Destined To Be

Chapter 45

Ankita's P.O.V. 

As the celebrations were coming to a close and everyone were leaving, Namu came to me. I gave him a hug and he asked, "Do you need any help to clean up?" "No, there isn't much to do really. You must be very tired from today. I think you should head home and take some rest," I said. "Yeah, I'm really tired," he said stretching, "Good night. Enjoy." He left and I turned and looked at Ayaan getting the place clean. I went up to him and hugged his torso from the back. His body froze for a moment and then loosened up. "Thank you for the most special birthday ever," I said and kissed the back of his neck. He turned to me and smiled. "You're welcome. But you know something, I am very selfish. I am not doing all of this for free. You have to pay me yet," he said leaning back on a table. "What do you want as payment?" I asked. "Shall I tell you?" he asked. I nodded. He stood straight and held my shoulders saying pushing me back, "One moment. Just stand right here." I stepped back and he went back to sitting on the table. He bit his lip and his eyes roamed all over my body. I suddenly felt conscious and shy. Turning around, I bent my head and blushed unable to say anything. He hugged me from behind and said in my ear, "This is not only my payment but your punishment." "Punishment?" I asked confused. "Remember, when I hugged you earlier, what did I say? You will have to pay for the prank you pulled on me," he said. I smiled and looked at him. Planting a kiss on his cheek, I said, "That's all you're going to get." He pouted and turned me to him, wrapping his arms around my waist. "This is not fair," he said, "I want you. I want to have you all to myself. I will devour you! Like a protein shake!" Looking at him for a moment or two, both of us burst out in laughter and giggled. I pushed my arms under his jacket and hugged his body giving my body some warmth as he wrapped his arms around me. 

Reaching back to the camp, I sat on my bed with my smile not leaving my face. As I was rubbing some lotion on my feet, Preeti sat on her bed and stared at me. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I asked. "Ani, today Ayaan proved how lucky you are to have him. He's so passionate in love. I wish every guy could be like him. Then I would also give my heart to someone like Ayaan," she said. I stopped and frowned at her. "Do you still love him?" I asked softly. She smiled and said, "No! Ani, you don't have to worry about me in your relationship. You should be happy with Ayaan. Just like I am for both of you." "Preeti, your smile is telling me that you like him," I said. "I do. I don't deny it. But my crush won't come between you two. I promise you that," she said. I felt extremely guilty. My best friend is in love with my boyfriend. And she has to see us together all the time. I got off my bed and went to give her a big hug. "Ani," she said, "You don't have to feel guilty for me. If you do, then I would feel very insulted. You will be insulting our friendship and the trust that is between us." I pouted heartfelt and hugged her. "I love you. You are my bestest friend!" I said. She pushed me away and wiped away a tear saying, "Liar, you have left me for that Pihu." "Awww...." I said and giggled. We went on tickling each other and having some bestie time. 

The next morning, I woke up and looked around my room. All my presents were there. Going to them, I smiled and opened one. Just before I was about to watch inside, Preeti came and held my hand, quickly dragging me outside in a hurry. "Preeti, what are you doing? I have not even changed," I said stopping at the door. She frowned and dropped her shoulders saying, "Oh God!" She ran to my cupboard and took up a jacket. Throwing it on my shoulders, she dragged me outside and the sight before me left me stunned. Shanaya was standing with an entire bridal outfit and all the works. From her hair to makeup to clothes and jewellery, everything was over the top and overdone. Everyone were standing and looking at her as her eyes roamed around. Ayaan came next to me looking just as shocked as I was. Her eyes fell on me and she smiled. Coming closer to me, I realised that she wasn't looking at me but in fact at Ayaan. She stood in front of him as he looked at her with his mouth agape. "Hi! How do I look? Exactly like the girl you imagined in your dreams, right?" she said with a smile. Ayaan looked at me dumbfounded. My eyes fell on Pihu behind and she smirked. Looking at me amused, she gave me a thumbs up and I realised that this was her plan. I shook my head and looked at Shanaya. After a moment of silence, everyone burst out in a fit of laughter, including Ayaan. Shanaya frowned embarrassed and I felt extremely bad for her. No matter what was between us, she didn't deserve this. She frowned at me and then gritted her teeth. Infuriated, she raised her hand and slapped me making everyone quiet. I held my stinging cheek and looked at her. "You planned this, didn't you?" she asked. "How dare you..." Ayaan said gritting his teeth but before he could go on, I held his hand and stopped him. Looking at Shanaya, I said, "Let's talk inside." Pointing her finger at me, she said, "I am not going anywhere with you. Whatever you have to say to embarrass me, say it here. But after that, you just wait and watch what will be the outcome." "What will you do? Go and complain to your father?" Ayaan said coming between us. She fumed and looked at me. Holding Ayaan's arm, I pulled him out of the way and took Shanaya's hand.