Medley :: Ishqbaaaz Short Stories

Not Really A One Night Stand: Part 1

Unless You Plan On Removing It

Anika cursed under her breath, finally finding shelter. The day seemed to worsen by the second. Dhe wondered how terrible was it going to be.

She had started from the bar on foot, planning to walk all the way down to Gauri's house —which was, almost two miles away— with her luggage. Unfortunately for her, in a matter of seconds it began pouring and she was now drenched from head to toe.

Anika looked up, only to find the shelter leaking. In the thunderous sound of rain splattering against the road, all Anika could think of was getting a proper safe shelter. Quickly.

Her ring tone brought her out of the thoughts. "Yes Gauri?"

"Anika, are you okay? Where are you now? I called Daksh-" Anika cut her off, furious at even hearing his name.

"Gauri, today is the most terrible day of my life. Remember how three days ago I told Ms. Joan that I won't be needing a room for rent because I was planning to accept Daksh's live-in proposal. You know what. I fucking rejected it. I broke up with him. He is the biggest idiot on this planet and now I am homeless because she readily gave that flat to someone else."

"Woah, you sound really pissed."

That wasn't Gauri's voice. Anika looked at her phone-screen comically, only to find it dead. Where did that voice come from?

"You're drunk, aren't you?"

Anika whirled around in a second, coming face to face with the guy hell bent on ruining it all for her.

"What are you doing here? Have you not done enough already?"

He had it in him to smile smugly. "Well, I was expecting a 'thank you sooo much Shivaay. You're such a sweetheart. I will never be able to repay you enough for saving me from ruining my life.' Instead I feel so unwelcome."

"I don't own this bus stand but you are pretty unwelcome here." Anika snarled.

Anika worked as a part-time barista apart from her job at an online blogging site. Three days ago, this man entered her life and pretty much took over, it seemed.

"NO! I am not giving you a free mocha just because you offered to kiss me. Pay and take the coffee or get out of my face."

"C'mon," his eyes searched for her name tag and smiled brightly ar her Anika. I am sure you won't regret."

Anika's cheeks turned pink. When he had entered, she had found him cute and prayed to God that he doesn't order from his seat and comes up to the counter instead. That, he did. Only, he was insistent on getting a free mocha in return of what he promised to be, 'the best kiss of her life'.

He was hot and his offer was quite promising but Anika had work ethics. And a boyfriend.

She huffed in frustration and wagged a finger. "Listen for the last time Mr. Whoever. You are not getting out of paying for this coffee. So either you pay for it or I spill it all over your white shirt. I'd rather have my salary slashed than kiss you."

Shivaay smirked. "Chill, lady. I am paying anyway. Let's just have a kiss."

Anika's eyes widened. "Are you fucking kidding me?"

To remove any question out of that, Shivaay winked. Anika mumbled incoherent profanities for not being to able to fight the heat off her neck.

It was when finally his other friend that dragged him away, apologising to Anika because his friend was too arrogant to lose a bet, that Anika got breathing space.