Chapter 45 - Snap Out of it Anu!

 "Doctor, how's he ?" Shivaay asked as soon as the doctor came out of the room.

"He's fine. 3 broken ribs, 2 bone fractures and multiple bruises but he'll be fine." The doctor replied with a small smile.

"Can we-" Shivaay was cut off by the doctor.

"-Yes, you can meet him but after police interrogation cause I think they would like to have a word with him first." The doctor replied.

Shivaay nodded and mumbled a small thanks before the doctor left.

"Ab kya aap mujhe batayenge ki yeh hai kaun ?" ("Now will you tell me who is he ?") Annika asked as she appeared beside Shivaay.

After beating that goon black and blue, Khanna was finally able to extract Jhonny's whereabouts.

Following the new found information, Khanna and Shivika had raided Jhonny's headquarters with the help of police.

Unfortunately, Jhonny couldn't be of any use as he didn't exactly know anything apart from the fact that he was working for Vecha but he didn't know what Vecha looked like or where to find him.

Plus Vecha was too good in covering up his tracks, making it almost impossible to find him.

But after getting Jhonny and his gang members arrested Shivika decided to search around Jhonny's place to find any clues and found this guy curled up in a miserable state in a dark room in the basement.

Shivaay couldn't recognise him at first but when he took a closer look, he was shocked to see Dev unconscious and barely breathing.

Shivaay then didn't waste a second and rushed Dev to the nearest hospital, all the way ignoring Annika's questions.

"Yeh Dev hai." ("He's Dev.") Shivaay sighed and rubbed his face with the palm of his hands. "Yaad hai meine bataya tha ki meine ek detective hire kiya tha yeh pata lagane ke liye ki Om pr humla kisne kiya tha ? Yeh wahi hai." ("Remember I had once told you that I've hired a detective to find out who had attacked Om ? Dev is that detective.")

Annika nodded in acknowledgement.

"Mujhe lagta hai jarur Dev ke pass koi na koi toh important information hogi jiss wajah se uski yeh halat hui hai." ("I'm sure Dev had some important information that's why he suffered.") Shivaay spoke his thoughts as he sat on the benches.

"Hmm." Annika hummed.

After a while, Police arrived and interrogated Dev. After that Shivika were allowed to meet Dev.

"Dev, kaise ho ?" ("How are you feeling, Dev ?") Shivaay smiled as soon as he entered the hospital room.

Dev just smiled, his face was swollen making it harder for him to speak much, even his smiled looked painful.

"Don't worry, doctor ne kaha hai ki tum jald hi thik ho jaoge." ("Don't worry, doctor said you'll recover soon.) Shivaay smiled kindly. "Aur hum aj hi Mumbai wapas jaa rahe hai tumhare sath."

"Uh...urgh...uh..." Dev groaned as he tried to lift his hand.

"Kya hua Dev ?" ("What's wrong Dev ?") Annika furrowed her eyebrows.

Dev stared at her before looking at Shivaay.

"Yeh Annika hai." ("She's Annika.") Shivaay introduced, sensing Dev's unvoiced question. "Meri...uh...friend." ("My...uh..friend.")

Annika frowned slightly.

Friend ? Seriously ?

Annika sighed.

What was she expecting from him ?

It wasn't like Annika was his girlfriend or anything...but she wished she was.

Annika shook her head suddenly.

What was she thinking ?!

'Snap out of it Anu !' ~ Annika scolded herself in her mind.

"Yeh lo." ("Here.")

Shivaay's voice snapped Annika out of her thoughts and she realised that Shivaay was now across from her, on other side of Dev's bed, handing something like a coin to Dev.

Dev took the coin in his trembling hand and rubbed his thumb in circular motion on the tails side of the coin.

Shivaay stared in confusion and anticipation, curious to know what was Dev exactly up to.

The coin's surface came out and a black chip was exposed.

Dev delicately took the chip and handed it over to Shivaay.

"Annika. Laptop." Shivaay said shortly before sitting on the couch in Dev's hospital room.

Annika soon brought the laptop and they explored the contents of the chip only to get shocked beyond belief and stare at the laptop screen with wide eyes.

♠

Bhavya sighed for the umpteenth time as she nervously bit her nails while mumbling something to herself.

She was sitting in the garden's of the Oberoi villa and she looked stressed about something.

Just then someone covered her eyes from behind startling her a bit but then she touched the hands covering her eyes and said, "Rudra."

"Bingo !" Rudy exclaimed and jumped over the bench and occupied the seat beside Bhavya. "Ssup ?"

"Hume bahot tension ho rahi hai." ("I'm tensed.") Bhavya confessed. "Kal results aane wale hai." ("Our results will be announced tomorrow.")

"Haan toh ?" ("Yeah, so ?") Rudy flashed a confused look cause he knew she had really studied hard and it was impossible for her to get a less score.

"Agar mere marks acche nahi hue toh ? Mein fail ho gayi toh ? Mein ACP kaise banungi ? Oh God ! Didu kitna gussa karengi." ("What if I score less ? What if I fail ? How will I become an ACP ? Oh God ! Didu will get so upset with me.") Bhavya rambled.

Rudy smiled. "Aisa kuch nahi hoga." ("Nothing of that sort will happen.") He assured.

Bhavya nodded but the stress was still there so Rudy took her hands in his and placed a soft kiss on her knuckles making blush creep up her cheeks.

"Tumne bahot mehnat ki hai, tum fail ho hi nahi sakti." ("You've worked really hard, you cannot fail.") Rudy assured as he made an eye contact.

"Haan, lekin agar kum marks aaye toh didu naaraz nahi hongi ?" ("Yes, but what if I score less than my expectations ? Wouldn't I upset didu if that happens ?") Bhavya whispered and bit her bottom lip.

"Annika di ne kabhi tumhe data hai ?" ("Has Annika di ever scolded you over such thing ?") Rudy asked rhetorically.

Bhavya shook her head.

"Toh fir tum kyu tension le rahi ho ?" ("Then why are you tensed ?") Rudy frowned.

"Mujhe ACP Bhavya Pratap Rathore banna hai agar mere marks kum aaye toh mere ACP banne ke chances kum ho jayenge." ("I wanna become ACP Bhavya Pratap Rathore. If I score low, my chances of achieving my goal will also fall down.") Bhavya said.

"You know what ? Tum khamakha tension le rahi ho." ("You know what ? You're stressed for no reason whatsoever.") Rudra said. "Chalo tumhe kuch dikhata hu." ("Come, I'll show you something.")

Rudy stood up and pulled Bhavya on her feet too. As soon as Bhavya stood up she was dragged by Rudy.

"Hold on." Rudy mumbled and took out a silk hanky from his pocket.

"Hanky ?" Bhavya squeezed her brows together.

"Uh huh." Rudy nodded and folded the hanky before using it to blindfold Bhavya.

"Rudra, kya...kya kar rahe ho ?" ("Rudra, what... what are you doing ?") Bhavya stuttered as Rudy tied the hanky.

"Shh...Mujhpe bharosa hai na ?" ("Shh... Don't you trust me ?") Rudy whispered in her ear as he took her hand in his.

Bhavya nodded.

"Toh bas mere sath chalo." ("Then c'mon.") Rudy smiled even though she couldn't see him.

Rudy led Bhavya on the terrace and left her.

"Rudra ? Rudra ! Kya mein yeh hata du ?" ("Rudra ? Rudra ! Shall I remove it now ?") Bhavya asked referring to the blindfold.

When she didn't hear Rudy's reply, she decided to remove the blindfold and see where she was and where did Rudy go.

As soon as Bhavya opened her eyes a smile formed on her lips.

Rudy's mini basketball court was littered with fairy lights and even though it wasn't that dark as sun was still in view, they looked beautiful.

"Like it ?"

Bhavya's head snapped down and she chuckled softly when she saw a smiling Rudy sitting before her on one knee and holding up a black Rose for her.

Bhavya accepted the black rose, smile never abandoning her lips.

"Tumhe kaise pata chala ki mujhe black rose pasand hai ?" ("How do you know that black rose is my favourite ?") Bhavya mused. "Mila kaha tumhe black rose ?" ("How did you get it anyway ?")

Rudy smirked. "I've my own ways." He said cockily as he slowly stood up.

Bhavya gave him a light chuckle while shaking her head fondly.

"Um...May I ?" Rudy asked in a polished accent as he bent slightly and extended his hand out for her to take as he asked her for a dance.

"Sure." Bhavya giggled.

Rudy smiled and snapped his fingers. Music started playing, a romantic music.

"Anu di ne mujhe bataya ki tumhe ball dance karna accha lagta hai." ("Anu di told me that you like ball dancing.") Rudy whispered as he came closer to Bhavya and snaked his hand on her waist.

Bhavya blushed at the gesture and nodded with smile.

"Sorry if I make a mistake. It's my first time ball dancing." Rudy admitted sheepishly.

"It's okay." Bhavya said as they both started swaying to the music softly.

Rudy pulled Bhavya closer before twirling her slowly like a princess twirled by a prince in a fairy tale. He took her right hand in his and kissed it before swaying with her.

Like a prince and a princess straight out of Disney World they danced like there's no tomorrow, surrounded by fairy lights, under colourful sunset sky, smiling all the time just enjoying each other's company.

If you would've looked at them you couldn't have guessed they were ball dancing cause all the steps were wrong and ungraceful but for them those imperfections were only crafting a perfect moment.

As the music came to an end, Rudy twirled Bhavya one last time and spun her round before making her fall in his arms doing a RK pose.

An eye contact established between them both as they adored each other.

They held the RK pose for longer than necessary. The atmosphere was romantic with the sunset and peaceful as the music had stopped. There was no one who could interrupt them.

Rudy was spell bound by Bhavya's mesmerizing eyes and her smile only added up to his desire of adoring her more and never let her go out of his sight for she was the reason behind his beating heart.

Bhavya on the other hand felt like the luckiest and happiest person ever. She had just ball danced like a princess with the person who had came into her dreams as prince charming ever since she had met him for the first time.

"Bhavu..." Rudy said softly. "...I love you." He blurted out.

Bhavya's eyes widened and for a moment she didn't believe her ears.

"What ?" Bhavya couldn't help but ask, her voice soft and full of surprise.

Rudy's eyes went wide like a platter when he realised what he had just blurted out.

Rudy made Bhavya stand up on her feet properly before opening and closing his mouth like a fish.

"I...I am...sorry." Rudy started rambling nervously. "I didn't....Shit ! Shoot ! Sherlock ! I'm so stupid. Oh God ! I didn't mean it... I'm sorry."

Bhavya's eyes saddened. "You didn't mean it ?" She asked in a low voice.

"No ! I mean, I mean it but not-" Rudy cut himself off as he got a surprise from Bhavya.

While Rudy was rambling, Bhavya had tiptoed towards Rudy and had placed a tender kiss on Rudy's cheek.

"I love you too." Bhavya blushed as she whispered.

Rudy froze on his spot.

"Re..Really ?" Rudy asked.

Bhavya nodded.

"Omg ! Omg ! OMG !" Rudy started jumping around in joy making Bhavya giggle.

After a moment, Rudy composed himself and came to Bhavya again.

"Will you be my gf ?" Rudy asked with hopeful eyes and a face splitting nervous grin.

"Yes." Bhavya nodded.

Rudy, overjoyed by Bhavya's response, caught her in a hug.

"I love you. I love you so much." He whispered while still holding her in a hug.

"Me too." Bhavya replied as she closed her eyes and tried to preserve the moment in her heart for the rest of her life.

♠

Next morning...

"OmRu !" Shivaay yelled worriedly as he rushed inside Oberoi villa, impatiently waiting to see his babies with his own eyes and make sure they're safe and sound. "Om ! Rudra !"

Khanna, being head of security of Oberoi's, had received a call, late last night, informing him about the blast which had taken place in the back garden of Oberoi villa.

As soon as Shivaay heard about the incident he quickly made arrangements to shift Dev to one of the best hospital of Mumbai and drove to Mumbai in his car.

"Bhaiya ?" Rudy amused with happy and relieved eyes. "Bhaiya !" He yelled and ran into Shivaay giving him a tight hug.

Rudy had swallowed his fear after the blast and had refused to show his vulnerable side to anyone except for Om but now that Shivaay was before him he couldn't help but drop down his demeanor.

By now Tej, RiVya and Pinky too came in the living room and saw Shivaay hugging Rudy.

"Bhaiya.." Rudy cried in Shivaay's chest. "..Mein bahot darr gaya tha Bhaiya. Woh...bomb agar 2 second pehle fhat jata toh...toh..." ("..I was so scared Bhaiya. If that...bomb would've went off even a second before...then...then..") Rudy broke into sobs.

"Shh...Shh.." Shivaay whispered as he caressed Rudy's hairs and pulled him more into his chest with teary eyes.

Shivaay didn't wish to hear or even think what would've happened cause only the thought of something happening to Rudy was unimaginable to him.

"O ne mujhe bachaya." ("O saved me.") Rudy sniffed, still holding on to Shivaay like his life depended on it.

If Shivaay would've averted his eyes from Rudy to Tej, who was standing in one corner and watching them silently, he would've seen the hatred, anger and jealousy bubbling up inside Tej's mind.

Tej was jealous of Shivaay.

Why didn't Rudy run into his arms like that yesterday night after the incident ?

Why didn't Rudy seek the same comfort and security from Tej like what he did from Shivaay ?

Neither Om nor Rudra had hugged Tej once after his arrival. They hadn't much as had a proper, friendly conversation with Tej !

"Bhai ?" Om's voice made everyone look at him from ShivRu.

"Om.." Shivaay said softly with a grin but his eyes were still teary.

Shivaay opened his arms for Om and Om wasted no time in running into his elder brother's arms.

Shivaay let a tear slip down his eye as he held OmRu close to his chest.

'They are fine.' ~ Shivaay assured himself in his mind. ~ 'My babies are fine.'

Shivaay kissed Om's forehead affectionately and kissed the top of Rudy's head before pulling out the hug.

"Tum dono thik ho na ?" ("Are you two alright ?") Shivaay asked in almost shaking voice.

"Hum bilkul thik hai." ("Yes, we're absolutely alright.") Om smiled assuringly as he wiped Shivaay's tear with the pad of his thumb.

Tej scowled.

Why both of his sons loved their cousin more than their father ?

"Shivaay." Tej called as he masked his scowl with a welcoming smile. "You're back." He remarked. "How was the journey ?"

"Fine, bade papa." Shivaay sniffed with smile as he hastily wiped his tears.

Tej feigned a smile.

Shivaay then got busy with OmRu and AniRiVya as the latter served breakfast for Shivaay and Annika.

After breakfast, OmRu decided to watch a movie with ShivAniRiVya.

Halfway through the movie Shivaay noticed Tej signalling him to come out of the room for a moment.

Shivaay excused himself and walked out of the room.

"Yes, bade papa ?" Shivaay asked.

"Shivaay, yeh kuch documents hai jinpe tumhare signatures chahiye." ("Shivaay, these are some documents which need your signatures.") Tej said as he extended the file towards Shivaay with a pen.

"Kis cheez ke papers hai yeh, bade papa ?" ("What documents, uncle ?") Shivaay asked as he opened the file but before he could start reading, Tej got his attention.

"Kuch khas nahi Shivaay-" ("Nothing important Shivaay-") Tej mummered casually. "-woh bas staff ki list hai joh police verification ke liye deni hai. Tum iss ghar ke owner ho toh tumhari signature required hai." ("-just the list of staff which is to be sent for police verification. You're the owner of the house so your signatures are required.")

Shivaay gave a small nod and started reading through the first page which was a list of names.

"Meine list check kar li hai." ("I've checked the list.") Tej said. "Sab sahi hai, bas signature kardo. Tumhari movie miss ho rahi hai na." ("Everything is fine, just sign it. You're missing out the movie.")

As if on que, Rudy yelled from the room. "Bhaiya, be quick ! You'll miss the climax."

Shivaay nodded and uncapped the pen.

"Lekin bade papa, aap kyu kar rahe hai yeh kaam ?" ("But uncle why are you doing this work ?") Shivaay raised an eyebrow, just before pressing the pen on the document.

"Mein yu hi baithe baithe bore ho gaya tha, isiliye socha thoda apna mann behla lu yeh chote mote kaam karke, tumhara bhi hath bat jayega." ("I was getting bored by sitting idle so I thought why not to take care of these little things, it'll also lessen your stress.") Tej smiled.

Shivaay nodded.

Tej's reason was convincing enough and what harm it would do if his uncle will keep the information of his servants anyway ?

Shivaay placed the file on a nearby stool as he pressed the pen down on the documents file and drew his sign.

"Kuch aur pages pe tumhare signatures chahiye." ("There are more pages where you need to sign.") Tej smiled and flipped the pages as Shivaay printed his signature on them.

Tej looked at Shivaay with pitiful eyes.

'I'm sorry.' ~ Tej said in his mind.

------------------

Hey bubblies !

Phew ! This chapter is longer than I thought it would be...3124 words (without A/N) !

How are you all doing ?

I've decided to end this track and reveal it all to you...I'm going to expose the mastermind behind the conspiracy against Oberoi's in the next chapter and a new track will start in the later chapter.

I've realised, (Thanks to ), that I've lost focus on ShivOmRu so I'm going to concentrate on the trio now and give you some cute, sweet and some bitter, sour O'bro moments in the coming weeks.

So stay tuned 😘

Until the next update
Have a safe and great life 😇