Shivaay finally put Anika down, but his hands still rested on her arms. His grin hadn’t faded for even a second.
“I can’t wait to tell everyone,” he said, eyes twinkling with excitement.
Anika let out a breath and shook her head. “Shivaay, bhagam douri nahin karna sahi hai(let’s not rush).”
He frowned slightly. “Why not?”
She sighed. “Because my colleagues will still be working in your house. If we suddenly start behaving like a couple in front of them, it will be too much of a distraction. The last thing I want is whispers and stares when we’re trying to deliver your dream project. My point still stands about them calling me a gold digger.”
Shivaay thought for a moment before nodding. “Okay, that’s fair. So, what’s the plan?”
She softened. “Once the project is done, I will personally tell my team. But until then… let’s cool down in front of them.”
Shivaay raised an eyebrow. “You want me to pretend we’re not dating?”
Anika smirked. “You pretended we were dating before. This should be easier.”
Shivaay let out a chuckle. “Fine. I’ll behave.” He leaned closer and whispered, “But don’t expect me to stop flirting with you when we’re alone.”
Anika rolled her eyes. “I never expected you to.”
Just when she thought he would move on, he looked at her, a thought crossing his mind. “Wait. You agreed to this a little too easily.”
Anika raised an eyebrow. “Ha to?”
“You always fight me on things.” He narrowed his eyes. “You expected me to agree to this, didn’t you?”
She sighed. “Yes, because I know you.”
Shivaay crossed his arms. “Oh? And what do you know about me?”
Anika took a deep breath. “That you’re not controlling. That you respect my decisions. That you may be arrogant and overbearing at times, but you’d never force me into something I wasn’t ready for.”
Shivaay’s brow furrowed. “Why would you think I’d be controlling?”
She hesitated before answering. “Back in India, I knew a couple… The guy was possessive to the point of suffocating her. He would dictate what she wore, who she spoke to, and where she went. And whenever she objected, he’d say, ‘I just love you too much.’”
Shivaay’s jaw clenched. “That’s not love. That’s control.”
Anika gave him a sad smile. “Exactly. That’s why when you agreed to my request so easily, I knew I made the right decision about you.”
Shivaay exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “Anika, love isn’t about owning someone. It’s about choosing them every day and giving them space to choose you back.”
Her lips parted slightly. She wasn’t sure why, but hearing him say that—so simply, so confidently—made warmth spread in her chest.
Before their moment could stretch longer, they heard voices from inside the house.
They stepped into the hall, and immediately, all eyes turned toward them.
Om, Rudra, Pinky, Jhanvi, Shakti, and even Dadi were seated, looking at the two expectantly.
Rudra was the first to speak. “Bhaiya…? Why are you both smiling like that?”
Om crossed his arms. “Yes, care to explain what’s going on?”
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...
