Imperfectly Perfect - An Ishqbaaaz Tale

8. Meeting The Oberoi Family

The love of a family is life's greatest blessing

~*~

While sitting at a family meal celebrating the birthdays of his twin cousins Om and Mallika, Shivaay couldn't help but think about her. He had only met her the day before, and had been thinking about their interaction nonstop since then.

"Shivaay," his uncle Tej's voice jolted him out of his reverie and he turned to face him, "Where are you lost, son?"

"Sorry, Bade Papa, I was thinking about a deal. You were saying something?"

"Yes, we were inquiring about your supper preferences. We need to place an order," Shivaay turned to the menu to look at what Tej had stated. Om gazed at him, recognising that something was disturbing him. The Oberoi siblings may be regarded one unit since, regardless of their age gap, they have always enjoyed an incredible closeness, but Shivaay and Om have always been more closer. They were best friends too, and Om could tell when something was bothering his brother.

Shivaay was trying to divert his attention by looking over the menu when his mother's voice, and specifically a name, captured his attention, "Annika?" Pinky interrupted her as she was ready to sit down at a nearby table, instead directing her to the Oberoi clan's table.

Despite being taken aback, Annika managed to smile and approached them, prompting Pinky to embrace her in a warm hug.

"You here? Why didn't you let us know? Where are you staying? You have to —" Pinky kept speaking making her dumbfounded until Shakti interrupted her train of words, "Pinky, let the girl speak."

Before she responded, Annika simply flashed her a kind grin, which Shivaay knew was genuine, "Assalamu Alaikum Aunty. I'm here for the next two months for a project and to answer your questions, I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want to bother and I'm staying at the hotel booked by Mr. Oberoi on behalf of the company," Annika completed looking at Shivaay, who met her eyes.

Pinky let out a gasp and turned to face her son, startled "You knew she was coming, Shivaay? Why didn't you inform us earlier?"

"It had slipped from my mind, Ammi. She's a Chemist in the company with which we're partnering," Shivaay explained his mother.

"Chalo achha hai, now you're here, join us," Pinky exclaimed happily and even before Annika could respond she spoke again, "Oh and let me introduce you to everyone. This is Mummy Ji," Pinky said. Annika bent down to get her blessings right away, recalling Aahil's Dadi, but was stopped by Dadi, "No no, beti. Humare ghar mein betiyaan paon nahi chhuti, gale lagti hai."

Dadi leapt to her feet and embraced her, making her grin warmly. "This is Tej Bhaisaab, Janhvi Bhabhi, their twins Om and Mallika, that's Gauri, Om's girlfriend and finally, Haider, Mallika's husband. Oh, and this one right here, is our cutie Kiaan, Mallika and Haider's son" Pinky finished pinching the one year old baby's cheeks in Mallika's arms.

Annika smiled and greeted everyone, and Janhvi and Tej hugged her warmly. Priyanka and Rudra followed them, squeezing her into a hug and making her laugh. She also learnt that it was Mallika and Om's birthday. Wishing the birthday twins a happy birthday, she unwillingly took her place in front of Shivaay, the only place left. 

"Di, I'm so happy you're here. We missed you so much," Rudra spoke giving her a side hug, "I missed you both too," Shivaay's attention was immediately drawn to them, and he looked at them, surprised and upset.