Anika stirred gently, blinking against the soft morning light peeking through the curtains. It took her a second to register the warm, steady rhythm against her back — Shivaay’s arm was wrapped tightly around her waist, holding her as if even in sleep, he was afraid she might disappear.
Her breath caught when she turned slightly. He was awake, resting his chin on her shoulder, his eyes half-lidded and heavy with sleep, but that lazy smile on his face said he’d been waiting for her to wake up.
“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” he murmured, voice low and deep.
She blinked again. “You’re awake?”
“For the past thirty minutes.” He shifted slightly, still holding her. “I got your brush and towel ready. There’s fresh clothes on the chair for you too. I figured you’d feel more comfortable that way.”
Her heart softened. “You… arranged all that? Kab?”
He smirked. “ I woke up early and everything. And yet…” He narrowed his eyes teasingly. “You slept like a starfish. I barely had space to sleep. Mai to niche hi gir jata”
She turned in his arms, pushing his shoulder gently. “Excuse me? You were the one who insisted we sleep together!”
“Mujhe kya pata tha tum bed harpu niklogi (How would I know you would occupy the entire bed?)!”
They both broke into soft laughter, limbs tangled in a mess of warmth and shared comfort. Then Shivaay tilted his head slightly, eyes twinkling.
“Speaking of last night…” He tapped his lips dramatically. “Someone left a kiss right here.”
Anika instantly went red. “Oh my god. Don't be stuck on that”
“Stuck?” He clutched his chest. “That was the highlight of my week! I replayed it in my head before sleeping. Twice.”
She buried her face in the pillow. “You’re impossible.”
He leaned closer, voice dropping to a whisper. “You made me very, very happy, Anika.”
A slow smile bloomed on her face as she met his eyes. For a few quiet seconds, it was just the two of them in their soft bubble of warmth and fondness.
But before things could escalate, Shivaay suddenly jumped out of bed. “Come on, let’s not keep the family waiting. Breakfast’s already on the table.”
___________________
Anika followed him hesitantly, fingers brushing her neatly combed hair as she joined the rest of the Oberois at the long dining table. Dadi, Jhanvi, Tej, and Rudra were all already seated, chatting between themselves.
Rudra grinned wide when he saw her. “Morning, Bhabhi!”
Anika stammered. “I—I just stayed over because it got late and Pinky aunty—”
Jhanvi cut in smoothly, smiling. “Beta, you don’t need to explain. You’re always welcome here.”
Dadi nodded. “Haan. But don’t say sorry again. Nalayak kahin ki, thinking she’s a guest. You’re one of us now.”
Anika’s eyes widened. “I didn’t mean—”
Pinky, walking in with a bowl of muesli, added with a laugh, “Tu toh kab se meri beti ban gayi hai. Par haan, agli baar late night ka plan ho toh ek hichkichana nahi. Mai to kehti hu apne kuch jodi kapde idhar hi rakh de(You are my daughter. And if you are planning for a stayover, don't be hesitant. I feel you should keep a few pair of your clothes in here).”
Everyone smiled while Anika flushed deeper and gave Shivaay a small glare. He leaned in and whispered, “They love you. Stop panicking.”
The breakfast chatter mellowed into a calm hum of clinking cutlery and casual conversation. Anika had just started nibbling on her paratha when Tej, seated at the head of the table, turned his gaze toward her.
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...
