"Dont ever save anything for a special occasion. Being alive is the special occasion.

- Unknown.

There was an emptiness in my soul, the void which could be only be filled when I reveal the truth about Rohit to my dad.

Last night, I thought it was the end of everything.

"Leave her alone," Shivaye's voice still echoed in my ears and I am grateful to him, because if he hadn't been there, then something bad would have happened and also it was him, instead of dad.

Dad had appeared the same moment when Shivaye's fist touched his face, Rohit Sharma deserved it. My heart sank when dad apologized to him and told Shivaye about my relationship. The blue eyes didn't look convinced and his gaze stayed on me for the rest of the night.

I wished I hadn't invited him in the first place, but dad will ask and people will assume that we were in a fight leaving dad to be worried more. But that man, still, had the nerve to come in front of me again.

I sighed, I can't act in front of dad since he knew me too well. 

I removed the duvet cover and made my way to the washroom. I took a shower, dressed in a black high neck top with blue jeans and my hair tied in a ponytail. Sahil had already left for school early, leaving dad and me to have breakfast together.

"Good morning, princess." I kissed his cheek and took a seat across from him.

"Morning to you too, dad." I smiled wide when I saw the soup in front of me. I missed his cooking and it always warmed my soul and gave a happiness that only hearty food could give.

We continued eating with small talk as he updated me about his life. I truly loved being with him and my little brother but only if things in were easier.

"I want to tell you something, dad," I looked at him, his eyes filled with concern.

"Are you okay?"

"I am good, nothing is wrong with me." I gave him a reassuring smile.

"You know that you can tell me about anything, right?" He asked, keeping his cup of coffee aside.

"Yeah, I was thinking of going back to Mumbai. I came here to submit the designs and they don't need my presence anymore." I bit my lower lip and turned to him, "I don't want to couch potato for the rest of the year, I can do something there."

"Okay, but you can stay and work here," He stated, his voice coated with sadness.

"My friends are there and maybe I can help them out," I reasoned, giving him a small smile.

He nodded his head slowly, taking a sip from the cup and rubbing his jaw with the index finger. "Fine, I will never say no to your happiness. If it was business, will you take it?"

I chuckled, "Looks like somebody needs my help."

"Your man is weak now." He pouted.

"Yeah, because he is getting old." I stuck my tongue out and giggled when I saw him glaring at him but his eyes filled with amusement.

"Old but still good looking,"

I rolled my eyes, "Sure, good-looking with grey hair."

He laughed and soon, we were laughing together like old times.

"But listen, you know about my deal with Oberoi, right?" I nodded and he continued, "Shivaye will be staying here for two weeks but after that, I need to go to Mumbai to complete my part of the deal. I don't think I will be able to but can you go for me?"

"Do you even have to ask, dad?"

"Thank you, I am happy to have you." He beamed, dropping a kiss on my forehead.

"Even if you weren't, I wasn't not going to leave you alone." I winked.

"I know, princess. But where are you going to stay?" The question was important, I could always book a room in the hotel but dad was worried about my safety.

"Maybe I can stay at Rachel's, I will call her and see." I took my phone out but dad waved his hand.

"She is living with her family, Anika. I don't think that is a good idea,"

"Okay...," I trailed, thinking of where I could stay.

"You can stay at Oberoi Mansion."

The voice wasn't mine, my dad's but it belonged to one and only Shivaye Singh Oberoi.

"What -"

"When did you reach, Shivaye?"

He glanced at his watch, "Just a few minutes ago."

"Are you sure that it is okay?" Dad asked before I could say a word.

"But -"

Shivaye nodded, "I am sure it is not a problem, sir. I live with my family and you know us. You can trust her with me,"

"But -"

"Fine, she will stay at your home."

"But -"

"Shivaye, we can discuss the deal in my study. I will be there soon." Dad stood up and Shivaye went to his study room.

"Dad -"

"You said too many buts for a day, princess. It is going to be alright, there is nothing to worry."

"Do you love your daughter?"

"Is that even a question." He shook his head at him, disappointed.

"I swear, dad. If you want to see me alive then you won't let me stay with him. It is better to stay in prison than his house. We don't get along, he is ice and I am fire."

"The ice will melt from the heat of the blazing fire and it will put the fire down, perfect match."

"This is not fair,"

"Don't exaggerate, Anika. He is a good man, I know it." He gave me apat on the shoulder before making his way to discuss the deal.

Only I knew if this was going to happen, then I would have never accepted his offer. Great. Just Great. My life was just awesome.

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