Dearest Shivaay, || Shivika AU FF

𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕟𝕪'𝕤 𝕎𝕠𝕣𝕝𝕕 ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕤𝕤 𝔻𝕙𝕒𝕓𝕒

Shivaay Singh Oberoi had never even seen a dhaba, let alone sit outside one. However, desperate times called for desperate measures, and that was something that was always applicable in every aspect of life. 

Now, what business Shivaay Singh Oberoi—the heir to a plethora of wealth, who could easily afford a seven-course meal at a clean, hygienic five-star—had sitting outside a local eatery? He wished he could tell you, but the man was clueless himself. 

Shivaay had prepared a worst-case scenario in his mind before making his decision. He had imagined Sunny's to be the name of a three-star restaurant that served only shuddh Desi khaana. Unfortunately, fate wasn't feeling all too nice when it took him to a ramshackle  eatery, in a location so remote that Shivaay doubted if the residents had ever even heard of star ratings. 

There was a crooked sign with faded print, reading Sunny's World-Class Dhaba. Even with its rundown appearance, there was a certain gaudiness to the sign with its bright yellow and orange writing and an Indian flag tucked in the rightmost corner. What purpose the flag had there? Simple. Sunny Gulati, the amiable owner, had an incredibly country-loving Hindustani heart. 

His exuberant patriotism had led him to paint the words, Jai Hind! on his backboard in bright orange and green lettering. 

Now, Shivaay loved his country as much as the next guy, but he didn't wave the orange, green, and white flag in everyone's face. 

A dull fear settled in him as he observed the crowded streets beside him. What if that Nikhil had made a change in plans? What if Anika wasn't going to show up? 

But fate wasn't so mean to him. Shivaay's mind was coming up with all these scenarios to try and get him to leave, but it was all overpowered by a wave of calm in his chest. He instantly knew why. She was here. As her melodious voice weaved its way through the surrounding noise like a clear bell, Shivaay felt all his apprehensions melt away. 

"I think we should just order some chole-bhature and share. Waise bhi, I'm not that hungry," she was saying to Nikhil. She was dressed in a simple pink kurta and jeans, with her trademark sandals. Her silver bangles jingled as she talked, since she was always a woman who put gestures and words together when she talked. 

Her face seemed to glow a golden hue in the light of the nearby lamppost, her pale pink earrings and nose stud glittering ever so lightly. Wisps of her hair curled up the sides of her cheeks, interrupting the words slipping through her glossed lips. Her pools of chocolate were large with a certain joy, and her lashes were vibrant. The winged liner she was wearing only made her eyes pop more. And she called his eyes mysterious. Had she ever even looked into her own? Shivaay felt himself drowning with every second that he took in her beauty. 

As she walked past him to order food with Nikhil at her side, Shivaay heard the tinkling of her anklets, small and silver bells. Shivaay never knew simplicity could look so effortlessly brilliant. Then again, he had spent the majority of his life with a woman like Tia, who he'd never picture in something pastel and airy. 

And even if Tia did, he doubted she would manage to pull it off as naturally as Anika could. With Anika, there wasn't even a comparison. 

(Oh, Shivaay, you've got it bad)

"Sunny Bhai!" Anika greeted with a bright smile. Sunny returned it, but of course, it didn't match hers. "Anika? I haven't seen you in so long!" 

"Work has been keeping me so busy." 

"What do you do now?" 

"I'm a wedding planner!"

"Really? That's great?" Sunny looked over at Nikhil with a small smirk playing on his lips. "So, are you planning yours right now?" he asked, directed at Anika.