Everyone was alive with preparations for Priyanka’s Haldi rasam, the next big event in her wedding festivities. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly ground turmeric, marigolds being strung into garlands, and laughter echoing from every corner of the house.
Anika wandered into the garden, her eyes wide at the flurry of activity. “o tere ki,” she muttered to herself. “Ye shaadi hai ya Bollywood ka set”
“You’d better get used to it,” Omkara said as he walked by, carrying a tray of colorful powders. “You have definitely seen all of this. India definitely does it way more grand.”
“Ha ha. Matlab I always felt wedding should be like court marriage karo and baat khatam” Anika covered up. This is her first time in attending a lavish wedding.
Before Om could respond, Jhanvi appeared, her face glowing with excitement. “Anika beta! You must help with the Haldi rasam. It’s a very special moment for the bride, and Priyanka considers you family now.”
Anika blinked, overwhelmed by the sudden inclusion. “Me? But I don’t even—”
“Of course you will!” Pinky said, sweeping in with her usual enthusiasm. “It’s a big day, and hum sab ko toh saara support dena chahiye.”
Anika glanced at Shivaay, who had just entered the scene. He raised an eyebrow at her, clearly enjoying her discomfort.
“Don’t just stand there,” Shivaay said casually. “Go on. You’re part of the family now, remember?”
Anika shot him a glare. “You’re really milking this fake relationship, aren’t you?” and whispered in his ear
“Only because it’s so entertaining to see you pissed” he replied with a smirk.
By the time the guests began to arrive for the Haldi ceremony, the house was a riot of color and music. Priyanka sat on a low platform, her face glowing as family members and friends took turns applying turmeric to her cheeks.
Anika hovered at the edge of the crowd, unsure of her role in the festivities. She wasn’t used to being part of such grand family traditions, and the sheer magnitude of it all was slightly intimidating.
“Go on,” Dadi urged, handing her a small bowl of turmeric paste. “Priyanka will be so happy.”
Taking a deep breath, Anika stepped forward, kneeling in front of Priyanka. “Alright, Prinku. Don’t blame me if I accidentally turn you into a golden statue.”
Priyanka laughed, her cheeks already streaked with turmeric. “Go ahead, Anika di. I trust you.”
Anika smiled, carefully dabbing the paste onto Priyanka’s cheeks. The crowd cheered, and for a moment, Anika felt like she truly belonged.
As she stepped back, her eyes met Shivaay’s across the room. He was watching her with an expression she couldn’t quite decipher—somewhere between amusement and something deeper. She quickly looked away, her heart inexplicably racing.
Later That Night
The Haldi ceremony wound down, the guests slowly trickling out. Anika had sneaked away for a breath of fresh air after the dinner, escaping the whirlwind of wedding festivities.
She wandered toward the garden swing and sat down, letting the stillness wrap around her. The faint scent of marigolds and the distant hum of the fountain offered a soothing respite.
“Escaping the chaos again?”
Anika jumped slightly at the sound of Shivaay’s voice. She turned to see him walking toward her, his hands in his pockets, his tie gone and shirt sleeves rolled up. He looked more relaxed than she’d ever seen him, though the familiar sharpness in his gaze remained.
“Ek normal insaan ki tarah bina shock diye aa sakte hai aap?” she said, trying to steady her racing heart.
He smirked. “Where’s the fun in that?”
She rolled her eyes and turned away, staring at the dimly lit garden. Shivaay walked over and leaned against the tree next to the swing.
“You’re surprisingly good at disappearing when you want to,” he remarked.
“Old habit,” she said with a shrug. “Sometimes, it’s nice to be invisible.”
“You’re anything but invisible,” he countered, his tone softer than usual.
Anika glanced at him, startled by his words. But before she could respond, Shivaay straightened and sat down on the swing beside her, the proximity sending a jolt through her.
They sat in silence for a moment, the gentle creak of the swing filling the air. Finally, Shivaay spoke again, his voice quieter this time. “You’ve been so busy playing the role of my girlfriend. But what about Anika? What’s your story?”
AUTHOR'S NOTE
HAPPY NEW YEAR WATTPAD FAM!!!
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...
