Together Forever

Chapter 9

Anika's POV

Today was Saturday, and I was alone in the house, missing Piya terribly. Her relatives had come from India, and she would be with them for the next three or four days. The house felt unusually quiet without her, and though I tried to fill the void with little tasks, it wasn't quite the same.

But there was a silver lining to today-finally, the last practice day with Uday. After this, it would just be the DJ night, and then, with the wedding done, we wouldn't have to see each other anymore. I couldn't help but feel relieved. Just a few more days, I told myself, and then this strange, nerve-wracking chapter of my life would close.

I was watering some plants in the small balcony garden when my phone rang. Distracted, I answered through my AirPods without checking the caller ID.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Anika."

My heart sank. I knew that voice too well. "Ah, shit," I muttered under my breath. Why did he have to call?

"Why did you call me?" I asked, trying to sound as indifferent as possible.

"This is not good, Anika. Is this how you greet someone who calls you?"

"Yes, I do it like this only. Now tell me why you called."

"Today is our practice," Uday reminded me.

"I know, Uday."

"So I'm near your house. Do you mind if I pick you up, and we can go together for practice?"

"Yes, I do mind," I replied sharply.

"But why?"

"Uday, I have a car. I always come by myself, okay? So there's no need. I'll come on my own," I said, trying to keep my patience.

"Too bad," he said, his tone playful. "But I'm already standing outside your house."

I froze.

"What?" I quickly moved towards the front door, peeking outside through the window. And there he was, leaning casually against his car, looking up at my balcony as if he knew exactly where I was.

This guy.

I went downstairs, opened the door, and found Uday standing there, looking far too pleased with himself. "What the heck are you doing here, Uday?"

"Hey, I just told you, I'm here to pick you up," he replied with that infuriating grin.

I narrowed my eyes at him. "Do I look like a little kid to you, who can't go anywhere alone?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest, trying to keep my annoyance in check.

Uday leaned casually against the doorframe, unbothered by my tone. "No, you don't look like a little kid at all," he said, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. "But that doesn't mean I can't make things a little easier for you."

"Uday, this is the last time you're showing up at my house without telling me. If you do this again..."

"I promise, from now on, I won't come without telling you. But please, just come with me today."

God, I know no matter how much I deny him, he won't listen.

"Fine."

"Okay, let's go then."

"What do you mean, 'let's go'? I'm not coming like this. Let me change my clothes first. Until then, come inside and wait."

He nodded and came inside.