By the time Anika reached the Oberoi Mansion, the golden hues of dusk had softened the estate into something out of a dream. The familiar warmth of the Oberoi household usually soothed her, yet tonight, a quiet nervousness stirred beneath her skin. She wasn’t even sure why—maybe it was the heaviness of the day still weighing her down, maybe it was the words she had overheard at the coffee machine that clung to her like cigarette smoke.
The tall double doors opened, and before Anika could gather herself, Pinky descended the staircase with urgency in her steps. Without a word, she enveloped Anika into a hug that was surprisingly tight and lingering.
“Oh, beta…” she said, pulling back just enough to cup her face. “We’re so sorry. Kide pade press walo pe”
Anika blinked, unsure how to respond to such a warm outpouring of emotion. Before she could, Jhanvi appeared behind Pinky, composed and graceful, but with a flicker of maternal concern in her eyes.
“Tej and Shakti made some calls this morning,” she informed gently. “Most of the articles have been taken down. But we know that once something’s out, people start talking.”
Anika gave a small nod, her throat tightening. “I understand. But it’s okay, really. I can handle it.”
“Are you sure?” Jhanvi asked, stepping closer. “No one at your office made you uncomfortable? You don’t have to be strong for our sake.”
Anika hesitated for a second too long. A flash of the whispered conversation from the breakroom echoed in her ears: “She’s smart, but let’s not pretend she didn’t land that project because of who she’s dating.”*
Her fingers curled at her sides.
“I’m fine,” she said with a practiced smile. “Headlines hi to hai (They’re just headlines). It’ll pass.”
Pinky didn’t look convinced, but she nodded, brushing Anika’s hair back like a mother would. “Koi kuch bhi bole, tu hume batana. Shivaay shant dikhta hoga but wo apno ke liye had nahi dekhta (If anyone says anything to you, beta, just tell us. Shivaay might look calm, but you know how fiercely he can protect his own).”
And just then, as if summoned by her name, Shivaay stepped into the room wearing an apron, sleeves rolled up and hands slightly flour-dusted. He looked like domestic perfection, a man who could rule boardrooms by day and bake dinner by night.
“There you are,” he said with a smile, walking over. “I was beginning to think you would not come.”
“She needs to rest first,” Pinky said with a light scolding tone. “You should’ve told us she was coming earlier. I would’ve made laddoos.”
"Tabhi mai sochu maharaj aaj office se jaldi aake kitchen me kya karrahe hai" Jhanvi laughed alongwith Pinky
Shivaay smiled at them, then turned to Anika, lowering his voice slightly. “Come sit. I’ll plate up everything. You don’t need to move a finger tonight.”
Dinner was a warm, gentle affair. The family made no mention of the news or the drama swirling outside the walls. It was as if they were trying to wrap Anika in a protective cocoon. Rudra sent a photo of himself cliff-jumping in Amalfi, and Om replied with a classic Omkara one-liner: “At least try not to die this trip.”
And through it all, Anika smiled, laughed even but only the kind that barely reached the eyes.
Later that night, Shivaay drove her home. The silence in the car was a stark contrast to the cozy dinner table they'd just left.
He kept glancing at her. “You’ve been quiet all evening.”
“I’m just… tired,” she replied, not looking at him.
YOU ARE READING
The GIRLFRIEND Deal
Romansa"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...
