It was just a day away from Shivaay and Annika's roka and it has been almost a week since they've met. After their meeting three days back with Vansh, the equation between them has changed.

Both were now more open with each other, the understanding bond has also increased between them. His teasing and flirting has increased whereas she finds herself blushing most of the time.

It was bright morning, Annika just attended a zoom call with her fellow dentists and was going to have her tea when her phone ringed making her smile widely.

"Hey Shivaay", she chirped happily. He was busy in a meeting since early morning because of which they couldn't talk and hearing his voice is like a habit of hers now.

"I see someone missed me! Hey Annie", he said making her smile widely and blush on his nickname for her. It just came out casually one day talking to her and since that day he's started calling her Annie often, as he liked the name.

"It's nothing such. You didn't got to hear my voice since morning so I thought to grace you, I know it would have been tough for you to not hear this beautiful voice", she said casually biting her inner cheek.

"Well I'm honoured Ms. Nanda decided to grace her voice on me", he said dramatically to hear her giggles.

"But seriously Annika, I'm missing you", he confessed softly making her blush.

"Even me but not to worry, we'll be meeting tomorrow right. I'm happy", she said. Tomorrow was scheduled as their roka ceremony. Finally, Shivaay and Annika will be unofficially come as a couple.

"Ah! For that I can't wait now. Finally you'll be reserved for me, my lady", he said with a dreamy voice making her smile widely.

"Hmm..I just hope everything go well tomorrow", she expressed her worry.

"Don't worry Annie! All will be fine actually you remember right, tomorrow after roka ceremony we'll leave for rings shopping", he reminded to which she replied a yes.

They've decided to select their engagement rings the next day as if they have to make any customised ring, it get an enough week to get customised.

"Accha Shivaay.. you had your breakfast right?", she asked frowning knowing his carelessness towards his health, quite well now. She heard a chuckle from his side.

"Yes ma'am! I had breakfast on time and thank you!", he said making her confused.

"Thank you? Why?", she asked making him smile.

"Thank you for being so caring towards me, only people really care about me", he said softly.

"Oh please Shivaay! We're getting married, if I won't care for you, who would?", she said making him smile widely. Just then he heard a knock on door, to see Gauri walking inside.

"Bhai, the clients are here", she said. Annika heard from other side.

"Shivaay! Go have your meeting, all the best, I know you'll rock it", she said before he could say anything. He smiled.

"I'll call you in an hour Annie", he said making her hum and both kept the call.

Keeping her phone away, she came out of her room and decided to see what her family was doing. Walking to the staircase, she saw all the servants walking here and there. In the centre of hall, her mother and Khushi was sitting with the wedding planner.

They have appointed a wedding planner, though the wedding is decided to be done in home itself but for better arrangements and less burden on families, wedding planner was appointed.

She went and sat down beside her mother hugging sideways who smiled caressing her cheek.

"Ma'am would you like to add something personal?", wedding planner asked.

"Nothing special just keep it simple and subtle, it would look good", Annika said to which she nodded noting it down. They kept discussing for sometime till the planner went.

"Anu you tried to dress for tomorrow?", Malini, her mother asked.

"Yes mumma it's perfect don't worry, and calm down it's just roka tomorrow", Annika said trying to calm her mother.

"Anu, don't take roka as a simple ceremony. In fact after marriage, this is most important. From tomorrow, you and Shivaay will be reserved for each other, neither of you can back out", Malini said frowning.

"Don't worry ma! I don't know about Shivaay, but this daughter of yours won't back out", Arnav said sitting beside Khushi munching something. Annika frowned.

"Aap chup karo!", she said frowning.

"Why Ms. Smitten! Didn't talked to your Shivaay today?", Arnav asked teasingly making her blush looking down. Composing herself, he glared at him.

"Shut up! Mumma!!", Annika whined. He poked out his tongue to Annika on which Khushi slapped on his arm.

"Ohho! Quiet both of you! Where is my sensible one? Vansh?", Malini said making both their mouths wide to which Khushi chuckled making Annika and Arnav frown.

"Bhai had an important meeting in Pune but he'll be back by tomorrow before the ceremony will start. You're busy so that's why bhai didn't told you Ma", Arnav said to which Malini nodded.

"Accha Anu, dadi wanted to show you some jewelleries. Come let's go", Khushi said to which she nodded.

"Haan even I've to see the decorations", Arnav said. All nodded and went to their respective works.

•~•~•

There, in Oberoi Mansion, situation was no less. All were busy preparing gifts and required things for Roka. While ladies were busy with the preparations, Rudra was irritating Om.

"O! Finally we're getting bhabhi! Finally bhaiya got the woman like he wanted", Rudra said excitedly, clasping his hands.

"Rudy! You're saying this again and again since morning, bas! Let me go and check some arrangements, I've to see Shivaay's outfit too", Om said irritated.

"Offo O! You won't understand my happiness! Finally I will have someone who will love me! Annika bhabhi is so sweet and you know, I talked to her few times and she already love me, unlike you and bhaiya, she'll support me and love me", he said twisting his mouth at last. Om shook his head heading towards Shivaay's room, to which he followed.

"Hmm that's true! Bhabhi is really sweet and I feel she's perfect for family, perfect for Shivaay. I just want two of them happy together", Om said checking the suits kept on Shivaay's bed.

"Happy? Have you seen bhaiya's bright smile since bhabhi has come! He's smile most of the time! I'm sure he already love her", Rudra said.

"That would be amazing to see Shivaay finally in love", Om said concentrated in analysing the sherwanis to pick out few from which Shivaay can select.

"O! Let's make bhaiya and bhabhi compliment each other's dress tomorrow", Rudy said.

"That's a good idea but we don't know the colour bhabhi is wearing", Om said to see Rudy taking out his phone.

"When Rudy is here, why fear O! I will call bhabhi now!", he said dialing to Annika.

"Hello?", came her voice making him smile.

"Hey bhabhi! How are you?", Rudra chirped happily.

"Oh hey! Ru! I'm good you tell", Annika replied happily.

"Aww bhabhi! You already gave me a nickname Ru! So cute!", he said making Om shake head while Annika chuckled.

"Why you called Ru?", she asked making him remind the reason behind calling.

"Oh yeah! Bhabhi what are you wearing tomorrow?", he asked.

"I'm wearing a red lehenga Ru! Why?", she asked confused.

"Bhabhi hey! It's Om! Actually we're thinking to make you and Shivaay wear complimenting outfits", Om said making Annika smile.

"Hey Om! That's really sweet. I'm wearing a red lehenga so.. umm I guess, black, grey or blue will suit", she suggested making them smile widely.

"That's awesome bhabhi! Thank you so much!", Rudra screamed happily making Om hit on his head.

"Dumbbell! At least show mercy on bhabhi's ear", he said making Rudra smile sheepishly.

"Sorry bhabhi, he's just like this", Om said making Rudra frown.

"It's okay Om! I don't mind, he's cute", Annika said making Rudra smile widely with a proud look, Om shook his head.

"Accha Om Ru, bhabhi is calling, I will call you later", Annika said.

"It's okay bhabhi! Bye", OmRu said together and both kept the call.

Like this, entire day went preparing for the next day. In morning, both Annika and Shivaay was getting ready for their special day.

•~•~•

Shivaay

I was gelling my hair with a smile. From today I'll be connected to Annika. The thought was not leaving my mind since yesterday and it was making me happy. I have started catching strong feelings for Annika. I'm possessive for her, protective towards her in this past one week.

Her smile makes me smile, her words has started affecting me. I was liking the changes in me. If this is what people call as love, then I'm surely falling for her in love.

I was lost in my thoughts when I heard a knock in closet. I opened to see OmRu ready in their outfits, with a smile.

"Wow bhaiya! You're looking handsome", Rudy said making me smile.

"He's always handsome unlike you", Om teased making Rudy frown. I chuckled taking Rudy in side hug.

"You both are also looking amazing, specially our dumbbell", I said making Rudy smile widely. He kissed tightly on my cheek making me close my eyes. He's like a kid, my kid. I looked at Om who had a happy smile. I pulled him also sharing a hug with my brothers. They're my life!

"Shivaay all set?", Om asked making me nod.

"Yeah I am, just hair", I said making Om chuckle. What? I love my hair!!

"Omg bhaiya! I still can't believe finally you'll get married! Finally I will have bhabhi!", Rudy squealed.

"We're hearing it from a week now Rudy, calm down now! Shivaay let's leave, choti maa was asking for you", Om said and I nodded. Giving myself a final look, I walked out of the closet with OmRu.

"O my mata! Keep that in the second car and this one in Shivaay's car! How many times I've to say?!", as we came downstairs, I heard mom shouting. By looking at her face, I can say she was worried and worked up.

"Mom calm down! Why are you so worked up! Everything is going to be fine", I said reaching to her holding her shoulders.

"Haan choti maa! Everything is done, just leaving for bhabhi's house is left", Om said.

"Offo! You people won't understand! Shivaay ki shaadi hai, I want every ceremony perfect!", Mom said making me sigh.

"Pinki enough! Calm down! Else you'll get pimple", badi ma say coming, making us chuckle.

"Jethani ji!", mom whined. I chuckled and kissed her cheek.

"Relax! Everything will go well", I said hugging her trying to calm. She sighed and hugged me back humming.

"Haan pinki, beta everything will be fine! Now shall we leave? It's getting late", dadi said to which all nodded and we left for Annika's place. All will be fine Shivaay!

•~•~•

Annika

I was sitting in front of the mirror wearing my earrings lost in my thoughts. I will be joined with his name from today. This thought came in my mind making me smile. I'm thankful to God that he gave Shivaay to me. I like him very much, his smile, his beautiful eyes, his talks, his gestures towards me always swoons my heart.

He's just the way I thought about my life partner. Caring, sweet, supporting and honest. His words and gestures always makes me blush, he affects me like no one has ever done. I'm surely falling for him. I blushed realising it.

"Annika!", suddenly I felt a shake and I looked aside to see bhabhi standing with a confused frown.

"Where are you lost? I'm calling from so long", she asked. I looked ahead and closed eyes biting tongue. Stop daydreaming Annika. I mentally scolded myself.

"Umm..no where bhabhi woh..just", I don't know what to say. I looked down.

"Nervous?", she asked cupping my cheek. I just nodded though yes, I was little nervous.

"Don't worry! Everything will be fine. Also you and Shivaay like each other I know, relax", I nodded smiling.

"Btw you're looking beautiful bhabhi", I said looking at her who was ready in a heavy yellow anarkali.

"Not more than you! Just look at you.. you look like a princess", I smiled shyly.

"Let's go down, mumma said they're just going to reach", I nodded. Giving a last look to myself, I took my phone and we left downstairs.

We're descending down when I saw mumma and everyone near door.

"I guess they're here", bhabhi whispered to me. I hummed nodding and we got down.

We looked at the door to see my family coming inside with Oberois. My future family. I brought a smile on my face. Bhabhi went ahead to greet them just then my eyes went of Shivaay. Mahn! I can't breathe!

My breath hitched seeing him looking extremely handsome and hot in his back three piece suit. He looked so sexy and delicious. Wait what! Delicious? Stop your dirty mind Annika! He was talking with bhaiya and bhai.

I looked at him and just then he looked at him, passing a smile. His heart-swooning smile. I smiled back mouthing a "hello".

I went ahead and greeted Oberois touching their feet. They blessed me, infact dadi even kissed my head. Then I greeted Om and Ru with hugs. They're really sweet. Gauri was not present as she had to go to her hometown because of some family issue.

I went and stood beside Shivaay who looked at me smiling. I smiled and looked down.

•~•~•

Shivaay

As we reached Annika's place, we were welcomed by her family. I greeted elders by touching their feets who blessed me. Then I gave a brotherly hug to Arnav and Vansh.

"We're waiting for you people only, please come", Annika's mother said to which we all started moving inside. I was talking with Arnav and Vansh when my eyes went on Annika who was standing near stairs. Goddamn!

My heart beats increased seeing her looking so gorgeous in Indian wear. The lehenga was enhancing all her curves making her look beautiful and hot all together. God! Just keep my mind sane!

She came ahead with her dazzling smile and greeted everyone. After that she came and stood beside me and looked at me. Sighs! I smiled looking at her. I know I'm being like a teenager but who cares, she has such affects on me.

"So shall we go ahead with ceremony?", her dadi said to which dadi and everyone agreed.

We settled down on the sofa in between. She was looking around when I held her hand seeking her attention. She looked at me.

•~•~•

"Kya hua?", she asked softly.

"Are you trying to kill me Annika?", he flirted making her frown, confused not understanding.

"Huh? What do you mean Shivaay?", she asked.

"You're looking so gorgeous", he said making her blush. He chuckled intertwining their fingers. She looked down blushing.

"Bhaiya bhabhi! Romance later, let's do the ceremony first", Rudra said teasingly making Annika's cheek turn pink. Shivaay glared at him making him chuckle.

"Chalo leave all this, let me do aarti of my bahu", Pinki said making everyone chuckle.

She came ahead and did aarti of Annika. Applying teeka, she spread a phulkari red chunri on her head. Her lap was filled with gifts.

"From today you're ours Annika", Pinki said kissing her forehead. Annika got emotional feeling motherly vibes from her mother-in-law. Pinki took two diamond bangles and slide in her hands. Annika looked at her confused.

"These are the bangles I got made when Shivaay successfully signed his first deal. I always wanted to give it to my daughter in law. You liked them na?", Pinki said to which Annika looked at her emotionally. Shivaay smiled seeing this.

"Thank you aunty, they're really beautiful", Annika said wiping her eyes to see pinki frowning.

"Aunty? I might be your mother-in-law but you're like daughter to me. Call me mom or ma like Shivaay", pinky scolded lovingly cupping her face making her smile.

"Okay ma", Annika said softly smiling. Pinki side hugged smiling. Everyone adored the new bonding. After that everyone from Oberois gifted something to Annika blessing and welcoming her to their family.

Now it was turn of Nandas, Malini did tika and aarti of Shivaay blessing him. Keeping a handkerchief on his head and gave him shagun and gifts blessing him.

"Welcome to the family Shivaay", Malini said to which he smiled.

"Thank you mumma", he said making Malini smile surprised but kept hand on his head. He looked towards Annika who was looking at him emotionally, he blinked to which she smiled lightly.

After that everyone from Nandas gifted him. This ended the ceremony of Roka, unofficially tying Shivika in a sacred knot.

"This means now bhabhi and bhaiya are each other's, for forever", Rudra said and took Shivaay and Annika's hands, keeping in each others. Annika blushed while Shivaay smiled looking at her.

She looked at him who smiled looking at her. She smiled back widely looking in his eyes.

•~•~•

Both familes were sitting together after lunch talking and laughing together when Annika saw Shivaay whispering something in Khushi's ear to which she nodded and said something to Arnav and Vansh, making Annika confused.

Suddenly she felt someone holding her hand, she looked aside her to see Shivaay holding her hand. Actioning her to stay quiet, he stood up taking her away from everyone.

He took her behind staircase near pillars while she was looking around so that no one see them.

"Shivaay! Kya kar rahe hai? Koi dekh lega", she said looking around to which he kept finger on her lips. She shudder under his touch and lowered her eyes. He gently cupped her face.

"I wanted to say something to you Annika", he said softly, caressing her cheeks with his thumb pads. She hummed looking at him.

"I don't know what is this, how to describe it for now but you make me feel happy, you make me look for upcoming day, you brighten my life and affect me like no one else. I really really like you Annika", he said softly making her eyes widen. She looked at him and then looked down blushing.

"Shivaay...", he cut her in between.

"It's not important if you don't, in that way Annie. I just wanted to confess it to you, I couldn't hold it any longer", he smiled sheepishly making her smile.

"At least let me say! I was going to say, Shivaay you make me feel exactly same, I like you too", she said lowering eyes blushing deeply making his heart flutter.

"Really?", he asked surprised and happily. She nodded making him take him in sudden hug. She gasped lightly feeling his arms around her bare back and waist and hugged back blushing.

"Can't tell you how happy I am Annie", he said against her hair. She didn't know what to say and just hummed keeping head on his shoulder.

Parting, he tucked her hair which got stuck in his stubble. She looked at him with a smile and flushed cheeks. He cupped her cheek and pressed his lips on her forehead making her inhale breath. She held his shoulder tightly. He let his linger there for a while and parted looking at her.

She shyly hugged him again making him chuckle.

"Welcome to my life Annie", he whispered softly making her smile widely.

•~•~•

Thanks for your votes and comments on the previous chapter. Keep reading, voting and commenting your views. They means a lot to me♥️

Hope you liked the chapter.

Do tell how it was?😁

Their outfit:

Precap: Shivika's engagement shopping

Love,
K♥️