A Bargain Made with Frosting

ch 43. Stolen Kisses and Forgotten Dates

A week had flown by, and Annika and Shivay were practically inseparable. He couldn't resist stealing a kiss whenever the opportunity arose, even becoming bold enough to snatch one in front of his visiting cousins. This newfound boldness left Annika perpetually flustered, a rosy blush greeting her arrival at the bakery each morning, much to the amusement of her team. She wasn't sure how to handle this more assertive Shivay.

However, amidst their whirlwind romance, a crucial detail slipped their minds - their wedding anniversary was just a few days away. Both of them, consumed by their work, completely forgot about it.

Shivay was engrossed in his office work when his phone rang. It was Om. "Hey Om, what's up?" he answered.

"Nothing major, Shivay," Om replied. "But Dadi has planned a puja for you and Annika in three days. Take a leave that day and bring Annika with you."

"A puja for us? But why? What's the occasion?" Shivay inquired.

"Don't tell me you forgot!" Om exclaimed. "It's your first wedding anniversary, Shivay. How could you forget that?"

Shivay stammered, "It's not that I forgot, it's just... I can't believe it's been a year already."

Om chuckled. "Yeah, I know. We all thought you'd stay a bachelor forever, but here you are, happily married."

A wave of panic washed over Shivay. An entire year had flown by in a whirlwind of stolen kisses, playful banter, and a newfound understanding with Annika. He'd been so caught up in the present, the blissful reality of their relationship, that the anniversary completely slipped his mind.

"Om, you're a lifesaver," Shivay confessed, relief flooding his voice. "I'll definitely clear my schedule and make sure Annika's free too."

"Good," Om said approvingly. "And Shivay," he added, his voice softening, "maybe use this opportunity to plan something special for Annika."

Hanging up the phone, Shivay stared out his office window, a determined glint in his eyes. He wouldn't let this anniversary pass without making it memorable for Annika.

Later that evening, as Annika finished up at the bakery, Shivay arrived, a sheepish grin on his face. "Hey there, Mrs. Oberoi," he greeted, stealing a quick kiss as she leaned against the counter.

Annika blushed playfully, her earlier annoyance replaced by amusement. "What brings you here so late, Mr. Oberoi?"

Shivay grinned. "Just thought I'd pick up my favorite baker after a long day. "

Before Annika could respond, a chorus of voices filled the air. Roshni chirped in, "Go on, Annika ma'am! We'll take care of closing up."

Annika and Shivay jumped slightly, startled by the unexpected audience. They turned to find Roshni, Juhi, Siddharth, and Karan all perched on chairs, watching their exchange with a mix of amusement and curiosity.

Siddharth nudged Roshni playfully. "Why'd you have to interrupt, Roshni? We were all waiting for Annika ma'am's answer!"

A wave of laughter washed over the bakery. Annika, now completely flustered, hid her face in Shivay's shoulder.  "See what you've done, Mr. Oberoi," she mumbled playfully.

Shivay chuckled, his arm wrapping around her protectively. "Guilty as charged, Mrs. Oberoi," he replied, throwing a playful wink at the bakery staff.

Roshni chimed in, "Well, are you going to take Annika ma'am out or not? We're all eager to get home, but we don't mind waiting for a bit of a love story."

Juhi, ever the voice of reason, interjected, "Roshni! Maybe let them have their moment." She flashed Annika a warm smile. "Go on, Annika ma'am. Enjoy your date night."

Annika, still blushing but touched by the well wishes, peeked up at Shivay. "Alright, alright," she conceded with a playful sigh. "Just let me grab my things."

Shivay leaned in and brushed a kiss against her temple. "Take your time, love. We have the whole night ahead of us."

As Annika gathered her belongings, the bakery staff watched with a mix of amusement and genuine happiness. Siddharth nudged Karan, a hint of respect in his voice. "You know, they're kind of cute together."

Karan, ever the optimist, grinned. "Cute? They're practically radiating happiness! Makes you believe in love stories, doesn't it?"

With a final wave goodbye, Annika and Shivay stepped out of the bakery, hand in hand. Annika couldn't help but glance back at her ever-watchful team. Roshni winked, Juhi gave them a thumbs-up, and even the usually stoic Siddharth cracked a genuine smile. Karan, ever the optimist, called out, "Have a lovely evening, you two!"

The surprise audience had warmed Annika's heart. Their playful teasing felt like acceptance, a confirmation that her personal life and her work life could co-exist. Stepping out into the cool evening air, hand-in-hand with Shivay, Annika felt a newfound sense of balance.

Their romantic anniversary dinner at Annika's favorite restaurant ended, and they returned home. Shivay, wanting to gauge Annika's memory, casually mentioned the upcoming puja without revealing it was for their anniversary. Annika, understanding his intent, simply nodded and confirmed she'd take leave that day. He also requested she bring a photo of her parents.

Despite their newfound displays of affection, their sleeping arrangements remained unchanged. After a lingering goodnight kiss, they retreated to their separate rooms for the night.

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The day of their wedding anniversary dawned bright and early. As instructed by Dadi, Annika and Shivay woke up before sunrise. After their showers, they dressed in elegant traditional attire, a silent acknowledgment of the importance of the day. Though both knew it was their anniversary, a playful game of pretending not to remember unfolded between them.

Reaching the Oberoi mansion, they were enveloped in the familiar warmth of Dadi's embrace. The air buzzed with activity as preparations for the puja were in full swing. The sweet aroma of incense mingled with the enticing fragrance of prasad being prepared in the kitchen.

Dadi instructed Annika to place a photo of her parents near the havan kund, mentioning the puja would begin in fifteen minutes. Seizing the opportunity for some privacy, Shivay and Annika headed to his room.

As they flung open the door, a chorus of voices erupted – "Happy Wedding Anniversary, Bhaiya and Bhabhi!" Rudra, Priyanka, and Om stood before them, their faces beaming. The room, Shivay's room, was transformed. Decorations adorned the space, and a celebratory cake, no doubt their handiwork, sat on a table.

Laughter filled the air as they embraced their enthusiastic family members and dug into the cake. The joyous reunion was interrupted by a servant's announcement – it was time for the puja.

Descending the stairs, Shivay and Annika froze. Two unexpected guests stood amongst the assembled family – Rohit and Natasha. Surprise flickered across their faces, a silent question passing between them. What were Rohit and Natasha doing here?

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