The night had stretched long, and the energy of the sangeet had finally begun to wane. Guests shuffled toward the door, exchanging final pleasantries and polite goodbyes. The groom's family, looking well-fed and content, stood near the entrance as Oberoi family bade them farewell.
“Everything was perfect,” the groom’s mother gushed, holding Dadi’s hand warmly. “You’ve raised such a wonderful family. Thank you for hosting us tonight.”
Shivaay, standing a few feet away, gave a polite nod. “It was our pleasure,” Tej said said
As the family left, Anika hovered nearby, watching the scene unfold with a mix of amusement and relief. Mallika had already left earlier stating a fake medical condition.
As soon as the door closed behind the last guest, Anika let out an exaggerated sigh of relief.
"Meri Bahu ne to aaj kitna sahi kara, from attending guests to dancing" Pinky said
"Maa..." Shivaay looked at her with warning in his tone
"Ha ha matlab hone wali bahu." She corrected
"True Anika, you made Shivaay dance in Bollywood song" Jhanvi laughed remembering it
"Arey naagin wala ye room me practice karhi rahe the, stage pe nahi kar paaye" Anika replied
"To bhaiya room me dance practice karrahe hai bas" Rudy whispered in Om's ear who slapped his arm lightly in return
“Anika beta, naagin wala to zyada dramatic ho gaya” Dadi said with a laugh, though her eyes twinkled with affection.
“Dramatic?” Anika gasped, clutching her chest. “Dadi, I’ve been called many things, but dramatic? Never.”
Shivaay smiled at her antics.
“Pata hai, pata hai,” Dadi replied, shaking her head fondly. “Now everyone should take rest.”
"Wahi, warna Anika ka bakbak khatam hi nahi hoga raatbhar" Shivaay said
"Excuse me?"
“Because you’re the loudest and most talkative here,” Shivaay quipped without looking up.
“Loudest?” Anika repeated, narrowing her eyes. “Excuse me, Mr. Tadibaaz, I am expressive, not loud.”
Shivaay turned to her, one eyebrow raised. “Sure, let’s call it that.”
Before Anika could retort, Dadi intervened. “Bas, bas. Both of you, go get some rest. It’s been a long day.”
Anika stuck her tongue out at Shivaay as she turned to leave, and he rolled his eyes, hiding a faint smile.
Later that night, as the house settled into silence, Anika padded into the kitchen in search of water and also Shivaay who dashed out right after changing his clothes. She hummed softly to herself.
She froze when she spotted Shivaay standing by the balcony door, a drink in his hand and his silhouette framed by the faint moonlight.
“Wapas se kali coffee pi rahe?” she called out, leaning against the doorway.
Shivaay turned, his expression unreadable. “Can’t sleep?”
"Answer my question first" to which Shivaay nodded.
“Too much sugar,” she said, holding up the chocolate bar she’d swiped from the pantry. “What’s your excuse of being awake?”
“Just… thinking,” he replied, his tone distant.
Anika stepped closer, her curiosity piqued. “About Mallika?”
He didn’t answer immediately, but the way his jaw tightened told her she was right.
“You want to talk about it?” she offered, her tone lighter. “Or should I just stand here aur aapko pakau with comments until you feel better?”
Shivaay’s lips twitched at her words, but the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You really don’t know when to stop, do you?”
“Nope,” she said cheerfully, plopping down onto the sofa nearby. “So bakiye. Did you meet her again?”
"Haa, dance ke baad"
Shivaay hesitated, then sighed, setting his cup down on the table. “She said I made her feel... unnoticed. Like she didn’t matter.”
Anika’s brows furrowed. “That’s a pretty heavy thing to say. Aapne desh chor diya uske liye”
“She wasn’t wrong,” Shivaay admitted, his voice low. “I was distant. I prioritized work, my family, everything except her. And when she needed me the most, I wasn’t there. And leaving the country was more of an impulsive decision, result of a heartbreak because she was my first love. I held on to her. Dusre ko dekhna bhi crime lagta tha”
“Well,” Anika said, tilting her head, “that’s pretty honest of you to admit. But I’m guessing there’s more?”
“She told me not to push you away the way I pushed her away,” he said, glancing at her.
Anika blinked, caught off guard. “Me?”
“Yes, you,” he said, his tone sharper than he intended. “Apparently, I have a habit of building walls and shutting people out.”
“Wow,” Anika said, leaning back dramatically. “Waise matter bhi nahi karta. Shaadi khatam hote hi aap apne raaste main apne raaste.”
Shivaay gave her a look, but there was no real heat behind it.
“Look, Shivaay,” Anika said, sitting up straighter. “I don’t know what happened between you and Mallika back then kyunki mujhe front row seat nahi mili, and honestly, I don’t need to know. But if you think you’re going to scare woman off with all this ‘I’m emotionally unavailable’ nonsense, think again. Aaj kal ki ladkia ko to red flags hi pasand hai”
“Anika—”
“No, listen,” she interrupted, holding up a hand. “I’m not saying you have to spill your heart out to me or whatever. But maybe—just maybe—you can try being a little less… Shivaay-ish.”
“Shivaay-ish?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes, Shivaay-ish,” she said with a grin. “You know, all grumpy and broody and ‘I’m too cool to feel things.’ It’s exhausting, yaar. Insaan banne ki koshish kijiye.”
Despite himself, Shivaay chuckled. “You’re impossible.”
“And yet, here I am,” she said smugly.
For a moment, they just looked at each other, the banter giving way to a quiet understanding. Shivaay broke the silence first.
“I don't know maine ye sab kyu share kia with you.”
"You don't know par mujhe sab log apna secrets bolte hai. Mai advice dene me expert jo hu. Chaliye mai sone chalti hu"
As she turned to leave, Shivaay called out, “Anika.”
She stopped, glancing back at him.
“Thanks,” he said simply.
She smiled, her eyes warm. “Goodnight, Shivaay.”
As she disappeared down the hallway, Shivaay stood there, a faint smile lingering on his face. For the first time in a long time, he felt the cracks in his walls growing just a little wider.
AUTHOR'S NOTE
OVERWHELMED WITH ALL OF YOUR COMMENTS. KEEP THEM COMING. THANKS FOR READING.
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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...
