When Disaster Meets Perfection

Ch 71. Big Mouth Cause Troubles

Prithviraj's stern gaze bore into Annika, awaiting her response. However, she remained silent, lost in thought. Her expressions changed like shifting sands - surprise, embarrassment, anxiety, and self-reprimand - each fleeting emotion dancing across her face.

In her mind, a torrent of thoughts unleashed:

"Phail gaya Raita! (This is a disaster!) Annika, what have you done? How could you be so reckless? What will he think of you now?"

Panic crept in, her heart sinking.

"What if he fires me? I'm so close to winning the competition. All my hard work, down the drain."

But then, a spark of curiosity ignited.

"Wait, what's going on? I thought Prithviraj Oberoi was notorious for avoiding social interactions. How does he even know Om's family? And what's he doing sneaking around the mansion?"

As Annika's thoughts whirled, Prithviraj's impatience grew. His eyes narrowed.

"Are you going to explain yourself or just stand there, lost in thought?" he demanded gruffly.

Annika's gaze snapped back to Prithviraj, and her thoughts spilling out. " What are you doing here.?"

Prithviraj's eyes widened, taken aback by Annika's audacity. Who was this young woman, after all, to question his presence in his own home?

"How dare you ask me that?" Prithviraj's tone was laced with disdain. "This is my house. Where else would I be?"

Annika stood her ground, unfazed. "This is your house? How come? You're an Oberoi, and this is where Om lives."

Prithviraj's expression turned incredulous. "How do you know Om?"

Annika mirrored his question. "Same question – how do you know Om?"

Her response caught Prithviraj off guard. No one ever challenged him or turned the tables on his inquiries.

Prithviraj's eyes narrowed, studying Annika. "You're quite bold, aren't you?"

Annika's eyes sparkled. "Just curious."

Prithviraj's expression softened, revealing a hint of family pride. "I know Om because I'm his grandfather."

Annika's eyes widened, her voice barely above a whisper. "Oh, you're his grandfather."

A few seconds ticked by, and then the truth hit Annika like a thunderbolt. Her eyes bulged, and she shouted, "What?!" Her voice echoed through the hallway, startling everyone within earshot.

Pinky, Kalyani, and Jahanvi rushed out of the adjacent room, concerned expressions etched on their faces.

Rudra, who was engrossed in a phone conversation elsewhere, was startled by Annika's sudden outburst. He hastily ended the call and sprinted towards the commotion.

As he turned the corner, he was met with a shocking sight: Annika standing face-to-face with Prithviraj, their faces locked in a tense standoff.

The group's collective gasp filled the air, their eyes fixed on the unlikely pair.

Rudra swiftly intervened, striding towards the tense standoff. "Annika di, it seems you've met my Dada ji," he said, attempting to diffuse the tension.

Turning towards Prithviraj, Rudra continued, "Dada ji, she's Annika di, a close friend of mine and Om's, and also Ishana di's best friend."

Annika swiftly pulled Rudra towards her, her voice barely audible as she whispered in his ear, "Why didn't you tell me you're an Oberoi?" Her eyes narrowed, seeking answers.