The grand reception was in full swing. The hall shimmered with golden lights, the soft murmur of conversations blending with the melodic tunes of a live orchestra. Priyanka, glowing as a newlywed, stood beside Rehaan, greeting guests with a radiant smile. The Oberois moved gracefully through the crowd, ensuring to not miss interaction with anyone.
Amidst the festivities, Shivaay and Anika stood together, their presence effortlessly drawing attention. They had grown so comfortable in their act that it was easy for onlookers to believe they were a couple deeply in love.
Om and Rudra, however, had other plans.
“Plan shuru karein?” Rudra whispered to Omkara, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Om smirked. “Bilkul.”
As Shivaay and Anika stood near the bar counter, Om approached them, a knowing smile playing on his lips.
“Shivaay, teri aur Anika ki chemistry kamaal ki lag rahi hai, the twinning clothes and everything” he said, his voice deliberately loud enough for a few guests nearby to hear.
Anika’s eyes widened. “Kya?”
“Haan, sab keh rahe hain ki aap dono perfect couple lag rahe ho, obviously after the newly weds” Rudra added, draping an arm around Shivaay. “Waise bhi, ek doosre ko itne acche se samajhne wale log kahaan milte hain?”
Shivaay shot them a glare. “Band karo nautanki.” he murmured under his breath
"Did you say something?" Anika asked him
Before Shivaay could respond, an elderly woman chimed in, “Shivaay beta, kab shaadi kar rahe ho?”
Anika nearly choked on her drink, while Shivaay’s jaw clenched.
“A-arey Mrs Shenoy, woh—” Shivaay began, “Bas thoda waqt aur chahiye. With the brimming business, I don't know if I could give my wife the time she deserves. But I feel I am on the verge of being ready”
Anika turned to him, shocked. What was he saying?!
Om and Rudra exchanged a victorious look. This was going exactly as planned.
The woman declared. "We will be waiting for the invitation card then”
Shivaay and Anika shared a panicked look as the elderly lady walked away, satisfied. Om and Rudra, meanwhile, were barely containing their laughter.
As the night continued, Shivaay found himself quieter than usual.
"Waise billu ji, who was she?" Anika asked.
"Trophy wife of a rich businessman" Shivaay replied disinterested
"By the way Anika, you are commendable. Shivaay hates it when anyone calls him Billu except for Dadi. And tum to itne easily bollete ho and he replies" Om smirked and Shivaay left the conversation to grab a drink nearby.
Anika chuckled, shaking her head. “Kya karein, Om? Billu ji ke andar ek chhupa hua soft corner hai jo sirf mujhe dikhta hai.”
Om and Rudra burst out laughing while Shivaay, overhearing her words, nearly spilled his drink. He shot Anika a sharp glare before taking a sip of his whiskey, pretending to be unaffected.
“Bhaiya, waise sach batao,” Rudra leaned in, lowering his voice, “yeh ‘verge of being ready’ waali baat sach thi ya bas Mrs. Shenoy ko khush karne ke liye?”
Shivaay stiffened for a fraction of a second before composing himself. “You guys don't have any other work?”
Omkara replied smoothly, taking a sip of his wine. “Waise bhi, Priyanka is married. So technically you and Anika should get married next, right?”
Anika, who was listening intently, coughed awkwardly and turned to leave. “Main zara Priyanka se milkar aati hoon.”
Before Shivaay could call her back, she disappeared into the crowd.
Om and Rudra exchanged a look. Rudra nudged Shivaay. “Bhaiya, dekha? Didi awkward ho gayi. You still think it's some act?”
Shivaay clenched his jaw. “I don’t have time for your nonsense. She became awkward because she doesn't see me as anything else”
Om smirked. “and you? ”
Shivaay said nothing. He simply gulped down his drink, his thoughts more conflicted than ever.
________________________
The grand reception had finally ended. Shivaay stepped into his room, removing his watch and placing it on the bedside table.
Anika followed him in, sighing as she kicked off her heels. “Finally ye lambe functions khatam huye. But it was a great wedding,” she muttered, stretching her arms.
Shivaay glanced at her briefly, smirking. “Obviously. It's the talk of the town now.”
Anika rolled her eyes. “Haan, mere instagram me bharpur posts hai. I still can't believe I attend it” She turned to him, her expression softening. “Waise, OmRu were quite in a teasing mode?”
Shivaay exhaled. “OmRu ko sab pata chal gaya hai.”
Anika blinked. “Matlab? Ye siyappa kab hua? Why didnt you tell me? Bhanda phut gaya to everyone in the family already knows?”
Shivaay leaned against the dresser, crossing his arms. “Calm down Lady Usain Bolt. My goodness how much can you speak in one breath? Matlab, unhone sun liya tha. They know about the fake relationship. That's it.”
Anika’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh.”
Shivaay’s fingers paused on his cufflinks. “No more discussion on this topic”
Anika sighed, shaking her head. " Are you serious? This is huge.”
Shivaay didn’t respond. Instead, he walked over to the wardrobe, pulling out a white T-shirt to change into.
Anika, too, picked up her nightwear and stepped towards the bathroom. “Main change kar ke aati hoon.”
A few minutes later, when she returned in a loose T-shirt and comfortable pajamas, she found Shivaay standing near the bed, scrolling through his phone. He had changed into a casual T-shirt and joggers, looking much more relaxed than his usual suited-up self.
As she walked toward the dressing table, her foot suddenly hit the corner of the bed. “Ouch!” she yelped, losing balance.
Before she could fall, Shivaay’s hands shot out, gripping her arms and pulling her towards him.
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...
