Annika Vardhan Trivedi and Shivaay Singh Oberoi find themselves engaged in a marriage of convenience orchestrated by their families at a very tender age. Shivaay had promised to Annika that he would not marry her without her consent.
Years passed...
The day after, the Oberoi Mansion stood adorned for the very simple yet elegant engagement celebration. The event was scheduled for the evening, a thoughtful decision made to ensure that it wouldn't overshadow the events of the day.
Numerous compromises had been brokered, and a complex deal had been negotiated between the influential companies involved. The intricate web of agreements and concessions spoke volumes about the importance of the impending engagement.
In a bid to shield the couple from prying eyes, the media and press were deliberately excluded from the affair. The intention was to provide the utmost privacy to the soon-to-be-engaged pair, and Dadi, the matriarch of the Oberoi family, spared no effort to ensure the comfort of her grandchildren.
Kalyani Singh Oberoi, a woman of immense influence both within the family and in the business world, found herself in an unusual predicament. Despite her usual ability to dictate decisions, she couldn't prevent the trials and tribulations faced by her grandchildren. Her hands were tied, yet she remained resolute in her determination to fortify them, readying them to face any challenges that may arise.
Annika, though not connected by blood, held a special place in Dadi's heart. The strong affection she felt for the girl was reciprocated by Annika's genuine warmth. Beyond that, Annika had a unique bond with Dadi's beloved grandson, Billu. His reserved demeanor melted away in Annika's presence, and she became the confidante who could unveil a side of him reserved only for his brothers and not even his parents.
As the sun painted the sky with vibrant hues, Shivaay and Annika found themselves immersed in the preparations for the day ahead.
The tranquility of the moment was interrupted by the enthusiastic entry of Gauri, Sowmya, and Sahil into the room. Their cheerful energy infused the space with joy as they insisted on taking Annika downstairs.
"Didi, you look absolutely stunning today! Jiju is definitely going to fall head over heels for you," Sowmya exclaimed with infectious excitement.
"Absolutely! Didi, you're the best, and Jiju too!" chimed in Sahil, his eyes sparkling with admiration.
Annika, overwhelmed by their affection, hugged Sahil tightly and planted a kiss on his little cheeks. "Thank you, my Sahil. You're the sweetest!"
"And what's with this 'Jiju' thing, Saumya? He'll always be your bhaiya!"
"But, you are going to get engaged to him." Saumya said confused.
"Well, For now, he's just a friend. Let's see how things unfold."
Gauri continued, "Your husband will be our Jiju na ?"
The mention of the word 'husband' stirred something within Annika. Suddenly feeling the need to be with Shivaay, she turned to Saumya and implored, "I want to meet Shivaay. Sowmya, please ask him to come here."
***
"Bhaiyaaaaa!!! You look absolutely dashing! Annika Didi... oops, bhabhi is going to be stunned, or better say, she's going to fall for you," Rudra exclaimed with his characteristic enthusiasm.
"Shut up, Rudra! You're still a kid and behave like one, and no matter what, we will always be best friends and nothing more than that," Shivaay retorted, his tone a mix of admonishment and amusement.
"And this 'bhabhi' is not cool. Annika would not like it," Shivaay added with a hint of protectiveness.
"Why are you scolding him, Shivaay? We don't know what the future holds; you just have to go with the flow of life, without trying to change things," Om intervened with his usual calm demeanor, offering a philosophical perspective.
"Shivaay bhaiya! You are looking so handsome, and Om Bhaiya, aap bhi!" Sowmya complimented, deliberately ignoring Rudra as she entered the room.
"Basic manners, Sumo! Didn't your teacher teach you that you should knock before entering?" Rudra interjected, not missing a chance to take a jab at Sowmya.
"You need not remind me, Mr. Protein Shake, and moreover, this is not your room. Shivaay Bhaiya doesn't mind," Sowmya retorted, clearly irritated by Rudra's comment.
Rudra and Sowmya had an ongoing rivalry since their early teens. Both in the same class, her academic success clashed with his laid-back attitude. Their constant banter and clashes were a source of entertainment for the entire class and both families.
"Shivaay bhaiya, Annika Didi wanted to meet you before you go down," Sowmya informed, shooting one last glare at Rudra before leaving the room.
***
"Annika!!"
Shivaay called out to Annika, knocking on the door of her room in the Oberoi Mansion. Annika, having her own room there for her occasional stays during school projects with Om, was lost in her thoughts and didn't respond. Concerned, Shivaay entered to find her visibly nervous and preoccupied.
"Annika! Are you okay? Why do you want to meet me?" he asked, taking a seat beside her.
"Shivaay, I'm so nervous, and these thoughts are creeping me out." She said on the verge of crying.
"What thoughts?" He asked concerned.
"What if this charade of marriage turns true? I don't want to lose my best friend, ever!" She confessed, tears streaming down her face.
The fear of losing her closest friend had made her vulnerable. Shivaay, comforting her, said, "Annika, look at me, and please don't cry, okay? Nothing like that is going to happen. Everything about us from now on will always happen with your consent. Trust me, we'll figure out a way through this, together. Your Blue-eyed Monster will always be there for you with the Cinderella toy," he reassured, trying to lighten the mood.
"Pinky promise?" she asked, sniffing.
"Pinky promise," he affirmed, entwining their pinky fingers.
"Now, come on, get up and fix up your makeup, Lady Kumbakaran. You look like a witch," he said, lightening the atmosphere.
"Don't laugh and help me with this, idiot! And mind you, do not call me Lady Kumbakaran!" she playfully scolded him while wiping her tears, and they continued to prepare for the engagement together.
After what felt like an eternity, they both decided to grace the gathering with their presence. Rings were exchanged, and both families exchanged pleasantries. The "Now Bestie Couple" took blessings from the elders, and everyone hoped for better days ahead, both professionally and personally.
Following a heavy and heartfelt dinner, everyone decided to call it a day. As the moon showered its love upon the world, the two best friends wished for their friendship to last forever and peacefully drifted into the world of sleep.
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