One year had passed.
At Chanda’s apartment, Annika answered her phone. “Hello!”
“Anky! How are you?” It was her brother, Arnav.
“I’m fine,” she lied, her voice carefully controlled. “You?”
“We all miss you terribly,” Arnav said.
“I miss you all too,” Annika replied softly.
“Are you alright? You don’t sound like yourself. Are you crying?” Arnav’s tone was laced with concern.
“No, no, I’m not…” She forced a laugh, knowing he would recognize the deception. She knew he would understand she couldn’t discuss it over the phone. “I’m just… getting ready to head home.”
“What? Suddenly? Do you know there’s a threat to our family, especially to you? And you just casually say you’re going home?” Arnav’s voice rose with panic. “Do you understand how important your safety is?” He launched into a rapid, scolding lecture, his voice full of worry.
“Bhai, bhai, calm down, please! Relax,” Annika pleaded.
(Yes, it was her brother, Arnav Raizada.)
“How can I relax? How can I?” Arnav demanded.
“Listen, I’m going back for just one day. I’ll fly to Udaipur, and then head straight to London the same day. Please, bhai, please!” Annika’s voice was desperate.
(The Raizadas lived in Udaipur, wealthy and influential.)
Arnav’s tone softened slightly. “Okay, but you’ll fly by air. Understand? No arguments.” He knew Annika preferred train travel – a middle-class habit that infuriated him. “And you’ll have two bodyguards with you, understood?”
(Possessive brother.)
Annika agreed silently. She knew once Arnav had made up his mind, there was no changing it, not even for his beloved Dadi, whom he respected above all else. “Okay, my possessive brother. Let’s go. Bye, love you.”
“Bye, love you too. Take care.”
The call ended.
Meanwhile, at Oberoi Mansion, everything felt lifeless.
At the airport, Annika said goodbye to Chanda and boarded her flight, her heart heavy. As she settled into her seat, she held a photograph of Shivaay, whispering, “I’m leaving, forever.”
Shivaay felt as if a piece of his soul had been ripped away. Annika reached Udaipur, met her driver, and left for London because the threat to her and her family remained.
Days turned into months, months into a year. Shivaay and Annika had been separated for a year.
Some things never change.
Oberoi Mansion. A man, impeccably dressed in a three-piece suit, meticulously styled his hair. He was on the phone, shouting.
“What the hell! I want that deal, I want it now! I don’t care what it takes, get it done!” He slammed the phone in frustration. Another call had been answered, and another wave of anger washed over him.
(It was Shivaay.)
In the hall, a woman was shouting at Shivaay.
(Some things never change.)
“What’s going on, Mom? Why are you yelling?” Shivaay asked.
“You know why! You promised to meet him today and you forgot!” Pinky exclaimed.
“No, Mom, I remember. What’s the rush?”
“The rush? He’s always waiting for you, always checking up on you. You’re making him wait!”
Om and Rudra approached.
“If he doesn’t want to go, why are you forcing him, Choti Maa?” Om asked.
Pinky was cut off by a young woman entering the hall.
“It’s okay, Aunty. Let me handle it. Don’t let me cause you any trouble.”
(Fake concern.)
“Om, I’m so happy to see you, Ragini.” Pinky beamed.
Ragini approached Shivaay. “Hey Shivu!” Om and Rudra exchanged disgusted glances. Shivaay remembered Annika. She used to call him “Shivu” when she was happy, and the memory brought a wave of sadness. He shook it off.
“Hey, Ragini.” He gave her a friendly hug.
“I was going to come over to see you, Mom.” Pinky turned to leave. “I’ll send coffee for you.”
Rudy and Om exchanged glances.
“I don’t know from where this Nagini came into Bhaiya’s life,” Rudy muttered.
“I agree with you,” Om replied, both remembering Annika.
In London, at the same time, a girl was disturbed by the sunlight streaming through her curtains. Her alarm blared. Annika groaned, and shut it off. She rushed to the bathroom and quickly got ready. She rushed to the airport.
No precap.