Two weeks had passed since Anika’s firm presented the final designs for the Oberoi mansion’s renovation. Shivaay had approved the plans with a simple thumbs-up, and from that moment, the project had moved forward at full speed.
Now, Anika was in the Oberoi mansion more frequently, overseeing the work as it progressed. The house that once felt like a place she had left behind was now a part of her daily schedule.
As the day progressed, Anika remained professional focusing on her project with 3 of her teammates. But she wasn’t given much time to dwell on it, because Pinky soon called out to her.
“Anika, beta, chai peeyegi?” Pinky’s warm voice broke through the sound of workers moving furniture.
Anika turned from the layout she was discussing, offering a polite smile. “Nahi Aunty, main yahi thik hoon.”
Anika felt her team’s eyes on her. She exhaled and said lightly, “Waise Aunty, agar mujhe zyada attention milegi to shayad team waale awkward feel karenge.”
Her team didn't understand her hindi but Anika thought of telling the family about it to not get any special attention
There was an uncomfortable pause before Dadi spoke up, nodding in understanding. “Beta sahi keh rahi hai."
She mouthed a sorry to Pinky who smiled in understanding.
During a discussion with her team, David, one of her colleagues, brought up a concern.
"Anika, do you think Mr. Oberoi would want to inspect the plywood quality himself? Some clients prefer to check the materials or the finish before approving bulk purchases."
Anika hesitated.
David had a point. Some high-end clients liked to be involved.
"But should we actually ask Mr Oberoi that?" Another one replied.
"Anika, will you?" David looked at her
Sighing, she muttered, "Sure, I’ll ask him."
It was still morning and he hasn't left for office. Reaching Shivaay’s room, Anika knocked twice.
No response.
She knocked again, louder this time.
"Shivaay, its me Anika" she said
And then the door swung open.
Shivaay stood there, fresh out of the shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, droplets of water sliding down his jaw.
Anika’s breath caught in her throat.
She was supposed to be unaffected.
Her eyes unintentionally flickered to his toned chest, the sharp lines of his abs. She caught herself before she could stare any longer and quickly turned her gaze away.
Shivaay, however, leaned against the doorframe, completely unfazed.
"What happened?" He asked
"Aap nange kyu hai?" She said looking everywhere except for him
"Nanga aadmi dekha nahi hai? Is this your definition of being naked?" He replied sarcastically without bothering
"Mai cheapdi nahi hu nange ladke dhundke unhe ghurti rahungi"
"Well you didn't mind when you were looking at my abs" he winked at her and she went silent. This was an embarrassing morning for her.
"I was not looking. Please wear clothes, I need to discuss something important" she replied diverting the topic
"I don't mind discussing like this. Tumhe koi problem hai?"
Anika cleared her throat, forcing herself to look him in the eye. Not anywhere else. Just the eyes.
"Yes I do have a problem," she snapped. "Aap ek corporate business tycoon ho, lekin ghar pe darwaza towel mein kholte ho jaise koi daily soap ka hero ho? Don't forget you aren't Hrithik Roshan"
A smirk played on his lips. "You knocked. I answered. Also, why are you so obsessed with Hrithik Roshan?"
"None of your business"
Anika rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the way his wet hair made him look infuriatingly good.
"Bas kapde pehen lijiye" she muttered, crossing her arms.
Shivaay chuckled, stepping back slightly. “Give me two minutes. Please come inside”
And with that, he turned around, giving her a full view of his toned back before disappearing inside his walk in closet.
Anika exhaled sharply. This was a mistake. She should’ve sent someone else. But what if someone else had seen him like this? That also didn't sit well with her
A few minutes later, Shivaay emerged, this time in a crisp black shirt and trousers, sleeves rolled up just enough to still be distracting.
He folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe. "So, what’s so urgent?"
Anika, who had definitely not been thinking about how good he looked in black, focused on the reason she was here.
"The team wants to know if you’d like to personally inspect the plywood before we make the final purchase."
Shivaay raised a brow. "Plywood? Seriously?"
Anika gave him a look. “It’s a high-budget project. Quality check is standard.”
Shivaay let out a dry chuckle. "Why would I hire an interior design firm if I have to go myself? Kya main ab furniture ke screws bhi ginu?"
Anika exhaled, already expecting this response. “we can surely handle. Thank you.”
Shivaay stared at her for a moment, then sighed. "Fine. I’ll come."
Anika blinked in surprise. “You don't have to. We are capable enough”
Shivaay smirked. “I very well know that. But I want to be on a condition”
She narrowed her eyes. “Ab kya?”
His voice was casual, but his eyes held amusement. "Next time you knock, be prepared for whatever’s on the other side of the door."
Anika turned away, hiding the slight blush creeping up her neck. Did Shivaay Sadu Singh Oberoi just flirted with her?
The moment Anika disappeared down the hallway, Shivaay smiled.
A genuine, stupid smile.
He ruffled his still-damp hair and shook his head.
He knew exactly why he had opened the door in a towel. He had heard her voice outside the room. He could have easily grabbed a robe or ignored the knock—but instead, he walked straight to the door, just to see her reaction.
And what a reaction.
For a moment, just a second, he had seen her eyes widen, her breath hitch. She had quickly recovered, but he hadn’t missed the way her gaze had flickered to his chest before she forced herself to look away.
It was adorable.
Then he frowned, cursing himself.
What the hell was he doing? Flirting with Anika?
He was supposed to be meeting new people. Supposed to be considering marriage.
But here he was, opening doors half-naked just to see Anika flustered.
“Pagal ho gaya hai tu, Shivaay,” he muttered under his breath.
But his smirk refused to fade.
And deep down, he knew this wasn’t the last time she’d make him feel this way.
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...
