At the dinner table Anika finally began speaking as casually as possible. "Umm..Mumma, what are your plans for tomorrow?"

"Plans. " Pinky gave a humorless laugh. "Maybe Shakti Ji will take me to his friend's resort again like last time where I 'd be expected to kill mosquitoes."

"Oh come on Pinky it was just that one last time. Otherwise you've always loved wherever I take you."

"Whatever. This time I m not coming."

"I never said. I was taking you anywhere." Shakti tried not to laugh.

"See.."

"OK OK, " Anika intervened. "So, umm, actually, ahh, Maa-Paa were wondering if you'd both come over tomorrow for - lunch and then maybe we could go out in the evening?" Anika looked hesitant.

Pinky eyed her.

"Sure. That's a nice idea. " Shakti put forth his opinion.

"But - dad. It's your special day. I think you both must visit the Silver Wood Resorts. They are amazing. It's run by the Winger Family. I have heard it's beautiful." Shivaay said taking a mouthful of the fried rice.

Anika made a small crestfallen face. 

Shakti and Pinky at once noted, how Anika's face grew small and Shivaay didn't seem to take note.

"We will visit the Silver Wood some other time. It's been a while we've been to Trivedi's Home. Anyway I couldn't talk to them properly today." Pinky covered quickly looking at Anika with a bright smile.

"Mom- it's okay. We can go home next time. You can visit the Resorts." She said softly looking down. Their plan was actually working right on the path so far.

"O come on Anika. " Shakti got Pinky's hint.

"Shivaay we will visit Anika's home tomorrow. Pinky make sure you tell them personally we will be there. " Shakti said with an air of finality. Anika smiled brightly. While Shivaay gave a sort of dejected look as per plan. Not bad at all!

* * *

That night when Shivaay came back after his conference call he looked for Anika. Shivaay had decided to associate with a few foreign architects for their next project. Also, the hotel they had taken over in California was doing amazing well and he made it a point to keep everything in control. So every night he would spend some time after dinner at those things.

She had changed into a simple pinkish sleeveless kurti and pajamas. She sat by the pool her feet in the water. She was drawing patterns on the surface and occasionally looking up at the sky. He stared at her as he loosened the buttons of his shirt and rolled up the sleeves. What a beautiful sight it was! To come back at night to your wife instead of an empty studio apartment. Only God knew, how he had missed her! 

He walked up to her and sat beside her after rolling up his pants.

"Hey!" He said softly.

She smiled lightly growing conscious and sitting up straight. The day had been beautiful. For a day she had given up on her anger. But as much as she tried to bury it, as soon as she saw him she was reminded of it. But she was tired of waiting for him to understand what went wrong. He'd probably never understand. She'd probably never be able to tell him in words. Maybe she should try forgetting it and move on. Easier said than done.

"I told you it would work. "

She blinked and then comprehending what he meant nodded. "Of course my act was so convincing."

"Please. It was over at few points" he said tapping his fingertips on the surface of water. 

"Huh, Never mind Shivaay!" She said in her usual tone which seemed so alien to herself. He chuckled in response.

"So for tomorrow everything in place?"

"Yes. I've given time to everyone at office. I told Maa-Paa also, they are calling over the neighbors. So lunch will go long enough. In the meanwhile you have to take care of everything here. "

"Sounds good. Oh yes, the gift." He said turning to her excitedly.

"Yes. " she turned at him excitedly. "I've bought an evening gown for Mom, its a custom made one. And Dad a navy blue three piece matching mom's gown. But- I m sure they won't wear it tomorrow for lunch. " she made a face saying it all quickly.

"That is excellent . Leave them in our room. I will arrange for the necessary things. They can always come home and change for the party after they know it's there!" He winked.

She smiled. He looked so adorable.

"Perfect."

"Wait. There is something I plan to gift them from  'our' side. "

"What?" She asked.

"A couple tour to Europe!" He said excitedly.

Her jaw dropped with surprise. "Europe Tour?" Did she hear him right? That would be so expensive. But hey he was earning in dollars know so no room for surprise in there.

"Yes. "

"Mom would go crazy!" 

He laughed. "I know. Its been her dream!"

Anika gave the proudest smile. If she ever had a son, she would want one just like him. Well, she was likely to get one like him, wasn't she? He would be the dad after all ! A stupid smile made it up to her face. 

"What?" He asked curiously.

"You are the best son you know!"

"Hmm.. I got the best parents!" He smiled a minute the added-

"As a matter of fact, I always get the best people. From in-laws to parents, to employees, to drivers, to interior designers, to---" 

Anika lost her patience. "Good night!" She said quickly making a beeline to the room. 

"Hey listen. And The best wife!" He laughed.

Anika shook her head smiling. Soon inside her smile slowly disappeared. Too much of this tag. She wanted to be the worse wife, show tantrums and tell her husband she hated what he did. She wanted to show him what a hell she could be. But she couldn't-- she was the best wife ever. As he said it!

As soon as she had left his expression grew serious. Were they heading the right way? The way everything was happening ever since he came left him no time to think. A lone tear escaped his eye remembering her words from last night. He couldn't wipe away the memory or pain of last night. But this day had surprisingly been a balm to the wound.After some time when he came to the room he found her sleeping already. He pulled the duvet over her leaving a light chaste kiss on her forehead. 

* * *

The next morning was indeed beautiful. Anika was sleepy and wanted to sleep some more. She moved closer to him wrapping her arms around his frame. Placing her head over his chest she rubbed her cheek slightly against his chest and slept again. He smiled at his wife's cute antics. Pulling her closer he cuddled and decided he could snooze for a little while as well. At least in her unconscious self she was the old Anika. 

* * *

Anika looked up as he walked up to the dinning area. "Good morning!" He wished not anybody in particular. He kissed his mom on the forehead wishing her, as she sat. He passed from behind her and his hand trailed on her back. His manner was as cool and casual as almost he was doing nothing. She was left unable to move and her eyes followed him as he wished his dad. When he walked to the chair his eyes met her. She immediately looked away. What an embarrassing morning it had been! Of course she should have known he wouldn't have left the chance to tease her.

It had happened in course of minutes but seemed an entire century. Anika was happily having a shower in the new bathroom. The bathroom was huge - with a glass walled shower area and a bath tub adjacent. The sink was huge and the mirror ran the length of the wall. Anika had hurriedly entered, turned the lock quickly to get done with her chores before he woke up. Luckily enough this time she was on top of him and not him on her, so it was easy to slip out of bed.

She fancied having a bath in that tub, but saved it for some other day. Today there was too much work. She had slipped into the shower area feeling unnecessary to shut the sliding glass door. She was busily massaging her shampooed hair when the sound of something git her attention. She remembered locking the door of the washroom. She looked up, the ceiling wasn't cracking either. Maybe she was just thinking too much. She got back to the foam on her head when she was sure she saw a figure on the other side of the white plastic curtains. Before she could react the figure grew huger. Her eyes grew wide and she yelped, holding the curtain and peeping.

"Anika!" He screamed taken aback.

"What are you doing here! You scared me!" She said panicking, her heart ramming madly against her ribs.

"I scared you? You scared me!" He rubbed his forehead inhaling a deep breath.

"Really?" She snapped back sarcastically.

"Just to tell you know, the door has a lock." He said pointing to the door though his gaze remained fixed on her bare shoulders, soapy hair and her flushed face. Just- one-two-three-four strides away!

"And to tell you I locked it!"

"Yea right. I broke into the washroom." He gave back.

"Maybe you did. Well technically that's the only possibility. I don't see another door."

He folded his hands. Quite enjoying this conversation with his most probably naked wife on the other end of the translucent curtain. "Why in the world would I break into the washroom of my own bedroom?"

"That's for you to know. " she almost yelled.

"Why are you yelling? "

"I locked it.

" it was open. I have no heart to break locks early in the morning. "

"Ahh..its not early. "

"For me it is!"

"Can you please get out. " she couldn't stand his eyes trying to look at more than that was available to his view. Such a - - whatever!

"What if I say no!"

"That's not an option. You can't walk in like this."

"I haven't still walked in Anika!" He said taking a step closer. Oh he was so enjoying working her up. She looked so cute with that reddening face and shampoo all over her head. She had clearly forgotten about the foam of shampoo.

"Shivaay!" Her voice screeched. She held on to the curtain tighter. It wasn't like they had not showered together before. But, she had clearly become alien to intimacy. Not that she did not want it. But she wasn't ready yet. She had not even waxed her legs. Not that he would mind, but she did. She mentally smacked herself for drawing out reasons why this couldn't be a possibility. She simply couldn't give in to her desires. No she was going to settle for physical intimacy when she was emotionally unsure. But resisting the temptation was like resisting a storm.

"What?" He yelled back. This was getting interesting. He wondered how would this end. 

"Please."

"Please what?" He chuckled despite trying hard not to. 

Her embarrassment only grew. Dirty minded man! If she understood what it meant well then she wasn't different either. But anyway he was to blame, he taught her all of it! She hadn't realised she was blushing until he told her she was. She gaped at him.

"Shivaay get out or I will.."

"You will what?"

"I'll.."

"You will?" He said folding his hands. 

"Please. " she said in a small voice. She couldn't find her mind working to threaten him. It was in a whirlwind of it's own. To add, he was looking so handsome in that vest and totally ready to ravish. Kill her stupid hormones!

He stepped closer and she froze widening her eyes. They were barely inches apart, with the curtain of course in between them. 

"Okay!" He whispered, blowing a kiss to her. 

She heard the door shut and inhaled deeply standing against the glass wall of the shower enclosure. Hot man with a dirty mind and the sweetest heart! She smiled blushing. Shoot! The shampoo was in her hair all the while. 

-Anami!