It was midnight and Anika was preparing her bed to sleep after studying for her exams. Suddenly she heard a light knock on the main door. She got scared as it wasn't an appropriate time for someone's arrival and noone from the family comes here as they think this place inauspicious.
She picked up a pillow from the bedroom counter and headed towards the main door.
She took a deep breath and unlocked the door.
S- You know I could have been a killer.
Anika was startled to see Shivaay at the doorstep with his wide smile.
A- Oh my God! You scared me. What are you doing here? Do you need anything?
Shivaay entered the house with two cups of coffee.
S- I was making coffee so i thought to share it with you. By the way, nice weapon.
Shivaay said the last line with a smirk and Anika was embarrassed as a pillow wasn't suppose to protect her.
A- Coffee? But we didn't have it in the kitchen and no shop here sells it, then how?
S- I always carry my coffee with me as it's not available everywhere. Being a coffee addict isn't an easy job.
Shivaay said with a chuckle and Anika chuckled too.
Shivaay forwarded a cup towards her and Anika was hesitant to take it but Shivaay reassured her.
Anika took the cup and sipped the coffee and it felt like she had blast of happiness on her taste buds.
A- Uhmmm... This is so good.
S- I know right.
They were sipping their coffee when a thought clicked Anika's mind.
A- Uh...I....
Shivaay looked at her with confusion.
S- What happened?
A- Do you mind if I show you a place?
Anika asked him hesitantly and Shivaay Smiled widely.
S- Sure. I would love to.
A- Come.
They walked towards a steep path which was covered with dry trees and leaves. Soon they reached a small garden.
Shivaay looked at the place with admiration.
S- Wow! This is like oasis in the desert. But this garden here?
A- This is the only place where I get peace. This is the prohibited part of this haveli. Noone comes here and so I thought to turned this place into my garden.
S- But how? I mean there isn't much greenery in this area.
A- I read some books and followed some steps to make this portion green.
S- This is so cool. Can we sit here?
Shivaay asked Anika and she nodded her head.
They sat down on the ground and were looking at the moon with admiration.
A- It's Beautiful, right.
S- Hmm.. its also so peaceful here. We don't experience this serenity in the city often.
Anika smiled at him.
A- How's your life in the city?
S- Nothing special. Just going to office in the morning, returning back to home. Then mom's craziness about searching a perfect girl for me and dad's failed attempt to not burst into laughter.
Anika chuckled at his explanation.
A- So you don't want to marry?
S- I want to but I was waiting for the right girl and I think I must have found her.
Shivaay whispered the last line to himself while admiring her and Anika smiled.
S- So are you ready for tomorrow's exam?
A- Yes. But I'm tensed that how will I give exam? I mean I'll be at home.
S- Don't worry about that. We'll again go to that place and you take your iPad and I'll talk to Mr. Suryavanshi that I want to inspect the factory site again. I'm sure he'll agree.
Anika nodded her head.
A- Thank you for everything you're doing for me.
Anika thanked him sincerely with a smile.
S- you don't have to thank me. I'm happy that I'm helping you to achieve your dream.
Shivaay said with a smile and Anika smiled too.
A- I think we should go.
Anika said and Shivaay nodded his head.
Soon they left for their respective rooms.
Shivaay reached his bedroom and saw 4 missed calls from his Mom.
He immediately video called back Worriedly.
J- Shivaay, thank god, you called. Where were you?
S- Mom, What happened? Is everything alright?
Shivaay asked her worriedly.
J- Everything is fine. I was just worried about you. You're in a total unknown place and you weren't answering your phone.
S- I'm fine, Mom. I was with Anika and we lost track of time while talking.
J- Ooooohhhhh! Who's Anika?
Jhanvi asked him with a teasing smile and a blush crept on Shivaay's cheeks.
J- Awww. Is my son blushing? Tej did you see it.
T- Of course. How can I miss this golden chance? It's all the essence of love.
Tej and Jhanvi teased him.
S- Oh God! Stop it guys.
J- Do you like her.
S- Yes. She is so sweet. She is so bright, Mom. She wanted to study law and i enrolled her in Oberoi's institute of law but she refused it and said that she'll take admission with her skills not with someone's help and she's giving exam tomorrow.
T- She seems like a very good girl.
S- that she is.
J- So who is she?
S- She's the widowed daughter in law of the sarpanch of this village.
As Shivaay uttered the term 'widow', all the Colors flew from Jhanvi's face.
J- Are you out of your mind, Shivaay? You like a widow girl.
Jhanvi said angrily and threw the phone. Tej immediately took the phone.
T- Nothing to worry, son. She'll understand. But don't let your love story stop because of us. Live your life and love your anika.
Shivaay nodded his head. He was worried about his Mom but he prayed that she agrees to his love.
Hello everyone.
Here you go with the next chapter.
How was it?