Dearest Shivaay, || Shivika AU FF

𝕀 𝔻𝕖𝕤𝕖𝕣𝕧𝕖 𝕒 𝔻𝕒𝕥𝕖

The hustle-bustle of the past seven months had been totally life-changing for the Trivedi girls. Only three months into business, Avantika Events found itself over-scheduled and busier than most higher-end companies, leaving the owner and sole proprietor in a bit of a dilemma.

"Di, the Gayakvads want blue and red for their wedding anniversary, right?" Gauri called from outside Anika's office.
"No, Chutki, you're thinking of the Khatris! The Gayakvads want purple and white for their fiftieth, and the Khatris want the blue and red for their eighteenth."
"Got it!"

"Ma'am, the Patels want to finalize the date for their baby shower!" said Monica.
"Haan, ask them if they're free next Monday."

"Lakshmi ji called about the catering for her daughter's Sangeet on Saturday!"
"Yes, Diya. Tell her to check her email. Again," Anika rolled her eyes.

Anika sighed as the phone rang. "I've got it!" called Shyam as he tripped over a stray light strip.

"Shyam!" Deepa yelled angrily.

Whoever told Anika that it was a bad idea to plan four events at the same time, Anika wished to let them know that she was regretting not listening. She was totally slammed with two wedding anniversaries eight hours apart, a Sangeet two days away, and an undecided baby shower next week. And Anika felt horrible as she heard Shyam say into the phone, "Sorry, but we're really tight right now. We can put you on the waiting list!"

Yeah, with the other twenty events over there. Anika wanted to curl up and cry in some corner. This sudden success was so overwhelming. The other day, Ishana and Priyanka had come over to spend some time with their friend and Anika had completely blown them off because she was packed with meetings and interviews for potential customers and candidates, albeit it had not been her fault entirely.

Her friends had understood, though, and Gauri had volunteered to help out until things got back under control. The Oberois had been a blessing during this time, too. Omkara was helping with decorations whenever he had a chance, Rudra brought in deliveries, Priyanka took phone calls, and Ishana had been helping with the interviews. The business was always in need of more employees.

Pinky and Jhanvi Aunty sometimes sent in lunch, and Mausi took care of Anika's late night shifts with a dinner of her own, and attached came little motivating messages in scribbly handwriting belonging to Sahil.

Even Shakti Uncle had been kind enough to give Anika some starting pointers, which had been more than useful.

The only Oberoi Anika hadn't seen much of over the seven months she had been working was a certain blue-eyed baghadbilla, whose own workload had been incredibly heavy and overbearing, according to his family members.

"Anika, the Laghari family needs to be put on the waitlist," Shyam passed along the information. Anika nodded, handing him a heavy blue binder with the words 'Waiting' written on the side in Anika's own pretty cursive. "Please see to the rest of these events and add the Lagharis. Thanks, Shyam!"

So far, Anika's professional team consisted of four talented individuals much like herself. Diya and Monica's experience in the field was always useful, and though Deepa and Shyam always seemed to be at war with one another, they had also been incredible coworkers and Anika was glad to have them.

"Di!" Gauri's voice rung out again. "Ab kya hua?" Anika asked exasperatedly. "SSO is here!"

"What are you doing here?" Anika asked as soon as she stepped outside.

Shivaay frowned. "Wow, so now I need to book appointments to meet you? What next, I'll have to send messages through your PA?"

"Arey, haan! PA se yaad aaya ke mujhe woh position ke bhi ads lagane padenge. Assistant hoga toh shayad kaam pe bhi focus kar paoun aur sirf scheduling aur booking pe se dhyaan bate," Anika muttered to herself.