Anika was stroking her hand through his hair. He was asleep. He must have been tired. She was shaken by whatever had happened. His words did not leave her. That defeated look on his face. She remembered that day when Vishal had come up to her. 

She had been avoiding him ever since that hug. It was so awkward. How she wished Shivaay was here by her side right now. She'd tell him this and get it off her heart. She had written that letter last night, but wasn't sure about it. Would he be mad at her if he knew? This feeling was crazy. She hadn't been in a situation like this before. 

The knock at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. "Come in!" She said looking for the file Tanjua was coming to collect. She raised her gaze to find Vishal standing before her. Her heart sank. 

"Hi. Umm I wanted to talk to you."

"I am busy right now. Mail it to me whatever it is. " she said looking down at the file.

"Anika, it isn't about that. It's about what happened. I notice you've been avoiding me since then . the power just went out and I just came in to check on you as I was passing by. And the hug. Look..I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything. Its was just.."

"I am sorry for whatever happened. " Anika said looking down. Could he just go? He was making it more awkward.

"Look Anika I understand, I understand that you are my boss's wife and I respect that. But the awkwardness wouldn't work since we have to work together. It meant nothing to me nor to you, it was just a moment that shouldn't have happened. I am sorry. But please,  I don't want you to think anything about it or hold anything against me for it. I had no intention to make you uncomfortable in anyway."

Anika looked at him. It was not his fault. It was more hers. She was the one who was scared and had hugged him. Yet he was apologizing.

"I am sorry as well." She said softly. 

"Alright, so if this is settled and forgotten. Can we please be like normal boss-employee? "

Anika smiled nodding. 

Anika looked back at her husband's sleeping face. She loved him so much. The past few days had only strengthened her love and made her realise that no one could ever love her, care for her as much as he did. He was stupid to think his love wasn't strong. One idiot she had in her life as husband. But she couldn't be thankful enough for him.

She placed her head on the pillow steadily and putting out the lights, slept beside him. 

* * *

Next morning she woke up to an empty bed. She frowned. She looked up and stretching herself opened her eyes. Glancing around her eyes fell on him. He was looking at a few files on his table. She smiled. A minute later he turned and his gaze registered her looking at him. "Good morning!" He wished her. After last night it was awkward. He couldn't believe he had even thought of things in that way. In the heat of the moment he had simply not correctly weighed the words. Instead of being mad at her for not telling him about her accident and passing out, he was mad at her for not telling him about Vishal. He was such a jerk.

"Good morning!" She said getting out of bed and walking to the washroom. Once she was out she walked up to him and hugged him from behind as he stood at the entrance of the pool area looking into blank air.

"What are you thinking about?"

He held her hand and turned to her. Looking into her eyes he kissed her forehead. "I am sorry for yesterday!"

She stared at him. "Don't be. "

He traced her locks and tucked them behind her ear. "I shouldn't have behaved.."

"No." She interrupted looking at him intently as though trying to figure him out. 

He stared at her as silence was exchanged.

"You haven't told me anything about the past year in your life." She said quietly.

"There is nothing much to say!" He shrugged. "Anyways let's have breakfast you have to go to Viren uncle's place. I will drop you, if that's okay with you."

"Okay!" She said as they both walked out. Her head once again thoughtful. He had nothing to tell? Nothing. Why was he so unsure while asking to drop her?

Breakfast was silent, and the only talking that happened was Shivaay telling her about whatever conversation he had had with is mother while she was asleep. 

"Give me ten minutes. I will be ready. If you are getting late then..

" No. I can wait!" He interrupted.

She smiled. She liked it when he was so expressive and confident about being with her or waiting for her or any of the sort.

Once she was gone a small smile appeared on his face. The way she smiled with that blush.  His smile faded. Why was he growing insecure about them? 

* * *

"Thank you Shivaay. Have a nice day!"

He smiled. "You too."

They stared at each other. None moving. She wanted him to initiate. Like always. He seemed lost, despite the fact that he was looking into her eyes. 

She turned to the door and something didn't feel right. She turned back and leaned over his seat. Her hands on his shoulder pulling him closer for a hug. It came unexpected to him. But that was just what he needed at the moment. A warm reassuring hug from her. He immediately wrapped his hands around her upper back. She kissed his temple while hugging him. Her hands rubbing his back affectionately, warmly.

"Love you!" He muttered his eyes closed, kissing her hair. 

Her hold got tighter, "love you too."

The most beautiful part was there wasn't an "I " in both their phrases, there was just'love' and 'you'.

With that they promised themselves, that they wouldn't let the other loose. She promised herself to make him confident about his love for her. He promised himself to never let her feel left out, alone, to be there for her when she needed him.

Giving up was never an option.

-Anami