Mrs Chaturvedi: She came here when she was 10. Her father was in the army, he died before she was born. When her mother passed away, an old neighbor dropped her here. A couple was interested in adopting her but she broke down. Usually kids are happy when they get chosen, but she refused. She cried and begged that she didn't want a new mother. She wept and tried to persuade everyone that she didn't want to leave. She even offered to work, said she'd do the dishes, she'd clean the floor, anything to keep her here. She didn't want to forget her mother.
Daadi had tears in her eyes, so did Shivaay but he cleared it before anyone could notice.
Mrs Chaturvedi: Even though we told her she didn't have to work to stay here, she helped however she could. She would teach the kids who were younger than her, help out in serving food, and make the new kids comfortable. This girl is the best child I've ever met. Your late husband was really fond of her, Annika also adored him. She was the only child to call him "daadu" here and he loved it. He saw her goodness, her potential and encouraged her to dream bigger.
Om: Daadi, do you think that painting and letter were from Annika?
S: Daadu's portrait?
Mrs Chaturvedi: Yes, she showed that to me when she completed it
Ru: Does she come here often?
Mrs Chaturvedi: After finishing school, she got into a college in Delhi. She had no obligations to us after turning 18 but she stayed in touch. When she graduated and came back, she started visiting regularly. Once a week she teaches the kids arts and crafts and helps them prepare for scholarship exams. She wants these kids to have all the opportunities she got and more.
Ru: Shivaay bhaiyya, you've been working with her for a couple of months now, you must about this
S: No rudra, I didn't. We don't talk about our personal lives.
S(in his mind): we've been working together for so long and she never bothered to tell me that she had such a nice relationship with my daadu. Never mentioned this orphanage also. We don't know each other personally but I deserved to know how she was connected to my family. This isn't right Annika, you should have told me.
Mrs Chaturvedi called Annika over. She stopped the music and got the kids to settle down in their room.
Mrs Chaturvedi: Annika, the oberois are here. Come meet them.
A: ok
They walked out to meet the oberois in the playground. She spotted Shivaay
A: Hi Shivaay, Namaste Mrs Oberoi
Daadi: puttar call me daadi
A: daadi I've wanted to meet you for a really long time but your security guard wouldn't let me in. I left a letter though
Daadi: yes puttar, we loved the portrait.
Annika bent down and touched daadi's feet
A: My mother used to say that soulmates are connected forever. So I thank you because i couldn't thank daadu, I mean prithvi uncle
Daadi: call him daadu like you used to and god bless you puttar, you're really something special.
Ru: Hi Annika didi, where did you learn to paint so well?
A: From your brother
Shivaay and Rudra looked at Omkara, who was confused himself
She turned towards Omkara
A: Omkara sir, I attended some of your workshops last year. You asked us to make a portrait and while reviewing you told me my strokes were too strong. I don't expect you to remember, there were like a 100 people there
Om: Sorry Annika, I really don't remember.
Ru: Offo O, if you had bhaiyya's memory you would have remembered her.
Rudra noticed Annika was wearing that same watch today as well.
Ru: Didi, can I see your watch?
A: sure, please be careful though
She gave him her watch. When Rudra turned it over, he found what he was looking for. The initials, R+A, it was the same watch, it was Annika in the temple that day. He showed it to Shivaay
Ru: You need to thank bhaiyya for one more thing Annika didi
A: what?
Ru: He found your watch when you dropped it in the temple
A: Really? That was you! Thank you so much Shivaay, you have no idea how valuable it is. This is my mom's watch
Rudra returned the watch to her
A: She got our initials engraved on it, look, Radhika and Annika. Oh that reminds me, where did you buy that gajar halwa from? That was the best halwa I've ever had
Daadi: Puttar, Shivaay made that himself
A: You did! No wonder you thought my food was just decent.
Annika got a call so she excused herself.
Om: when did this happen shivaay? She cooked for you? Is that why you missed the party?
S: I have to talk to Mrs Chaturvedi about adoptions
Rudra cornered Annika when she returned
Ru: didi, you can tell me honestly, i won't tell bhaiyya. Did you throw water on his pants on purpose?
A: Rudra! I would never do that. I have thrown water on his face once, on purpose. But this was an accident. And you know what, don't tell him that I noticed. But your bhaiyya is scared now {{ darr baith gaya hai unke mann me}}. Every time I go to his cabin, he moves the glass somewhere far away so I won't be able to throw or spill it on him.
Ru: Yes, you're right. Even at home, he keeps water at a safe distance
A: He thinks he's so smart, but I'm smarter. I notice everything
Ru(in his mind): yeah, except for what's happening between you two. How has she not noticed yet, the way Bhaiyya keeps looking in her direction?
A: Anyway, it was nice meeting you. I have to go
Ru: pleasure is all mine didi, we'll see you around.
Rudra caught up with the rest of the family.
Ru: before anyone asks (he signaled towards shivaay), Annika didi has left.
S: Daadi, I have to leave, some foreign delegates are leaving early so I have to attend a meeting with them.
Hey guys I hope you like this chapter
FYI Shivaay is not going to meet Annika, them leaving at the same time is just a coincidence.
Oberois will soon get to know it's Annika's birthday and some disappointment is on its way for Annika.
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Tu muskuraye har jagah
FanfictionShivaay Singh Oberoi, a very successful and famous business tycoon, had a bad experience because of which he does not believe in marriage or romance. The only people he loves are his brothers and his grandmother. Annika Trivedi has faced more than...
