Flawless Silence

Chapter 39

It was the day before the godhbharai—Annika's baby shower—and most of the close family members had already gathered at the apartment. Shivaay had also arranged rooms in a nearby hotel for their stay, ensuring everyone was comfortably accommodated.

Shivaay entered the flat, arms loaded with bags full of ingredients for the prasad, while Aniket—his former colleague and Annika's current law of crimes professor—followed behind, balancing a basket of marigold flowers for the decorations. As Shivaay stepped inside, his frown deepened at the sight of his brother, Shubh Bhai, and Annika posing for a goofy photo, their laughter filling the room.

He considered saying something, but knowing full well that everyone would gang up on him, he simply rolled his eyes and led Aniket into the kitchen.

They placed the bags on the floor when Aniket, smirking, overheard Annika laughing at something Shivaay's younger cousins and said. "You married a kid," he teased, shaking his head in mock pity. "I feel so sorry for you, man."

Shivaay threw a half-hearted punch at Aniket, who dodged it with a grin. "Shut up!" Shivaay growled, but there was a hint of amusement in his voice as he walked past his friend and into the living room where everyone had gathered.

"Annika, stop fooling around and get ready! The photographer could be here any second," Shivaay called out, trying to sound stern.

Grumbling and muttering curses under her breath, Annika got up with the help of her cousin Meera, her movements were slow and clumsy. She shot a glare in Shivaay's direction before making her way to her room to get ready. Shivaay rolled his eyes so dramatically that it could've made his skull ache, sending Aniket into laughter.

What was supposed to be a quick 30-minute task turned into a full-hour ordeal. Annika applied her favourite makeup products—gifts from her husband for the first Karvachauth—and perfected every detail. Meera busied herself styling Annika's hair, the two cousins giggling and exchanging stories between every brush stroke. 

In the living room, Shakti resisted the overwhelming urge to bang his head against the nearest wall as he watched his youngest son try—unsuccessfully—to assist the workers with the flower decorations. Shivaay's "help" seemed to create more chaos than progress, and the workers' exasperated glances only made it clearer. Finally, unable to endure the sight any longer, Shakti him called out, "Shivaay! Stop bothering them and go get ready with Annika for the photoshoot."

Shivaay sighed dramatically and rolled his eyes, earning a light smack on the back of his head from his father. "No arguments—just go!" Shakti ordered, pointing towards the room.

Grumbling under his breath, Shivaay trudged toward their bedroom. Meera, who had just finished helping Annika, stepped out as he entered, offering the couple some privacy. She glanced back briefly, only to catch Aniket standing nearby, fidgeting under her gaze.

Aniket let out an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his neck in a futile attempt to break the tension. "Uh... former colleague and best friend," he muttered nervously, more to himself than to her, though his cheeks flushed under Meera's curious stare.

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The sun dipped lower on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold—a perfect backdrop for the photoshoot.

Annika donned a beige shoulder-knot romper paired with a tube top, her look completed by white sneakers that added a touch of casual charm. Her customized daimond studded mangalsutra, thoughtfully repurposed into a bracelet—a wedding anniversary gift from Shivaay—adorned her wrist. A few subtle silver necklaces added an elegant layer to her understated yet chic ensemble.