The GIRLFRIEND Deal

CHAPTER 28

The clatter of dishes and the aroma of fresh coffee filled the air as the family began gathering at the table.

Shivaay walked in, his expression composed but his thoughts still tangled from the events of the previous night. He scanned the room and saw Anika already seated, chatting animatedly with Om and Rudra. She looked effortlessly radiant, her laughter echoing softly in the space.

He paused for a moment, unnoticed, before walking over to take his seat at the table

"Good morning, Bhaiya," Rudra said cheerfully, reaching for a plate of parathas. "You’re late today! Usually, you’re the first one here."

Shivaay raised an eyebrow. "I’m not late. You’re just early."

"Sure, sure," Rudra teased, earning a chuckle from Tej, who had just walked in with a cup of tea in hand.

But despite the light banter, a quiet void lingered over the table. The seat where Priyanka used to sit was now empty, a silent reminder of her absence. It had only been a day since her wedding, and though everyone was genuinely happy for her, the gap she left behind was undeniable.

"mummy ji keh rahi thi Priyanka ke bina ghar ajeeb lag raha hai, unhone to aaj jethani ji ke saath room me hi breakfast kara" Pinky said softly, breaking the momentary silence.

Tej nodded, a wistful smile on his lips. "Woh toh hai. Priyanka ka hasna, bolna, sab yaad aa raha hai."

"Rehaan ke ghar mein zarur sabko entertain kar rahi hogi," Rudra said with a grin, trying to lighten the mood.
Shakti interrupted saying "Jija hai tumhare. Bas naam se mat bulao Rudra. Manners"

Everyone chuckled at that, though the warmth of their laughter couldn’t quite fill the space Priyanka had left behind. Shivaay didn’t say anything, but the tightness around his jaw was noticeable. He took a sip of his coffee, his expression unreadable.

Anika’s eyes flicked toward him, noticing the way his hand gripped his cup a little too firmly. She knew he was missing Priyanka deeply but was too guarded to admit it aloud.

The moment passed as the conversations shifted back to everyday topics, but that lingering ache—small yet persistent—remained in everyone’s heart.

As the breakfast progressed, Shivaay found himself glancing at Anika more often than he wanted to admit. She seemed so at ease, so natural in this chaotic family setting. He noticed the way she tilted her head slightly when she was listening intently, the way her fingers played with the edge of her dupatta absentmindedly.

When their eyes met again, Anika gave him a small smile—soft, unassuming. It was such a simple gesture, yet it made his heart stutter in a way he wasn’t prepared for.

What is happening to me? he thought, his frustration bubbling up again.

By the time breakfast was over, Shivaay excused himself, claiming he had work to attend to. He walked out of the dining room with long, deliberate strides, needing to put some distance between himself and whatever it was that Anika was making him feel.

Anika watched him leave, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. There was something different about him today, something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. But instead of dwelling on it, she shook her head and turned back to Rudra, who was now attempting to coax Om into trying his experimental smoothie.

In his study, Shivaay sat down at his desk, his hands pressed against his temples. The silence of the room was a stark contrast to the lively breakfast table. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling, his thoughts racing.

This can’t go on, he told himself firmly. Whatever this is, I need to get a grip before it becomes something more.

But deep down, he knew it wasn’t that simple.

Just then a knock pulled him back into reality.

"May I come in Mr Shivaay Singh Oberoi?" It was Anika on the other side.

"Yes" shivaay replied as she entered.

"Aapka reply to bilkul pasand nahi aaya mujhe" she chipped while making herself comfortable in the empty chair in front of him.

"To kya sunna chahti thi aap mohtarma?"

What? Shivaay is losing control of his words. Mohtarma?

Anika was taken aback with his sudden cheerfulness but shrugged her thoughts away.

"Yahi ki mujhe aapke study pe aane ke liye permission ki zarurat nahi hai"

Shivaay smiled looking at her serious expressions.

"You want something?" He asked breaking the moment

"Yes. I needed to ask you about our return back to India. Kab ja rahe hum?"

And just like that, Shivaay felt his breath hitch. Once, he had thought it would be a relief to get rid of her, for their temporary arrangement to end. But now, the thought of her leaving… it felt like the ground beneath him had shifted.