Together Forever

Chapter 3

Anika's POV

I woke up in the morning and started getting ready for my shift at the café. The café is run by an Indian lady who is incredibly sweet. She pays me well and never gives me too much work, making my time there enjoyable. After getting dressed, I grabbed a quick breakfast and noticed Piya was still fast asleep-it was her day off since she worked through the weekend.

I quietly closed the door behind me, took out my car, and drove to the café. When I arrived, I greeted the owner warmly.

Not long after, Karan, who also works with me, walked over with a grin. "So, how was the engagement?"

"It was good," I replied, brushing off the question.

"I thought you wouldn't come today," he teased.

"It was my cousin's engagement, not mine," I said, rolling my eyes.

"Right, right," he said with a smirk. "So, did you meet someone there? Someone special?"

I furrowed my brows. "What do you mean?"

"I heard you had your filmy moment there, like your dupatta got stuck with someone. Ahemm, romantic, huh?"

"Oh God, Piya must have told you all this. It's nothing like that-nothing romantic at all."

He grinned wider. "Stop smiling like an idiot and do your work," I said, feeling a bit flustered.

With that, we both got to work. Once my shift ended, I said goodbye to Karan and headed to my car. Just as I was about to leave, my phone rang-it was Masi.

"Hello, Masi."

"Hello, Anika. Did your shift end?"

"Yes, Masi, just now."

"Then can you please accompany me for shopping?"

"Shopping? But for what?"

"I want to buy some jewelry with Nitya, and I need your opinion as well. So can you come?"

"Okay, Masi. I'll just come to your home."

I hung up and drove towards Masi's house. When I arrived, I rang the doorbell, and Pranav opened the door. "Come in, we've all been waiting for you."

I stepped inside and saw Nitya and Masi sitting together. Nitya stood up and hugged me.

"Yesterday, I didn't get the chance to compliment you-your dance was awesome."

"Thank you, Nitya."

"My niece is an all-rounder." Masi said proudly.

"You said it right." came a deep voice from behind me.

As I turned to see Uday standing there, my heart skipped a beat, and a wave of nervousness washed over me.

He looked at me intently, his gaze unwavering, before a smile slowly curved his lips. I tried to return the smile but quickly looked away, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

Masi interrupted the moment, saying, "Pranav you and Nitya come in your car, and Anika and I will go with Uday."

Wait-he's coming too? If I had known, I might not have agreed to this so easily.

We all headed toward the cars. I slipped into the back seat, hoping to avoid further interaction, when Masi chimed in, "Anika, you sit in the front seat. I'm more comfortable in the back."

Reluctantly, I got out, and just as I was about to open the front door, Uday beat me to it. I glanced up at him, catching a flash of that same smile before I quickly looked down and slid into the seat. He closed the door gently and then got in on the driver's side.