She wore a broad smile the rest of the evening.

Shivaay- Ate?

Annika- Go sleep😑  I did eat well!

Shivaay- Free to talk?

Annika- Sleep Mr. Oberoi!

Shivaay- Just a few minutes?

Annika- I said SLEEP!

Shivaay threw his phone on the bed and scowled. He should have just called her instead. But he realized she might be tired and he retired to bed.

"When are we meeting tomorrow Bhavya?" Rudra asked lazily. Ever since the party, Bhavya and his relationship changed drastically. His mind drifted off to that night. That was the best night of his life and he hoped it was for her too.
"Have work Rudy! I'm only free in the lunch break. And that too, only half hour!" Bhavya sighed.
"We can do so many things in that half hour." He said playfully.

Annika's morning was made with Shivaay's prep talk. She was having a productive day as the meeting went well. Natasha had sent her few files that helped her quite, though Annika had high doubts on who drafted it. She knew if Natasha had the expertise, she'd be running the company instead. Something seemed off, but she wasn't complaining. As the evening set in that day, she left the office. She figured she'd be out before, as things slowly seemed to go her way. Though she had to give in to a few of their demands, but that was how deals were made right? The elevator opened with a ding, and Annika couldn't believe her eyes. Two people were intensely making out. Her eyes widened and her presence made them part ways. The couple ran off from her embarrassed, but she was sure someone was getting laid in a few. She grinned her way back.

Annika- Shivaaaaaayyyyyyyyy

Shivaay- Something wrong?

Annika rolled her eyes. Her husband needed to know that she had the rights to text and spam him pointlessly.

Annika- Nahii Billu Ji! I just saw
              this couple kiss🙈

Shivaay- Okay😶 I'm in a meeting.

Annika grinned devilishly. Well, since she was away, he'll have to yearn for her presence. After all, she was the wife!

Annika- They are probably doing it
               somewhere now! GOSH, I
               wish you were here🙄🙈

Shivaay tried to conceal his expression. Why did Annika have to put images in his head!

Shivaay- Damn you woman!😑

Annika- What did I do😲 But I
               can't get that kiss out of
               my head! That defined
              'passionate'💁

Shivaay- Wait till you get here!

Annika- Oooo, sounds promising😜

Shivaay read the message twice. Who was she and what happened to his wife? He grinned though. He liked her this way. He realized where he was only after he heard Tej clear his throat. Shivaay sheepishly listened to the rest of the meeting. 

Omkara looked up the balcony. Even the sky seemed empty without her. His mind drifted back to the party, everything was perfect back then. But now, he knew she regretted him. Why did he ruin everything between them? Why did he lose his chance with the lady he loves? 

Bhavya parked her car and got down. The sky was surprisingly dull, but everything around seemed brighter for her. She resembled the moon on a rather dark night, courtesy someone who was probably becoming more special every passing day.

Video call- Annika

Shivaay wondered what took her long to pick his call. He was sitting by the poolside on his recliner. He looked up at the starless sky, even the sky seemed to miss her. She finally picked up his call. She was wearing a black negligee, and every cell of his rose in excitement. She seemed a little dazed and he realized he was shirtless. A smirk formed on his face. Well, Shivaay Singh Oberoi never needed to even try to be a tease.

Well, few chapters from now would have mature content.

Readers discretion is advised. I'll definitely put out a warning.