A Bargain Made with Frosting

Ch 47. A Shared Breakfast, Shared Laughter, and a Shared Bedroom

The following morning, sunlight streamed through the window, painting golden stripes across the rumpled bedsheets. Annika stirred first, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she snuggled closer to Shivay's still form. He was nestled against her back, one arm possessively wrapped around her waist. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind, a delicious warmth spreading through her chest.

"So, Mrs. Oberoi," he began, his voice husky with sleep, "any regrets about last night?"

Annika swatted him playfully, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "None at all, Mr. Oberoi," she countered, her voice laced with amusement.

A comfortable silence settled between them, a quiet symphony of intertwined breaths and the gentle rhythm of their entwined hearts. It was a new kind of silence, one woven with unspoken intimacy and a deeper understanding that transcended the need for words.

But the peace was broken by a low rumble that originated from Annika's stomach. A sheepish smile played on her lips as she glanced at Shivay.

His eyes softened, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Go get yourself cleaned up, love," he said, his voice warm with affection. "I'll whip something up for breakfast."

Annika nodded gratefully. As she rose from the bed, her gaze caught Shivay's, and his eyes darkened with a flicker of desire. Realizing she was still bare, a blush flooded her cheeks.

With a playful giggle, she snatched the nearest sheet and draped it around herself before making a hasty retreat towards the bathroom. "Cheapde!" she called back playfully over her shoulder.

Shivay couldn't help but chuckle at her flustered form. "There's nothing to hide, Annika," he teased back, his voice laced with amusement. "I've already seen all of you, and it's a sight I wouldn't trade for anything."

The playful exchange brought a smile back to Annika's face as she disappeared into her room. Shivay, left alone, shook his head fondly, the memory of their passion still tingling on his skin. The anniversary had blossomed into something far more profound, and as he went about preparing breakfast, his heart brimmed with a love that promised a lifetime of shared laughter, stolen moments, and a love story written not just in dates and anniversaries, but in the depths of their souls.

Annika emerged from the bathroom, feeling refreshed and a touch more composed. Shivay's playful words still lingered in her mind, sending a warmth through her. The scent of coffee filled the air, a welcome aroma that promised a comforting start to the day.

She found him in the kitchen, his back to her as he expertly flipped pancakes. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a golden halo around him. In that moment, a wave of love washed over her, so strong it took her breath away.

"Wow," she breathed, her voice filled with awe. "You look like you could be in a commercial for perfect husbands."

Shivay turned, a spatula in hand and a playful grin on his face. "Is that so, Mrs. Oberoi? And what exactly makes a husband 'perfect'?"

Annika walked closer, her smile widening. "Well," she began, circling him playfully, "the ability to whip up pancakes on a whim is definitely a plus. But mostly, it's the way you make me feel – loved, cherished, safe."

She stopped behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his back. Shivay chuckled, a deep rumble that sent shivers down her spine. He turned slightly, his hand finding hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Those are the things I want to make you feel every day, Annika," he whispered, his voice sincere. "Not just today, not just because of last night. But for every day to come."