Dearest Readers,

Thank you for all your concern and lovely messages and kind wishes...I love you all. 🤧❤️

Im overwhelmed.

Apologies for not being able to update for last two weeks. I was caught up with work and personal commitments and then I was unwell thanks to Namma Bengaluru's unpredictable weather. Still recovering but I managed to pen a chapter.

Hope you like it.

I'll try updating frequently now if my health permits.

For now... enjoy this update.

Love ❤️
Srinidhi

✨
SHANKAR
✨

'Are you sure about this information Jack?' I asked him when he nodded saying

'Its from a trusted resource Sir and then you are watching the pictures!!! They don't lie!!!' he said and although I was still unable to gulp in the information, I nodded my head.

'Sir!! My men are trying to find out more about this!!! But she was shot during an encounter by the Sydney police.' said Jack when the place Sydney rang in my head. Maybe I could take Di's help to find out more upon this after all it's not so easy to kill someone.

Especially someone like Camellia who is so cruel.

Is??? Was!!! She was cruel. Hopefully the other souls up there rest in peace as she's gonna join them in hell. Poor Devil!!!

When suddenly Jack received a call from someone and his expressions changed from surprised to shocked. Then he cleared his throat saying 'Can you send me the link?' and then he disconnected the call rushing towards pulling out his bag and just when I was wondering what he was doing, I saw his pull out his tablet. I noticed someone sent him an email with a link and he immediately accessed it.

'Sir!!! We must watch this!!! It's from one of Australian local news channels who has covered this incident!!!' saying he played the livestream and seeing the news flashing infront of my eyes left me speechless.

Yesternoon something really shocking happened in the premises of SIN Corporation with their CEO, multi billionaire and a popular businesswoman, social enthusiast Miss Srishti Indira Nayak.

A stranger tried to harm Miss Nayak by trespassing into her private mansion surpassing all the security who were supposedly drugged by the woman.

Miss Nayak was supposedly relaxing in her home when the woman who is now identified as Miss Camellia is supposedly a mentally unfit woman who was receiving treatment from an asylum in Newyork for a couple of years.

As per reports Miss Camellia barged into Miss Nayak's study and tried to strangle her. Miss Nayak who is in her late thirties found it tough to fight against the attacker however she was able to reach for her phone and dial onto the police hotline.

Miss Nayak tried escaping the cruel attacker by locking her in the study room and hiding herself in her bedroom although the attacker managed to break through and go for her throat. Not only did she fire multiple times upon Miss Nayak but also tried to strangle her multiple times leading to Miss Nayak with severe injuries.

However thanks to our brave cops who not only reached the location on time but ended up saving Miss Nayak's life although the attacker Miss Camellia was shot point blank in her head leading to death on the spot.

Reason for attacking Miss Nayak is still unknown as Miss Nayak has been admitted to the hospital. Rumour mills say her condition is quite delicate and that she's endured multiple fractures and could also have to undergo surgery very soon.

An official statement is still awaited from the Nayaks...Our reporters tried to speak to her secretary Mister Sameer Shah who has been managing this case and legal proceedings for Miss Nayak who requested complete privacy and co-operation from the media and also promised to release an official statement once they have a concrete update upon this case and the situation.

However our sources have some early gossips for you. Supposedly Miss Camellia was Miss Nayak's younger brother and Newyork based businessman Mr Shankar Nayak's ex partner who had been fighting the case of their child's custody ever since Miss Camellia had cheated upon the man but was blackmailing the family extorting money in the name of the child.

However when she lost her case, Miss Camellia's finances went low and she tried to threaten the Nayaks. However Miss Nayak being the head of the family post the demise of their mother Late Mrs Indira Nayak didn't budge to get threats which probably caused Miss Nayak garner hatred of Camellia who was already battling psychological issues causing her to launch an attack upon Miss Nayak although Miss Nayak luckily survived it, all thanks to her good luck and her presence of mind-'

Jack paused the video while I still tried to grasp all the information that they tried to convey. I was still unable to digest all that I had seen and heard.

Camellia tried to attack Srishti Di?
How? Why? I mean I would understand if she tried something with me or even Anika but Srishti Di???

I mean...Di had never interfered or bothered to even acknowledge about whatever was happening in my life. She didn't even budge when I asked her help when she was trying to blackmail Neil.

I still remember how she blatantly ignored my plea and when I tried telling her that he was our sibling, she shot me a death glare and said

'My mother had only 2 children other than me and those are the only Nayaks I care about!!!'

Since then even I had decided to never ask her help or interference into Camellia's matter. Even when things blew out of proportion, became the spiciest gossip of the town or even for that matter got dragged into the court with the ugliest way possible. Even then Di kept herself out of this, then how on earth did Camellia get in touch with Di?

Above all...why try killing Di?
This felt like an unsolved mysterious puzzle but right now all I cared about was that Di was hospitalized. That dead bitch tried to strangle my sister and also shot her. Although it seemed quite not so digestive, yet I wanted to see my sister. But then why wasn't I informed personally?

Her secretary!!! What was his name??? Ameer??? Nope!!! Shaheer!!! Whatever!!! That idiot also kept it under the wraps and this seemed to have happened yesterday and when I dialled Di yesterday, he picked my call.

No wonder Di didn't want to talk to me and I misunderstood that she was avoiding me. She probably was in the hospital and maybe she didn't want to worry me?

But I was furious. We are family. Everything else doesn't matter when your elder sister is in danger.

I couldn't sit and relax here. I had to rush to Sydney. I wanted to talk to my sister and get answers to these questions.

Why??? When and How???

✨

'But!!! Suddenly???' she seemed worried. I wanted to leave without informing her but she was pregnant and I was leaving Roshni with her. It was my duty to atleast let her know that I was travelling if not the exact reason.

'Its a new client!!! I have a meeting with them!!!' I lied. I couldn't tell her that Camellia was dead and Di was hospitalized. I let the details be and cooked up a story.

'I don't see anything in your appointme-' I quickly interrupted her knowing how smart she was, as she was glancing through my schedule.

'Anika!!! These are new clients!!! Actually Di knew someone in Sydney so she wanted me to meet them.'

'But what about the company's BGV? Has the BGV been completed?'

'Anika!!! Di knows them!!!'

'Doesnt matter!!! It's a company's policy!!! Maybe you could send me the details of the company and I'll get the Background verification team get a quick check done on them!!!' she insisted. I rolled my eyes. She was stubborn.

'Anamika!!! Enough!!! I told you na I trust my sister!!!'

'But Shankar!!!'

'Enough Anika!!! I know what's good and bad for my company. I'll manage!!!'

And then I was met with complete silence.

Damn it!!! I had upset her.

'Anika...It's not like-'

'Its fine Mister Nayak!!! I'm sure you'll manage!!! I don't think you need a pettu secretary's stupid suggestions!!!'

'Ani-'

'Safe journey Mister Nayak!!!'

'Anika please...I-'

'Mister Nayak I don't know what is it that you hate so much about me. Is it because I speak the truth or is it that I hurt your ego everytime I speak truth!!! Last night....I mean last night whatever I said -'

'Anika...last night whatever you-'

'Let me complete Mister Nayak!!!' she sniffled.

Damn it!!! She was crying. Why do I always fuck up things!!!

'Anika I-'

'I know to keep my personal and professional life seperate Mister Nayak!!! Just because I have confessed what I feel for you doesn't change anything in our professional relationship Mister Nayak!!! And I know you trust your sister more than me and I don't doubt that at all. She obviously took care of you, is your mother figure after your mother's demise ...I get it...and I'll never interfere there. I respect her as a protective sister but I'm sorry not everything she says or suggests is right for the company. I was just following my duty but if you or your Di thinks that I'm trying to be the obstacle in your life. I understand and I'll learn my limits.'

'Anika it's not-'

'Also....my feelings...my confession...my emotions are my problem Mister Nayak!!! Just because I have those emotions you don't need to have the same for me...maybe it's just a fatal attraction for you.. because I'm a woman and you are a man...it may just be a pull...a desire for you but for me it's pious as the holy water of Ganga' she said and my eyes turned misty.

'Anika!!! No!!! I want to-'

'Its fine Mister Nayak!!! Everything need not be reciprocated with the same intensity. I had to realise it last night when you just walked away when you got a phone call from work!!! You just...left!!!

I was waiting there...I don't know for how long...but you just-'

'Anika!!! I jus-'

'Its fine!!! I told you!!! I don't have any expectations!!! Hope you have a safe flight Mister Nayak!!' and then she immediately disconnected the call.

I rubbed my face in frustration.
If only I could tell you everything Anamika!!!

✨

'I am here for Miss Srishti Indira Nayak!!!' I said to the lady at the hospital reception who simply said

'I am sorry Sir!!! Miss Nayak isn't supposed to meet anyone. There are strict instructions that no one can meet her!!!'

'Well then I guess you don't know who I am!!!'

'You maybe anyone Sir but we have strict instruc-'

'Look woman!!! I am her younger brother who's flew all the way from Newyork to meet my sister after I heard she was shot by my psycho ex!!! Now would that information be sufficient for you to let me meet my sisters or you'll watch me buying this hospital in the matter of next few minutes so I can officially have a new receptionist who understands not to mess with A Shankar Nayak!!! Will you???' I yelled when suddenly I heard a voice saying

'Shankar??? I mean Mist...Mister Nayak???' and I turned around to see Di's secretary standing there. He seemed really tired. His undereye dark circles depicted he hadn't slept well for the last few days. But then I was mad at him. How dare he not inform me about Di's hospitalization.

'Ummm Mam!!! He's...he's family!!! I'll talk to Doctor Patel!!! And I am sorry for his behaviour!!!' he said when I quirked my eyebrow.

'Sorry my foot!!! That lady deserved it. She should understand the keyword 'patience'!!!' I muttered under my breath when I heard him mumble something which I could hardly hear.

'What did you say???' I asked him when he simply shook his head saying

'Nothing!!! Please stay here!!! I have to collect something!!!' saying he rushed towards the door where I noticed a girl talking to him for a few minutes.

Hmmm...Maybe his girlfriend? Or wife? Who cares???

Then I noticed she offered him a bag.
Wait a minute!!! Is that like a tiffin bag?

I narrowed my eyebrows suspiciously when he side hugged her and waving her a bye he walked towards me and then didn't even wait for me and said 'Lets go!!!'

I noticed how his phone kept ringing and he managed work like a pro. No wonder Di tolerates this joker. He seems to be a great employee although I don't like him one bit. He seems arrogant.

We stopped outside a VVIP room. Just when I was about to walk inside,he stopped me saying

'Ummm Mister Nayak...can you please remove your shoes!!!' and I made a face asking 'Whatttt???'

When he insisted 'Ummm shoes!!! You have worn them across the continent and also they make that 'Chai Chui' annoying sound. Srish...I mean Srishti Mam hasn't slept well since she was having heaviness on her left arm, she's just fallen asleep sometime back. So please!!! I hope you understand!!!' he said as he himself started removing his shoes.

I was seriously annoyed. What is this ??? Some temple??? That I remove my shoes and walk around.

Moron!!!

But then I didn't want to argue with this idiot. I was already pissed that Di was sleeping. I am here to confront her for hiding all this from me. However I removed my shoes and finally walked into the room

✨

This is the first time I was seeing Di bedridden. The strong and mighty woman that she was, she had never been bedridden. I had seen Di work even when she had that accident during her Capetown visit. She attended meetings, travelled continents with a broken arm and a fit to fly certificate. But seeing her lying down on a bed with multiple bandages hurt me a lot.

I don't like hospitals.
I hate seeing people bedridden.
It reminds me of Maa's last days.

I don't know for how long I sat and kept looking at Di silently. Her secretary offered me coffee, tea but I didn't want anything but Di to open her eyes.

'Dont worry!!! She will be discharged soon!!!' saying he again offered me coffee but I shot him a glare asking

'Why wasn't I informed??? I mean...I'm still clueless about why she tried to-'

'Mister Nayak I think you have enough time in the world to fight with your sister about that and grill her with more questions but as of now...she needs rest...she misses you...A lot...but she won't tell!!! She's too stubborn to accept it!!!' he said while looking at her with expressions that I couldn't gauge.

'How can you say??? She....she is avoiding me!!!'

'She is!!! Because she's guilty!!! She was too harsh to your wife when she saw you hospitalized but that doesn't mean she hates her!!! It only means she loves you a tad bit too much. Sometimes our care and emotions don't know boundaries and we can go to any extent when we are possessive about our loved ones.' he said as I noticed how his gaze loitered around Di a little too much.

'Well then she must have apologized to her!!!' I said when he chuckled saying

'Easy for you to say but tell me is it easy apologizing to someone whom you hurt knowingly unknowingly!!! Especially when you are the mighty rich Nayak? Hmm?' he asked and I didn't really have an answer.

I couldn't apologize to my own wife for behaving like a turd last night. She proposed to me, she confessed her love to me and I couldn't even...

'She loves you a lot Mister Nayak!!! If not she wouldn't have done all that she did for you... selflessly!!! She stays away from home but her home lives inside her. You folks are her home. Her family and she can go to any extent to protect you all!!!' he said when something flashed me suddenly and I asked

'Why did Camellia attack Di? She ...she didn't even know Di personally...I don't think they even met more than once or twice...so what was the motivation for her to...wait a minute!!! Did Di...plan thi-' and before I could complete the statement Di started coughing and her secretary ran towards her helping her to get up so he could make her drink some water.

Thousands of thoughts kept revolving around my head as I tried to put all the blocks of puzzle in its place.

I know Di is very protective towards us...but can Di really got upto the extent to-

Just when my brains started churning those thoughts her secretary said 'Miss Camellia met Srishti Mam a few months ago at a business party. She tried to befriend Mam but she maintained her distance from Mam. Looks like she was also bidding for the same project same as Srishti Mam. Although Mam had a lower bid, Camellia's company won the bid and the project too. However when Mam got to know the difference between both the bids was lesser than 100 dollars is when Mam asked her sources to dig upon this matter and we eventually found solid proofs that Camellia bribed to get our quotation leaked. They not only lost the project but she eventually had a bad breakup with her then rich boyfriend who owned a major stake in that organization eventually for Camellia to loose everything. She had even threatened Mam openly of destroying her.

Seems she held a big grudge on Mam but none of us thought it would end up this crazy. She really tried to kill Mam. I mean look at the strangle marks on her neck. Thankfully she didn't succeed in her evil plans!!!' he said and my eyes fell on Di's neck. It really looked very bad.

I couldn't hold my tears when I saw how slowly Di looked in my direction. I ran and hugged her tightly.

'I am sorry Di if I was too harsh upon you!!! But I'm very angry on you!!! Why didn't you tell me all this!!!' I cried in her arms when she slowly lifted her head and kissed my forehead saying

'No Kiddo!!! I.... I'm sorry for hurting you and....your wife!!! I was too judgemental!!! Too soon!!! Anamika is a good wife and an excellent mother too!!! I am happy you finally found someone who loves you so dearly!!!' she whispered when I blinked through my tears asking

'How do you know she loves me?' I asked when she smiled and said

'Coz I can see it in her eyes!!! And in yours too...You...must tell her Kiddo!!!' she whispered hoarsely and I nodded wiping my tears.

I smiled nodding 'I will...but you please get well soon!!! Fast!!! Quick !!! Zummm!!! Okay?' and she kissed my forehead again.

'Sleep Di!!!' I whispered.

I didn't want to leave Di alone but I was worried about Anamika. I wanted to talk to her. I kept dialling her number but she wasn't picking my call.

Almost the entire day I kept dialling her but she was stubborn. Looks like I've upset my wife a tad bit too much this time. So I dialled onto Kevin's number and heard a lot of background noise only to find out Kevin was at the pre-wedding dinner bash organized by Richard and Linda for Miranda and Arthur's wedding.

Although I wanted to go home but leaving Di like that I didn't have a heart to go back home but Di told me that Anamika needs me the most right now as taking care of her in this condition especially is my primary responsibility.

When I said Di that I cannot do leave her alone without family is when her secretary said

'She has family here Mister Nayak!!! Me...I mean my family...we...will take care of her... Infact that was the plan...My
..cousin is getting married in a few days from now and I have my entire family visiting us here...They would all love to take care of Mam and then...I'm always here...for her... ALWAYS!!!' he said looking into Di's eyes when Di looked at him with an unanswerable emotion.

I was still skeptical about leaving Di with some unknown folks especially when there's a wedding in their house. Di loved her privacy so much that she didn't even have a staff staying with her at her home. They had rules to come early, clean and cook for her and leave. It was impossible for her to adjust with a joint family.

'Ummm Shamir!!! I don't think she'll be comfortable...she likes privacy and silence...It's no big deal!!! I'll manage-'

'Mister Nayak!!! Firstly it's Sameer!!!And Trust me... she will be fine and anyways...she has met them earlier...they like her and Mam likes then too...Right Mam?' He asked and I narrowed my eyebrows seeing Di nodding. I cleared my throat wondering how this miracle happened.

But then Di was adamant and so was this annoying interfering secretary of hers. I mean I know it's that time of the year when they increment your salary and give performance bonus too but isn't this a little too much. I mean which secretary takes in their boss as part of their family?

But then...wait a minute!!!
I out of all... musn't speak of this!!!
Especially when I married my secretary.

Wait a minute!!!
Is there something going on between Di and that boy...

Naaaaaaa... Di and this dummy??? NEVER!!! I am overthinking.

Maybe he's trying to get some brownie points. I rolled my eyes.

Upon Di's continuous insistence I decided to bid her a goodbye only upon one condition that she's going to call me atleast three times a day.

I know she won't. She hates being this clingy person but atleast if I ask her to call me thrice, she will pick my call atleast once a day and she'll call me once in two days atleast.

Things had sorted here but then the bigger battle was calming down my lioness who seemed to still not pick my call.

First she's pregnant and then she's angry too!!! Dangerous combination.

I knew I had a lot of pursuit to do...and I was ready to woo my beautiful wife by going to any extent...this time even if I had to fall at her feet and kiss them...

I would do it all to Manao-fy her.

So Mrs Anamika Shankar Nayak...Here comes your Ogre who's lost it all in your love...

Yes...I love you and it's time I tell it to you loud and clear and show it to the world that when Nayaks are in love they give it all...

Time to be my wife's husband...
And this time...she cannot...will not deny

The Ogre's Proposal.