Dearest Shivaay, || Shivika AU FF

ℕ𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 𝔽𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥

After all of her work at Oberoi Mansion was done, Anika was ready to go home. 

She was searching her beloved Chikni for her phone to call Gauri when she heard a voice from behind her. "Tum ghar jaa rahi ho?" Omkara Singh Oberoi asked. 

Anika turned to face the long-haired artist of the family with a bright smile. "Haan, Om. Sahil still needs to have his medicine and Gauri needs to retire from babysitting for the day," Anika said with a chuckle. 

"I've heard a lot about your sister. She seems to be a hard worker?" Omkara asked. 

"Oh, yes! She used to work two part-time jobs during college, even though I had refused at first. Gauri and me would split the responsibilities for Sahil's fees, Mausi's medicines, and the rent. Things are better now that I have a more stable job, thanks to Dadi, Pinky and Jhanvi Aunty," Anika said fondly. Her sister and brother were her entire life. 

Anika's smile was contagious, because Omkara started smiling, too. He had realized that Anika, Gauri, and Sahil were as loving towards one another as the O'bros were—and that was certainly saying something. He had never met Anika's younger siblings, but he felt like he had known them since forever, especially Gauri. 

He felt that special connection with every mention of her name, though he wasn't quite sure why. Ignoring these thoughts, he simply shook his head at his brother's wedding planner. "Do you want me to drop you home?" 

"Um, I'll manage," Anika said, returning to the search for her phone. "Are you sure?" 

Finally finding her phone, Anika simply hummed in response. Shrugging, Omkara bid his byes and left. Anika called Gauri quickly. 

"Di, where are you?" Gauri asked as soon as she picked up. 

"Just about to leave Oberoi Mansion. Tu chinta mat kar, jaldi aa jaoungi," Anika promised. 

"But, Di, it's so late! How are you planning to get home? I don't think there will be any rickshaws at this hour." 

Anika looked over to the large clock in the center of the grand room, which you could spot from the entrance itself. Seeing the hour hand at the number eleven, Anika's heart literally failed for a second. "Oh bete ki! How did I get so wrapped up in my work that I didn't even notice the time!" Anika screamed. 

She heard her Mausi, Astika, sigh on the other end of the line.

"Di, Mausi wants to talk to you," Gauri said. It was Anika's turn to sigh and rub the bridge of her nose. 

 "I understand this job is important for you, Niku. Trust me, I really do," Astika began. "But, beti, thoda sa toh dhyaan de apne parivaar pe. Hum begane thode hai," Mausi said. 

Anika wanted to say, "Don't you think I'm doing this for my family?" But she didn't. She mustered all of her patience, reminding herself that Astika was elder to her. With a deep breath, she explained the situation as best as she could. 

"Mausi, trust me. Please. I'm doing the best I can, both at home and at work. It's not easy, Mausi. They want the sagai in a month, and Ms. Tia," she inwardly cringed, "wants it to be perfect, which I can totally understand, given that it's her wedding. I've promised Dadi that everything will be totally perfect for her grandson's wedding, and that's a promise I plan to keep. Aapko toh pata hai ke humare unpe kitne karz hai. I'd be willing to do this entire thing for free, if Dadi hadn't insisted that I take pay. Samajh rahe hai na, Mausi? Aur aaj ke baad, main aapse promise karti hoon. 9 baje se pehle main ghar paunchoongi. Aur ye main kal se hi shuru karungi."