The GIRLFRIEND Deal

CHAPTER 42

Om sat in his studio, casually flipping through a few files. He called his assistant quickly and asked her to set up an appointment with Janine Luxury Studios in the evening. The Oberoi mansion's renovation was long overdue, and now that Shivaay had finally agreed to it, he wanted to get things moving quickly.

"Sir. Their lead designer who also designed your current space will be visiting in the evening." His secretary told him.

"Perfect," Om replied.

In the evening, Om was in his studio, discussing art pieces with one of his colleagues when his assistant knocked.

"Sir, the team from Janine Luxury Studios has arrived."

"Great, send them in," Om said, signalling his employee that he will be continuing with the conversation tomorrow.

"Let's just get this done first," Om muttered as the cabin doors opened.

A woman in her mid-forties, dressed in a crisp navy suit, stepped in confidently. "Mr. Oberoi, it's a pleasure to meet you again." Katherine forwarded her hand

Om shook her hand. "Pleasure to meet you too again. Thank you for taking the time to come over."

"Of course. This is my assistant, Ms. An-"

But Katherine didn't get to finish.

Because the moment Om's gaze shifted to the woman stepping forward, he was shocked.

Anika.

Standing there, dressed in professional attire, holding a design portfolio in her hands, looking straight at him.

For a split second, her eyes mirrored the same shock that flickered in Om's. But then, just as quickly, she masked it with a calm, composed expression.

"Ms. Anika is one of the junior assistants working on this project. She will be assisting with the execution," Katherine continued, oblivious to the tension suddenly crackling in the air.

Om didn't respond immediately. His mind was still struggling to catch up.

Anika. Here. In London. Working at an elite design firm.

Anika met Om's gaze evenly. "Hello, Mr. Oberoi."

Om blinked. He had a hundred questions, but right now, he knew this wasn't the place for them.

For now, all he could do was nod and say, "Welcome, Ms. Anika"

Om composed himself quickly, pushing aside his surprise as he gestured towards the seats in his studio. "Let's get started."

Katherine took the lead, pulling out some documents as Anika silently sat beside her.

"So, Mr. Oberoi, before we begin, do you have any specific preferences for the design?" She asked professionally.

Om glanced at Anika for a brief second before refocusing. "Yes. Since my brother, Shivaay, is finally planning to get married, we need to make certain changes to his bedroom. We want a modern yet elegant design that accommodates a couple's lifestyle."

Anika's fingers curled slightly around the pen she was holding, but her face gave nothing away.

Om continued, "That means increased wardrobe space, a balance between functionality and aesthetics, and possibly a lounge area inside the room. Something that suits his taste but can also be adjusted to accommodate his future wife's preferences."

"Understood," Katherine nodded, making notes. "Any other room you are targeting?"

"We want a more welcoming vibe-comfortable seating in the living room, warm lighting, a design that complements the mansion's architecture but doesn't feel too traditional. Our family wants something sophisticated but not overwhelming. A mixture of traditional prints and western would be lovely."

"That's wonderful. Anika here is a master of fusion spaces" Katherine proudly flaunted her junior and Anika smiled in return.

Throughout the discussion, Anika kept her focus strictly professional. She jotted down points, occasionally glancing at the floor plans and materials, but she never once directly looked at Om.

After nearly an hour, the meeting wrapped up.

"This was productive," Katherine said, closing her folder. "We'll finalize the initial concepts and get back to you soon."

Om nodded before shifting his gaze to Katherine. "Before you leave, there's something I'd like to ask."

"Of course."

His tone was casual but firm. "I know Ms. Anika from before. She is my brother's friend. Would it be alright if I borrowed her for a cup of coffee? Just to catch up?"

Anika finally looked up at that, her lips parting slightly in surprise.

Katherine, being an experienced professional, could sense there was something unspoken here. But she also knew Omkara Singh Oberoi was a man of integrity.

She smiled. "Of course, Mr. Oberoi. Anika, take your time. Just rejoin us at the office once you're done. I didn't know you guys know each other already"

With that, Katherine packed up her things and left, giving Anika no room to argue.

Now, it was just her and Om.

Om leaned back in his chair, studying Anika as she sat across from him. It felt like a hope to see her after all this time-like a chapter from the past suddenly reopening.

"Hi," he said first, keeping it simple.

Anika gave a small nod. "Hi."

There was a brief pause before Om smiled slightly. "It's been a long time. How have you been?"

"I've been good," she answered, choosing her words carefully. "Life has changed a lot. What about you?"

"Same here," Om replied. "Though, I didn't think we'd meet like this. Can we drop the formalities Anika?" He requested.

Anika let out a small chuckle.

"How did you end up in London? Why haven't you contacted us? We could have helped you settle down here" his tone was firm.

"I moved here like 6 months back. Mera dream tha interior designing karne ka, deal ke paise se and a little bit loan, I managed to study. I am not sure how I should have approached you guys. That would have been so selfish of me" she said, exhaling softly. Then, after a beat of silence, she asked, "Om... does your family know?"

Om frowned slightly. "Know what?"

"That we were never actually together. That it was all just an arrangement."

Om shook his head. "No, he never told them that part."

Anika looked at him, confused. "Then what did he say?"

Om was about to reply when the office door suddenly opened.

And just like that, the moment shattered.

Shivaay walked in, his presence instantly commanding the space. His sharp blue eyes locked onto Anika.