Shivaay and Annika had enjoyed their honeymoon in Nepal to the fullest. From the moment they arrived in this breathtaking country they knew it would be a trip filled with contagious laughter and adventure.
The majestic mountains vibrant culture and warm hospitality of the Nepalese people had ignited a joyful spark within their hearts.
Throughout their time in Nepal Shivaay and Annika explored the mesmerizing spots, their eyes twinkling with excitement. They embarked on scenic hikes that offered stunning views of the snow-capped peaks their smiles as radiant as the sun illuminating the landscape.
As their time in Nepal drew to a close, the second last day coincided with their first wedding anniversary. Annika had planned a special surprise for Shivaay something she had been longing to express for a very long time.
However fate had a different plan in store for her.
Annika fell victim to a severe cold, her body feeling weak and her spirit dampened by the illness. Disheartened by her inability to execute her well-thought-out plan she still tried to put on a brave face.
Shivaay being the caring and attentive partner that he was rushed to her side as soon as he realized Annika was burning.
"Aur konsa icecream flavour chahiye?" Shivaay asked, adjusting the quilt till her neck, with a bit of sarcasm in his tone. "Hazar bar bolta ho, you get cold easily, cold item mat kaya karo, kaha mere bat sunte ho aap!"
[Trans- Now what flavour do you want to eat?]
[Trans- I told you thousand of time, you will get cold easily, avoid having cold items. When do you hear me!]
"Mein bimar ho and you are scolding me!" Annika pouted looking at him, as he paced the length of the room in search of his phone.
[Trans- I'm unwell and you are scolding me!]
Shivaay who was bending in front of a drawer, paused hearing Annika. "What should I do other than scolding? Cuddle you or pamper you?" Standing straight he shot his glares, at his presumably and supposedly innocent wife.
Avoiding his glares, she fiddled with the hem of her night suit which was above the lingerie, which was gifted by her mother-in-law. "Can't you do that? It would be rather nice." She mumbled.
"Do what?" Confused Shivaay asked.
"Cuddle!" Annika again mumbled with a pout, pushing her lips together. "And pamper me with lots of hugs, kisses and kisses."
"Haha! Funny! If maa was here she would have broken one or two bones and then peppered her concern on wellbeing." Shivaay laughed at her cuteness, and immediately sat beside her. "I will get you some bland and simple food and later you will pop a paracetamol from my to-go backpack. Okay?"
Annika leaned more into him as, Shivaay brushed her cheeks with his finger tips. Seeing her planning to pull him and snuggle, he got away from her with a snicker. "Close the door okay? I will be right back, till then if you get bored call maa or watch TV. Anyway she will be gossiping with aunties in the neighbourhood. Talk to her."
Annika smiled.
"Okay?"
"Yes!" Annika beamed. Mesmerised, in dazz Shivaay pressed his lips on her hairline which had become light pigmented because of vermilion, sindhur.
"Lock the door. Come."
__🖤__
Determined to alleviate her discomfort he roamed the nearby streets of their motel until he found something that Annika would enjoy. After getting khichdi for Annika and a small plum cake, with their anniversary in his mind, he went to their motel.
Returning to their cozy hotel room he knocked on the door twice and waited for her to open the door.
When she opened the door with her groggy eyes and dis-shelved the nest of her hair, he enveloped her in a warm hug, placing his palm on her forehead and checking her temperature. Thankfully the temperature had reduced a bit, smiling at her he dragged her along with him inside the room and placed the parcel nearby.
"Were you sleeping?" He asked. "You look horrible, your hair in all directions."
Pushing him away, she frowned. "You know I was taking a nap then why do you ask it! You are such a pain in ass Shivaay."
"Wow! Your mummy ji and uncle should be so proud of you. Hain na?"
[Trans- Isn't it?]
"Shut up Shivaay!" She grumbled rubbing her eyes.
Shivaay gave her a side eye and raised his free hand in the air in surrender.
Annika twisted her mouth and harshly rubbed her eyes, to get a good picture.
Pulling her fingers gently away from her eyes Shivaay began. "You shouldn't rub your eyes so frequently. It can damage eyesight. Go wash your face by then I will arrange the food. Hmm?"
"Hmm." Annika hummed and moved towards the bathroom to freshen up.
By the time, Annika was inside the bathroom Shivaay set up the parcels on the tea table near their bed and called the room service asking for some boiling water.
Annika walked out after washing her face awakening from her sleep. Her body felt heavy and her limbs moved with a slow deliberate effort.
"Done Annika?" Shivaay enquired facing his back to her. "Meine momos socha tha but then aap ke health bi sahi nahi hein, toh khichdi he sahi laga. Sahi hain na?"
[Trans- I had thought of momos but then you are under the weather, so I thought Khichdi is better. Am I right?]
She stood in front of the mirror, she couldn't help but notice her disheveled appearance. Her once combed hair was now a tangled mess strands plastered against her flushed cheeks. The reflection staring back at her was a far cry from the confident woman she usually presented to the world.
Shivaay when didn't receive any response from her turned his heels and observed her disarray with concern. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of her unruly locks and instantly he knew Annika and overthinking can't be separated. "Annika, my lady, you should tie your hair up." He gently suggested his voice filled with a mixture of affection and amusement.
Feeling too weak to style her own hair Annika reached for a scrunchie on the dressing table and passed it to Shivaay.
"Accha ji! Stylist bhi ban Gaya mein!"
[Trans- Now I turned into stylist too!]
With a tender smile she gestured for him to take charge. His understanding gaze met hers and he nodded in agreement.
Leading her by the hand Shivaay guided Annika to the corner of their honeymoon suite's plush bed. He eased her down onto the soft mattress before beginning the task at hand.
"Anyway this flushed cheeks suits you. Like a kashmiri apple. Maybe try getting sick every now and then." Listening to his blabbering Annika swiftly turned back to face him and glared.
"Haha!" Shivaay nodded laughing at his pathetic attempt to ease her. "It's not like I was saying you look good in this state but it's okay. It happens and I definitely have fun watching the moody and clingy wife."
Sitting behind her he tenderly gathered her hair the strands slipping through his fingertips like silk.
Shivaay couldn't see Annika's reaction but he knew his wife was smiling like an idiot right now.
As Shivaay's unskilled hands intertwined the locks Annika closed her eyes relishing the sensation. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine igniting a mix of emotions within her. Her cheeks grew warmer, unsure if it was a symptom of her illness or a blush creeping onto her face.
It was their first anniversary, a celebration meant to be filled with joy and laughter yet they were celebrating this way.
As the messing and unruly braid neared completion Annika felt a swell of gratitude wash over her. She couldn't articulate her appreciation in words but the connection they shared allowed her to communicate her feelings without uttering a single syllable.
When the task was finally complete Shivaay leaned in, his lips lightly brushing against her temple. He whispered, "probably you should not apply that expensive red liquid on your cheeks. You have that natural redness, if not you can every day ask me to kiss your cheeks and you will automatically blush. Isn't it?"
Instead of yelling at him to stop his teasing, Annika blushed more than he expected. Unable to resist her reddened cheeks, he pecked her cheek once again.
"It tickles." Annika complained about his week old beard, rubbing her cheek. "And what is that red liquid?"
"Arrey! That chota sa lipstick jaise tha na, which you asked as a gift for karvachuath." Shivaay explained. "You said it was rare and expensive, and you only use one drop on your face every time you use."
"That rare beauty blush?" She asked confirming what he was meaning to mention.
"Yes! It was for three thousand!" Shivaay gasped remembering how she had wanted to have it as a gift for their first karvachuath.
It was expensive.
"Kiss me already Shivaay!"
"Why suddenly? Are you high on hormones?" Shivaay snickered, as stood up. "First you get well. Later!"
Standing on her toes, she grabbed his nape and smashed her lips with his lips. Shivaay was shocked with her sudden confidence, however he was enjoying this too much.
After moulding each other's lips, both of them separated grasping for air. She reached her lips centimetres always from his ear and seducingly whispered. "I got ready, wearing my newest lingerie hoping that we could have a wonderful time, and a memorable anniversary."
"I know!" Shivaay accepted with a sad smile. "Phele aap get well, then we can have a wonderful time and night also."
[Trans- First you get well,]
Plucking his palms, which was supporting his waist, she placed his palm on her forehead, later cheeks and then waist beneath her clothes. "I am well. The temperature is gone too!"
"I had so much planned for you!" She mumbled leaning to his lips, snaking her arms around his waist.
Annika and Shivaay stood before each other their hearts racing with the anticipation of their imminent kiss.
The atmosphere was charged with a mixture of desire and nervousness as their eyes locked and their bodies gravitated closer. Time seemed to stand still as they leaned in their minds consumed by the intensity of the moment.
However their tender embrace was abruptly interrupted by the intrusive presence of the room service attendant. Just as their lips were mere inches apart a knock on the door shattered the delicate silence.
Annoyed and disappointed Shivaay reluctantly detangled himself from Annika's grip and shuffled towards the door. "Go see who that idiot is!"
Nodding at her, Shivaay stepped away from her and walked to the door.
With a sigh of frustration Shivaay swung open the door to reveal the room service staff holding a container of boiling water. Groaning inwardly he accepted the unexpected intrusion.
"Thank you."
"Sorry for the intrusion, may you have a wonderful day." The attendant soon escaped the awkward moment, with his apology.
The attendant's bewildered expression mirrored Shivaay's own chagrin acknowledging the unfortunate timing of their arrival.
Undeterred by the interruption Shivaay politely thanked the attendant once again and closed the door rejoining Annika with a wry smile.
"I had asked them to get the boiling water." Shivaay told. Adding a spoonful of Vicks vapor rub in the water, he spoke, placing the container on the ground. "I thought steaming was good to your cough and cold."
Although their moment had been disrupted the connection between them remained palpable.
"Now chalo get a blanket or cloth and wrap around you and inhale the steam." Instructing her to inhale the steaming vapor he hoped it would provide some relief.
[Trans- Come on]
Although Annika appreciated Shivaay's thoughtful gesture she couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment. Her heart yearned to celebrate their anniversary in a way that would surpass any fairy tale but her body refused to cooperate.
Inside the warmth of the blanket she glanced at Shivaay with her eyes silently conveying her sadness.
Sensing his beloved wife's melancholy Shivaay couldn't bear to see her in this state.
"Be happy that your pati dev is joining you!"
[Trans- dearest Husband.]
"Narcastist!" Annika commented.
With an affectionate smile on his lips he decided to join her under the blanket. Playfully he ruffled her hair and lightly knocked her head a gentle reprimand for her mischief. Annika couldn't help but giggle feeling an instant surge of warmth flooding her heart. "I'm not a kid that you will knock me!"
"I'm almost six years older than you. So you are a kid. So quiet!"
In that moment she realized that even though her plan for confession was thwarted their shared moments like this were more important than any grand gesture.
Snuggled closely under the cocoon of the blanket Shivaay and Annika shared an intimate moment of togetherness. They let the world outside fade away as they whispered sweet words their voices filled with love and reassurance. Shivaay brushed away a stray strand of hair from Annika's forehead, his touch sending shivers of comfort through her. The room was filled with a tender ambiance a reminder of the deep connection they shared.
You all pray! Annika is under the weather and she is cranky. Her plans were thwarted! Pray for her!
The next chapter would be continued from here only. Do tell me how is it? Also I'm rooting for Annika and Advait, shit I forgot what the bfs ne was.
I'm really sorry for late updates, this is one book of mine which have been ongoing sincce almost more than half an year. I don't usually do that. For me Max was three or four months to complete. Maybe now I'm not that productive but anyway enjoy this!