The GIRLFRIEND Deal

CHAPTER 29

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Meetings, phone calls, and the ever-present responsibilities of being Shivaay Singh Oberoi kept him busy, but his mind kept drifting back to the conversation with Anika. Her question about their return to India lingered like an unwelcome guest, and every time it surfaced, it brought with it a sense of unease he couldn't shake.

The family had gathered in the living room that evening, the familiar warmth of togetherness filling the space. Yet, even amidst the casual laughter and conversation, there was a subtle void-Priyanka's absence. It was impossible to ignore.

"Priyanka ke bina yeh ghar bilkul alag lagta hai," Dadi said, her voice tinged with nostalgia as she looked at the framed wedding photo on the mantelpiece.

"Bas ek din hua hai, Dadi," Rudra quipped with a grin. "Shaadi ke honeymoon phase mein Priyanka ko hum sab yaad bhi nahi aa rahe honge."

"Chup kar, Rudra," Om scolded, though his lips twitched with amusement. "It's different for us. She's been such an integral part of this house... It'll take time to adjust.

Shivaay, seated in his usual chair, remained quiet, his gaze fixed on the flames crackling in the fireplace. He missed his sister fiercely, but the ache was compounded by another thought-how much more empty this house would feel once Anika was gone.

"Vaise, Priyanka aur Rehaan ka reception kal raat ko hai," Jhanvi said, her tone warm but wistful. "Rehaan ki family ne sabko bulaya hai."

"Of course, hum sab jayenge," Pinky said, adjusting her bangles. "Ek aur mauka Priyanka ko dulhan ke roop mein dekhne ka."

"Reception ke baad hum wapas jaane ki planning karenge," Shivaay announced suddenly, his voice steady as he addressed the room.

The words were casual, but they carried a weight that Shivaay felt immediately.

"Already? Itna jaldi?" Rudra asked, looking genuinely surprised.

"Haan, Rudra," Shivaay replied, his expression composed. "Kaafi kaam pending hai wahan. Aur yahan jo aana tha, woh complete ho gaya hai."

Anika forced herself to nod, even though her mind was reeling. She had known this day would come-it was inevitable-but hearing it aloud felt like a reality she wasn't ready to face even though she initiated the conversation earlier with Shivaay.

"Bilkul theek baat hai par do dard eksaath jhele nahi jayenge puttar," Dadi said, her tone kind but understanding.

"Shivaay, tum aur Anika ek mahine aur ruk jaao na" Pinky added

"Time mila hi nahi hume zyada" Jhanvi added

"Badi Maa, Anika ko apne kaam me jana hai wapas aur mera bhale hi yaha se ho jata hai par uska I can't just ignore right" his voice, sincere.

"Jaane wagera ki baatein baadme par kal reception mein jaake Priyanka aur Rehaan ke saath waqt bitaana zaruri hai."

"Exactly, Shivaay's vidaai will be taken into consideration day after tomorrow" Omkara agreed. "It'll be good to see our Prinku starting this new chapter surrounded by family."

The conversation gradually shifted to lighter topics, but Shivaay remained uncharacteristically silent. Anika glanced at him from across the room, wondering what he was thinking, but she decided not to ask.

Instead, she joined in the banter with Rudra and Omkara, her laughter filling the room in a way that reminded everyone of Priyanka's absence-and somehow eased it at the same time.

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Later that night, Shivaay found himself standing by the poolside, the cool breeze doing little to calm the turmoil in his mind. The water shimmered under the moonlight, its surface calm and unbothered—everything Shivaay wasn’t.

"You’ve been standing here for the past ten minutes. Dupki maarne ka plan hai?"

He turned sharply at the sound of her voice. Anika was standing behind him, her arms crossed and her head tilted slightly, her expression caught between curiosity and amusement.

"I didn’t hear you come," he said, his voice steady, though his heart had begun to race again.

"You were too lost in your thoughts," she replied, walking closer. "Is everything okay? You’ve been acting… different all day."

"Different?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes. Pehle toh aap itne serious the, and then suddenly ‘mohtarma’ bol kar mujhe confuse kar diya. Aur ab aap yahan khade ho, staring at the water like it holds the answers to all your questions."

Shivaay exhaled, a small, almost amused smile tugging at his lips. "I’m fine, Anika. Really."

She didn’t look convinced, but she decided to let it go. Instead, she leaned against the railing beside him, her gaze fixed on the water.

"You know, I was thinking about what you said earlier about my career. Maine kuch courses dekhe hai enrol karne ke liye. I will pursue it"

Shivaay didn’t respond immediately. He stared at the water, his thoughts swirling. "I am really happy to hear that"

Anika turned to look at him, her expression thoughtful. "Thanks. I think I should start myself taking seriously now. Sita Maa kitne din tak hi khila paayegi mujhe"

He looked at her then, his blue eyes meeting hers, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade away. There was something about her presence, her words, that disarmed him in a way no one else ever could.

"You make it sound so easy and that's the best part. You will excel Anika," he said, his voice almost a whisper.

"It’s not easy," she admitted. "But it’s important."

They stood in silence for a while, the only sound the gentle ripple of the water below. Shivaay didn’t know what was happening to him, but he couldn’t deny that being around her made everything else feel… lighter.

As Anika straightened and turned to leave, she paused and glanced back at him. "By the way, aapne kab ka socha hai jaane ka?"

"Reception ke do din baad. I will take you on local tour parso aur phir hum nikal jayenge agle din" he answered.

"Arey zarurat nahi hai. You should spend time with your family. Kya hi ghumna hai. Also I feel you should stay back with them"

"Tumhe laane ki zimmedari agar li hai maine to drop bhi safely mai hi karunga. I will return within a week and tell them about our lie"