Hello forum waasi's,
So after my heart broke into a billion or so pieces seeing one of my most favorite characters being his worst self on screen 3 days back, I had decided not to see the next few episodes or come to the forum and post anything, only to realize that with my level of addiction for this show it was impossible to stay away and unhealthy without some form of vent after seeing the episodes, especially with my pg exams the next week.
So I watched yesterday's and today's episodes , read quite a few posts on the forum and SM and watched the segments too , all in 3 hours this evening and I couldn't help but give my 2 cents on the issue too.
Please feel free to skip/ignore this paragraph and move on to the OS because it's a long unpleasant rant and many may not like my views and I am sorry but this is what I felt and I frankly dont have the time or energy to respond to any bashers.I loved Shivaay just as much as any other Shivika shipper but I am kind of disturbed seeing the justifications that some people are giving for Shivaay's actions. Because his actions shouldn't be justified. A man with power forcing a girl who had no one to stand up for, into marriage, after manhandling her just because she accidently meddled in his affairs, moreover causing her mental trauma by using her kid brother as leverage does not count for any source of happiness from my side. True, he has a reputation to keep up but she has a life too. She is a human. Not a plaything to be used or bought or discarded as he pleased just because his reputation was at stake. And while I appreciate the brilliant acting by NarBhi and admit my weakness that I can't give up the show, I am not able to understand how people can condone Shivaay's actions. And believe me when I say this with all my heart, that right now, I want to find a reason to like him too but even though it kills me, I am not able to. Maybe 100 episodes later, or however long he takes to redeem himself, I may regain the love that I once had for Shivaay because right now, I have lost all respect for the man, no matter how much he may love his family or otherwise, especially with him in the newest segment telling Dadi that he will pay her off for the wedding. Phew, with that out of the way, I feel relatively ok in sharing this OS. Because I have to hope for Shivaay to change and for things to improve!!!
SHIVIKA OS : OF OLD TALES AND NEW BEGINNINGS :
The main conference hall in the The Hilton resort in Mumbai was the chosen venue for the year's Indian Restaurant 2020 Expo and the huge hall teamed with guests as all the big names in the glocal culinary field had gathered for the 2 day event and subsequent award night.
The 2 day event and the conference held so far had been a grand success with various restauranteers, resort owners and other big shots from the culinary field sharing their experiences , holding workshops held by restaurant outlets, discussing business strategies and the like, being a few of the many highlights of the event.
There was one guest among the others however who was not a member of the culinary world and definitely did not venture out much on the field either, a famous celebrity nevertheless. Shivaay Singh Oberoi was a surprise guest at the function but a welcomed one, as who wouldn't want one of the most eligible bachelors to grace the event. The investors were of the opinion that the Oberois were thinking of foraying into this field as well. But so far, the man in question had chosen to keep a very low profile. He mingled with just a select few, mostly known business friends while he kept his watchful blue eyes on the crowd, hoping to catch a glimpse of a certain someone, who he was sure would be there too but so far had evaded his presence for the whole of the previous day. And he was disappointed this morning and had to retreat to his hotel room for the time being.
He had sat in the room, and after making a few business calls, fingered a unique yet an inexpensive piece of jewellery in his right hand, a large aquamarine stoned ring. It was almost ugly but to the man seated, it was beyond beautiful, just like its owner. And brought back bitter sweet memories.
He remembered the strong independant woman, who had come like a whirlwind into his life and made him feel alive like no one ever had. How he had repeatedly insulted and misunderstood her, and ultimately forcefully married her in a fit of rage and desperation and yet hated to acknowledge as his wife after. He had despised her and himself for marrying someone who he had thought was beneath his status and class , inspite of having feelings for her.
And how that very woman had broken through his every wall and managed to disprove his every theory on how lineage, blood and family name were the most important by living example.
By showing that she was willing to give up her life for a brother who was not even related to her by blood. By continuing to work and standing on her own feet , without taking the famous Oberoi family name to aid her in getting forward. By staying strong when almost every member in his family was against her or unwilling to openly show support, except the one woman army that was his Dadi.
And surprising him by standing by him and having his back in spite of it all, when he was left stunned and shattered by the betrayal of very khaandani log, including a dear friend and again by his ex fianc and later by his own aunt. By saving his family numerous times and being a pillar for the Oberois as a true Oberoi bride in times of need in spite of having received nothing in return from them. And she had managed to win the love and respect of every family member and carve a place for herself in their hearts , miraculously even his mother!! And he had fallen hard for her, and grown to trust,love and respect till he realised that couldn't even bear to breathe without her. And he had tried in countless ways to win her back and slowly gained a little of her trust that he once had in abundance and then horribly lost. And old wounds had started to heal.
But when Shivaay Singh Oberoi had finally mustered courage to confess that he had ultimately fallen deeply and irrevocably in love with every shade of this brilliant beautiful stubborn gem of a woman, khoon and khaandaan be damned, he had lost again. For she had forgiven yet not forgotten and demanded gently for something that she had always desired. Her freedom. And time. And he had loved her too much to not grant it. His family had been heart broken but had agreed to it, surprisingly even Dadi. But he promised himself and her that he would keep fighting for their love and continue to wait for her.
She had stayed in touch of course, and even attended Om and Ru's weddings but had never agreed to even have a meal with him after. But he had waited patiently, as painful as it was to and now 2 years had passed since their divorce.
Later that evening, Shivaay took a seat at his allotted table in the front of the hall for the final award ceremony , with two other gentlemen who to his relief, stopped all conversation after the initial pleasantries and were more interested in watching the events on stage and the awards presented.Finally the presenter made the announcement that he was waiting for with bated breath.
And the award for the Best Debutant Restaurant of the year goes to - Ms.Anika for her fast growing chain of cafes called Aqua.As the crowd broke into applause, a slim beautiful woman took to the stage, dressed in an elegant royal blue evening gown.
As she took to the stage,looking stunning as ever, Shivaay's restless heart which had picked speed ever since he landed here, stopped and started to pound to a whole new rhythm and his admiration grew for the woman as she gave a short speech mentioning how her success was thanks to a wonderful team and a very big support system in her life, her young brother who could unfortunately not attend the function and dedicated the award to him. And she also thanked a few very special people who helped her grow and reach where she was. And suddenly, she was staring straight at him through from her podium and as black khol lined eyes met the blue, a warm glow infused his heart as he realized that the line included him. She knew that he was here too!
After the event came to a close and pleasantries and goodbyes were being exchanged, Shivaay finally came face to face with his ex-wife once more. He managed to keep a straight face and look at her, drinking in her appearance and memorising the face already imprinted in his mind, even as he felt as though she could see through his soul and saw the concern on her face.
'How have you been Shivaay?' she asked as she took in his appearance. He looked almost the same, slightly tired, and the lines of his face were sharper now, but was reassured by him that he managed to keep up his health after the last time he felt sick, when asked.
They chatted about everything, but avoided the biggest question, and he told her how Dadi was much better and her arthritis showed improvement with the new drugs. How Om had opened his newest Art Gallery and he and Ishaana were expecting a baby but she already knew that from Ishaana ofcourse. Rudra had joined Oberoi industries and was continuing to do ridiculously well, much to Tej's surprise and happiness and Soumya started working as a junior psychology professor in college. She couldnt stop gushing about how much she loved teaching! Prinku was preparing for her PG exams. Shakti, Pinky and Jhanvi were fine too. They all missed her, including him he silently added and knew from her look that she understood. She inturn animatedly told him about Sahil, about how he was doing well in school now, both in studies and sports, thanks to his surgery. How her small steadily growing restaurant chain was doing quite well and how happy she was that her hardwork was paying off.
She had to leave now,she apologetically told him and had to go get dinner with Sahil as she had promised him earlier.
'Anika', he started and then abruptly stopped. This time around, he didn't want to ask her to stay and be disappointed again. If she noticed, she didn't say anything. And with one last smile, turned and walked away. He noticed her retreating back with that familiar pang of pain that he felt every time, of desperation and regret and caught a last glimpse of the flash of blue and finally let out a sigh of disappointment. But before he could walk back into that lonely hotel room and break down, he was suddenly stopped by a gentle tug on his arm and felt his heart pick up again as he simultaneously recognised that triangular design on the gold bracelet of the hand that held him and a gentle yet slightly breathless voice asked him, after 2 years of waiting:
"Shivaay, would you like to join me and Sahil for dinner tonight?"
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I wrote this because from the beginning of IB, as far as Shivika was concerned, I loved the fact that Ani was strong and independent and very self-respecting. So I wanted to give her time to forgive and forget. And I want redemption from Shivaay and I was too impatient to wait another 100 episodes to see it on screen, if they ever give us that! I want him to wait for the love of his life to return as he gave her space and time to grow as a person. So that when they began again, she could become Anika Singh Oberoi without regrets and he would be grateful and proud of having her in his life. True and takkar ka pyaar!!
Do like/comment and let me know how it was!
Love,
Anu.