••|••|••

It's been an hour since Shivaay Singh Oberoi arrived, and my maa can't stop glowing with happiness. When he came in, he respectfully touched his grandma's feet, gave her a warm hug, and asked how she was feeling.

I was amazed by the sweet bond he had with his grandma. There was so much love in his eyes. Something tells me it's rare, this look in Mr. Oberoi's deep oceanic eyes. Only a few people are lucky ones. Ensuring Dadi's comfort, he extended his greetings to his bade papa and badi maa before surprising everyone by humbly touching my mom's feet. By everyone I mean  his whole family, except dadi. Om Ru was trying to figure out their brother, like for first time they were looking him acting like this. Specially with non family member.

Contrary to his demeanor at the mall earlier today, I was taken aback by his profound respect for my maa. But here she is, treating him like he's already family. Seating him beside her, they engaged in conversation, resembling long-lost friends. Mr. Oberoi knew exactly how my maa likes her tea and even brought her favorite sweets, that too from this particular Nathuram Halwai's shop. On the flip side, my maa knew he didn't like tea and made sure to get his favorite snack during my shopping trip. A snack for which I had to go all the way to the other side of the city, just because my maa was so insistent.

 How did they grow so close? In all these months, maa had never spoken of him. I know almost all who are close to maa.

Dadi's words cut through the air, "Shouldn't they have a moment alone, Avantika puttar?"

Hearing Dadi I caught his gaze, it felt as if he had been silently observing me for an eternity. I wasn't staring at him, yet his intense eyes bore into the top of my head. 

"Certainly, Maaji, they should," my mother agreed, a conspiratorial smile exchanged with Dadi. She turned to me, pointing upstairs, "Anika, take Shivaay to your room. You both can have a peaceful conversation there." Her directive weighed on me, but when she turned to her newfound son, she asked with courtesy, "Is that alright?"

From corner of my eyes, I saw maa taking his coffee cup from his hand and he gently took it back keeping on main table. Without saying much, I rose and ascended the staircase. He followed suit, his gaze still piercing through me. Upon reaching my room, a decisive click echoed. I turned to find him closing, no, locking the door.

"Why did you lock the door?" I questioned, attempting to feign normalcy, ignoring the fact that we were now alone in my room.

He frowned, his expression cold and emotionless. "For privacy. Are you afraid of me, Ms. Trivedi?"

Suppressing my unease, I rolled my eyes, silently planning the kung fu moves I'd employ if he decided to misbehave. Placing a pillow on my lap, I sat down on the bed, my back against the headboard.

"Do I look like the type?" I asked, raising my eyebrows nonchalantly. The morning's incident lingered in my memory, excusing any lapses in manners.

In response, he scrutinized me from head to toe, his gaze sharp and intimidating. His eyes were icy, exuding a cold and intimidating aura that might make others tremble.  If he aimed to instill fear in 'me' with that piercing look, all he received was my equally unfazed and unyielding stare, meeting his gaze with an unshaken demeanor, making it clear that, unlike others, I wouldn't be easily rattled.

A tense silence hung in the air before he finally broke it with a dismissive sigh. I scoffed, eyeing his feeble attempt to rattle me. Anika Trivedi, afraid of mere glares? Please. I could handle much more than that.

Two minutes ticked away—120 seemingly endless seconds. I kept glancing around, brainstorming ways to shatter the icy atmosphere, while he remained stoic, fixated on the view outside my window. 

Should I even ask his stiff self to settle down? I mulled it over, but his next words crushed any inkling of hospitality I harbored.

Breaking the silence, he turned and drew in a deep breath, his rigid posture becoming even more pronounced.

"What?" I mumbled, sensing an unspoken need for conversation.

"This alliance is unnecessary," he declared bluntly, shamelessly locking eyes with mine, "I have no interest in it."

I wasn't surprised by his lack of interest in the alliance; it was his upfront manner that caught me off guard. Without betraying my astonishment, I arched an eyebrow, offering a sardonic smile. "Well, aren't you a bundle of joy? Newsflash, Mr. Oberoi, neither do I. No interest whatsoever in this alliance, especially not with you."

The last part I added extra sweetly. He seemed taken aback by the way his eyes immediately locked with mine, perhaps expecting me to be more compliant. I chuckled, "Surprised? Not everyone dreams of being a part of the grand Oberoi saga, you know."

As he shot me a sidelong glance, a subtle shift in his composed expression betrayed a momentary break in his typically assured demeanor. I sensed it—his aura of dominance, the cold confidence that usually made people submit to his feet. His demeanor, marked by a cool reserve, often compelled others to cower. But not me. Today, he faced someone familiar with his type, someone unswayed by his usual tactics, and the realization seemed to catch him off guard.

"I don't understand why you even bothered coming here if you had already made up your mind," I added, genuine confusion in my voice. "Was it just to enjoy the pleasure of rejecting me in person?"

His response came with an icy calm. "Consider it a mere formality, Ms. Trivedi—a nod to familial expectations, nothing beyond that."

I scoffed. "Fulfilling familial expectations? Is that your excuse for such blatant rudeness?"

Ignoring me, he commanded, "Just deny it downstairs, that's all you have to do."

With that, he turned around, unlatched the door, and stepped out.

I stood up, following him. "Mr Oberoi, wait--"

I walked behind him; he briskly descended the stairs. His stupid long legs were not a match for my short one. I was halfway down the staircase.

"Mr. Oberoi!" I called out loudly enough for him to hear. He stopped at the last step but didn't turn. "You can't just go like that."

He turned, challenging my words with his sharp tone. "Why, there's nothing left for us to discuss."

"It's true I don't want to marry you. But---" I was about to tell him, how I can't deny my mother because of the promise I have given to her. But before that he cut me in middle. 

"Save your breath, Ms. Trivedi," he retorted, a dismissive tone in his voice. "That's what we both agree on, and that's all needed."

"Save my breath? Oh, how considerate of you, Mr. Oberoi," I snapped back.

"We both don't want this, so save both our time and unnecessary drama downstairs and simply disapprove this." he stated.

"Unnecessary drama? You storm into my house, dictate terms, and now you're concerned about unnecessary drama?" I narrowed my eyes. "Did you even hear me out once?" 

I admit I'm not as just rude as I'm right now with him. Even In my professional life, I prided myself on maintaining composure, especially with challenging clients who tested my patience. Yet here I was, responding to his provocations with an edge I never thought I could muster. He was pushing buttons I didn't know I had, drawing out a side of me that felt foreign and unsettling.

"You're the one making this more complicated than it needs to be." 

"Complicated? Excuse me, Mr. Oberoi, but you're the one with major attitude problem." I retorted, fire in my eyes. "I don't even want a husband like you who thinks he's the king of the world." 

His gaze darkened, and he took a step closer. "And I don't want such a wife who can't follow a simple instruction."

"Oh, you mean like a well-trained servant?" I shot back, refusing to back down.

He clenched his jaw, visibly irritated. "This is pointless. You're wasting our time. We both don't want this. You are going to deny, no more discussion needed." He again ordered and turned to leave before hearing me out. 

He just cannot run away without listening to me! 

Frustrated I called him out loud, while stepping down to last of stairs. "Mr. Shivaay Singh Oberoi, before you go--oomph"

He cut me off, gripping my elbow and pulling me to a secluded corner.

Behind a pillar, he leaned in, too close for my comfort. He surveyed our families discreetly, his demeanor almost calculating. Meanwhile his expensive cologne filled my nostril. Unlike his manners, he smells... exotic. Something you want to just own it. I had to mentally scold myself to not sniff it like I'm dying to and embarrass myself. I pushed away from the pillar, creating some distance, but he remained steadfastly close.

"What is your problem, huh?" He asked, keeping his voice low enough for only me to hear.

He glanced at me, a silent challenge in his eyes, but the proximity between us stirred an unexpected tension. I could feel his minty breath on my cheeks, and my heartbeat quickened. Why does he smell so so good? Damn.  Ignoring the distracting proximity, I decided to match his intensity.

"You're standing way too close," I tried my voice to be come as strong as I thought. But it merely come as soft as feather. 

He merely took a step back, just leaving my elbow. He closed his eyes, regaining his composure before starting, "What's your problem?"

Frowning I sighed and pushed him off me, creating more safe distance. Taking a much-needed deep breath I calmed my racing blood flow.

"Why are you so focused on me only denying. I wanted to let you know, I can't deny, so you have to say no when they will ask us. I don't know about you, but I have my reasons. You can say No" I suggested crossing my arm, hoping he'd relieve me of this predicament.

"Ms Trivedi, If I could have denied, I would have. Why would I even bother talk to you now. I never say this to anyone but yes, I need, I need you to say no. Why are you being so difficult? huh?"

"I can't deny it either." I leaned back, exhaling frustratedly. 

 For a second he just stared at me. Looking at me carefully than looked up at ceiling in frustration and shook his head as his own understanding hit him. 

 "Oh, yeah, of course. Getting you now." His disgust filled words stung, as he continued, clenching his jaw. "How much do you want?"

For a second, I didn't get it. "Sorry?"

I maintained my composure, meeting his intense gaze with a steely resolve. "Don't act innocent. What's the deal? Money? Properties? Or deals?" His arrogance knew no bounds.

Does he think that low of me? I have to suppress an itch to slap him with tightening of my fist. Instead, I decided to play his game. "Oh, Mr. Oberoi, you underestimate me if you think I'd sell myself for any of those. What I want can't be bought or traded."

His cold expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of confusion crossing his face. It seemed my response wasn't what he expected.

"I don't play games, Ms. Trivedi," he retorted, regaining his stoic demeanor.

"Nor do I," I countered. "But I won't let anyone belittle me with assumptions. If you must know, I value self-respect, and no amount of wealth or power can compromise that."

His piercing gaze bore into mine as if attempting to unravel my thoughts. Once realizing I'm not joking and hell serious, "You're different," he muttered under his breath, almost to himself.

"And you're not as invincible as you think," I shot back, refusing to be intimidated.

He took a step back, a subtle hint of surprise in his eyes. Perhaps, for the first time, someone dared to not only stand up to the mighty Shivaay Singh Oberoi, but talk back in his way.

He remained silent, the tension between us palpable. It was a battle of wills, and I refused to back down.

"You can deny the alliance, as you wish," I said, breaking the silence. My words slowly coming out of my mouth, with no nonsense, and meant every word. "Trust me when I say I would have denied if it were in my hands. You and I are never gonna be We. So do both of us a favor and say no to this alliance. Deny it. I don't even care if you reasoned it with bad thing about me. Disapprove and... I hope to not meet you again."

My eyes were probably spitting fire with how intense I felt. Every move I made screamed that I meant what I said. And he saw it all, no doubt about that. Unlike dealing with others, he knew I wasn't messing around.

When I saw him moving his gaze other side, clenching his fists and jaw, I just shook my head at him. With confidence flowing through my veins, I turned around and walked away. Heading to the hall, the first thing I noticed was Om and Rudra looking like they'd seen a ghost. They came over to me like they couldn't believe what just happened. It was like the universe had just tilted a bit.

"Were you listening to us?" I asked, ensuring they hadn't overheard our conversation.

They shook their heads frantically but looked utterly shocked.

"Why are you both looking at us as if we're aliens?" I attempted a joke to lighten the mood, but they still seemed in a daze.

"It's the first time," Rudra began after a good minute.

Om continued, "---that someone actually pointed to Shivaay and also---"

"---shut him up," Rudra completed, still looking shocked.

Mr Oberoi, clearly irritated, interrupted them with a stern, "Shut up Om Ru."

With that he went away outside leaving his brothers with me.

"Did you guys eavesdrop on us?" I inquired, trying to gauge if they had overheard our heated exchange. Whatever happen between Mr Oberoi and I, I never want his or mine family to witness anything. 

"No, but we could guess it with your expressions and actions," Rudra explained with an mischievous smile. "It was intense"

Unknowingly I felt my ear heated up. Rudy gave me a teasing grin which wasn't helping at all.

Om raised an eyebrow, his eyes reflecting a mix of amusement and surprise. "Anika, in all our years, we've rarely seen anyone confront Shivaay the way you just did."

Rudra chimed in, his voice carrying a hint of admiration mixed with mischief, "Yeah, didi! Usually, people tread lightly around him, fearing his infamous temper."

I crossed my arms, a playful smile dancing on my lips. "Well, Rudra, Om, not everyone can be intimidated by a mere glare or a stern word. Besides," I winked, "it's not like I have anything to lose."

Om chuckled softly, "That's evident. You've certainly made quite an impression, not just on Shivaay but on both of us as well."

Rudra nodded vigorously, his youthful exuberance evident. "Totally! I mean, did you see his face? Priceless! I've always wanted someone to give bhaiya back to him, and you did!"

I tilted my head, feigning innocence. "Did I now? Well, let's just say that some things need to be said, regardless of who's on the receiving end."

Om's eyes softened as he regarded me warmly. "You're a force to be reckoned with, Anika. It's not just about standing up to Shivaay; it's about holding your ground, something many fail to do."

Rudra jumped in, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "Exactly! You've got this... this aura, didi. It's like you've known us forever, and yet, you're not afraid to challenge us. It's refreshing!"

I laughed, genuinely touched by their candid admiration. "Well, if the mighty Oberoi brothers are on my side, then perhaps I'm doing something right."

I wrapped up my conversations with both Om and Rudra, and together, we made our way to the living room. The elders were engrossed in their own discussions, blending seamlessly into the dynamics of one big family. Amidst the familial togetherness, I noticed Mr. Rude Oberoi standing outside in the garden, engrossed in a phone call. The only person who seemed a bit detached from the lively scene was Priyanka, sitting away from all looking somewhat bored as she flipped through some magazines.

Deciding to bridge the gap, I walked over to her and settled down, creating a comfortable space beside her. Having met everyone else, Priyanka was the only one left to mingle with. Om and Rudra joined us, and I couldn't help but chuckle at Rudra's illogical reasons, followed by Om playfully bantering and sometimes smacking him.

Turning my attention to Priyanka, I noticed a hint of nervousness in her demeanor. A thought crossed my mind – do I come off as intimidating to this pretty girl? I shot a questioning glance at Om and Rudra, and they responded with reassuring smiles.

"Hey," I said, settling down beside Priyanka and extending my hand to her, "I'm Anika. I've met everyone else, and you were the only one left."

Priyanka's eyes flickered with a mix of surprise and unsurity. She hesitated for a moment before accepting my hand. "Hi, Anika. I'm Priyanka. Nice to meet you."

I offered her a warm smile, hoping to alleviate any nervousness she might be feeling. "Likewise, Priyanka. No need to be nervous; we're all just here to get to know each other better."

Rudra leaned in, whispering in my ear, "She used to get nervous about meeting new people and crowds too." I nodded in understanding and turned my gaze back to Priyanka, determined to make her feel at ease.

Glancing at Om and Rudra, I playfully nudged Priyanka. "So, Priyanka, these two seem like a handful. Do they always get up to this much mischief?"

Om and Rudra exchanged mischievous glances, prompting Priyanka to chime in, with a little smile "Oh, just wait until you see their attempts at cooking. It's a comedy show in the kitchen."

I chuckled, "Cooking mishaps, huh? I hope they at least manage to avoid setting the kitchen on fire."

Priyanka's lips curled into a smile, and she laughed at the playful banter. "Well, they do have their moments. But, they mean well."

I winked at her, "Good to know. I'll keep a fire extinguisher handy, just in case."

Rudra joined in, "Hey, I'm an excellent chef in the making. Just ask Om."

Om rolled his eyes in mock exasperation, "If by 'excellent chef,' he means burning toast, then sure."

We all laughed, and it was heartening to see Priyanka joining in with genuine amusement. The atmosphere became more relaxed as we shared anecdotes and light-hearted banter.

"You know, Prinku, something really interesting happened today," Rudy exclaimed with a mischievous smile, glancing at me. Excitement bubbling within him, he began to share the story with dramatic flair, jumping up and down in his seat.

"Our Anika didi today," he said, a tad bit theatrically, "just shut Shivaay bhaiya up completely. Like really. Our Bhaiya, who never lets anyone have the last word, today our tigress didi left him speechless, totally."

Rudra conveyed the anecdote to Priyanka as if sharing intriguing 'college gossip,' and she looked perplexed.

"Really, Rudy bhaiya?" Priyanka asked, her interest piqued this time, without a hint of stutter in her words.

She gazed at me with an expression as if I were an extraterrestrial being, much like Om and Rudra had done.

"Yes, yes, it's true, Prinku. I just wished I could record that golden moment on my phone." Rudra pouted, looking at the ceiling, gesturing with his hands for added dramatic effect.

"Rudy!" I warned him.

"What, dii?" He looked at me wide-eyed, then held my shoulder, exclaiming, "We are really proud of you."

He wore a proud expression, as if I had conquered Mount Everest.

"No, Rudy, now you won't tell this to anyone, please." I pleaded with him, but he pouted sadly.

"But I just wanted to let dadi know," my eyes widened, "and then mumma papa to know," my jaw dropped, "and my college friends, and then update my Facebook status too," and at this point, I think I slipped off my seat.

Rudy whined like a child who wanted five ice creams together on Christmas. I blinked at him. Did he really want me to get killed with his brother's bare hands? As I knew, he would simply blame me for ruining his image in front of his brother.

Rudy received a smack from Om, something I really wanted to do to add some sense up there. He's cute, but his super cuteness act will put me in danger, a really dangerous zone with Shivaay Singh Oberoi.

"No, Rudy, you're not going to do any of these things. Please, no." Thinking about that situation, Shivaay killing me with bare hands in some forest made me shake my head more. "Can't you do this much for me, Rudy? Your bhaiya will kill me."

I pulled out my most innocent and cute expression to make him agree, and it seemed like it worked.

He frowned, then sighed sadly, and finally agreed, "Okay... if you say so."

"Thank you so much," I beamed with happiness and gave him a side hug.

"Anika didi," I heard Priyanka.

She now seemed comfortable with me as her nervousness diminished.

"Yes, Priyanka," I nodded, giving her a little comforting smile to encourage her to continue.

"Err.. you can call me Prinku." I nodded again. Then she continued, "Waise, you are really different. I wish..."

She said so and hugged me, catching me by surprise, whispering, "I really wish you to be my bhabhi soon."

'Bhabhi.'

The word sent a ticklish feeling through my stomach. Uncertain about how to respond, I chuckled nervously. Glancing to my left while still in the hug, I noticed Shivaay staring at us. For the second time today, he seemed intrigued, as if trying to unravel a mystery. Or maybe it was the third time. His intense gaze focused on us, leaving me wondering what thoughts swirled in his mind. Prinku finally parted from the hug and looked at Shivaay.

"Bhaiyaaaa!"

She called out to him excitedly and rushed to hug him tightly. Shivaay, who had quietly entered the room, stood just a few steps away from us. He enveloped his sister in a warm hug, holding her like she was a precious treasure. A subtle smile played on the corners of his lips as he embraced her, revealing a softer side that I hadn't witnessed before.

"Priyanku is like his own child, Anika," Om shared with me, still admiring the profound bond between Shivaay and his sister. I nodded in agreement, losing myself in a cascade of thoughts.

Today, I witnessed the way he interacted with his dadi, his brothers, his bade papa and badi mummy, and now with his sister. The conclusion was undeniable – he genuinely loved his family. The brightness that lit up his eyes when he was with them spoke volumes about the depth of his affection. I observed him being genuinely nice to my mother, showing respect and speaking kindly.

But then there was me. Why did he dislike me so much? It wasn't that I wanted him to like me, but his continuous rudeness left me perplexed. Could it be connected to the incident from this morning?

My chain of thoughts shattered as my mother called us all for lunch. The sound of plates and quiet chatter filled the air as we all gathered around the fancy dining table. The yummy smell of freshly cooked food mixed with a bit of tension, especially between Mr Oberoi and me. Somehow, I ended up sitting next to him, probably thanks to our family dynamics.

As we settled in and food was served, Mr Oberoi's palm brushed mine as our hands reached for the chapatis simultaneously. A silent understanding passed between us, unspoken yet palpable. In a hushed voice, I offered him the first chapati, acknowledging his status as a guest. However, he left the chapati untouched and opted for the sabzi instead. I rolled my eyes at the his subtle game, accepting the chapati with a muted sigh.

While eating I felt a very curious gaze on me, my maa was than and again stealing glances observing my mood by her motherly ways. Like am I eating happily or just passing my time. Mothers, I tell you. She is trying to guess my answer to marriage like this.

"Dadiii," I exclaimed, catching everyone off guard with my abrupt interruption.

Dadi looked at me, her expression shifting to concern. "What happened, puttar?"

"Dadii, that one was full of sugar. This one is sugar-free, specially made for you. I heard you have diabetes, so—," I explained, reaching for the bowl beside her plate. It seemed she had mistakenly picked up the wrong one. 

Dadi graced me with a grateful smile. "You are right, puttar. I think I mistakenly took this one out. Thank you so much."

Mr Oberoi, who hadn't touched his food, asked, "Dadi, are you alright?" His worry was clear in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Shivaay puttar. I am fine, all thanks to Anika. Now, you don't need to fret over me. Start your lunch," Dadi reassured, and only then did Shivaay visibly relax.

His gaze lingered on me for a moment, a medley of emotions playing in his eyes – confusion, gratitude, a hint of softened anger, and an underlying hardness. I diverted my gaze, focusing on my food, attempting to steer my thoughts away from the complexity that was Shivaay Singh Oberoi.

••|••|••

Lunch proved to be a delightful affair, marked by Rudra's humor and playful banter from Om and Prinku. There was no pretense or any showoff among us. I felt like we knew each other from a long time, and it just felt a beautiful time together. 

Rudra, with his robust physique, emits a playful and childlike charm, while Om portrayed a mature and sensible demeanor, adorned with his beautiful shayaris. Prinku seamlessly integrated herself into our group, displaying comfort and genuine enjoyment. I'm really happy for her.

 Dadi, a sweet and open-minded individual, shattered the stereotype of older generations, effortlessly connecting with us. Her youthful spirit made her a source of inspiration. She is the real new generation wali dadi.

Jhanvi aunty and Tej uncle, as responsible yet fun-loving parents, struck a perfect balance between guidance and allowing us to enjoy ourselves. Jhanvi aunty, with her boutique, and I found common ground in our shared interest in fashion. Tej uncle, deeply engrossed in business, appreciated my perspectives during our conversations.

My mother radiated contentment, visibly pleased with the harmonious atmosphere. The only thing hurting me was her hopeful eyes, behind them she was seeing my future with this alliance. It's almost like she and dadi planning out kids habits from now only. I sighed and then thought even if we didn't marry then I am sure I'll be good friends with Om Ru Priyanku, and Dadi will still love me and my bonding with uncle aunty would be unbothered. This bonding which we all developed goes beyond mere alliance. 

Amidst the laughter and joy in the living room, there was one person who stood out - Mr. Oberoi. He remained quiet, only speaking when directly addressed. As the others shared laughs and stories, I couldn't help but notice his distant demeanor. Rarely did a smile grace his face, and his interaction with the group was minimal.

In the midst of tales from Tej uncle's college days that had everyone in splits, Mr. Oberoi seemed detached. It was as if he carried a different world within himself, untouched by the light-hearted moments we all shared.

Whispering beside me, maa inquired, "Anika, what do you think of everyone?"

I couldn't help but beam, "They're all wonderful, Maa. I had no idea they were Oberois, but they are genuinely down-to-earth people, and that's truly refreshing."

She fell silent for a moment before delicately posing the inevitable question, "And Shivaay? What are your thoughts on him?"

Oh, the dreaded Shivaay Singh Oberoi question. How could I sum him up? He was cocky, maybe a bit of an arrogant jerk—or perhaps the guy from the mall who irked me. But maa doesn't need to know all that.

"Anii, where are you so lost? Isn't he nice?" She asked me, her concern evident in her voice.

 I immediately took her hand assuring, "He is fine maa."

She stood up, and an unexpected hush fell over the room as all eyes turned toward us. Maa exchanged a nod with Dadi, like some secret language, before guiding me to her room and shutting the door.

"What do you mean by 'fine'?" she inquired, a concerned furrow on her brow.

"He's alright, maa," I began, trying to find a balance between honesty and reassurance. "I mean, he loves his family a lot and seems to get along with everyone here." I hesitated, considering how much to share. "But maa, it's too soon to draw any conclusions about him, right?"

She looked at me with a knowing smile, "Anii, you're a good judge of character. What do you feel about him?"

I sighed again, avoiding her gaze for a moment. "I sense there's more to him than what meets the eye. He's a bit mysterious, and well, we might have different opinions on certain things."

She chuckled, "Different opinions can lead to interesting discoveries, Anika."

I nodded, appreciating her optimism. "True, maa. I don't want to rush into judgments."

Changing the topic, she shifted her focus, "Anyway, what's your answer about marrying him? 'Yes' or 'No'?"

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Honestly, I don't see things moving towards marriage with Shivaay. I have this feeling he might not be interested." I hesitated for a moment, ensuring my mother saw the conviction in my eyes. I hope she gets ready when Mr. Oberoi deny the alliance. "But remember the promise I made to you about this alliance? I'll stand by it."

Maa looked into my eyes, searching for any hint of reluctance. Finding none, she nodded slowly. Even though whatever Maa will decide I'll accept wholeheartedly but I am quite sure that he will deny it. 

Cradling my hands in hers, she looked deep into my eyes, searching for affirmation. "Do you trust me, Anika?"

Without hesitation, I squeezed her hands reassuringly and replied, "I trust you, Maa. Whatever steps you take for me, I believe they're in my best interest."

"I am so lucky to have you Anii. And I feel like it will work out bacha." Her eyes glistened with hope, and she enveloped me in a heartfelt embrace. Her optimism was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, knowing Mr. Oberoi might decline the proposal. It felt as if she was already envisioning the wedding bells, and I wished circumstances were different to spare her potential heartbreak.

"I'm the fortunate one to have you as my mother," I whispered, returning her embrace warmly.

A gentle knock interrupted our moment, and I opened the door to find Dadi standing there, her eyes twinkling with a knowing smile.

"Dadi, please come inside."

As she entered, the tension in the air became palpable. I could sense her unease, likely anticipating the outcome of Mr. Oberoi's response. Maybe Dadi is hesitating in announcing he said no.

"So, Avantika- Anika puttar, what's the decision?" She cut straight to the chase, directing her question at both of us. I turned to my mom, silently urging her to take the lead.

"Maaji, Anika has entrusted the decision to me, and I believe Shivaay is the perfect match for her. She couldn't find a better life partner than him." Maa's words caught me off guard, and I braced myself for Dadi's reaction, sure of how she would respond. 

Decline it, Dadi ji. Just say no. Just say it...

Instead, Dadi's face lit up with happiness. "Avantika puttar, it's like I haven't heard such good news in a long time." She beamed and immediately embraced my mom.

Then came the words that froze me in place, "Shivaay had promised me that whoever I choose, he will accept. I couldn't deny that Anika would be the best life partner he could have."

Her joy left me in shock. I stood there, still processing the unexpected turn of events. I had thought he would deny, I thought he would find a way to stop this, but now it seemed he was as trapped as I was.

'I would have if I could,' his words echoed in my mind. At that time, I couldn't comprehend, but now it made sense. He, too, was bound by his dadi's promise. This couldn't be happening. I felt helpless. I had given my word to my mom, but now, faced with the reality of the situation, I didn't know what to do.

"Mai abhi sabke liye mithai laati hu," Maa announced before stepping out. I contemplated following her but was enveloped in a warm embrace by Dadi.

"Thank you, puttar. Thank you so much." Her joy was evident, but what she said next left me stunned. "I've been eagerly awaiting this alliance for months. Shivaay has, intentionally or not, found ways to make other girls refuse him. But I know him too well."

I could only nod, struggling to process everything.

Dadi's eyes gleamed with pride. "You're the first, Anika, to withstand his demeanor. Rudra told me about your resilience. The moment I saw you, I knew you were the one. Today, my heart swells with happiness, thinking that you could be the one to bring him joy."

Hearing her, my face turn red.  Confused and overwhelmed, I managed to stammer, "Dadi, if you knew he wasn't ready, why...?"

A sorrowful look clouded Dadi's face. "Because I know he needs someone, his life needs a supportive partner. Shivaay has been through a lot, Anika."

I want to know, but I know it's not my place to ask something this personal.

She then looked at me and gave me a small smile, "That's not my part to tell you, but I can assure you that he is a very good person, and this-- I am not saying because he is my grandson but because I know him, what he is as a person."

I kept my composure, masking my internal turmoil with a gentle smile.

"He was reluctant, yes," Dadi admitted, her voice tinged with regret. She gave me apologetic look, "I am sure he tried to make you deny too and I am really sorry puttar. I would be really disheartened to lose you as my granddaughter in law. I know you must be thinking of me selfish but..."

Gently, I interrupted her, "Dadi, please don't apologize. You're elder, and by apologizing you are making me feel small."

I looked into her eyes, gratitude evident. "I've promised my maa that I'll stand by her decisions, just as he trust yours. While I'd be honored to be a part of this family, but dadi I genuinely believe he won't find happiness with me."

"Anika, give him time," Dadi implored, her voice filled with hope. "I believe you're the right match for him. With patience, everything will fall into place."

Lost for words, I simply nodded, hoping Dadi's faith wasn't misplaced.

A discreet knock echoed, and to our surprise, Mr. Oberoi stood at the door. His gaze, fixed on me, seemed to have absorbed every word shared between Dadi and me.

"Shivaay puttar," Dadi called out joyfully. As he stepped inside, we both rose from our seats. Dadi, unable to contain her delight, enveloped both of us in a tight hug, then proceeded to caress our cheeks. "I am so happy for both of you. You've given me everything I could have wished for."

Her words hung in the air, creating an awkward atmosphere between Mr. Oberoi and me. We exchanged glances, standing there in a strange silence. It was a twist I hadn't anticipated. I was convinced he would decline the proposal, yet here we were—two individuals who were once strangers now faced with the prospect of becoming husband and wife.

Dadi, seemingly notice out awkwardness, decided to leave us to our own, in pretense of sharing the news with the rest of the family. As the door closed behind her, Mr. Oberoi and I remained in that uneasy quiet, the reality of our newfound connection sinking in.

The man I once labeled as a "douchey jerk" was now on the verge of becoming my husband. My Husband, a phrase that sent shivers down my spine.

"So, you've promised your mother." It wasn't a question, but rather an exclamation. Mr. Oberoi spoke calmly this time, as if he now understood why I couldn't refuse. It confirmed that he had overheard our entire conversation.

"So have you to your dadi," I responded. We both appeared helpless yet awkward.

"Were you eavesdropping here?" I frowned, questioning him, and he responded by raising his eyebrows.

"Of course not. I just heard you at the end," he retorted, running his hand through his hair, further disheveling it.

I nodded, unsure of what else to say. The air was thick with awkwardness, and I needed time to process everything that was happening. Mr. Oberoi sighed.

"Listen, I... I can't deny my dadi, and I understand you can't deny your mother." I nodded in agreement, acknowledging the truth of our predicament.

I noticed him running his hand through his hair again, a gesture I had observed frequently that day and deemed his signature move whenever he felt helpless.

"I know, and I don't know about you, but I can't hurt their feelings," I found myself saying, the words escaping my mouth without much thought.

"Really? You think I want to?" He raised his eyebrows, challenging me to answer. "So, then I wouldn't have been standing here trying to talk to you, trying to find a way through this whole marriage thing."

He spoke in a taunting manner. I noticed his eyes, deep blue or perhaps green—I was too confused to decide. Regardless, now wasn't the time to get lost in his beautiful spectral eyes.

He looked tired, his coat now hanging from one hand, and his hair even more disheveled. Despite everything, we both couldn't hurt their feelings. I asked him, "What way?"

"Anika, I'll be straightforward with you," he said, as if he hadn't been until now. I didn't voice my thoughts but silently agreed. He gazed at me before continuing, "Don't expect anything from this marriage. I can't be your husband or love you the way one might expect in a marriage. So, don't blame me later that I didn't warn you. I'm doing this marriage only for Dadi."

He sighed, conveying exhaustion in his tone. I realized he had, for the first time, called me by my name. We were finally having a normal conversation. Grateful for the honesty he'd just shared, I said, "Even I am doing this for my mother, Mr. Oberoi." I sighed, looking into his eyes. "I don't expect anything from you, and that's precisely what I wanted to discuss. Don't expect anything from me as a wife or anticipate love in the future."

The joyous faces of Maa and Dadi flashed in my mind, so I added, "But—"

"But?" He looked at me expectantly, awaiting the completion of my sentence.

"But they want our happiness. Can we at least pretend to be a perfect couple for them?" I asked him sincerely because, for us, their happiness mattered the most—for me, my Maa's, and for him, his Dadi's. We could act like strangers with each other, but I couldn't bear to see my Maa or his Dadi hurt.

He looked at me for a moment, then nodded agreeably, saying, "Only for them."

"Only for them," I agreed with him.

Little did I know, this unexpected journey was just the beginning.

••|••|••

EXTRA