Medley :: Ishqbaaaz Short Stories

One Fine Night | ShivIka OS

One Fine Night

Shivaay let his smile finally slip, when the last of the businessmen left him alone. It was Siddharth and Mallika's reception party and throughout the night, various people from the 'elite' had been trying to find a perfect chance to introduce their daughters and nieces to him, get them noticed by the man who happened to be rhe country's most eligible bachelor.

His eyes moved around the huge hall, finally resting on the star couple of the night and her. Anika was animatedly talking while Mallika and Siddharth looked at her in amusement. Shivaay could feel his lips tugging upwards in a smile, not a fake one this time. At one point, Anika said something and smirked, Siddharth nodded in agreement and Mallika frowned, huffing in annoyance and looking away. Soddharth wrapped an arm around her waist and said something else, quietening Anika. She hugged him tightly as he laughed, not before punching him in the gut. Shivaay looked at them with wide eyes, trying to douse the sudden irritation her fel. Calm down Shivaay. They are like brother and sister to each other. Siddharth just got married. Calm your horses down.

The hall was almost empty by now, save a few drunken guests and Mallika and Siddharth's families. The Oberois had left an hour ago. Shivaay, however, had stayed behind. It was his best friend's wedding party and she had very clearly told him that he couldn't leave till she let him.

Of course, the other major reason being their wedding planner, accompanying them as they greeted the thousands of guests. She did make up for all the tiredness Shivaay felt.

Shivaay had realised that he liked her, even before she, along with Om and Rudra had brought out Tia's lies in front of everyone. While Shivaay had been very angry with Tia, he couldn't ignore the relief he felt.

It was when Mallika caught his eyes, raising her eyebrows that Shivaay realised he probably looked like a weirdo, standing in the middle of the hall, smiling to himself. He went and joined them on the stage. Mallika and Siddharth acknowledged his presence with a smile and a curt nod respectively while Anika went on and on as she talked about something.

“And that is how, you do it.” she finished with a proud grin.

“Honestly Anika, I hardly believe these stories you are telling me. Come on, it is one thing when Mallika says that Shivaay listens to what you say, I have witnessed it first hand but that...” he raised his hands, “sounds too amazing to be true.” When Anika rolled her eyes, Siddharth added, “But then, it can totally happen with Shivaay.” He smirked.

Though both the men had called truce and were on acceptable terms, there was still an inevitable competitive streak between these alpha males. Mallika was absolutely done with them and Anika didn't even bother trying to understand.

“And what exactly is she talking about.” Shivaay narrowed his eyes. Shivaay knew, she had probably the most embarassing stories of his to share, after his Dadi and Mom.

“Oh nothing much.” Anika smiled sweetly. “I was just telling Sid about the first time we met.” Shivaay's eyes widened at that while Siddharth and Mallika exchanged amused smiles.

“Really Anika? Grow out of it already. It was so long ago.” Shivaay said exasperatedly.

“Aww Billuji...” Anika gave him a sickly sweet smile which made him roll his eyes.

Not bothering to say anything, lest he should end up embarassing himself, Shivaay turned to Mallika and Siddharth. “Congratulations guys. Going to take your leave now.” Shivaay shook hands with Siddharth and hugged Mallika.

Shivaay was about to walk away, wondering how to ask Anika when Mallika beat him to it.

“Shivaay, could you please drop Anika home.” Mallika had a ghost of a smirk in place but Shivaay couldn't care less.