In Mumbai, Rohit simmered with frustration. Two months of searching for Annika yielded no leads. Her staff at Sunshine Slices played their part flawlessly, convincing him they were equally clueless. Torn between managing the Oberoi Empire and finding Annika, Rohit made a difficult decision. As much as it pained him, he couldn't risk jeopardizing the chance that had made him CEO. He chose to put his search for Annika on hold.
However, his misery refused to dissipate. Crucial deals slipped through his grasp, leaving a bitter taste of failure. Then came another bombshell - Natasha declared her pregnancy, claiming Rohit as the father. Rohit wasn't naive to Natasha's ways, but the possibility of a child – his child – couldn't be ignored. Natasha, stung by Shivay's disappearance, saw a chance to fulfill her dream of becoming an Oberoi wife. Discovering her pregnancy fueled her manipulation. Uncertain of the child's father, she skillfully maneuvered the situation, leading the Oberoi family, particularly the ever-volatile Shakti, to believe Rohit was responsible. Burning with anger towards Annika for taking the heir away, Shakti readily accepted Natasha's claim. Pressured by him, Rohit found himself in a court marriage with Natasha, a desperate attempt to salvage the family's reputation.
Meanwhile in Shimla, Months flew by, and Annika's bakery blossomed. The delicious scent of bread and pastries hung in the air, a constant lure for customers. Her infectious smile and commitment to quality earned her a devoted clientele. Yet, a hollowness lingered within her, an emptiness no achievement could fully erase. Occasionally, a familiar aroma of spices would drift by, a ghost of Shivay's cooking sending shivers down her spine.
Ignoring her growing belly, Annika, now eight months pregnant, continued to navigate the bakery with flour-dusted hands. Her determination to stay active clashed with her grandmother and Sneha's constant worry. They decided to take charge, discreetly monitoring her activities. Sneha shielded her from strenuous tasks at the bakery, while Grandma ensured she didn't lift a finger at home. Annika appreciated their concern, but occasionally felt like a burden.
An unexpected wave of joy washed over Annika as she stepped through her front door. A cacophony of happy voices and the unmistakable sight of balloons and streamers greeted her. Her Sunshine Slices team - Roshni, Juhi, Siddharth, and Karan - had materialized in her living room, throwing her a surprise baby shower! Tears welled up in her eyes as she embraced them each in turn. Video calls had kept them connected, but this face-to-face reunion was a different kind of warmth altogether.
The familiar scents of their laughter and camaraderie transported her back to the bustling Sunshine Slices kitchen. Tears welled in her eyes, a mixture of surprise and gratitude.
"You guys shouldn't have!" she exclaimed, wiping a stray tear. "This is incredible."
Roshni, ever the organizer, stepped forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Nonsense! We couldn't let you miss out on a proper baby shower, even if you are miles away. Besides," she winked, "Sneha spilled the beans about your cravings for our signature cupcakes."
A wave of laughter rippled through the room. Sneha, blushing profusely, mumbled apologies. The tension that had simmered within Annika since Rohit's arrival melted away, replaced by the warmth of friendship and shared memories.
Juhi, ever the thoughtful one, presented Annika with a beautifully wrapped box. "We all chipped in to get you something special," she explained. Inside, nestled amongst soft baby clothes, lay a tiny silver locket engraved with a delicate sunflower design – the Sunshine Slices logo. Tears welled up in Annika's eyes again, a cherished symbol of the life she'd built and the people who had become her family.
The afternoon unfolded in a flurry of activity. Siddharth, surprisingly adept at decorating, proudly displayed a banner that read "Welcome Little Sunshine!" Karan, usually the quiet one, surprised everyone with a hilarious rendition of a lullaby he'd composed himself. The air buzzed with excitement as they played baby shower games, shared stories, and devoured the mountains of food Sneha had prepared.
As dusk settled, casting long shadows across the room, a comfortable silence descended. Annika, her heart full of love and appreciation, looked around at her team. They were more than just colleagues; they were her chosen family. Despite the distance and the challenges, they had found a way to celebrate with her, a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared. In that moment, amidst the laughter and love, Annika knew she wasn't alone. With the support of her Sunshine Slices family, she was ready to face whatever the future held, both for herself and the tiny miracle growing within her.
The next day, Annika's Sunshine Slices team had to make a difficult departure. They couldn't risk arousing suspicion by staying any longer, so they packed up and headed back to Mumbai.
Meanwhile, a wave of sweetness washed over the restaurant staff as Vishal distributed celebratory treats. Shivay, included in the distribution, took a bite of the cookie and was instantly transported back to Annika's Mumbai bakery. The taste, the texture - it was uncanny!
"Who gave you these cookies?" he inquired, a spark of hope igniting within him.
Vishal beamed. "My girlfriend works at a new bakery that just opened a few months ago. She brought them from there."
Shivay's heart pounded. Could it be Annika? The possibility, however remote, was enough to set him in motion. He pressed Vishal for the bakery's address and bolted out of the restaurant, his long strides eating up the distance.
Ten minutes of frantic running later, he arrived at the bakery. His spirits sank as he saw the name - not Sunshine Slices, but "Himalayan Delight." Dejected, he turned to leave, but then a heavenly aroma stopped him in his tracks. It was the unmistakable scent of his favorite croissant, wafting from the bakery.
Unable to resist the pull, he entered the shop. A friendly face greeted him - Sneha. She efficiently packed a croissant for him, and as he made to leave, curiosity got the better of him.
"Are you the owner?" he asked.
Sneha chuckled and shook her head. "The owner's over there," she replied, gesturing in a specific direction.
Shivay followed her pointing finger, his heart hammering in his chest. But his elation was short-lived. An elderly woman was deep in conversation with a pregnant woman whose face was obscured by a display board. Assuming the older woman was the owner, Shivay felt a surge of disappointment and turned to leave, defeated.
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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...
