The GIRLFRIEND Deal

CHAPTER 61

The Night Before

Anika lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her mind running in circles. The night had been quiet, but inside her, there was a storm.

She turned to her side, hugging her pillow close. That hug.

It was supposed to be something simple—a moment of care, a reassurance. But the way Shivaay had held her, steady and warm, it had completely shaken her. Not because of him, but because of her own feelings.

She had spent so long trying to push him, convincing herself that her feelings would go away. But standing outside her house tonight, waiting just to make sure she was safe, he had unknowingly stripped away all her walls.

And she had let him.

She had leaned into his warmth, she had felt taken care of in a way no one had ever done for her before.

How could she keep running from this?

Her heart had already given in. Her mind was the only thing fighting, and even that was growing weak.

She closed her eyes, replaying every moment—the way he pursued her without forcing, the way he had respected her decisions even when she rejected him, the way he had shielded her in front of his family, always standing beside her.

This is love, isn’t it?

Her fingers instinctively clutched her bedsheet.

She had given him so many signs. Unblocking him, texting first, defending him to Dadi, thinking about him all the time.
He didn’t deserve their anger. And he definitely didn’t deserve to be left hanging when she knew exactly what she felt.

There was no turning back now. She will tell him how she feels.

___________________________

Present

The room fell into stunned silence. 

Anika’s words still hung in the air, ringing in Shivaay’s ears. She… just said it. In front of everyone.

For days, she had been avoiding, dodging, refusing to acknowledge anything beyond their complicated history. And now, just like that, she announced that she loved him—without hesitation, without anyone forcing her, without him even asking. 

Shivaay blinked, his lips slightly parted as if struggling to form words. 

Rudra was the first to react. “Whaaat?” He turned to Om. “Did you see this coming?” 

Om, for once, looked just as surprised. “Not this soon.” 

Dadi's face lit up with a knowing smile, pride and warmth radiating from her. Pinky and Jhanvi exchanged glances, and even Tej and Shakti, who were initially stunned, now looked relieved. 

Then Shakti cleared his throat and looked at his son. “Shivaay, looking by your shocked expressions, I feel you two need to talk” 

Shivaay still couldn’t process what had just happened. His gaze remained locked on Anika, searching for any sign of hesitation in her eyes—but there was none. 

She had never looked more sure of anything. 

Damn.

When he had confessed, he ran first and then she had ignored him, blocked him, pushed him away. And now she had walked right back—without him even having to pull her. 

Shivaay exhaled, his heart pounding, then took a step closer. “Anika…” 

She met his gaze, her hands unconsciously gripping the edge of her top. Was she nervous now?