Shivay's stomach churned. Rohit was back in town, and the familiar annoyance bubbled up like a forgotten pot of chai. But this time, there was another element in the mix – worry. Rohit's playboy reputation was a ticking time bomb, and Shivay wouldn't let it detonate near Annika.
With a steely glint in his eyes, Shivay barked orders at Mishra. "Get Rohit here, now! And find out what projects he's been neglecting. We need to keep him occupied."
Meanwhile, Rohit, oblivious to the storm brewing, whistled a happy tune as he cruised towards his cafe rendezvous. He couldn't wait to see the captivating girl again. Pulling into a parking spot, he strutted towards the entrance, keys twirling flippantly. Just as he reached for the door, his phone shattered the carefree mood. He ignored the first call, but the insistent ringing got under his skin. With a sigh, he answered, only to have his good mood evaporate with the curt message from Shivay's assistant.
Cursing under his breath, Rohit turned on his heel, dreams of cafe charm dissolving into thin air. Shivay's summons hung heavy, leaving the girl and cafe a distant memory.
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Shivay watched with a smirk as Rohit stormed out. His meticulously crafted web of "urgent projects" had successfully ensnared his troublesome stepbrother. Over the past hour, Shivay had piled reports, presentations, and meetings onto Rohit's plate – a month's worth of neglected work condensed into a tight deadline. It wasn't entirely fabricated; these were projects Rohit had sidelined, causing losses for Oberoi Industries. Shivay used this as an opportunity to chastise Rohit's negligence.
Rohit grumbled the entire time. Used to breezing through work with minimal effort, the sheer volume was overwhelming. Now, with Shivay as head honcho, Rohit knew his days of slacking were over. A plan hatched in his mind – he had to get Shivay out of this position before things got even tougher.
To keep Rohit in line, Shivay assigned Mishra, his ever-reliable right hand, to "assist" him. In reality, Mishra's role was to discreetly keep Rohit on track and report any attempts to evade responsibility. It was a game of cat and mouse, and Shivay was determined to win.
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Annika lingered in the bakery, wondering if the man would return as he promised. Briefly, she considered skipping her shift at the cafe, a flicker of weakness. But then, determination steeled her spine. She would face him if he dared to show his face again.
A pause in her work led her to scroll through social media, where a notification from a baking group ignited a spark. It announced a city-wide baking competition, a collaboration between Mumbai's premier bakery and a bakery from the US. The grand prize was a baker's dream – a chance to launch their own bakery.
The three-stage competition kicked off next week. The first stage was simple: bring any two of cookies, cupcakes, cakes, or breads. The top 50 bakers would advance to the second stage, where they'd bake on the spot based on the judges' whim. The final round, with only 20 remaining, would be a test of resourcefulness – baking anything they could create from ingredients gathered within minutes.
Annika felt a dormant passion stir. Maybe, just maybe, this unexpected competition was her chance to finally pursue her baking dreams.
Fueled by newfound energy, she signed up and dove headfirst into brainstorming. She envisioned cupcakes, cakes, and breads that were not only stunning but also embodied her journey – a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, strength and sweetness. As the details crystallized in her mind, excitement bubbled up, pushing aside her anxieties about the young man.
With a spring in her step, she informed the cafe about the competition. They were all thrilled for her and pledged their support. Annika buzzed with excitement, eager to share the news with Shivay.
Annika's day was a whirlwind of cafe tasks, convenience store duty, and bursts of creative energy. In stolen moments, she filled her recipe book with ideas - floral cupcakes with a hint of cardamom and saffron, sourdough bursting with the tang of Mumbai street food.
Back at home, she dove headfirst into experimenting with her latest concoction, completely consumed by the excitement. The late-night kitchen was a testament to her fervor - flour dusted surfaces, bowls of vibrant ingredients, and finished products on cooling racks, alongside a few unfortunate discards. Lost in excitement and exhaustion, Annika dozed off at the counter, still in her work clothes and apron.
Shivay, returning home late, found the unexpected sight. Annika, slumped over the counter, fast asleep. Confused by the scene, Shivay approached Annika to wake her, but she was deeply entrenched in the land of dreams, fueled by exhaustion and the thrill of creation.
Unable to rouse her, he gently scooped her up in his arms and began the ascent to their room. Annika, lost in sleep, instinctively snuggled closer, her breath warm against his neck. Shivay, his body tensing, fought down a surge of desire. Placing her on the bed, he felt a tug that nearly pulled him down on top of her. With a jolt of self-control, he righted himself, his gaze lingering on her peaceful features – sleep-kissed eyes and soft, chocolate-covered lips.
A spark ignited within him, a temptation to taste those inviting lips. But then, reality slammed back. He couldn't risk making the same mistake again. With a silent vow, Shivay retreated from the room.
The night stretched on for Shivay. Sleep, usually a welcome refuge, became a battlefield. Memories of the past, a tangled mess of emotions, intertwined with the present image of Annika's innocent slumber. He tossed and turned, the sheets tangling around him like the weight of unspoken desires.
Annika, on the other hand, dreamt vividly. Visions of perfectly golden cakes rising in an oven, the aroma of cardamom and saffron filling the air, swirled with images of a cheering crowd awarding her a gleaming trophy. A satisfied smile played on her lips as she dreamt.
He yearned to understand this unfamiliar yearning, this pull towards her that went beyond their comfortable routine. Was it simply the physical attraction, simmering beneath the surface for so long? Or was it something deeper, a connection forged in their shared experiences, unspoken words, and quiet moments of understanding?
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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...
