Magical Paintbrush [Ongoing]

XXIX. Announcement ✨

Recap ~
Stay with me.

As the sun took its position for the day, Tej was rushing the staff to work on the engagement decorations while on the other side, the Aroras were getting ready to leave India.

"Raj, won't you tell her about us?" Dadi asked hoping he would give her a positive answer but instead, he shook his head as he told "Not at the cost of my daughter's happiness, Ma."
Naina stood there helplessly, seeing her husband worried and Dadi hurt. Interrupted by their son Arnav, Raj and Naina left to check on their luggage and flight arrangements.

Dadi was walking in the corridor, lost in thoughts and was about to hit the pillar when Anika caught hold of her.
"Dadi, what's wrong with you? You would have hurt yourself." Anika spoke out of concern checking her when Dadi, gently caressed her cheeks letting out "Titli..." from her mouth. Anika stood still for a minute or two, surprised as she had flashes of her childhood which she vaguely remembered.
"Nani..." Slipped from her mouth involuntarily while Dadi's eyes brimmed with tears.

She excused herself not before making Dadi smile and left from there only to meet Shivaay near her room.
"Has the bridegroom lost his way? Your bride must be waiting downstairs!" Anika asked, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall and smiled slyly.
"Are you ever serious?" He asked rolling his eyes and she tried giving a serious expression only to fail miserably. Chuckling at her, he told "Anika you know I don't want this." and she nodded understandingly.
"Help me then." He asked falling on the couch as they walked into her room.

"You need to cut a diamond with a diamond." She told sounding casual while she packed her backpack and he frowned at her, "I just didn't understand."
"Decipher it then." She told and he almost cried, "I'm gonna kill you for this."

The auspicious time approached for the engagement, the bride took her place and the media stood at one corner eagerly waiting to shoot the breaking news. Shivaay descended down the stairs with his sister by his side, continuously looking at Anika who was waiting in the hall with her parents and brother.

As Shivaay stood next to Ragini, Anika didn't like it at all and felt like pulling him to her. She was indeed desperate to tell him not to get engaged, but was helpless not wanting to create any kind of mess in the Oberoi family, especially between Shivaay and Tej.

"Did you plan something?" Anika messaged him when she got a reply "No, planning to marry Ragini. :("
"What the!" Anika muttered under her breath, not forgetting to scowl at Shivaay who was constantly looking at her.
"You didn't help me." Another message popped up and she instantly typed "All the best with your girl fan. Wishing you all the happiness. ;)" making him scowl at her.

The deal was signed between the Oberois and the Malhotras, and they officially released a press statement right away. It was time for the engagement then and Dadi stood there, not knowing how to stop the engagement while Raj was concerned for his daughter, he didn't want to see her hurt.

"Anu, let's leave." Raj whispered in his daughter's ears and she shook her head saying, "Dad, don't worry. I'm alright, and remember I still have you!" and winked at her father only to make him smile weakly.

"Stop right there, Shivaay." They heard a voice from the direction of the entrance as Shivaay took the engagement ring in his hand and everyone looked to see Tia walking towards them. Amidst the argument between Tia and Ragini, Shivaay took the opportunity to come infront of the media and told "I would like to make an announcement, today." while everyone eagerly waited to know the next statement of his.

"I'm calling off my engagement." He stated, while Tej was furious hearing him and Ragini was unable to digest whatever she heard. Walking upto her, Shivaay genuinely feeling bad for Ragini told "Ragini, I have always considered you a good friend and I'm sorry for whatever I did, you deserve someone better than me."

Leaving his father who was unable to react in front of the media, he strode towards Anika and asked softly, "Did I cut a diamond with a diamond, Anika?!". Just like how the press statement given by his father made Shivaay helpless, it was the same for Tej as well that day. Impressed by the way he handled Ragini, she replied "You are a true gentleman, Shivaay."

As everyone watched the Malhotras leaving furiously from there, Shivaay sighed disappointed while Anika assured him with a smile. Tia left after them, not before Shivaay clarifying her about she being his friend and nothing more. The media was curious about all the happenings, and rushed to Shivaay asking tons of questions to him.

"Well, I'm going to make another announcement if I'm lucky enough." He told eyeing the media, his family and Anika simultaneously. She didn't understand what was going on his mind, in fact, no one did.

"Will you be my girlfriend, Anika?" Shivaay asked forwarding his hand for hers.

How did you all like the chapter?? 😉

What will Anika say? A yes or no? You will always get to know very soon. 🤗