A Bargain Made with Frosting

Ch-26 From Storefront to Sweet Dreams

A month whizzed by in a flurry. Annika, energized by winning the competition, channeled all her efforts into finding the ideal bakery location. Shivay, eager to help, suggested places in posh areas, but Annika envisioned something different – a quiet street with a charming vibe.

She decided to ditch Shivay for this mission and enlisted Om's assistance. One sunny afternoon, they stumbled upon a gem – a charming storefront nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street. Sunlight poured through the large windows, illuminating the dusty interior and whispering possibilities. Annika gasped, excitement coursing through her. "This is it, Om! We have to have it!"

Om inspected the space with a critical eye. "It's got good potential," he admitted, "but it needs some work."

The paperwork went smoothly, and the shop was officially Annika's. The next day, Rudra, Om, Priyanka, and Shivay, all eager to contribute, arrived at the bakery. A marathon design session ensued, with each person throwing out ideas. After hours of friendly debate, they masterfully blended their suggestions, forming a cohesive plan for their dream bakery.

The design plan for Annika's bakery, a collaborative effort between her friends, was a delightful mix of modern functionality and vintage charm. The large windows, bathed in sunshine, would be kept intact, showcasing the inviting warmth of the interior to passersby. Exposed brick walls, softened by a pale cream paint wash, would create a backdrop for sleek wooden shelves displaying Annika's delectable creations.

Central to the space would be a large communal table crafted from reclaimed wood, perfect for lingering over coffee and pastries. Wicker chairs and plush armchairs would be scattered around the table, offering a cozy and inviting atmosphere. String lights strung overhead would twinkle in the evenings, casting a warm glow and adding a touch of whimsy.

Annika insisted on a designated corner for a small art display. Local artists could showcase their work, adding a touch of community spirit and providing a talking point for customers. The final touch was a small patio, perfect for al fresco dining during Dehradun's pleasant weather. Greenery would abound, with potted plants lining the windowsills and climbing vines softening the brick exterior. The overall aesthetic aimed to be warm, inviting, and a place where people could gather, relax, and indulge in Annika's delicious treats.

Fueled by the finalized design and bubbling enthusiasm, Annika and her family dove headfirst into transforming the dusty storefront into their dream bakery. The metamorphosis from vision to reality had begun, and the anticipation of creating a haven for sweet treats and warm gatherings was palpable.

The next day, Annika arrived with workers to clean the space. Determined to add her own touch, she decided to tackle painting the walls herself. Later in the afternoon, Shivay surprised her by joining in, a gesture that warmed her heart.

This marked a shift in Shivay's routine. He started spending more time at the bakery than at his office, leaving his employees bewildered. Meetings were postponed or cancelled, replaced with the excuse of "helping his wife." News of this drastic change in the workaholic Shivay, who previously prioritized work above all else, spread like wildfire through the business world, leaving many shocked. Two people, in particular, were rattled by this development: Rohit, and a mysterious figure from Shivay's past, poised to disrupt their world.

One afternoon, while Annika was interviewing candidates for her bakery staff, Shivay received a mischievous message from Priyanka. It read, "helping bhabhi to select dashing staff," accompanied by a picture of handsome men waiting for their turn. Consumed by a pang of jealousy, Shivay abruptly ended his meeting and rushed to the bakery.

Oblivious to Priyanka's meddling, Annika was impressed by a young man named Siddharth. As she gave him a tour, her foot caught on something, and she began to tumble. Just before she hit the ground, Siddharth instinctively caught her in his arms. At that very moment, Shivay entered the bakery, witnessing the scene with a jolt of jealousy.

"What's happening here?" he demanded, his voice laced with suspicion.

Annika, regaining her composure, straightened up. Shivay approached her, his gaze fixed on the young man. "Annika," he said curtly, "who is this person?"

Confused by the entire situation, the young man mirrored Shivay's question, looking at Annika and asking, "Who is this person?"

Annika, completely unaware of the silent storm brewing within Shivay, made introductions. "Mr. Oberoi, this is Siddharth, my new staff member. And Siddharth, this is Mr. Oberoi," she chirped, oblivious to the deeper meaning Shivay was reading into her omission of their marital status. The weight of her unintentional action hung heavy in the air, leaving Shivay feeling hurt and questioning their relationship.

Shivay  his voice clipped said. "Annika, we need to talk."  His gaze flickered between Annika and Siddharth, a dark cloud settling over his features.

Annika, surprised by his coldness, furrowed her brow. "What's wrong, Shivay? We can talk after the interviews are done."

Shivay shook his head, his jaw clenched. "No, Annika. This can't wait."  He turned to Siddharth, his tone formal. "Thank you for your time, Mr.  We'll be in touch."  Before Siddharth could respond, Shivay grabbed Annika's wrist and marched her towards the back, leaving a bewildered Siddharth standing in the middle of the bakery.

Once behind the closed door of the storeroom, Shivay finally let loose. "What was that, Annika?" he demanded, his voice laced with anger.

Annika, stung by his accusatory tone, yanked her wrist free. "What are you talking about, Mr. Oberoi? I was just introducing Siddharth!"

Shivay's jaw remained clenched. "Annika," he started, his voice taut, "you didn't introduce me as your husband. You didn't even say my name." The unspoken accusation hung heavy in the air. "Is there a reason for that?"

Annika met his gaze steadily, then raised an eyebrow. "Are you jealous, Mr. Oberoi? That I use someone's name but address you with your surname?" A playful glint flickered in her eyes.

Shivay faltered. The truth was, he didn't quite understand his own reaction. Here he was, the ever-composed Shivay Singh Oberoi, feeling a pang of jealousy over a simple introduction. Before he could formulate a reply, his phone rang, a sharp intrusion into the tense atmosphere.

He let out a sigh, a mixture of relief and frustration. Taking the call, he excused himself and moved away from Annika.

Annika watched him go, a soft smile playing on her lips. The situation was comical, a testament to Shivay's possessiveness.  She thought to herself, "There's only one person who holds my heart, and it's you, Shivay."  Despite the misunderstanding, her heart brimmed with warmth for her husband.

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Thankyou for reading

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