Attraction Is The Easy Part | ✓

Chapter 42 : Perplexing Emotions

"Look who is here!" Gauri whistled finding Anika at the doorstep. Her gaze dropping down from her face. "Looking gorgeous, Anni!" She complimented as her gaze swiped up to her face. Gauri's smile faded. Anika eyes were red and appeared swollen like she had been crying for days. "Anni, what happened?"

Anika stepped aside and walked in without a reply. "Anu?" Her mother exclaimed worried hearing Gauri's high pitched concerned voice.

Anika looked up at her mother. Getting rid of her peep-toe sandals she moved towards her mother. She quietly hugged her. Mrs. Talwar didn't question any further, she simply hugged her little girl rubbing her back, leading her tot he room.

It was late in the night when Mrs. Talwar walked out of the room.  Gauri looked up at her worried. "What happened?"

"She didn't say anything except that she wanted to stay the night over." Mrs. Talwar answered looking visibly exhausted.

"Did she have an argument with Shivaay?"

"I think so. She didn't tell anything and I didn't probe. She usually tells me everything. If she is not then maybe she is confused. Anyway, she will come around and tell me when she is ready."

"I have never seen her so... lost and upset," Gauri spoke handing Mrs. Talwar a glass of water. 

"Yeah," Mrs. Talwar agreed, "she will be okay."

* * *

"Shivaay, can you please break the suspense and tell us what's happening? Why did Anika leave suddenly after planning everything?" Omkara spoke breaking the silence at the breakfast table. Shivaay glanced up at him, his spoon and fork clinking against the glass plate as he ate his omelet.

"Shivaay," Omkara repeated staring at him expectantly.

Rudra looked on silently.

"Just a little bit nothing between us. She needed space. I am giving her space." Shivaay replied nonchalantly focusing on finishing his omelet quickly.

"Bhaiya, um, Bhabhi texted," Rudra spoke as he glanced at his phone that had beeped.

Shivaay glanced up curiously. "What?"

"Hi Rudra, could you please clear the second-floor hall. I think that was a stupid idea. I will think of something better." He read and looked up. His phone beeped again. He sighed. "And please don't tell Shivaay about it." He read the second message.

Shivaay looked thoughtful. "Do as she tells you. Don't tell her I know." He arose from his chair and took his coat that hung at the back of the chair.

"Where are you going now?" Omkara asked not convinced with Shivaay's answer.

"Office," Came Shivaay's crisp reply.

"On a Sunday?" Omkara asked mockingly.

"Something came up," Shivaay answered wearing his coat. "See you guys later." He spoke straightening the lapels of the coat. "Rudra," he nodded questioning and Rudra bobbed his head in affirmation. He walked away briskly.

Omkara stared at his retreating figure thoughtfully. He quickly got up pushing his chair backward. With quick steps he followed Shivaay's trail. Rudra glanced at his screen and started typing out a text. "Okay, is everything okay?"

"Yeah, I was missing Mumma so Shivaay suggested I drop by." Came her reply. 

* * *

"Shivaay, what's wrong?"

Shivaay stopped turning around to face his brother.

"I am not buying that answer. There is something more. I have not seen you so stressed over nothing." Omkara persisted.