The next morning shivaay squirmed in sleep and squinted his eyes. He was an early riser after all. He slowly opened his eyes adjusting them to the sunlight that was peeping from the curtains. He felt something heavy on his shoulder and the sight warmed his heart. Annika was snuggled into him and their limbs were entangled. His arm was wrapped around her waist and was a bit numb but he didn't mind that at all. A small smile crept up his lips and the events from the last night started playing in his head.

Annika had taken a step forward and he was very happy about it. He had made it quite clear what he felt for her and Annika had accepted it. It was enough for him. He was relieved that she hadn't started ignoring him like a plague. Sensing some movement his gaze fell on her and he closed his eyes pretending to sleep.

Annika opened her eyes with great difficulty. She had slept surprisingly well the last night maybe it was because of the company she had. Her cheeks blushed a tint of red when her gaze fell on shivaay. Her hand was wrapped around his torso and her head was resting on his chest. Last night was beyond beautiful. She didn't remember last when she was so happy. Shivaay had indeed stayed true to his words. They had been married for four months but not once did he do anything against her wish. He respected her and cared for her immensely. The way he had conveyed his feelings to her last night had given her a ray of hope that maybe life wasn't even so bad after all.

Quickly getting up she went to get ready for the day. Shivaay felt the sudden loss of warmth and opened his eyes. A smile spread on his face.

After breakfast shivaay and Annika were on their way to Mount Abu. Annika was surprised because she loved trekking and she hadn't really told him about this. Maybe it was just a coincidence , she thought. The weather was cool and the sight of lush green trees passing by was extremely beautiful. Annika closed her eyes and let the feeling sink in. It was as if she was left free after a long time. The feeling made her ecstatic.

Annika's eyes widened when shivaay told her that they'll be staying at a camp. It reminded her of her college days when she used to go on camping trips with her friends. She loved them. Today with shivaay she felt like the same 22 year old Annika who was a happy ,chirpy and adventurous girl.

It was night by the time they settled in their tents and decide to go for the trek the next morning. Annika was roaming around with a smile etched on her face. The cold breeze was sending shivers down her body but she was too excited to pay attention to it. Suddenly she felt someone behind her, it was now that she realised that she had wandered away from the safe territory and was very close to the jungle. Her heart sank in fear ,her breaths deepened and she felt suffocated.

"Annika ?"

Her eyes widened on hearing the familiar voice and relief washed over her. She felt her legs giving up and she was about to fall when a steady pair of hands held her gently. She saw his face and she knew what was coming up.

Shivaay's jaw was clenched and for the first time she saw him so angry. His jaw tightened with each passing second and he helped her stand on the ground. Annika could see how worried he was and she felt extremely angry on herself too. His shirt was crushed, his hair disheveled and his face was covered with sweat beads.

Shivaay took deep breaths to calm himself to avoid shouting at her.

"What are you doing here Annika? Do you even know how dangerous is this place to wander alone at night? Anything could have happened ! Do you even know how worried I was ?" Shivaay asked her ,his tone increasing
With each sentence

"I..I..am sorry shivaay. I was taking a stroll and I didn't even realise when I reached here. I'm sorry " Annika spoke in a choked voice. She was even scared to think of the consequences if shivaay hadn't reached here on time.

Annika stood there with her gaze fixed on the ground and the next moment she felt his arms around her. Her hands automatically wound around his shoulders and she buried her face in his chest. Shivaay buried his face in the crook of her neck and inhaled her fragrance to calm down his racing heart. Parting from the hug he held her hand and walked towards the camp. He was still upset with her and Annika knew it. They had their dinner in silence. None spoke a word.

It was finally time to go to bed and shivaay wasn't still talking to her. Annika's heart was growing heavier with each passing moment and she finally decided to make him talk .

"Shivaay" she tapped on his shoulder.

He opened his eyes and saw her doe eyes fixed on him.
When He continued staring at her she took it as a cue to speak further.

"Shivaay I know it was my mistake and I should've been more careful. I'm ready for whatever punishment you want to give me but please talk to me.  I cannot live with your silence. Please shivaay "

He could see her eyes glistening with tears. He sat up and scooted closer to her.

Taking her hands in his warm ones he began " Annika I'm upset at you and I won't deny that but today when I couldn't find you I felt devastated. Those few minutes were the worst for me annika. I cannot afford to lose you ever. I would die that very moment if I lost you. I was too disturbed to process anything and I still am."

"I'm sorry shivaay" Annika hugged him tightly and warm tears trickled down her cheeks. Shivaay hugged her petite frame and caressed her back gently.

Parting from the hug shivaay cupped her face and kissed her forehead.

"Now sleep like a good girl we have to wake up early tomorrow morning for the trek"

Annika nodded and lied down beside him. Shivaay scooted closer and looked at her as if to gain her permission to which she smiled and took her in his arms and dozed off.

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