The next morning, Annika woke up gradually, her senses slowly adjusting to the unfamiliar surroundings. As her eyes fluttered open, she took in the room and realized she was at Shivaay's home. The events of the previous night came rushing back, and a wave of mixed emotions washed over her. She sat up in bed, glancing around the room.

Just then, she heard a gentle knock on the door. "Come in," she called out, her voice still a bit groggy.

The door opened to reveal Shivaay standing there, holding a tray with breakfast. He was dressed in his formals—wearing a crisp dark blue shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, paired with black pants.

"Good morning, Annika," Shivaay greeted her with a warm smile, stepping inside and closing the door behind him.

"Good morning," Annika replied, her voice tinged with both surprise and gratitude. "I realized I'm at your place. I didn't mean to—"

Shivaay quickly interrupted her, shaking his head gently. "It's alright, Annika. You were upset last night, and I didn't want to leave you alone. I wanted to make sure you were safe and comfortable."

Annika's eyes softened as she looked at him, her heart swelling with appreciation. "Thank you, Shivaay. I really appreciate it."

He set the tray down on the bedside table and took a seat on the edge of the bed, his eyes filled with concern and affection. "I brought you some breakfast. I hope you like it."

Annika glanced at the tray, which was laden with a variety of her favorite breakfast items—fresh fruit, toast, scrambled eggs, and a steaming cup of coffee. "This looks wonderful," she said, managing a small smile.

"You go and freshen up till then I will set a plate for you, and there is a new toothbrush in the washroom" Shivaay said to her softly. Nodding her head she heads towards the washroom.

Once she came out Shivaay handed her a plate and they began to eat in a comfortable silence. After a few moments, he spoke again, his voice gentle and reassuring. "Annika, I meant what I said last night. I'm with you, no matter what. You don't have to go through anything alone."

Her eyes welled up with tears, but this time they were tears of gratitude and relief. She reached out and squeezed his hand. "Thank you, Shivaay. That means more to me than you know."

After finishing their breakfast together, Shivaay asked gently, "So, when are you leaving for Delhi?"

Annika paused for a moment, a mix of emotions crossing her face. "Tonight," she replied quietly.

Shivaay nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Are you... okay?" he asked hesitantly, knowing the weight of the situation she was facing.

Annika took a deep breath, steeling herself. "I have to face it, Shivaay. It's not going to be easy, but I can't avoid it either."

He reached out, squeezing her hand in a reassuring gesture. "You're strong, Annika. Plus I am coming with you, I will ask Khanna to prepare the private jet."

Annika looked at Shivaay, her eyes widening slightly with surprise and gratitude at his offer. She squeezed his hand back, feeling a surge of warmth and support from his words.

"You don't have to do that, Shivaay," she said softly, touched by his gesture.

He shook his head firmly, his expression determined. "I want to be there for you, Annika. This is important, and I want you to know that you're not alone in this."

Her heart swelled with emotion, overwhelmed by his unwavering support. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice filled with sincerity.

Shivaay nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Let me take care of the arrangements. We'll leave this evening."

With a newfound sense of reassurance and determination, Annika began to gather her things, knowing that facing the challenges ahead would be a little easier with Shivaay by her side.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As they settled into their seats on the private jet bound for Delhi, Shivaay turned to Annika with a serious expression. The hum of the engines filled the cabin, creating a cocoon of privacy around them.

"Annika, were there any cameras where it happened? Or anyone who might have seen what really happened?" Shivaay asked, his voice low yet intense with concern.

Annika took a deep breath, thinking back to the incident that had led to the false accusations against her. "There were no cameras," she replied, her tone tinged with frustration. "And it happened so suddenly, I don't think anyone saw the whole thing."

Shivaay nodded thoughtfully, his brow furrowed. "Do you remember anything that could help prove your innocence? Any details at all?"

She closed her eyes briefly, trying to recall the events of that unsettling moment. "I... I remember feeling scared," she admitted quietly. "He was aggressive, Shivaay. I had to defend myself."

He reached out, taking her hand in his once more, his touch grounding and reassuring. "You did what you had to do, Annika. We'll figure this out together."

Annika just gave him a small smile.

Once they land in Delhi, they make their way to Oberoi Hotel. Soon they settled in their suite.

"Okay, Annika, why don't you take a rest for a bit? Then we need to go somewhere," Shivaay said gently.

Annika nodded gratefully, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling in after the emotional journey and the travel.

He guided her towards the plush armchair by the window, helping her settle down comfortably. "I'll be right here," he assured her, his hand resting reassuringly on her shoulder.

As Annika closed her eyes, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. The events of the day had been draining, but knowing that Shivaay was there, ready to support her in the next steps, brought her a measure of comfort.

After a while, she stirred awake, feeling more refreshed. Shivaay was nearby, looking over some documents with a focused expression. She sat up slowly, gathering her resolve for whatever they needed to face next.

"Ready to go?" Shivaay asked gently, sensing her readiness.

Annika nodded, steeling herself for the challenges ahead. "Yes, let's go," she replied firmly, rising to her feet with determination.

With Shivaay leading the way, they left the comfort of their suite at the Oberoi Hotel, ready to confront the circumstances that awaited them in Delhi.

Shivaay and Annika arrived at a luxurious penthouse in Delhi, where they were to meet the person who had falsely accused Annika and attempted to assault her. The atmosphere was tense as they stepped into the opulent living room, adorned with expensive furnishings and art pieces.

"Oh, look who's back, Annika," Rishabh sneered, leaning casually against the door frame with a smirk playing on his lips.

Shivaay's demeanour hardened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he turned to face Rishabh. Annika stood beside him, her expression a mix of apprehension and defiance.

"Well who is he? Your lover or your cli—" before he could complete his sentence a punch landed on his face and he fell down on the floor. Annika gasped seeing the scene in front of her.

Grabbing Rishabh's collar, Shivaay's voice turned to ice. "Don't you dare complete that sentence," he warned. Rishabh, the defiance draining from his face, choked back the rest of his words under the intensity of Shivaay's glare.

"Shivaay leave him" Annika's voice, laced with both fear and a surprising edge of authority, cut through the tense atmosphere. Shivaay's grip on Rishabh's collar slackened slightly, but his eyes remained narrowed, anger simmering just beneath the surface.

Rishabh, seizing the opportunity, scrambled to his feet, a flicker of defiance returning to his eyes. "See, Shivaay? Even Annika-"

"Enough, Rishabh," Annika interrupted, her voice firm. "This isn't helping." She looked at Shivaay, pleading now. "Please, just let him go."

Shivaay's gaze remained fixed on Rishabh for a long moment, a silent battle raging within him. Apprehension flickered across his face - apprehension for Annika's safety, for the potential consequences of his actions. But it was quickly overshadowed by a renewed surge of protectiveness. He couldn't let someone disrespect her like that, not in front of him.

With a deep breath, he finally released Rishabh's collar. "Consider this a warning," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "If you ever speak to Annika like that again, you'll regret it."

Rishabh straightened his clothes, a mixture of fear and defiance lingering in his eyes. Composing his posture, he asked, "So, what exactly are you doing at my home?"

A smirk played on Shivaay's face, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "Let's just say," he drawled, leaning closer to Rishabh, "I'm here to make you an offer you can't refuse." The air crackled with unspoken threats, leaving Rishabh to wonder what kind of deal .

"First settle down," Shivaay said, his voice calmer but no less firm. He gestured for Rishabh to sit, and with a pointed look, Annika followed suit. Soon, the three of them found themselves facing each other, an uneasy truce settling over the room.

"So," Shivaay began, placing a file folder on the table with a thud, "as we all know why we're here, let's get down to business. According to your FIR, Rishabh, you claim Annika assaulted you?" He raised an eyebrow, his gaze unwavering as he looked directly at Rishabh.

Rishabh, stung by the skepticism in Shivaay's voice, bristled. "Well, yes," he retorted, pointing dramatically to his head. "You can see the bandage for yourself."

Shivaay leaned back in his chair, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "That does look bad," he conceded, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Look what are you trying to prove here?" Rishabh snapped, irritation lacing his voice.

"Easy there, Rishabh," Shivaay said, his tone sharp. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. As I was saying," he continued, gesturing towards the file, "this file contains something that's very important to you. Something that could potentially change the course of this little situation we find ourselves in."

Annika, who had been watching the interaction with growing curiosity, leaned forward slightly. She wasn't sure what Shivaay was planning, but a sliver of hope flickered within her.

Rishabh quickly opened the file and his eyes scanned the contents with a frantic urgency. As he read, the colour drained from his face, replaced by a sickly pallor. The smirk that had been playing on his lips moments ago vanished completely, replaced by a mask of stunned silence.

Annika, witnessing the sudden shift in Rishabh's demeanour, couldn't help but lean in further, her own curiosity burning brightly. What could possibly be in that file that had such a drastic effect on him? A silent tension filled the room, broken only by the rustle of papers and Rishabh's ragged breaths.

"Rishabh," Shivaay began, his voice deceptively calm. "This file paints a rather disturbing picture, wouldn't you say? It seems you have a lot to answer for, both to your company and to the women you've wronged." He tilted his head slightly, a predator assessing his prey. "Now, let's talk about that deal I mentioned."

A flicker of hope, faint and desperate, ignited in Rishabh's eyes. "A deal?" he croaked, his voice barely a whisper.

Shivaay remained impassive, his gaze unwavering. "Consider it a mutually beneficial arrangement," he said, his words measured. "The charges against Annika dissolve and dare you come in front of her.

Annika, her brow furrowed, sensed a deeper play at work. This wasn't just about clearing her name; Shivaay was maneuvering something bigger.

"And what exactly is the cost of this...understanding?" Rishabh asked, a hint of suspicion creeping into his voice.

Shivaay's smile was devoid of warmth. "The cost, Rishabh, is far less than the potential consequences of this file becoming public knowledge. It could lead to a very thorough investigation by your company's board, wouldn't you agree? And those sexual assault complaints...well, let's just say they could have a rather damning effect on your social standing and future prospects."

He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "Think carefully, Rishabh. This deal allows you to walk away with a bruised ego, but your reputation remains intact. Refuse, and the consequences could be far more devastating."

Shivaay's words were like a carefully placed chess move, calculating Rishabh's options and forcing him into a corner. He wasn't offering a simple solution; he was presenting a calculated risk assessment, leaving Rishabh with the unenviable task of choosing the lesser evil.

"Okay, fine," Rishabh gritted out, the defeat evident in his voice. "I'll withdraw the complaint. But I want that file."

A tense silence filled the room. Shivaay's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. He had him.

"Don't be hasty, Rishabh," he said, his voice smooth as silk. "There's no need for such desperation. The file is safe with me for now. Once the charges are officially dropped then we can discuss the matter of the file further."

Annika couldn't help but speak up. "Wait, what? You're giving him back the file after all this?"

Shivaay turned to her, his gaze softening slightly. "There's more to this than meets the eye, Annika. Trust me." He then refocused on Rishabh, his tone firm but laced with a hint of amusement.

"Consider it an incentive for good behaviour, Rishabh. Withdraw the charges, and then we'll talk about the file. It's a simple proposition, wouldn't you say?"

Shivaay wasn't just protecting Annika; he was playing a much bigger game. By keeping the file, he held leverage over Rishabh, ensuring he wouldn't cause any further trouble. The promise of getting it back was a carrot dangling just out of reach, keeping Rishabh compliant.

"Fine" Rishabh muttered and called his lawyer to withdraw the complaint. Within two hours, the wheels of justice (greased by Shivaay's influence, no doubt) turned swiftly. The charges against Annika were officially dropped. Relief washed over her, tinged with a simmering anger towards Rishabh's cruelty.

Across the table, Rishabh, a pale imitation of his former smug self, couldn't contain himself. "Finally! Now give me the file back!" he demanded, his voice trembling with a mix of desperation and entitlement.

Shivaay, however, remained unfazed. A slow, almost predatory smile played on his lips. "Well, on second thoughts, Rishabh..." he began, letting the silence hang heavy in the air.

Rishabh's heart hammered against his ribs. A pit of dread formed in his stomach. He knew he was in no position to bargain.

Just then, the door creaked open and Khanna entered the room, his usual stoicism replaced by a hint of amusement. But it was the figure following him that sent a jolt of terror through Rishabh. A police inspector, his expression grim, stood beside Khanna.

"Mr. Rishabh," the inspector addressed Rishabh, his voice booming in the tense silence, "we have a warrant to search your office and residence for evidence related to embezzlement and potential sexual assault charges against multiple employees."

Rishabh's face contorted in a mask of fury and fear. "Embezzlement? Sexual assault? This is all a lie! You can't do this!" His desperate pleas fell on deaf ears.

Shivaay leaned back in his chair, a flicker of satisfaction in his eyes. "Seems the truth has a way of coming out, wouldn't you agree, Rishabh?" he said, his voice dripping with icy sarcasm. "As for the file, well, let's just say it's become... evidence in the ongoing investigation."

Rishabh's bravado, despite its resurgence, lacked its former conviction. "You can't do this to me, Shivaay! We had a deal!" he sputtered, his voice cracking with a mixture of fear and fury. A desperate glint flickered in his eyes. "No worries, I'll just file the case against Annika again! I'll make sure these accusations stick this time!"

"Well in that case, Rishabh," Shivaay said, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. "Perhaps you need a little... entertainment." He strode towards Rishabh, his movements radiating a dangerous calm. "Khanna, bring my tablet."

Slamming the tablet on the table, Shivaay pressed play. A choked gasp escaped Rishabh's lips as the first tremors of a familiar video filled the room. The blood drained from his face, leaving him a sickly shade of green.

Annika, unable to contain her growing curiosity, edged closer to the screen. The image flickered to life, revealing a dimly lit room and... Annika herself, struggling against a pair of groping hands. A wave of nausea washed over her as the scene unfolded, a horrifying echo of that traumatic night.

Rishabh's voice, a desperate squeak, pierced the tense silence. "But... but there were no cameras in that corridor!" His bravado had completely evaporated, replaced by a pathetic whimper.

A slow, predatory smile spread across Shivaay's face. "Really, Rishabh?" he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Did you honestly think a five-star hotel wouldn't have security measures in place precisely to prevent incidents like yours? Especially in a secluded corridor?"

Rishabh's eyes darted around the room like a trapped animal searching for an escape. He knew he was cornered.

"Hidden cameras," Shivaay continued, leaning in closer, his voice a low rumble. "They're everywhere, Rishabh. Discreetly placed, watching over guests, ensuring their safety. And guess what? They caught your little performance perfectly."

Annika, still reeling from the revelation of the video, felt a surge of gratitude towards Shivaay. He had not only protected her but also exposed Rishabh's lie. However, the question that gnawed at her remained: how did Shivaay know about the cameras?

Rishabh, defeated and desperate, could only manage a weak, "I... I didn't know."

Shivaay straightened, his gaze cold and unforgiving. "Whether you knew or not is irrelevant. The point is, your actions are documented. Tampering with evidence, attempted assault... the charges against you are quite damning, wouldn't you agree?"

Rishabh's shoulders slumped in defeat. He had no defence left. The video, the hidden cameras, Shivaay's unwavering power... it all combined to crush him.

Rishabh's whimper died in his throat as Shivaay straightened, his voice hardening into steel. "And now, Rishabh," he said, each word a deliberate hammer blow, "withdrawing that assault charge might seem like a wise decision. However, let me assure you, it won't change your impending legal troubles."

A cruel smile played on Shivaay's lips. "In fact, trying to frame Annika will likely be viewed as witness tampering, adding another juicy charge to your already overflowing plate. Isn't that right, Khanna?"

Khanna, ever the silent enforcer, stepped forward, his presence a physical manifestation of Shivaay's power. A hint of grim satisfaction flickered in his eyes.

Rishabh's body trembled. He was trapped, cornered like a frightened animal.

"Those hidden cameras," Shivaay continued, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous purr, "captured not just your little assault attempt, but also your pathetic attempts at intimidation. Excellent footage for the prosecution, wouldn't you say?"

He leaned in closer, his breath hot on Rishabh's ear. "So, by all means, Rishabh, stay away from Annika. In fact, stay away from this entire city. Because if you even think about crossing my path again, the things you've seen today will be a walk in the park compared to what I have planned."

Rishabh could only manage a choked sob, his bravado completely shattered. He was a broken man, facing the consequences of his actions.

Shivaay turned to the police inspector, his voice regaining a semblance of civility. "Officer," he addressed him, "I believe Mr. Rishabh has had enough... enlightenment for one day. Please take him away."

The inspector, clearly impressed by the power dynamic at play, simply nodded. He gestured towards Rishabh, his voice devoid of warmth. "Come along, Mr. Rishabh. You have a lot to answer for."

Once Rishabh was out of sight, Shivaay went Annika's side, "Are you ok Annika!!"

Annika, shaken but trying to compose herself, looked up at Shivaay. "I-I'm fine," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly. "Thank you, Shivaay. For everything."

Shivaay's gaze softened as he saw the vulnerability in her eyes. He reached out a hand and gently brushed a stray strand of hair from her face. "You're safe now," he assured her, his voice low and calming.

"Come let's go" taking her hand they moved out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Annika was sitting on the armchair looking at the citylights and thinking about today's event meanwhile Shivaay has gone downstairs inspecting the hotel after making sure she was fine.

The knock on the door sent a jolt through Annika. Startled from her introspection, she hurried across the room and flung the door open to find a weary Shivaay standing there.

"Hey," he greeted her, his voice a low rumble that spoke volumes of his exhaustion. Even in the dim hotel hallway lighting, Annika could see the dark circles under his eyes and the way his shoulders slumped slightly.

He stepped inside the room, his movements sluggish. Without a word, he sank down onto the plush couch, leaning back and letting out a tired sigh. Annika watched him, a pang of sympathy twisting in her gut. The day's events had clearly taken their toll on him.

Without hesitation, she moved towards the minibar and retrieved a glass. Filling it with cool water, she returned to Shivaay and placed it on the coffee table beside him. His hand automatically reached for the glass, downing the entire contents in a single long gulp.

"Thanks," he rasped, his voice barely audible. His eyes fluttered closed for a moment, then he cracked them open and looked at her. "Are you feeling alright, Annika?"

Annika's voice held a tremor of lingering fear, but there was also a spark of curiosity. "I'm okay," she assured him, taking a seat on the armchair opposite the couch. "Just a bit overwhelmed by everything. But Shivaay," she leaned forward, her gaze intent, "how did you manage to get that evidence against Rishabh? It all happened so fast."

Relief washed over Shivaay's face, momentarily battling the exhaustion etched into his features. "Annika," he began, his voice rough around the edges but laced with a quiet satisfaction, "it wasn't a stroke of luck. It was a calculated risk."

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. The weight of the day pressed down on him, but his gaze remained steady as it met hers. "I had asked Khanna to dig into Rishabh's past. By morning, we had confirmation - embezzlement, sexual assaults... the man was a monster masquerading in a suit."

A flicker of anger, hot and fierce, danced in his eyes for a fleeting moment before being replaced by a steely resolve. "This could be our leverage, a way to corner him," he continued, his voice low and determined. "But without concrete proof, a video or a witness, it wouldn't hold up. Your name needed to be cleared, not just in the eyes of the law, but in the eyes of everyone."

Annika, still shaken but finding a flicker of strength in his presence, nodded slowly. The memory of her fear, of being trapped with no way to prove her innocence, sent a shiver down her spine.

"But ..." she started, her voice barely a whisper, "there weren't any cameras."

A wry smile tugged at the corner of Shivaay's lips. "That, my dear Annika," he admitted, a hint of amusement battling the exhaustion in his voice, "was a gamble I had to take."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You mentioned no security cameras, and most people wouldn't expect them in a luxury hotel. It's an assumption built on a sense of false security, a misplaced trust."

His gaze held hers, intense and unwavering. "But nowadays hotels prioritise safety above all else. Even the most secluded areas – corridors, elevators – are prime targets for those with malicious intent. So, as a failsafe, we have hidden cameras disguised as ordinary fixtures, blending seamlessly into the environment."

A wave of relief washed over Annika. It wasn't just the fact that there was proof of her innocence, but the lengths Shivaay had gone to, the calculated risks he had taken, all to ensure her safety.

"So, when you said there weren't any cameras," he continued, a hint of triumph creeping into his voice, "I knew it was a long shot, but I had to try. Khanna contacted the hotel authorities, and guess what? The main cameras were down for maintenance, ironically scheduled for installation the very next day."

He paused, a triumphant smile splitting his face. "But the hidden cameras? They were working perfectly. Khanna managed to secure the footage, and there it was – your innocence undeniably captured."

He leaned back, exhaustion finally claiming him as he let out a deep sigh. "It was a gamble, Annika. I knew if we didn't get the video, Rishabh wouldn't face legal repercussions. But letting him roam free? Never an option. The moment I knew my hunch was right, well, let's just say I showed him exactly where he stands."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, a silent testament to his unwavering determination to protect her. Annika couldn't help but feel a warmth bloom in her chest. Today's ordeal had been terrifying, but it had also revealed a depth of care she hadn't known existed.

Annika's eyes sparkled with a mix of awe and lingering fear. "That was so amazing," she breathed, the memory of Shivaay's calm demeanor in the face of Rishabh's threats still fresh. "I used to see plans like this unfold in movies, but to witness it in real life... the way you handled him, so calm, so composed, so calculative... I don't think I could have handled it nearly as well."

A tired chuckle escaped Shivaay's lips.He leaned back in the chair, the tension visibly easing from his shoulders. "Staying calm was the only way to outsmart him. Rishabh thrives on chaos, on seeing his victims crumble."

Annika shivered at the thought, the memory of Rishabh's menacing presence sending a fresh wave of fear down her spine. "But you... you were incredible," she insisted, her voice filled with awe. "The way you thought of everything, the hidden cameras – it was like something out of a spy novel!"

A gentle chuckle rumbled from Shivaay's chest. "Maybe," he conceded, "but the truth is, a lot of it comes down to experience and a healthy dose of paranoia in this business. You learn to anticipate the worst and plan accordingly."

He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against hers. "The real heroes, though," he continued, his gaze holding hers with a newfound intensity, "are Khanna and the network I rely on. They're the ones who gather the intel, take the risks behind the scenes, the unseen hands that make things happen."

Annika's admiration deepened. It wasn't just his resourcefulness that impressed her, but the way he acknowledged the contributions of others. "But you were the one who put it all together, Shivaay," she said softly. "The one who saw the bigger picture and protected me."

A warm silence descended upon them, the unspoken emotions swirling in the air.

"What happens now?" Annika finally asked, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty. "With Rishabh..."

Shivaay squeezed her hand gently. "The evidence will be handed over to the authorities," he explained, his voice firm. "He'll face the consequences of his actions."

He paused, his gaze softening. "But right now, you need to focus on healing, Annika. This whole ordeal has taken a toll on you."

Her breath hitched slightly. The physical and emotional strain of the day washed over her in waves. Relief mingled with a tremor of unease about the future. "I know," she sighed, leaning into his touch for a moment of comfort. "But I just wanted to say thank you, for everything."

Shivaay's eyes held hers, a silent promise flickering within their depths. "Always, Annika," he murmured, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. "Always."

The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, carrying a deeper meaning than just gratitude. A blush crept up Annika's cheeks as she realized the unspoken sentiment hanging between them. The ordeal had stripped away facades, revealing a vulnerability and strength in both of them.

A comfortable silence settled around them, punctuated only by the soft hum of the air conditioner. It wasn't an awkward silence, but one filled with a newfound understanding.

"You should sleep, Annika," Shivaay said softly, his voice laced with a hint of concern. "I'll be here."

Annika hesitated for a moment, her gaze flitting across his face. The exhaustion lines etched on his features seemed softer now, replaced by a quiet determination.

"Can you stay?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, a new kind of courage blooming within her.

A flicker of surprise crossed Shivaay's face, quickly replaced by a gentle smile. He nodded, a silent understanding passing between them.

He rose from the chair and walked towards the bedroom window, drawing the curtains shut. The glittering cityscape vanished, replaced by a warm glow emanating from the bedside lamp.

"Would you like me to get you anything?" he asked, turning back towards her.

Annika shook her head, her gaze tracing the outline of his broad frame against the soft light. "No, I'm fine," she murmured, a newfound sense of security washing over her. "Just... maybe stay for a while?"

He walked back to the chair, pulling it closer to the bed. The gesture was simple, yet spoke volumes. As he sat down, their shoulders brushed ever so slightly, sending a jolt of electricity through Annika.

Exhaustion finally hit her in full force. Her eyelids drooped, but a sense of safety and warmth enveloped her, knowing he was there.

"You should sleep, Annika," he repeated softly, his voice a soothing balm. "I'll be here."

With a small smile gracing her lips, Annika closed her eyes. But quickly opened her eyes and hold his hand and says,

Thank you Saviour Singh Oberoi!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THAT'S IT FROM MY SIDE TILL THEN GOOD BYE

AND THINK WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT

WITH LOVE 

DIA :)