“You’re not getting off that easy, Billu ji” she said, tugging his arm. “Uthiye.”
“I don’t feel like it,” Shivaay replied, his voice heavy with exhaustion. “Just… thore der me I will join you. Abhi leave me alone for a while”
“Leave you alone?” Anika let out a humorless laugh. “Sure, let’s do that. Dulhan ka bada bhai idhar sadela banke rahe aur Sangeet chalta rahe. Brilliant idea.”
“Anika—”
“Aap suniye meri baat,” she cut him off, her grip tightening on his arm. “Aap gussa ho, and you have every right to be. But tonight isn’t about you. It’s about Priyanka. So whatever mess you’re dealing with, use thori der apni kali coffee ke cup pe rakhiye aur chaliye.”
Shivaay stared at her, taken aback by her tone. “Why do you care so much?”
“Because,” she said firmly, “you hired me to play the role of your girlfriend, aur yaha sabko lagta hai I changed you. Now get up.”
Before he could argue, she yanked his arm with surprising strength, pulling him away from the wall. “Fine, fine,” he muttered, stumbling forward. “You’re annoyingly persistent.”
“Glad you noticed,” she shot back, dragging him down the hallway and back toward the event.
The bright lights and loud bollywood music hit Shivaay like a slap in the face as they reentered the main hall. Anika didn’t let go of his arm until they were squarely in the middle of the crowd.
“There,” she said, stepping back and crossing her arms. “Now, go smile and pretend you’re having the time of your life.”
Shivaay looked around, his eyes briefly meeting Mallika’s across the room. She quickly looked away, and his jaw tightened.
“Shivaay,” Anika said sharply, drawing his attention back to her. “Focus. Tonight isn’t about anyone else. It’s about Priyanka.”
He exhaled deeply, nodding. “You’re right.”
“Of course I’m right,” she said with a small smirk. “Now, go. I’ll be right here if you need backup.”
An hour passed, and Shivaay managed to push his emotions aside, mingling with the guests and even laughing at Rudra’s terrible jokes. He kept glancing toward Anika, who was effortlessly holding her own among a group of guests.
Finally, as the DJ called for couples to join the dance floor, Priyanka appeared by Shivaay’s side, beaming. “Bhaiya, go dance with Anika Didi! Unke kehne par dilliwali girlfriend bajega ab”
“What?” Shivaay frowned. “Why?”
“Because I want to see you two dance. Go!”
Before he could protest, she pushed him toward Anika.
“Looks like aap phas gaye” Anika said, arching an eyebrow as he approached.
“Lucky me,” Shivaay replied dryly, offering her his hand.
Anika hesitated for a moment before taking it, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. The music slowed, and they moved cautiously at first, both hyper-aware of the watching eyes.
Tere liye hi to signal tod taad ke
Aaya Dilli wali girlfriend chor char ke
“Aap to surprise kardiye mujhe,” Anika said after a few moments.
“Don’t sound so surprised,” Shivaay replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “I do have some skills, you know.”
“Sure,” she teased. “You’re an excellent brooder, for one.”
Shivaay chuckled, the sound surprising even him. For the first time that night, the tension in his chest eased.
As the song progressed, everyone joined in the floor and their movements became more natural, the awkwardness fading. Anika glanced up at him, her expression softening. “You’re okay, you know that?”
“What do you mean?”
“You act like the great wall of SSO” she said. “But tonight, you showed up for your sister. That says something.”
Shivaay didn’t respond immediately, his gaze fixed on her. “Tumhari baatein aaj kafi alag hai” he said finally.
“Different good or different bad?” she asked with a grin.
“Different good,” he admitted, surprising both of them.
The song ended, and the crowd applauded. Anika stepped back, giving him a small smile. “See? That wasn’t so bad. Bollywood numbers to suit karte aappe”
Shivaay nodded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer than necessary. “Thanks,” he said quietly.
“For what?”
“For being here.”
Anika’s smile widened, but before she could respond, Rudra appeared, dragging Shivaay away for a toast.
YOU ARE READING
The GIRLFRIEND Deal
Romance"The best relationships usually begin unexpectedly" Shivaay Singh Oberoi, a heartbroken lover whose ex betrayed him after a successful relationship of 5 years. His faith on love ceases to zero. Anika, an aspiring Interior designer does local plays...
