2 months later
A month had passed since the final reveal of the Oberoi mansion’s newly renovated living room. The grand unveiling had been nothing short of a celebration, with Jhanvi calling it “timeless sophistication” and Tej noting the warmth it now exuded. But beyond the lights, textures, and curated corners, Anika's satisfaction stemmed from something deeper—the quiet pride in her team’s work, the calm she felt standing beside Shivaay, and how, for once, everything felt in rhythm.
Her relationship with Shivaay had found its own pace. There were no dizzying highs or anxious lows. Just stolen kisses in corridors, long conversations over dinner, and casual laughter that came from a place of genuine ease. She hadn’t told her colleagues yet, not because she wanted to hide it, but because she did not know how. Sharon had promised to keep her secret and was doing an excellent job of not-so-subtly teasing her in private.
On wednesday, it was Omkara who stirred the travel plans. “I think I’m going to Paris,” he had said casually during a quiet dinner with Shivaay and Rudra.
“For what?” Rudra had asked with half his attention on his phone.
“Gauri’s birthday,” Om had replied, tone unreadable.
Rudra choked on his drink. “Oh-ho. We’re flying across countries for friends’ birthdays now?”
Shivaay raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Om had always been reserved about Gauri, and neither he nor Rudra had ever pushed. But the fact that he was going just to show up on her birthday? That was something he has never done before.
"Shivaay, tu aur Anika bhi chal na?" Om insisted.
"See, I am ready, I would love that but I will confirm Anika se puchke. She might be tired from work and might want a relaxing day at home on weekends" Shivaay immediately dialed her number. Anika was extremely excited and hoped in immediately.
Naturally, Shivaay had decided they would tag along too.
“I swear we won’t get in your way,” Shivaay promised. “We’ll do our thing. You do yours.”
“I don’t even want to know what your thing is,” Om replied dryly.
Rudra opted out as he had an Amalfi trip lined up with his college gang and was far too committed to gelato and boat rides.
_________________________
Saturday morning in Paris carried a softness. The air smelled like butter and rain, and the streets in Montmartre were quieter than usual, wrapped in a weekend hush. Omkara led the way, leading to a charming building with ivy creeping over its whitewashed walls. This was where Gauri stayed when she wasn’t buried in work.
When she opened the door to find all three of them standing there—Omkara, Shivaay, and Anika—her eyes widened in stunned delight.
“What on earth—? You didn’t say you were coming!” Gauri grinned at Om, hugging him tight before pulling Shivaay and Anika in as well.
"Happy Birthday" they said in unison
“ Oh, this is the best birthday surprise ever.”
“We figured a proper surprise was overdue,” Shivaay smirked.
Gauri stepped back and waved them in, barefoot in a messy bun and oversized sweatshirt, the kind only someone comfortable in their own skin could pull off.
"Wo I wanted to have a cosy weekend, so I told my househelps to take a leave" she said
"Guess shouldn't have" she sighed
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...
