Anika stretched lazily as the first rays of sunlight seeped through the window, her body still heavy with sleep. Just as she was about to pull the blanket over her head for a few more minutes of peace, a soft knock on the door startled her.
Frowning, she got up and opened it, only to be greeted by a man in a suit holding a bouquet—not just any bouquet, but a riot of colors, different flowers mixed together in a breathtaking arrangement.
“Delivery for Ms Anika,” the man said with a polite smile.
Anika hesitated before taking it, her brows furrowing. Flowers? For her?
As soon as she spotted the small envelope tucked between the petals, she knew.
With careful fingers, she plucked it out and unfolded the note inside.
"I don’t know your favorite yet, so I sent the majority." — Shivaay
Anika blinked at the words, her breath catching for a fraction of a second.
How the hell did he do this? How did he read her mind?
Just last night, she had been overthinking how little they knew about each other—about the small, everyday things that mattered when it came to relationships. And now, here he was, acknowledging that exact thought in the most Shivaay way possible.
A smile, small and unguarded, made its way to her lips before she even realized it.
But the moment she caught herself, she quickly straightened her expression, shaking her head.
No. No butterflies.
Shoving the note into the drawer and placing the bouquet aside, she walked away, determined to ignore the warmth blooming in her chest.
________________
Anika stepped into the Oberoi Mansion for her work, earlier than usual. She adjusted her shirt, mentally preparing for the day.
But the moment she stepped further inside, she halted.
Shivaay Singh Oberoi. In an apron. Cooking.
Her eyes widened in disbelief as she watched him standing behind the kitchen counter, sleeves rolled up, expertly flipping a paratha on the hot tawa. The rich aroma of ghee filled the air, making her stomach grumble despite her best efforts to ignore it.
Before she could react, Pinky’s excited voice rang through the space.
“Haye, Anika! Tu bilkul sahi time pe aayi!” Pinky beamed, clapping her hands. “ Shivaay khud aaj bohut dino baad khana bana raha hai paratha, aur woh bhi extra ghee waale!(Shivaay is cooking after a really long time today, that too paratha with extra ghee)” She sighed dramatically.
Before she could come up with an excuse to slip away, Dadi spoke up.
“Teri team toh aayi nahi hai abtak(Your team isn't here yet)” Dadi gave her a warm smile. “Tab tak yahaan aaja, beta. Baith ja breakfast ke liye”
"Like old times" Tej added
Anika opened her mouth to protest, but the hopeful look in Dadi’s eyes made her hesitate.
Like old times…
With a reluctant sigh, she nodded and made her way to the dining table.
Within minutes, Shivaay walked out of the kitchen, a plate in his hands. He placed it in front of her with a casual ease, but when he leaned slightly closer, his voice dropped to a low murmur only she could hear.
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...
