The GIRLFRIEND Deal

CHAPTER 41

The breakfast table was lively with conversation, but Shivaay barely contributed. His declaration about being ready for marriage had sparked endless discussions about prospective brides, family expectations, and now—unexpectedly—home renovation. 

"Ab jab Shivaay shaadi ke baare mein soch raha hai, toh ghar ka thoda makeover zaroori hai" Pinky announced, adjusting her dupatta with enthusiasm. “Naye zamane ka touch chahiye, bas!”

"I agree" Jhanvi agreed. “It’s been years since we’ve redone the interiors. If Shivaay is settling down, toh ghar bhi ready hona chahiye.” 

Shivaay, who had been scrolling through his phone, finally looked up. "Is it really urgent?” 

"Bhaiya, ghar ka decor toh reflect karna chahiye ki yahan ek future dulha rehta hai," Rudra teased, winking at him. 

Shivaay shot him a dry look. "Very funny, Rudra."

"Anyways, Shivaay you would prefer a modern interior or like indo western?" Om asked. "We can go with the firm who designed my studio last year."

"Haan haan, ek reputed firm ko dena hai. Om, tu handle karlena ye" Pinky said thoughtfully. "Trustworthy firm is the most important thing. Koi bhi random designer nahi chalega." Jhanvi added

Shakti leaned back, a small smile playing on his lips. "I am happy my son has finally thought in that direction."

Shivaay barely reacted, sipping his coffee, his mind elsewhere. 

"Agreed. But you look lost Shivaay. Is everything okay?" Tej asked, raising a curious eyebrow. 

"Haan, I am fine. Just some major meetings today" Shivaay replied. "Om, you carry on with the renovation stuff. Tera studio was fantastic. I feel they deserve the project."

Pinky’s face lit up. "Wah! Chalo sab badhia!"
 
But for the first time in weeks, he had a strange feeling. 

Something was about to change. 

And he had no idea just how much. 

_______________________

"Bhaiya, let’s go to a club tonight!" Rudra said excitedly, plopping down beside Shivaay on the couch who has just come home from office half an hour back.

Shivaay didn’t even look up from his laptop. "No."

"Arre, why no? You used to be fun once upon a time."

"I was never ‘fun,’ Rudra."

"Exactly my point!" Rudra exclaimed dramatically. "You’ve always been boring, but ab to aap aur bhi zyada boring ho gaye ho!"

Om, who was reading a book on the opposite couch, smirked. "Rudra is right. You dont even look at anything apart from work."

"Because I am running an empire," Shivaay replied flatly. 

"So? A little break won’t kill you," Rudra insisted. "Come on, Bhaiya, ek clubbing night se aapke deals nahi bigdenge."

"Clubs are for kids, Rudra." Shivaay finally closed his laptop and looked at his youngest brother. "Loud music, flashing lights, people drinking like maniacs, eating each other's faces, not my scene."

"What's the problem in that? Aap bas VIP lounge mein baithna, aaram se drink karna aur mere saath aaye beautiful ladies ko appreciate karna." Rudra wiggled his eyebrows. 

Shivaay scoffed. "Not interested."

"Oh come on, Shivaay," Om pitched in, "Maybe getting out will do you some good. You might find your future wife in there"

Shivaay gave him a look but said nothing. 

"Bilkul," Rudra grinned. 

Shivaay exhaled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine. One hour. That’s it." 

Rudra pumped his fist. "Yes! I’ll get ready!"

The club was buzzing with energy—neon lights flashing, the bass of the music vibrating through the floor. Shivaay walked in with Om and Rudra, his usual sharp gaze scanning the place. 

"You’re still sure this isn’t for kids, Bhaiya?" Rudra teased, nudging him. 

"This only confirms my point," Shivaay muttered, adjusting his blazer. "Let’s get this over with." 

Om chuckled. "Relax. Have a drink." 

As they settled in the VIP lounge, Rudra quickly ordered drinks. Shivaay leaned back, watching the crowd with disinterest.

"Bhaiya, you’re supposed to be having fun, not brooding," Rudra teased, nudging him.

"I’m not brooding," Shivaay muttered, taking another sip.

"Oh really? Because you look like someone forced you to be here," Om said, raising an eyebrow.

"Both of you did force me to be here," Shivaay deadpanned.

Rudra rolled his eyes.

Shivaay sighed but stood up, making his way toward the washroom.
"Coming in a min" he announced and went.

The cool water splashed against his face, offering some relief from the stifling air of the club. He exhaled deeply, gripping the sink. What am I even doing here?

As he walked out, his eyes swept over the crowded dance floor—and then, he froze.

For a fraction of a second, he saw her.

Or thought he did.

A woman, moving through the crowd, her back turned toward him. The same hair, the same frame, the same way she tilted her head when she laughed—just like Anika.

His breath hitched.

No. That’s Impossible.

She was in India. There was no reason for her to be in London. That too in a club.

And yet, his feet moved forward instinctively, his gaze locked on her. The flashing lights made it difficult to see clearly, and before he could reach her, the crowd shifted.

She was gone.

Shivaay stood still, his heart pounding against his ribs. His grip on his drink tightened. It wasn’t her. It couldn’t be.

And yet, his mind refused to let it go.

When he returned to the lounge, Om and Rudra immediately noticed something was off.

"What happened?" Om asked.

"Nothing," Shivaay replied, but his voice lacked conviction.

"Bhaiya, you look like you’ve seen a ghost," Rudra remarked, watching him curiously.

Shivaay hesitated, then muttered, "I thought I saw... someone."

Om and Rudra exchanged a glance before Rudra asked. "Whom?"

Shivaay didn’t respond. He picked up his drink, staring at the glass.

"Doesn't matter" he replied.

"By the way, you sure you want to get married now?" Om asked, "Can you find Anika and see if it can be real?"

Shivaay clenched his jaw. "It was a contract O. Let it go. I am 31, I don't want to be alone for the rest of my life. Now that Priyanka is pregnant, I feel like I am running out of time."

"Practically speaking yes," Om countered. "But what would you do if you meet Anika again?"

Shivaay didn’t have an answer immediately. He took a tequila shot before framing the perfect answer

"I will pretend as if we have never met before"