The news of Annika's marriage hit Mrs. Patel like a bolt of lightning. While overjoyed for her dear friend, a pang of disappointment pricked at her. The simple temple ceremony and secrecy clause went against everything Mrs. Patel envisioned for Annika's special day. Nevertheless, her unwavering love and support shone through. She gifted Annika a beautiful red saree and a simple pearl necklace, a symbol of their bond and a reminder that true value resided beyond wealth or social status.
Meanwhile, the Oberoi mansion buzzed with mixed reactions. Pinky was happy with it and saw an opportunity for a grand wedding for her son Rohit. Dadi harbored an initial disapproval of the temple ceremony. However, the fear of Shivay potentially canceling the wedding and jeopardizing the Oberoi legacy, if she says something against his decision forced her to accept it. Om and Rudra, offered their playful congratulations, promising to attend the ceremony. Rohit, blissfully unaware due to his escape to the US (a strategic move to avoid his mother's relentless matchmaking attempts), remained completely in the dark.
The following week was a whirlwind. Annika scrambled with last-minute preparations while Shivay, with his characteristic efficiency, handled things on his end.
The day arrived. As Annika reached the temple, a sense of anticipation filled the air. Shivay, already present with his family, sat near the holy haven listening to the priest's chants. A soft jingle of bangles and anklets broke the silence. He turned, breath catching in his throat at the sight of Annika. The red saree draped her beautifully, and for a fleeting moment, a wayward thought crossed his mind before he quickly banished it.
Annika, a knot of nerves tightening in her stomach, walked towards him and sat beside him. Glancing around, she noticed the stark difference in their family sizes. Eight faces from Shivay's side, while only Mrs. Patel represented Annika's. Despite the agreement, a silent question hung in the air, acknowledged by curious glances exchanged between the families.
The ceremony itself was a simple affair, the chanting of the priest and the circling of the sacred fire filling the reverent silence. As the crimson sindoor marked her forehead and the simple mangalsutra adorned her neck, a strange sense of finality settled over Annika. She was Mrs. Shivay Singh Oberoi – in name only for now, but married nonetheless.
After receiving blessings from the elders, Shivay introduced Annika to his family, starting with his grandmother who blessed them with a happy married life. They then met his uncle and aunt who hugs them and blessed them followed by his parents, to whom Shivay introduced her with a stoic expression and an indifferent tone as "Dad" and "Stepmom."
Next came his cousins, Om and Rudra. Rudra surprised them with a warm hug and a hearty "Congratulations, Bhaiya and Bhabhi!" Finally, Shivay introduced Annika to Priyanka, his stepsister, who offered a shy greeting and congratulations.
When Annika, in turn, introduced Mrs. Patel as her only family member, surprise flickered across Shivay's face. This kind woman, her boss and confidante, had become the sole representative of Annika's side.
Bidding farewell to Mrs. Patel, Annika and Shivay climbed into the car, heading towards the Oberoi mansion. Shivay's family had already left to prepare for the newlyweds' arrival
The car ride to the Oberoi Mansion was filled with a comfortable silence. Annika stole glances at Shivay, his profile sharp against the passing cityscape. She still couldn't quite believe this was happening. They were married, bound by a contract that felt both strange and strangely exciting.
As they pulled through the grand gates of the Oberoi Mansion, a stark contrast met Annika's eyes. Gone was the serene simplicity of the temple; here, an air of bustling activity buzzed around a meticulously planned welcome. Strings of marigolds adorned the entrance, and the scent of exotic flowers hung heavy in the air. Servants scurried with platters laden with sweets and trays holding lit diyas.
Despite the grandeur, a cold loneliness washed over Annika. This was a world away from her cozy apartment, a world that seemed to hum with a life she wasn't sure she belonged to.
Annika couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease.Shivay, sensing her apprehension, reached out and squeezed her hand gently.
"Don't worry," he murmured, offering a reassuring smile. "It's just a small welcome. Nothing extravagant."
Annika managed a weak nod, her gaze flitting across the elaborate arrangements. This wasn't exactly the low-key post-wedding scenario she'd envisioned.
Inside, the family awaited them. Dadi, Shivay's grandmother, approached them with a warm smile. "Welcome home, bahu," she said, embracing Annika tightly. The genuine affection in her touch surprised Annika, momentarily melting away her anxieties.
Pinky, however, wasted no time in making her presence felt. She bustled forward, a dazzling smile plastered on her face. "Annika, beta! So happy to welcome you to the family! We've prepared a small feast – a token of our appreciation for the lovely bride." Her eyes flickered to the simple saree, a hint of disapproval momentarily betraying her practiced smile.
Annika offered a polite smile in return. Recalling his introduction of her as his stepmom, she blurted out, "Thank you... Mrs. Oberoi. We'll be retiring to our room. Please excuse us."
Shivay offered a curt nod before leading Annika away. As they navigated the labyrinthine corridors, Annika couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. The sheer size of the house was intimidating, a constant reminder of the vast distance between her life and Shivay's.
They reached a doorway adorned with a golden nameplate – "Shivay Singh Oberoi." Shivay pushed it open, revealing a luxurious bedroom that seemed more suited to royalty than a newly married couple.
Annika crossed the threshold, her gaze sweeping over the luxurious interior. Plush furniture beckoned, while a breathtaking city view unfolded from the expansive balcony. Even the bathroom looked like a spa, a stark contrast to the modest facilities in her own apartment. A wave of insecurity washed over her – this world felt a million miles away from her own.
The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife. Shivay cleared his throat, the sound barely audible. "Well," he began, his voice betraying a hint of unease, "get settled in. Dinner's in an hour."
Annika offered a curt nod as he turned and left the room. The click of the door shutting behind him seemed to amplify the silence, leaving the weight of their situation heavy on her shoulders. This was just the beginning, and the path ahead stretched out, shrouded in uncertainty. Setting down her belongings, Annika began to unpack, a small act of claiming space in this grand, unfamiliar environment. As she sorted through her things, a spark of curiosity flickered within her. What other surprises awaited her within the walls of the Oberoi mansion?
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A Bargain Made with Frosting
FanfictionAnnika, a bright and independent orphan, finds joy in the simple things and dreams of opening her own bakery. Love is a luxury she can't afford. Shivay Singh Oberoi, a hardened businessman with a painful past, has built his success on cold logic and...
