The Oberoi mansion was abuzz with the quiet hum of morning activity. The dining table was set impeccably, as always, with an array of dishes that could rival a five-star buffet. The family gathered, their routines so synchronized it almost seemed rehearsed.
Anika sat at the far end of the table, feeling slightly out of place amidst the polished elegance. She had opted for a simple kurta, her hair tied back in a loose ponytail. It wasn’t exactly her comfort zone, but she wasn’t one to back down from a challenge.
Dadi smiled warmly at her as she passed the parathas. “Anika beta, neend acchi huyi?.”
“Ji dadi. Kafi zarurat thi.” Anika quipped, earning a chuckle from Omkara.
“You managed well,” Om said, his tone sincere. “Not everyone can keep up with Oberoi’s pace. Kafi overwhelming raha hoga”
“Don’t encourage her,” Shivaay muttered, sipping his black coffee.
Anika shot him a look. “Excuse me, Mr. Sadu.”
Before Shivaay could respond, Pinky cut in, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Anika beta, you’re already fitting into the family so well. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about the next step? Abhi Prinku ke jaane ke baad to ghar khali sa hi lagega. Ek naye sadasya ki zarurat to hai”
"To aap ghar se pura nikaal hi rahi hai mujhe choti maa" Priyanka commented playfully.
"Nahi Prinku, you understands me wrong. Anika ab member jaisi hi hai to shaadi ka sochne me koi harm to nahi hai"
The room fell silent for a moment, everyone’s eyes darting between Shivaay and Anika.
Anika froze, her hand hovering over the bowl of chutney. “Next step to..”
"Shivaay bhaiya ne already propose kardia kya?" Rudra asked and before Anika could reply Shakti said in between,
"Damnn, is my son secretly engaged?"
Pinky leaned forward, her smile widening. “Haayee ek aur Shaadi! After all, you two make such a beautiful couple. Why wait only till engagement?”
Shivaay set his cup down with deliberate precision. “Mom, we’ve already discussed this. Anika and I need time. We’re still… figuring things out. I am not secretly engaged.”
"Figuring out kya hota hai? You either love the person or you don't" Tej interrupted.
"Pata nahi aajki generation me inka figure out kab khatam hota hai" Shakti added.
"You all are just making us uncomfortable for no reason"
Anika nodded quickly, her face a perfect mask of agreement. “I agree with Shivaay! We do need some time as it's a pretty new relationship and time is of the essence. Slow and steady wins the race, right?”
Rudra, who had been quietly munching on an aloo paratha after his previous comment, smirked. “Bhaiya, slow and steady sounds more like you’re running a business merger than a relationship.”
Shivaay shot him a warning look. “Not everyone rushes into things like you, Rudra.”
“True but not everyone has Rudy jaisa charm” Rudra said with a shrug. “Also if Dadi starts planning a wedding, there’s no stopping her.”
Dadi laughed, shaking her head. “Don’t worry, Shivaay. We won’t rush you. But yaad rakh puttar, zindagi nahi rukti.”
Anika forced a smile, her mind racing. What did I sign up for?
The Oberois dispersed after breakfast, and Anika found herself wandering through the garden. The bright flowers and neatly trimmed hedges did little to calm her nerves.
“Still panicking about breakfast?” Shivaay’s voice broke through her thoughts.
She turned to see him leaning against a tree, his arms crossed. He looked effortlessly composed, as always.
“I’m not panicking,” she said defensively. “I’m just… processing.”
“Processing what?” he asked, tilting his head.
“unke liye baadme kafi mushkil hoga to digest our breakup, also mai aapke saath ek hi kamre me hu even though we are not in a relationship. Mere to character ki tai tai phis honi hai” she replied, throwing her hands up.
Shivaay smirked. “Overdramatic hai bas. Welcome to the Oberoi family.”
“Don’t ‘welcome’ me,” she shot back.
Shivaay’s expression softened slightly. “Don’t worry. I’ll handle my mom and everyone else. This isn’t going anywhere beyond what we agreed to. Reception ke agle din hi we will pack our bags and leave.”
Anika looked at him, surprised by the reassurance in his tone. “Really?”
“Really,” he said firmly. “I’m not letting anyone rush us into anything.”
“Gee, thanks,” she said, rolling her eyes. “Glad to know I’m just a pawn in your game of family politics.”
“More like a queen,” he said lightly, turning to walk away.
Anika blinked, caught off guard. “Wait—kya unhone abhi flirt kara?”
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...
