The GIRLFRIEND Deal

CHAPTER 46

Anika adjusted the files in her hands as she stood in Katherine's office, listening intently.

"The Oberois have confirmed the deal," Katherine stated, flipping through the contract papers. "We need to visit Shivaay Singh Oberoi's office tomorrow to finalize the requirements for his bedroom as they want to start with that. We need the details to be locked in before we proceed."

Anika inhaled sharply but masked her hesitation with a nod. "Got it."

"I want you on-site with the team," Katherine continued. "You're already familiar with the Oberois, and given your understanding of their aesthetic, I trust you to handle this smoothly since they are one of our biggest clients."

Anika forced a smile. "Of course. I'll make sure everything is in place."

Katherine gave her an approving nod. "Good. Be ready by 11 AM."

As Anika stepped out of the office, her fingers tightened around the files.

The Oberois. Again.

She had spent months convincing herself that part of her life was over, that she had built something new for herself. And now, she was walking right back into their world-not as Shivaay's girlfriend, not as a friend, but as a professional.

She sighed, shaking her head. You can handle this, Anika. It's just a job. That's all.

_____________

As the team of Janine entered Shivaay's luxurious workspace, they couldn't help but admire. Soon enough Shivaay's assistant guided them to his cabin.

Shivaay sat at his office desk, his fingers interlocked as he listened to Katherine talk about the design specifications she received from Om. Anika sat across from him, flipping through her notes, looking as professional and composed as ever.

Too composed.

She had walked into his home, his office, and his presence like they were nothing but distant acquaintances. No hesitation, no awkwardness-just work.

"Now, let's move on to your requirements for your room, Mr. Oberoi," Katherine said, glancing up from her iPad. "Do you have any specific styles for the design?"

Shivaay leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers against the desk. His eyes flickered to Anika, but she remained busy jotting down notes.

And then, without thinking-without even planning it-he said it.

"Since I'll be getting married soon, the room should have enough space for two people."

His own words surprised him, but he kept his face unreadable.

Anika's pen didn't pause. Her expression didn't shift. No flicker of surprise, no hesitation. Just a curt nod as she continued writing.

"Noted," she said smoothly. "Do you have a preference for closet arrangements? A his-and-hers section, perhaps or common for both?"

Shivaay clenched his jaw. That's it? Not even a reaction?

He had expected... something. A glance, a stiffened posture, anything that would tell him she cared even in the slightest.

But there was nothing.

Katherine, unaware of the undercurrents in the room, nodded in approval. "That's a great point, Anika. We can also incorporate softer aesthetics to blend masculine and feminine tones, unless you have a strong preference, Mr. Oberoi?"

Shivaay's lips pressed into a thin line. "No. Whatever works."

Katherine made a few more notes, glancing at Anika. "Anything else you'd like to add?"

Anika finally looked up, her eyes meeting Shivaay's directly for the first time in this conversation.

"We can accommodate a grooming desk for his to be wife" she said simply. It reminded her of the conversation she once had with Jhanvi and Pinky during Priyanka's wedding

Shivaay gave a short nod. "Good suggestion."

"We have all we need, thanks Mr. Oberoi"

"I heard you guys are friends. Anika, you don't have to formally address him because I am here" Katherine told Anika with a smile.

"I would like to maintain the professionalism. After all he is still a client for us" Anika replied

As he watched her pack up her notes, he couldn't shake the frustration settling in his chest.

Why did he say about his marriage deliberately? Why did he want her to react?
______________

Shivaay stepped into his bedroom, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension from a long day at work. He had barely loosened his tie when he noticed Pinky standing near the door, waiting for him.

"Shivaay," Pinky called, her voice carrying that motherly concern he was all too familiar with. 

He walked over, placing his phone on the side table. "Kya hua, Mom?" 

Pinky came inside the room and sat on his bed.

Shivaay then sat beside her. "You look like you have something important to say." 

Pinky folded her hands in her lap, taking a deep breath. "Main seedha sawaal poochti hoon. Tu sach mein Anika ko bhool chuka hai? Abhi wapas se dekhke feelings to nahi jaagrahi?"

His fingers stilled against his knee. 

He should’ve expected this. Ever since Anika reentered their lives—unexpectedly, almost effortlessly—his family had been watching him, waiting for a sign.  

And now, she was asking him directly. 

He met his mother’s gaze, his expression unreadable. Then, with steady finality, he said, "Haan, Maa. I’ve moved on."

Pinky studied him, as if searching for a crack in his words. "Sach?"

Shivaay didn’t blink. "Yes."

A silence stretched between them before Pinky finally nodded, though there was doubt in her eyes. "Theek hai, agar tu kehta hai toh maan leti hoon." She paused, then continued,
"Toh phir tu shaadi ke baare mein soch sakta hai, na?"

Shivaay’s jaw tightened slightly. He should have seen this coming. 

Pinky leaned forward. "Sahane ji ka rishta aaya hai. Unki beti Aadhya… she’s a wonderful girl. Achhi parivaar se hai, well-educated, sophisticated. Tujhse milna chahti hai."

He let the words sink in, his mind working through the implications. He had just said he had moved on. If that was true, this shouldn’t be an issue, right? 

He nodded slowly. "Aadhya… she’s in London?"

"Haan. Business background se hai, par uska interest philanthropy mein zyada hai." 

Shivaay exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "I am busy for this week. Give me a while and I will let you know."

Pinky gave him a knowing look but didn’t push. "Theek hai. Lekin soch samajh ke faisla lena, Shivaay. Kyunki agar tu aage badhne ke liye tayar hai, toh peeche mudkar dekhna bandh karna hoga."

He stood up, forcing a small smirk. "Maine kab peeche mudkar dekha?" 

Pinky didn’t answer, just gave him a long look before shaking her head. 

Author's Note

Surprise! Here is a double update for all the readers. Next chapter is under editing process and I was constantly smiling while writing it. If you guys wanna read the next one, please vote and comment. It encourages me to give quick updates.

Happy Reading

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