Pyaar ki ishqbaazi

16. Business conference

After 2 years

The grand ballroom of a luxury hotel in Singapore is buzzing with activity.

High-powered business executives from around the world are gathered for an exclusive conference, a significant event in the business calendar.

The room is filled with the low hum of conversations, clinking glasses, and the occasional flash of cameras as the media captures the who's who of the business world.

Shivaay walks into the conference with his usual commanding presence, his sharp eyes scanning the room.

It's been a year since that fateful night when Anika was kidnapped, and his life has been a whirlwind of chaos ever since.

Despite his best efforts, he never managed to find her.

The guilt and regret have gnawed at him every single day, but he buried himself in work, trying to distract himself from the emptiness that has lingered ever since.

He's here to network, to close deals, but his mind isn't entirely focused. As he approaches the registration desk, the attendant greets him with a smile.

"Good evening, Mr. Oberoi. Welcome to the conference"

Shivaay nods,and is about to walk away when something the attendant says catches his attention.

"If you have any questions or need anything, our host, Ms. Anika, will be more than happy to assist you."

Shivaay freezes mid-step, his heart skipping a beat. He turns slowly, disbelief clouding his expression.

Shivaay (softly) "Ms. Anika...?"

The attendant smiles and nods, oblivious to the turmoil in Shivaay's mind.

The Attendant then says "Yes, she's the one who organized this entire conference. She's a remarkable businesswoman, and her company has been making waves globally. It's an honor to have her as our host."

Shivaay doesn't respond. His mind is reeling as the name echoes in his ears. Anika.

"Could it really be her? Is this the same Anika I lost a year ago? The one I never stopped looking for?" His mind races with hundreds of thoughts then he takes a deep breath.

As the conference progresses, Shivaay's eyes keep searching the room, looking for a glimpse of her.

The anticipation and anxiety build within him until, finally, he hears her voice over the speakers, announcing the start of the next session.

Anika (over the microphone) "Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention, please. We're about to begin the keynote session, and I want to thank you all for being here today. It's an honor to have so many brilliant minds gathered in one place."

The room falls silent as everyone turns to the stage. Shivaay's breath catches in his throat as he sees her for the first time in one year.

Anika stands on the stage, poised and confident, exuding an aura of power and grace.

She's no longer the woman he remembers-she's transformed into someone even more formidable.

Anika looks out over the audience, her gaze sweeping across the room until, for a fleeting moment, her eyes lock with Shivaay's.

Time seems to stand still as they stare at each other, the past one year collapsing into that single moment.

Shivaay thinking in his mind "Anika... It really is you."

Anika's expression remains unreadable as she continues her address, not letting the shock of seeing Shivaay affect her.

But for Shivaay, everything else fades away. He's no longer in a room full of people; it's just him and Anika, and the unspoken words between them

As Anika finishes her speech, the audience bursts into applause, but Shivaay remains rooted to the spot, his heart pounding in his chest.

The applause dies down, and Anika steps off the stage, disappearing into the crowd.

He knows he has to talk to her, to find out what happened after she disappeared, and to see if there's any way to rebuild what they once had-or if it's too late.

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