KHWAB : A Distant Dream

Some new characters are making an entry.... Let's meet them... before we continue with the story....

LATE. ANURIMA ABHYAENDRA SING KAPOOR : Wife of Abhayendra and mother of Ranvijay and Abhijay, and grandmother to Rudra, Abhimaan, the twins and Ruhanika. Adopted Niharika at age of 7, after the death of her parents.

NIHARIKA GOENKA (47): Maternal cousin of Ranvijay. Cunning, manipulative and narrow minded housewife.

KARAN GOENKA (50): Husband of Niharika. A simple person content with his job. Is a reputed professor in the field of architecture.

KARTIK GOENKA (24): Elder son of Niharika and Karan. Completed his studies in architecture and handled the family business with his father.

TANYA GOENKA (20): Princess of her parents and is studying fashion. Infatuated with Advaith.

SHASHANK OBEROI (SHASHI) (30): Friends with Rudra and Ayansh, and works as their legal advisor. Apart from that he is a reputed lawyer known for being ruthless and has his own career.

RYAN OBEROI (REY) (26): Younger brother of Shashank and best friend of Abhimaan. Has completed his MBA, but works as his brother's secretary/assistant.

Mrs. RAGINI RAGHUVENDRA KHANNA (82) : Nani of the Rajputs.

ACP PRANAV KULKARNI (48): Father of Shivani and Maternal uncle of Shivansh and his legal guardian. Prefers to be on field than behind his desk. A reputed name in the police force and feared in the underworld.

Now back to the story....... _____________________________

Anika was staring at the ground for almost 3 whole minutes when Rudra finally spoke, "What's so interesting about the floor Anika?" he asked her quietly. "Nothing." she mumbled. "Then why are you staring at it.?" he asked her with a straight face. "Vo bus aise hi." she said, still not looking at him.

Rudra was done with her and gently pulled up her chin towards him. "Look at me." he said firmly. Anika slowly raised her eyes to look at him and then immediately averted her gaze. Rudra was confused at her behaviour, "Kya baat hai Anika? Tell me." He was worried now.

"Anvi di wants me to pick up your outfit for the reception." she mumbled. "Haan, to usme mein problem kya hai. Do it." he replied casually. Anika turned her neck so fast to look at him that she almost had a whiplash. "You want me to?" she asked the dreaded question. Although she had spoken it normally, Rudra could detect the hope and anticipation in her voice and finally realised the problem.

He sighed and rubbed his palm on his face, thinking how to answer her. Anika interpreted his sigh as refusal and her face fell, but she quickly composed herself. "It's okay Bhaiya. Mein Anvi di se baat kar lungi." Anika tried to keep her voice even but couldn't help letting a hint of sadness and hurt seep in.

Rudra snapped out of his thoughts and saw her giving him a sad smile. She was about to leave when he stopped her by grabbing her hand. He took a deep breath, "You are a part of this family Anika. I want my sister to be equally involved in my wedding like my brothers are. Get it?" He spoke sincerely and Anika was moved to tears by his acceptance and nodded.

She was also relieved and assured that her Bhaiya was not angry. "Now that we are done with the questions, would you do me an honour of selecting mine as well as your outfits princess?" Rudra asked her dramatically. Anika raised her eyebrows at his theratics and chuckled. Rudra inwardly smiled seeing her happy.