Happy reading.

Have you gone mad lady. You are entering in the house after  whole week. What's wrong with you?? Why are you behaving like a spoil brat. Me and your dad have been calling you since seven days. And you are the one ,who didn't bother to answer once. Anika's mother shout, as she entered in the house ,looking all exhausted and tired.

Why ??? What happened ?? It's not like you were missing me or something. Infect you should be happy that you didn't get me see in those seven days. Don't you.?? She said In rude tone earning a sharp glare from her mother.

How dare you to talk to your mother like that ??? Have you forgotten your manners. Susan seethes shaking her head in disbelief.

" I didn't forget anything mama. I know my manners and ethics. It's just, I was busy in my work.  Didn't get time to come back home.  That's why ,I didn't show up until seven days. Now look, when I've got the time "
I've came back. Anyways it's not big deal either. It's not that you have missed me or something. She shrugs her  shoulder having small sneer on her face and turn  to leave,but her mother stopped her again with her voice.

Your sister is back. Do you know about that. And she's been asking for you since five days. And you are such arrogant that didn't even mention her name even.  Hearing her mother anika sneers after learning that why they have been calling her. It was all about Bella. "As she was asking for her. Otherwise, these people won't even bother if she dies even.

I'll meet her now.  She whispered and went towards the Bella's room. Which is massive among all the other rooms of the house. She remembers , how when they had shifted in this house before 18 years, Bella was the first one ,who had got chance to choose her room. And in end , she got a side corner room. Which was smallest among all the other rooms of the home. Because her wishes always comes last, no matter what happens. With those thoughts she walk up to the stairs and reached her room.. as much as she is going near ,she is hearing noises. Which is not belong to one person but two. And her confusion was right. As she steps in , she found shivaay sitting with Bella  looking all happy and energetic cracking some jokes.

"Ahum ,, she clear the throat gaining their attention. 

I'm sorry to disturb you people.  Bht I just came to see Bella.   Anika smiles staring at Bella,, without sparing a single glance to shivaay ,who is directly staring at her face without blinking for once. Which somewhere made uncomfortable anika. But she still Managed to keep her posture straight  and walks in holding her bag strap. But shivaay didn't break his sight from her and kept staring at her tiring face. She is looking so tired and weak. The eye bags under her eyes gotten so dark. It seems like ,she didn't sleep for days. And it somewhere worried shivaay deep down seeing her condition. But because of his ego , he didn't say anything and kept quite watching her time to time.

"Oh Annie you came?? I've been waiting for you.  Bella spreads  her arm indicating her for the hug. Anika smiles and took her in hug patting her back.

Where have you been ?? I thought when I'll come back, then you will be at home. But you were not there. Bella said innocently holding her hand.

I was at the hospital. This week was really busy. So I'd to stay there all those days. She said taking her hand back stepping a little away from shivaay and Bella.

Oh that's bad. But it's ok " now you are back
Then we can chill out together. Isn't. Anika nods.

By the way" I need to tell you something. Bella jump happily clapping her hand like a child.

What is it.?? Anika ask softly.

Me and shivaay are getting engage. In the evening his family is coming to fix our alliance. Isn't an exciting news. Hearing her anika got silent" while shivaay just look here and there clenching his grip tight on the bed mattress.

Great to hear. I'm really happy for you Bella. Finally you are getting" which you desired . I'm so happy for you. Keeping her emotions aside ,,anika give a quick hug to Bella and part away.

You need to book loads of holidays Annie. As your sister needs you to help her in her wedding. Did you understand. She said in ordering tone pointing finger at her.

Sure, I'll try. Anyways you guys talk. I need to freshen up. So excuse me. Saying this she walk out from her room leaving shivaay alone with Bella. He didn't like the way anika behaved so normally. he thought ,she would give some reaction or something. But instead , she just causally congratulated her sister and left from here ,without sparing him a single glance. He was longing to get a single stare from her. But she didn't bother to do it and walk out. How arrogant and rude she is. It's better ,if he stop bothering about her. As she doesn't seems like deserve his attention and care.

On the other side

Anika remove her clothes and got in the tub. As the hot water touched her aching body , a painful moans left her mouth instantly. It's been a week , she couldn't get rest properly. Continuously she was busy in work. Barely she slept even. And because of it ,her each and every bone is hurting. But this pain is nothing than her heart and soul pain. She had thought that if she will keep herself busy. Then might it will help her to forget everything. And she will manage to move on. But as she came back home after whole week ,, seeing shivay at her house ,made her wounds fresh. All the pain gushed back into her making her feel broken. And seems like it's not gonna be less. Day by day, it will increase instead getting less. .. she has to bear it life time. After all ,he is going to marry her sister. She agrees. Their marriage was not valid. He was never into her. But in end of the day, he's been part of her life. He was her husband. And seeing him with someone else is hurting her so badly. She is feeling miserable for being used like an object. She wish ,if she would never had listened to her parents and married him. Atleast she didn't have to hear all these. These thoughts made her vulnerable and she sobs curling in the water keeping her face on her bare wet arm letting her tears fall like river.

In the evening

Anika groan snuggling with the pillow ,when she heard loud bangs on the door. It's not even few hours of her sleeping that someone already decided to break her sleep , banging her door. She huffs in irritation and walk towards the door rubbing her eyes.

What the hell anika. You know that today oberoies are coming to fix your sister alliance with shivaay. And instead helping me in arrangements, you are sleeping. How pathetic you are. Her mother screams on top of the voice giving more headache to anika.

I was just tired and ....

I don't care. If you are tired or not. Just bloody splash the water on your face and get your ass out from your nest. I'm waiting for you in the kitchen. Saying this she stormed away from there before she try to convince her to rest little more.

"Ofcourse ,you don't care. She shakes her head in disappointment and went towards her cupboard to grab a dress to wear in the get together.

In the kitchen,

As she entered , she's been bombarded by loads of work. Her mother was just standing in the door of the kitchen. So that as she comes, she just pass her work and leave the stinky place.sometimes , anika finds herself the maid of the house. Even in childhood as well , they used to make her do most of the work of the home. and on other hands , Bella never done anything. She's been always treated as princess. might that's why she don't know any of the cooking or talent of home  chores.and anika knows everything.  And these little tittle things , makes anika feel low always. She always think that might she is adopted child of her parents  that's why , they treat her so shit and never care about her anything.

Miss , mam is saying you to bring the dessert out. Guests have already  been arrived.  Maid calls anika keeping Hand on her shoulder.

Oh ok , that's fine !I'll bring it. She passes her smile removing the apron from her body and walk out grabbing the big bawl of dessert.

As she steps out of the house , she's been caught by Shivaay's sight and he just kept staring at her looking elegant in the off shoulder navy blue dress , which is hugging her tiny waist properly giving proper view of her curves and hips.  He never ever in his dream thought that he will drool over her like this. But today he can't help  to remove his eyes from her beauty.

Annieeee,,,as  Fatah supported anika coming out of the house , he immediately jump off from his chair and run towards her spreading his arms. Which amazed
Whole family specially Bella. As per as she knows , anika never had any kind of strong relationship with oberoies. Then how come this little boy got attached with her all of sudden. And not only that , same
Boy , whom she was trying to impress from past half an hour. Why his mood suddenly changed seeing her sister and behaved like they have strong bond.

Annie , he  immediately hugged her legs  making her step back little.

Fatah baby , she so wants to pick him up in her arms and gives him some love. But her  hands are all occupied with the dessert.

I'm sorry baby , let me keep this bowl. Than you can hug me , however you want ok. She passes him smiles and went towards the counter for keeping dessert, while Fatah follows her behind holding her dress in his tiny hand.

Now you can hug me. She sat down and take him in tight hug, placing soft kisses on his fluffy cheeks.

Oh Annie , I've missed you very much. He coos in his cute voice wrapping his tiny arms around her neck.

But I guess ,we were talking everyday on video chat. Didn't we. She chuckle picking him up in her arms.

Yes , we were. But we didn't meet physically. I just saw you through the phone. That's why I've missed you so much and our cuddles as well. He pout sadly joining his face with hers.

And we missed you as well. Anika, rudra comes towards her following by his sister and both take her in hug having tear in their eyes.

I'm sorry,, shivaay didn't do the right thing with you. Rudy said caressing her hair while jenny his sister cry silently. Which's been watched by whole both families.

Rudy calm down ,, don't be upset guys. Maybe it was for the best.hmm she said breaking apart from them.

I hope you get best man in the world. Who takes care of you and never treat you bad. Jenny said taking her hand in her palm.

Yes right ,, I wish , if i would had been little older than you. Then definitely I would had married you. As these words slipped out of his mouth, Shivaay halted on his place, while coming towards the group along with Bella beside him.

What's happening here ?? Why are you guys gathered like this. Shouldn't you people sit with me. As I remember, I'm the would be bride. Everyone's smile faded hearing Bella's sweet yet harsh coated voice.

Yeah you are right. Sorry for neglecting you like this. Guys why don't you go and sit with Bella. I'll join you later. Anika said passing smile to the young people , without showing a little discomfort.

Yeah fine,, Jenny pass smile to anika and went towards the family following by Bella.

I'll stay with you Annie. I won't leave you. Fatah said holding her hand.

As you say baby. She hold his hand and went inside to help the workers.

In the kitchen

She cut the fruit in little bawl and pass to Fatah for eating.

Here have this , she smiles and went back to her work place to make salad.

Miss Annie " madam is asking for the salad. With the sudden appear of maid, made anika jolt and she cut her hand yelping in pain. Shivaay who was watching her through the glass, panic run through him seeing her hand bleeding. He about to get up to rescue her. But before he does,, he's been stopped by Bella.

Where are you going ?? She asked curiously raising her brow.

Are actually no where. He pass her smile and sat back on his chair having restlessness in his heart.

I'm so sorry miss. I didn't mean to scare you like this. Let mesee your hands. Maid said panickly grabbing her bleeding hand.

Annie what happened ?? Fatah got pale seeing her blood filled hand.

Nothing.. nothing baby , it's just a little cut. Nothing else. Martha can you please cut the salad quickly. I'll go and bandage it before mama gets angry.

Yes mam, she chimes having remorse in her eyes.

I'll come with you. Fatah jump from his chair and follows her behind looking at her wounded hand worriedly.

In her room

She pulled out the bandage and sat on the bed following by the Fatah , who is looking at her with worry.

Shall I do it for you Annie.?? Fatah asked seeing her struggling to wipe the blood even.

Err no it's ok baby. I'll do it myself. Despite the throbbing pain in her hand , she passes smile to the child to ease him and again attempt to clear her wound , when a large hand stopped her in middle taking the cotton in his hand.

Let me do it , she raises her eyes and got shocked finding Shivaay sitting on the floor infront of her having the concern in his eyes , which she never seen before.

What... what are you doing here?? She stammers staring at him shockingly.

I Just saw you to cut your hand in the kitchen. So i decided to come and help you to do bandage. He said in causal tone wiping the hand with the antiseptic.

You shouldn't be here. You should go. I can do for myself. She hissed attempting to snatch the cotton from his hand. But he is too fast to react and move his hand upward.

Don't be a child. You know that you can't do it. Still trying to be over smart. Just because you don't want my help. Now be a good girl and let me do it. Saying this, he tighten his grip on her wrist and didn't let it go until ' he didn't bandaged her wounds.

Thanks, she takes her hand back and stood up from the bed bringing distance between them. Which didn't got well with shivaay and he spoke instantly feeling hurt on his ego. 

Don't think too much. I didn't do it. just because I wanna come closer to you or I care about you. I just done it out of humanity. Nothing else. Don't think so much high of yourself. For me you are same woman ,who put Bella in comma and tried to take her place. But see ,after your so much efforts ,we are going to get back together and you are going to stay alone for your life time.  Hearing him anika snapped her eyes and look at him shockingly for choosing such harsh words for her.

"Well congratulations  for that.  I'm really happy for you both. And about thinking myself high. Then I didn't do in the past ,nor I'll do in the future. I do not raise my hopes high.  I like to live in limits. And one more thing, marrying you was never been my dream. I never ever considered myself to get in relationship with you.  You were just mere man , who was going to get marry to my sister nothing else. It's just my parents and your family pursued me to marry you. Just because they wanted to save their reputation.  Otherwise, I would never had married you ever. So now ,I  wanna say to you that. Don't think so much high of yourself. You are not the man ,for whom I would die for.  Might there would be some women dreaming about you. But I'm not one of them. And would not like to be ever. Did you understand. Let's go Fatah , we should go out. She raises her hand towards Fatah to  hold him. But she does , she's been dragged into harsh grip making her yelp in pain..

What are you doing  uncle??. Let my Annie go. Fatah got scared seeing his uncle holding his Annie so tightly.

Oh really you don't like me. Then good for you. I don't like woman like you as well. I am very much in love with your sister. The same girl, who had saved me  on the cliff.  Im happy that I chose woman like her. Not you , who is such self centred and selfish. You proven that you are not made for love ,but just hatred. That's why ,despite being married to me for six months ,you couldn't  win me nor your parents in your life time.  He seethes shoving her away making her fall on the bed.

I hate you anika.  I really do. Stay away from me. Saying this he stormed away from there leaving anika traumatised and what not. All the emotions , and anger which she was  holding back , it came back and she started crying with heavy sobs scaring Fatah seeing his favourite annie crying.

Annie , don't cry. I'm sorry on behalf of my uncle. He is really bad. Please don't cry like this. I can't see you in tears. He sobs taking her in hug caressing her hair lovingly.   Which made her feel more  vulnerable and she cry hugging him tightly. It's not that, his words hurt her. It's just, when he said she couldn't win him or her family , that time it made her feel so low for herself , for not winning anything in her life. He directly knew , where he is hitting her. And he was actually spot on. He surely won in targeting her weak position. 

Miss Annie , mam is calling you downstairs. Maid  informed her knocking on the door bringing her back on earth.

Yeah I'll be there. She immediately wipe her tears with her arm and  broke apart plastering a smile on her face.

Let me wash my face. Then we will go out baby. "Ok. She ruffles Fatah hair and went in the washroom to wash her face with the cold water.

In the lawn.

Congratulations shivaay , Bella immediately hugged shivaay ,as their m alliance got fixed.both of looking so happy together even  her parents as well except the oberoi clan, who always were fond of aniks. Apparently they wanted her to be Shivaay's wife. But they had to bow infront of their son's happiness and let her go. They wish , if he could had loved anika. But unfortunately ,it didn't happen and now they have to bear this bella. Who seems sweet from  outside. But deep down they knows , what's her real face is. Which apparently their son can't  notice .

On the other side

Anika just sat for away  on the chair back facing them and opened her laptop to work on. She really didn't want to mingle in all those things and  decided to finish her pending work. Which didn't go unnoticed  by shivaay. He thought he will see her little sad and will get jealousy stare from her at least. But she seems all unbothered and careless,  like' he never existed in her life as a husband. 

Precap .... They go for shopping Anika tells her parents that she wants to shift into her new apartment.

Kainat