Morning arrived too soon.
Anika barely got any sleep after that dream, her mind restless with thoughts she didn’t want to acknowledge. As the first light of dawn seeped through the curtains, she sighed, throwing off the blanket.
She wasn’t going to overthink this. It was just a dream.
By the time she freshened up and stepped out of the room, the household was already buzzing with activity.
Shivaay, as usual, was already dressed, checking his phone while simultaneously chatting with his brothers.
"Good morning everyone" Anika chipped in and joined the dining table.
Anika sat down, her movements slower than usual. Dadi patted her hand. "Beta, tum dono jaa rahe ho, toh mann ekdum bhari sa ho gaya hai. Warna kitni aadat si pad gayi hai yahan tumhe dekhne ki."
Anika smiled softly. “Mujhe bhi yahaan rehkar bohot accha laga, Dadi.”
Pinky sighed dramatically. “Buss, bas… yeh kehkar dil mat dukhao. Wapas jaldi aana, okay?”
Anika nodded, her heart warming at the affection she had received from them.
Om smirked. “Anyways, they will be together in Mumbai which is great for both of them.”
Shivaay, who had just taken a sip of his coffee, shot Om a warning glance. “Yes.”
"Why don't you guys move in together? Or have you already?" Tej asked.
Anika always felt that the family is way too liberal. Not that she mind but it has been on her head since they arranged her in Shivaay's room.
"Bade papa, I don't think so that's a great idea. We have our schedules plus the paps in India are crazy. Anika hates limelight. Let it be this way for now" Shivaay answered as if he prepared it.
Rudra grinned. “Paps doesn't matter as long as you guys are planning to get married.”
The conversation continued, lighthearted and familiar, but Anika couldn’t shake off the quiet feeling of something shifting.
Soon they gathered in the hall with the luggage as it was time to leave.
Pinky wiped an invisible tear. “Anika beta, maine pehle bhi bola tha, phir se bol rahi hoon—tu is ghar ki bahu jaisi hi hai.” she hugged Anika
Shakti nodded. “It was nice having you here. Don’t be a stranger.”
Anika felt overwhelmed for a moment but quickly masked it with a smile. “I loved my time here. You all are amazing”
Dadi squeezed her hand gently. “Jab chahe aa sakti ho, beta. Aur number sabka to hai hi na? Call karte rehna puttar”
Shivaay stood up, stretching slightly. “I think we should move.”
Everyone moved towards the entrance, the mood turning heavier as goodbyes were exchanged. Anika hugged Dadi tightly, then Jhanvi and Pinky.
“Take care of yourself, okay?” Jhanvi said, holding her hand for a moment longer.
Anika nodded. “Aap bhi.”
Rudra dramatically sighed. “Anika didi, if you ever feel burdened by Shivaay Bhaiya ka over-the-top attitude problem, just call me. And I will add you on instagram”
Anika laughed. “Pakka.”
Shivaay rolled his eyes. “Chalein?”
With one last glance at the family, Anika followed him out the door.
____________________
As the jet landed, they were greeted by Khanna who already had two cars ready.
"Khanna, I will accompany her. Just send back the other car" Shivaay announced. Anika glanced at him, hoping there would be one last conversation with him before the end.
The car ride was completely silent.
"Mujhe gali ke 500m dur hi utariyega. Andar gadi nahi jati" Anika told the driver.
The car pulled up outside the lane. The city’s warmth and chaos welcomed them back.
Anika stepped out first, pulling her bag along. Shivaay followed, standing beside her as the driver unloaded the luggage.
For a moment, they just stood there, neither of them speaking.
Shivaay glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Toh… bas?”
Anika forced a small smile. “Bas.”
There was no need for unnecessary words. No long farewells. This was how it was supposed to be.
He nodded. “Agar kuch bhi chahiye ho… you know where to reach me.”
She gave a noncommittal nod. “Haan. Also I am not returning any of the clothes you gave me as per the contract.”
Shivaay chuckled for the briefest second.
"Nice to close the deal Anika" Shivaay forwarded his hand for a handshake which she reciprocated.
"Goodbye Shivaay Singh Oberoi" she replied.
He turned back towards the car.
Anika watched as he got in, the door closing behind him.
The car pulled away, disappearing down the road.
She exhaled slowly, gripping the strap of her bag tighter before finally turning towards her house when her phone popped up with a notification.
Amount Credited.
It was over.
Just like that.
Author's Note
The countless number of times that I have read fake dating tropes, one thing bothered me the most. How are people falling in love in 7 days? Developing a crush or having a soft corner for the person is entirely different. But love? That's a strong word. Hence while I started writing this story, I felt like they should be given their due time to grow their characters and eventually fall in love.
Shivaay who was living with the idea that he will never find love again had the biggest change of heart to move on.
Anika who gave up on her dream of interior designing, started to believe in herself again to chase it.
Do tell me what do you guys feel about it
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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...
