••|••|••

"You think Mallika will ever forgive me?" I asked Ryan as we briskly made our way to his car. He was dropping me off at parlor as he have some errands to run. Our hands were filled causing  red lines on palm with bags filled with my dresses and other accessories that I need to wear today evening.

He made a face squinting one eyes, acting like thinking deep, before concluding, "I don't know... that really depends on her mood."

I exhale, long breath,  thinking about  the deadly call that came not five minutes before. The warning, the accusations and lot of shouting in a five minute call.

Ryan and I were still in his bear hug, after we done patching up and  when Mom came saying on the call "-- they were fighting..." But one look at us she mumbled in the call, "... now ah.. hugging." And saying so she handed me the call mouthing 'Mallika'.

Putting on speaker, I didn't even get the chance to say hello when she yelled out at both of us. At me for being so late and at Ryan that how can he easily go soft on me like always and forgive so eazily.

She gave us the warning to be there in fifteen minutes or she wouldn't even hesitate to embarrass us in public. And I believe her for that. She could really get bitchy when she is pissed off.

So after the call, Ryan and me saw each other than jumped over the sofa, running like mad ones at main door. It was Maa, who came running after us, shouting, yelling at us to take my dress and other accessories and ordering Ryan to run some errands.

Parlour is twenty minutes away, I looked at drivers seat, side profile of Ryan and thought maybe that's the right time to ask him about the morning.

"Ryan?"

He looked at me for a moment before looking back at road, "yeah?"

"I want to ask," I said, twisting the strap of my bag, "about the morning."

He frowned than as if it clicked to him,  raising his eyebrows, he defended himself, "It wasn't my fault, all was Mallika's plan to barge. Though, I would have --."

"No, that I know you guys." I said chuckling remembering about the morning, "but that was pretty hilarious of welcome, being fallen down."

"Yeah? That it was."

"What you know? The whole weight of your both fat asses, I had to bear. Oh god,  I thought there now I had  lose my backbone permanently."

He laughed out loud, stopping the car at the red light. He was setting his hair, whistling some tune when I cleared my throat and got his attention.

"Well, I wasn't talking about you coming here." I started and he looked at me confuse. "I was asking about the tension between you and Shivaay. What was all that about?"

His name on my lips and his smile got lost from his face. His entire posture stiffened and he  broke the eye contact. 

"You know I have been meaning to ask you that," he started speaking, there is still one minute for light to go green, "Why are you marrying him?"

"Why am I marrying...?" I know they will dig around about Shivaay's sudden presence in my life. But no. I'm not ready to tell the truth yet. 

"Yeah exactly why? I mean I know Aunty told me it's an arranged marriage but still, what did you see in him. His attitude, arrogance or ego?" He spit out the words venomously, his eyes enraged. "Why did you say yes?"

The light turns to green and he started driving, still waiting for my answer. I hadn't told them about my promise to Maa, and I don't even want to tell them the real deal between Shivaan and me. Why? Because if I said anything, they both will talk to maa and even accuse Shivaay for everything.

"Because his family is nice." I said after a minute of silence, that wasn't as comfortable as it should be. And for once I am used to playful Ryan, not this serious kind of.

He looked at me in disbelief, " you aren't going to marry his family or spend rest of your life with them, you are going to marry Shivaay Singh Oberoi!"

I sigh, "I know that but his family and all are such down to earth people. Shivaay too isn't that bad too." Except he behave liked an ass to you since starting but lately acting much jerkyless. 

"He isn't that bad?" He rhetorically questioned, still continuing, "Well, I can't think he can think of anything else than his money and deals. I even am wondering, how he is wasting his time in getting married, that man seriously breaths just profit and money and his ego."

"He thinks of his family highly." I said, subconsciously defending him. Ryan might not know personally but I have seen them. "He loves them and he treats and care for maa with respect."

"That man is a heartless" He said a bit harshly, contrary to his calm nature while stopping the car in front of the parlour.

"Why do you hate him so much?" I asked him when the silence started overpowering us.

"Guess, rivalry really taking over at me." He shrugged it off.

"Don't give me that shit, you dumbass. Tell me the reason" At his silence I held his arm, "you know you can share anything with me."

He sigh, looked at me, twice opened his mouth to say something but nothing came out. "It's just... we used to be business partners before working on this big project and some shit happened and now we would be the last person to see each other on earth."

I nodded at him, noting mentally to have detailed story about it later, " okay but I want you to know one thing."

"Mm?"

"I said this to him too, I want you to keep this rivalry at your office. Not in my wedding."

He scoffed. "Rival is rival, we can't help it to feel hatred if it's in office or outside!"

I rolled my eyes, muttering, "all business minds are alike." Than saying clearly, "I don't know anything but keep it out in your business meetings or office, not here please."

He was silent, assessing my expression, "please Ryan?"

"Okay fine, I will try to be on my best behavior with him." He grumbled, "but don't you expect that best friend or brotherly love kind of behaviour with him."

I laughed, "naah huh... that's even funnier to imagine." 

"Yeah, now go before Mallika eat your head off."

I looked at him gobbled eyes. "Oh shit."

"Yeah, shit"

"Now toh she is definitely gonna kill me..." I stepped out of car fast and looked at parlor. "Bye.. I will see you soon...If got back alive."

"AND SUNN" he called me back, "...call me at least half an hour ago for picking you guys up."

"Okiedokie."

"Otherwise you know Mallika's habit, She would call at end moment, and want to ride magically appear in five minutes."

"I know," puffing out the breath, "I'll call you."

"I wonder how her husband's condition been?"

"Shut up. Zizu is great!"

"Aayi Zizu ki chamchi" he scoffed on his name, even though they are good friends.

I laughed some more, finally walking back steps, "BYEE"

••|••|••

As I stepped into the sanctuary of the parlor's booked room, a gentle hush enveloped the air, embracing the atmosphere with a soothing stillness. Mallika, reclining on the plush sheet, exuded an aura of serenity. Her closed eyes were adorned with curled rings, gracefully adorning her head like a crown, while a skilled masseur tended to her pampered feet, their touch the only sound breaking the tranquil silence.

My arrival disrupted the serene ambiance, and Mallika's eyes fluttered open, a mix of surprise and impatience glinting within them. With narrowed eyes and a commanding posture, she sat up, her hands gesturing emphatically as she spoke, demanding answers.

"Finally!" Mallika's voice resonated with a mixture of relief and exasperation. "Where the hell have you been, Anika? Where?"

"I know I am a little late bec--"

I tried to offer an explanation, my voice trailing off before I could fully articulate my thoughts.

"A little? Oh, woman, if you call an hour a little, then I think you need to revisit your dictionary," Mallika interjected sharply, her frustration palpable. 

"Mallika--"

"Don't Mallika me now! You know first I thought it's your engagement so I wouldn't get ready first but help you in getting ready, but no. You were so buzy that you couldn't even inform me!"

"I know Malli, that's just Ryan--"

"Ryan? Don't even take his name infront of me. Whole week he ate my brain complaining about you and planning to ignore you  for whole month and now, it's not even been an hour he met you and he hugging you all lovingly."

"He was planning on ignoring me?"

"That's not the point! You tell me now why? Why didn't you tell me about your damn alliance?" She asked me crossing her hand and the masseur looked at her than at me and than back at her.

"I want--"

"Speak up the truth young lady!" Mallika looked pretty scare, God!

"Well, if you let me than only I will speak na."

"Spill it all." Monotonously she commanded. Mallika's authority over the situation reminded me of our strict English teacher, the one who silenced a classroom with a mere glance.

"I am sorry. Don't give me that disbelief look, I really am okay. And stop glaring me!  You are scaring me like our Hitler english teacher!"

"Excuse me, I don't resemble her," she scoffed.

"Well, when you glare at me like that, you certainly do," I teased, hoping to ease the tension. 

"I..." 

Even before she could say. I stubbornly told her, "NO, no no Let me tell you. Be silent and give me the chanced to explain. Silent" 

Silence. Her glare momentarily intensified, but she relented, giving me the opportunity to speak my truth. The room fell silent, anticipation hanging in the air.

"I wanted to tell you." I told her honestly, "You have no idea how difficult it was to keep it from both of you. But I wanted to share the news face to face, in person."

Recognition sparked in Mallika's eyes as she pieced it all together. "Is that why you kept insisting on being called as soon as I returned? All that old memories you kept talking about to roam around the town..."

"Yes, you fool!" I playfully nudged her.

"I was just curious." She shrugged off her shoulder.

"I'm sorry, okay? But I genuinely wanted to tell you both in person, to see your reactions," I explained, setting aside my bag and meeting her gaze directly. "Now, will you forgive me?"

Her response held a hint of playfulness. "I'll consider it," she teased, before her tone turned serious. "But on one condition—you must let me be your personal stylist and handle all the wedding shopping."

A burst of laughter erupted from within me, filling the room with contagious joy. Mallika playfully slapped my hand, the sting amplified by the winter chill. "Ow...ow...no violence, lady!"

"Say yes," she demanded, a sparkle of mischief in her eyes.

"Fine, fine, I'll go!" I acquiesced, a hint of mock resistance lacing my words. "Your answer didn't even matter to you. I know you would have dragged me by my hair if necessary."

"Well, when it comes to shopping, you are a tough nut," she replied, laughter bubbling forth as our years of trust  and love washed away any lingering tension. She enveloped me in a warm embrace, and I eagerly reciprocated, the familiarity of our connection bringing solace. Mallika's scent, a blend of salon sprays and her signature fruity perfume, enveloped me in a comforting embrace.

"Congratulations!" she whispered amidst our hug, her chuckles resonating against my ear. "I still can't believe you're getting married, and that too with Shivaay Singh Oberoi."

 "Even I can't"

••|•••|••

My wrists were filled with silver and blue coloured bangles while waist held a gold waist band. Both were making jingling sound echoing in my room. My neck was surrounded by diamond 'v' shaped necklace that was like  sticking to my skin, while my ankles were tied in silver anklets. Silvery earrings hanged in my ear and my parted hairline has our ancestory maang tikka. Of my grandmother, that was giver to maa by papa. 

I am ready now.

Ready in this royal blue coloured lehenga designed with zari work, which is designed by badi maa, we selected yesterday and it was looking all in all beautiful. My face dolled up with lightest makeup, just enhancing my features more and my hair was open down reaching my waist length with loose curls. 

My eyes observed this view of me infront, in the mirror as I glanced myself ensuring of being completely ready or not.

It's past four of evening  and in another hour it's my engagement at Oberoi Mansion.

After spending three hours at saloon and Mallika squeezing out as much detail as she can, we called Ryan and came home. We were ready, Mallika in anarkali white and red, long suit and I in lehenga when we stepped out of parlour. Needless to say, Ryan actually complimented us instead of insulting like always.

I was surprised when Mallika had wore my suit, and came out of changing room all ready.  When I pointed out that it's my suit, whole time complaining she didn't had enough patience and time to select and pack in early morning when they had to catch the flight in an hour.

Mallika and me are actually of same size, we are like treating each other's closet at hours. Even our bra size are same! Our skin and  eyes are also of similar colour, we got from our mothers' side gene. Only thing different is our hair, her is short deep brown with light brown flicks she had and mine is of chestnut colour, waist size length. Also a difference, she is an inch shorter than me, which she never accepts!

Right now I am in my room, alone, staring myself and thinking about this day. Finally the Engagement is coming!  Unknowingly, today I am feeling little bit of nervousness like some butterflies are flying inside my stomach, like I am turning colder but still my hands are warm. It's just ten times the feeling of roka!

"Aniii" Maa barged inside the room in hurry shouting my name. I glanced at her through the mirror only to see she froze at her place looking at me. She blinked back her tears being emotional.

"Haaye meri bachi, kitni pyaari lag rhi hai." She said coming towards me, turning me to her and kissed my forehead with love. She then put kala tika behind my ear while praying to keep evil eye from me, "Thu thu, kisi ki nazar na lage."

I smiled at her gesture and hugged her tight. She patted my forehead but I don't want to leave her. Her hug made me feel like I am her small Anika who always hides in her hug whenever feels uneazy.

"What happened Ani?" I heard her asking me softly while parting from hug. I shook my head and passed her a watery smile. She took my hand in her and caressed my cheek then asked softly, "Feeling Nervous?"

I shook my head in negative, but find myself voicing out, "a little"

She smiled, "I can understand bacha, it's normal to feel like this. You know when it was my engagement, in nervousness I made my mind to cancel the engagement itself." She chuckled looking at far somewhere, "then it was your father who came leaving the venue, to our house, in my room, held my hand and took me to venue. He didn't left my hand that day in the whole function. Our friends till now make fun of him!"

I saw her unshed tears as she recalled her moment. She turned around, I know, to hide them from me and said, "now come fast, we are getting late." Saying so she went outside.

I know how much she misses papa, how much she feel empty without him. Even I miss him a lot, not a single day went without remembering him. But today I am missing his presence a lot.

A lot than ever.

I try hard not slip into memories but seeing his photo on my wall of five year old me sitting in his lap made my eyes felt burning and glassy. I felt my head heavy as I remember how he used to plan and talk about my marriage and groom. How he had all his dreams regarding my marriage.

"Anii, it's getting late now. Come fast." Maa yelled from downstairs and I quickly  rubbed my tears off carefully remembering Mallika's warning to keep it intact. I saw in mirror, as makeup was waterproof it didn't smudge. I wore my heels lastly and made my way outside.

Ryan drove the car, with me sitting at back and maa at passenger seat, while Mallika has already left with Maasi in her car. Maasi- Mausaji had come when we were in parlour. My other relatives, the closed ones who lives near by will come today but mostly will directly attend the wedding.

We reached in front of Oberoi Mansion and I didn't even realise when these forty minutes of drive passed. Maa and me stepped down the car and she directed the driver for gifts to be taken inside. As it was a sunny day, thankgod it's not feeling that much coldness.

As Ryan held my hand, I saw some girl snickering around like her heart broke or hurt like hell. Ryan did look handsome in the black suit, attracting the attention of single as well as married women. However he ignored them, held my hand still trying making my mind to run off the engagement and assuring me honestly, he would keep ready the car in case I changed my mind!

Well, that's my bestfriend!

I saw the enterance of mansion decorated in a grand manner.I wouldn't have expected less but seeing it, made my hear swoon at the beauty.  I can only guess how preety it's going to be inside. We three, went inside only to be warmly welcomed by bade papa, badi mummy at entrance.

They complimented me and hugged me while wishing the best of luck. Maa got buzy with them, while some girl got buzy Ryan in trying flirting.

As soon as I spot dadi, I took her blessings and she seemed to be so happy seeing me. She  engulfed me in hug and then Prinku too hugged me happily. The whole living room has turned into an function hall with seats for guest and stage for us which has a big board, decorated with Shivaay and mine names.

Dadi made me introduced to many relatives, some were friends, some were cousins of Om Ru and some were important persons from office. I greeted them with a smile intact to my face and I do recieved many compliments. All this time Dadi gave duty to Prinku with me while my own maa got buzy with our own guests.

As our house was small so we booked a hotel for our relatives. My cousins come and teased me a lot but I quickly hushed them away with Mallika as I can see Prinku a bit uneazy with these many people in house.

"Are you okay?" I asked her, keeping my hand around her shoulder.

"Jii Bhabhi." She said passing me a small smile. If she was uncomfortable that day when I first met her so here itself is so many people. I can only make an idea how she must be feeling right now.

"Don't worry, we are with you Prinku." I assured  her, tried making her  comfortable. Oh she was so uneazy that till now couldn't even make an eye contact with anyone. I talked to her and try diverting her mind.

" By the way where are Om Ru? They aren't seem to be here." I asked her looking around, there is no trace of them.

Prinku chuckled before telling, "they both are with Shivaay bhaiya, Rudy is giving his special advices while Om bhaiya making bhaiya understand through his shayaris."

My my!

The view must be funny right now!  I bet Shivaay was rolling his eyes and yelling "shut up" on them.

I chuckled with Prinku and we continued talking for few more minutes. Many more guests came to meet me, they were like curious to know who is going to be Mrs Shivaay? Who finally won his heart? Or some were curious in sense like, who is the gold digger who get her paws on him? Who is she, how much is she? Bla bla bla...

When me and Prinku were left alone, I rolled my eyes telling Prinku how it really feels tiring. She chuckled but stopped suddenly, looking at something behind me.

"Bhabhi"  Prinku stopped me in between asking her and pointed at behind me.

I frowned and turn around to see what she was pointing, I look at the view and stood there, frozen on my spot. All the talkings, music, every bit chatter stopped in the room. Just the whispering passed through people.

Finally! The moment is close now! Few minutes more and you will be engaged, will be someone's fiance.
Not someone! But of Shivaay Singh Oberoi's, most eligible bachelor of country!

There was Shivaay, descending down the stairs slowly, with Om Ru on either of his side. I have heard from dadi about these three bond, saw Rudra's instagram pic too of how they does cook together, laugh together, does aarti together, attend parties together and whenever I see them I couldn't help but say 'aww'.  They seriously set the siblings goal for all!

Shouldn't it be crime to look this much attractively handsome?

Shivaay was in the same royal blue suit pant, which we selected yesterday. I didn't look at him in this attire  yesterday, he had tried and changed in the time I got in the lehenga.

   His shirt was white, with two top button open, his white sleeves were peeking out for about an inch through his coat's sleeves.  A beautiful brochure was pinned to his heart side and his jet black hair was gelled up perfectly yet messily.

He does looks like a freaking model, came out of the magazine cover page.

I took a deep breath seeing him coming towards my side, it's like we both have become centre of attraction as I felt people's stare on me too. We are centre of attraction today!

As he came in front, at some distance but still no one between us. He looked at me and for minor second he looked surprised, his eyes looking at me but  he kept himself intact composed. Our eyes met and it was a moment I felt everything else, every sound, everyone blurred out in this room but it's just his blue green orbs. This the guy I am going to engaged, the guy I am going to spend my next year.

"ooolala you are looking so beautiful bhabhi" It was Rudra who broke my trance and I immediately looked at him. He was standing beside Shivaay with Om and Prinku. Ohh! I didn't even realise when she left my side.

I thanked Rudra while Om too recited his one of shyari in my honour. I laughed and thanked him too while telling I really liked his style of praising. I complimented them, they are looking so handsome in formals, so different than usual. They both had wore the same colour that Shivaay had but their styles were totally different from each other.

Om Ru went away as someone called them and Prinku too went to meet her friend. Meanwhile I saw Shivaay coming to my side, I wondered why?

Well, you both are going to be engaged!

My unconscious reminded me and I just shrug my thoughts off. He came near me , looking at me, our eyes again locked, he nodded in acknowledgement. I was surprised by his action, nevertheless I also nodded at him, our eyes still locked and than he walked passed  me, without saying anything or stopping in his track  and just walked behind me. That's the first time, he ever acknowledged me, first time! That's the progress, isn't it?  For the first time, Shivaay Singh Oberoi didn't ignored me but acknowledged me, with a nod. A smile played on my lips. I felt happy in this moment.

I turned and saw he was greeting my Maa who in return hugged him happily. She and Dadi both were looking the most excited one in the hall for our engagement. These days she seriously even planned her grandchildren names too, so one can make an idea how excited she could be!

Ryan and Mallika came beside me, Mallika as usual teased me, fangirled on Shivaay and sailed the ship of 'Shivika'. Ryan as usual continued gushed to me if I want to run, there's is still time. On this, Mallika shushed him, whisper yelling him that how desperate she is to see Shivika together and he is thinking to eloping me! And at end I was the one stuck in between them.

"Bhabhii" I turned around, excusing from both of my crazy best friends, to see who is calling me this time.

A short preety girl in blue and white anarkali suit came to me and suddenly hugged me tightly. Like we are kind of best of friends or some old friends.  Even though I don't know who she is, I hugged her back, awkwardly patted her back. When we parted I looked at her confused. She was fair in colour, her jet black hair were open, and oh my!  falling to her hip line, she was short in length, not too thin or too chubby but cute as she was and her smile is so preety, creating two cute dimples on her fair cheeks. And I am a sucker for dimples! Wow!

"Woww! You are looking like a princess." She complimented me, with ting of aww in her tone, seeing my lehenga up to down.

  "Thankyou!" I passed her a genuine smile. Still I was confused, creases formed on my forehead. I am sure I haven't met her before, "I am sorry, I didn't recognise you. You are?"

From somewhere behind, Om immediately came to her side and wrapped his arm around her shoulder taking her by surprise.

Okay, I can now make a guess now who she is!

"Bhabhi, she is Gauri,--" Om said looking at her and she looked at him back, playfully shoving her elbow on his abs indicating to maintain distance. I chuckled at them, Om bending down in fake painful expression and Gauri giving him a cute glare.  Aww! they look soo adorable!

"The one you told me about?" I asked him excitedly to which he nod and stood at some good distance from her, murmuring something. Gauri rolled her eyes on him and stepped to my side and this time I engulfed her in a hug which she gladly returned.

Om excused while me and Gauri stood in silence for few minutes.

"So?" We both spoke at the same time and laughed at ourselves. That was the moment I knew I would definitely like Gauri and we might be good friends in future.

We got eazy and talked a little about Om, paintings, her career and about my wedding. She told me what she is doing nowdays and how she met Om, detailed  while I told her what I do. We get along well, like blend with each other really well in no time. She is just like Om Ru, instantly made me feel like we know each other from years and so eazy to get along.

"Anika- Shivaay" badi maa called us both, I turned to her and looked at Shivaay who was just behind me, he also turned and now stood by my side. Badi maa then said with a smile, "it's time now, come on the stage."

She informed us and I looked at my Maa. She nodded, in fast strides stood by side along with Mallika and Ryan. From distance, my maasi passes me smile and a thumbs up and I nodded to her. I looked around, there wasn't Papa's side of relatives but Maa's side were here and I am glad to see despite enviness they were having, they were at least genuinely happy for me.  Well most of them. Othermost I couldn't help with their sullen faces.

Meanwhile dadi got on his side followed by Om and Rudra.  I saw dadi whispering something to Shivaay and then he turned to me and stared me. I raised my eyebrows mouthing, "what". Meanwhile the spot light came only on us, we practically became centre of attention now. Everyone went silent and I could feel a lot of gaze on us. A lot.

Instead of answering  he offered his hand  infront of me and the crowd here 'wohoo'  excitedly as if we are in cricket stadium and a sixer has been shot.  Everyone sounded so happy and cheerful that my cheeks naturally turned scarlet shade of red hearing them.

"Go" Maa pestered me, patting my shoulder. I looked in Shivaay's eyes, he was already looking at mine. I brought my hands up and slided swiftly in his warm one, our palm against each other who in return he held it in a firm grip. Just like the morning!

People here cheered up more this time the moment our hand entwined. We walked to the stage, he did help me to climb by holding my hand in his firm grip as I was in this heavy lehenga and it's too difficult to climb.

As we stood on stage, infront of each other, priest did our tilak and tied some red colour auspicious thread on our wrist.

Then it finally came the time for ring ceremony. My heart did beat faster and I felt my inside clenching. I could see, he was just staring me with his expressionless orbs. It was him who have to first worn me the ring so he forwarded his hand asking for mine. My hands were turned cold suddenly. I passed it to him hesitantly. He held it and than took the ring from dadi.

Wow, I am quite surprised!

So Mr. has selected the same one I was admiring and which he didn't even liked it!  I looked at him amused but he concentrated on making me wear that.

Ouch! What is he doing? It's painful. My God!

Oh shit!
My fingers swell up in winters and this is god dammit not right day to swell. The ring he was making me wear stuck, in middle.

"Ouw!"

"You said it was of your size?" He murmured while passing smile to others and then glaring me as if I betrayed him.

I too smiled at dadi and Maa who has those confused expression now seeing our hand and said to him in hushed voice, "It is. But I didn't know my finger will swell up today!"

"You and your wrong timings!" he murmured still trying to slide but it got stuck in middle, now it can't come out or slide completely in.

"What's my fault in this?" I asked him frowning. Come on! It's natural, not that I have done this knowingly.

"Ohho Bhaiya now it's enough, how much more you want to hold bhabhi's hand." Rudra shouted teasingly from below making everyone else chuckle.

Shivaay gritted his teeth in irritation  and then mumbled looking at me, "okay! now don't shout."

He said and before I could ask what he is going to do, he, without anyone else seeing, had his finger dipped in oil of diya that was just beside us, applied on my ring finger and moved the ring to left and right and in a swift, made me wear it.

Oh my gosh! It was still painful! A shriek was about to shot out of my mouth but he pressed my palm, like I pinched his in the morning and I whimper silently.

I exhaled multiple times, smiled forcefully as everyone clapped. I will see you later, you baggadbilla! I stare him with sharp gaze and if looks could kill anyone he would have been  six feet under this very floor!

Now it was my turn, I took the ring from maa and thought to finish this up soon. I forwarded my hand this time, asked for his. This is the first time I am holding his hand in mine which was contradictory to my cold one, his was too warm. His hands were as  fair as his face and nails perfectly cutted in shape.

Is there any flaw this man has?

I slide the ring in his finger and could feel his stare on me. I looked up at him and everyone now hollered excitedly and burst the sparkle and rose petals on us. I  felt the flashes, cameraman was taking our photos. Along with many people's personal cameras were recording us.

"Congratulationsss"

Everyone shouted, cheered in happiness and we stood facing at them now. They were dancing, jumping, whisteling for us.

I smiled seeing them, at OmRu madness, and their bhangra dance. Though it wasn't my wish to stand here today and engaging but I couldn't help and chuckle at seeing them all.

"they are looking  so excited." I said it to myself but heard him saying, "over-excited."

I looked at him, he was looking at all with amusement like he didn't expect all this to be of this much madness.

"They are just happy", I said looking at him than at all our relatives.

"Atleast they are", he muttered looking at our front, I nodded to myself in agreement with him.

We then took dadi and maa's blessings together who in return pulled us both in hug. Bade papa, badi maa too pulled us in hug then Om, Ru, Prinku even Gauri too came and hugged us, or better say jumped on us shouting 'congratulations' on our ears.

"My ears are working fine Rudy." Shivaay shouted back on Rudra while rubbing his ears. Rudra just laughed and squealed even more in happiness.

Shivaay side hugged Gauri too with his affection, and care.

Wait, care?

That means he care about Gauri too! He isn't rude to her but happy to see her.

Great!

Not that I am jealous or something but everytime I wonder he could be nice with people out here, but keep indifferent attitude with me.

Someday I will found out what enmity he actually has against me!

Than comes my two best friends, Mallika pulled me in a hug, congratulated and gushed about how fairytale it looked. She in excitement, pulled Shivaay in hug, and I watched at that horrified. Oh god!

But to my surprise Shivaay didn't respond, neither pushed her away. Just stood still and thanked her, pulling away from her and standing straight. I introduced Ryan and Mallika to Gauri and Om-Ru  who claimed they become good friends in morning when I happened to be too buzy with hand in hand of Shivaay. Oh boy! That made me whole red! I could feel my cheeks and ear burning out and I was tongue tied to say anything.

While Mallika got buzy with Gauri Om and Rudra, there remains Ryan and Shivaay and me. Ryan side hugged me, his warmth engulfing me in brotherly hug, kissed on my head and congratulated me. I thanked him wrapping my arms around his waist, resting my head on his shoulder.

Feeling some blue green eyes peering  at my side, I parted from him and stood straight to Shivaay's side. He was looking at me with raises eyebrows, while I crooked my eyebrows asking in motion, 'what'. I looked back  and gave a look to Ryan who exhaled, straighten up his back and forwarded his hand infront of Shivaay, murmuring a formal "congratulation" him.

Now I gave the look to Shivaay, in warning to respond or else forget the contract thing, but nonetheless he shook it with Ryan muttering a dry 'thanks'.

Hash! That wasn't difficult, was it?

Answer: the cold, unfriendly look on thier faces says otherwise!.

Rudra pulled us all than  down the stage, where everyone is currently dancing. Here it was only dj lights and some dim lights making visible our surroundings.  Well, the music were kind of bore! Rudra, Gauri, Mallika and Me passed each other a knowing look.  Rudy went to dj, and now it was our desi punjabi song.

The music, the bass, the song boosted out of the speakers loud and booming, making our heart also feel the vibrations. This excited the hell  out of us and we all danced like mad ones full of energy and life!

I danced with Mallika, Ryan, Rudra and Gauri and  also pulled dadi and maa to stage while Gauri pulled Om who was standing with Shivaay. Prinku who was dancing beside Ryan, and seems comfortable now, went to Shivaay, tried pulling through his elbow on stage, but he shook  his head in a no and send back a pouted Prinku. Stubborn Singh Oberoi!

When an old song came, kajra mohabbat wala, Bade papa and badi maa too came themselves, hand in hand, smiling and chuckling, dancing in the  middle of us gaining a few oohos' and awws from all. They danced, seems like their own old time, with every facial expression and bade papa adoring her in every steps, passionately. When everyone cheered them up, badi maa blushed and tried going but bade papa didn't gaining more teasings from all of us.

They look so cute, I absolutely admire that couple!

Eventually, bade papa pulled Dadi, and Maa to stage, Maa pulled maasi than us youngesters joined them dancing on old songs remix versions. 

In between I saw Shivaay was standing with some of his business partner, talking, maybe discussing business and than and again, looking at all of us. I felt kind of bad that everyone else were enjoying and he was just standing there, boring himself.

"Doesn't your bhaiya know dancing!" I commented to Rudra who seems to now look around and  notice Shivaay standing and not dancing.

Rudra patted  Om's shoulder, pointing at Shivaay and gave him a knowing look to which he nodded with a mischievous smile!  They ran to Shivaay, and just made him sit on their shoulder and bring him here on stage.

Oh my god!

I laughed at the scenario. Others  attention shifted to  the scene too, as  Shivaay gasped and yelled  to leave him but they didn't listen anything and finally made him stand here in our family circle.

Song continued to blarred, Rudra and Om playfully shrugged their shoulder with Shivaay, motioning him to dance. All other seems to start dancing also. After a minute,  Shivaay gave in and I was surprised to see moving his hand, shoulder and hips in rhythm, he too danced with Om Ru, with Dadi, with bade papa - badi mummy, with Maa and with Gauri too. He looked happy with his family, he actually smiled and chuckled with them.

Dance went  for another twenty minutes, all engrossed in dancing full of energy, when suddenly the music got stopped making everyone hault in between their steps and they all whined for the music.

There Rudy was standing with mike and his face splitting smile,  "Come on Bhaiya- Bhabhi. This ceremony is incomplete without a couple dance. Right guys?"

I looked at him wide eyed, processing his words while everyone cheered up shouting our name. Mallika, Gauri, they both even pushed me in front towards the Shivaay.  Well, I wasn't ready for this!

"Come on Shivaay, prove it you are my son!" cheered up bade papa while patting on Shivaay's back. Meanwhile he glared Rudra and looked around him and his gaze landed upon me.

"Yes bhaiya, Bhabhi was doubting on your dance skills, now show her." Rudra said gaining a "ooho" from everyone, leaving the mike and he stood beside Shivaay.

I looked at him passing him a sharp look for spilling it out, to which he just winked.  I turned, gasped and, stood on toes haulting in my place to not crash on Shivaay's chest who was now suddenly  standing just infront of me.

Listening to Rudy, he looked at me raising his eyebrows, challenging look it was.

Romantic song came into life, janam janam from Dilwale movie.  Around me, everyone was looking at us only, awaiting for special dance. Environment turned demanding and eventually we gave into it.

"You know dancing?" I asked him in low voice for only him to hear. Seeing him, I am  unsure if he really knows it or not. Or we are going to embarrass ourselves infront of all!

He looked at me with a frown while his one hand reached to my waist making me gasp, pulled me towards him and with other he locked his finger with mine and raised up to our side. Mu other hand automatically settled over his other side of shoulder, over his court.

He smirked and before starting his first step while coming closer his face,  whispered in my ear, "that you will know in few minutes."

My breath turned heavy from now only, as I felt his hot breath on my ear tickling ans raising the goosebumps out of me. I felt his cold fingers having their own little dance on my bare skin around my waist. I look at his smirk, on his face formed because of my surprising reaction.

Gather the hell of yourself Anika, you have to show him, who is he messing with!

We started to sway our hips in rhythm, matching step with step, our eyes locked having challanging glint. Initially I was so engrossed in his proximity but with his fast steps I concentrated on dance, I matched with his every step, gave him the takkar ka competition!

Well, if he is dancing like a pro but I am also Anika, you are not less than him!

He pushed me than pulled me, made me swirl around himself by holding his finger. I matched with his each and every step in rhythm. And than he pulled me and lifted me up holding my waist, I bent my knees backward than, holding his shoulder. He take a round in that position, standing me on feet. When I started going, his hand grabbed mine, pulled me to his chest and hold my waist with both of his hand.

We danced looking in each other eyes, giving each other a little competition.  And lastly he made me fell in his arms. I gasped at his final step waiting to hit by floor or something, subconsciously clutching on his shirt tightly, in the most romantic dance position but here I am not a heroine who gets lost in hero with those twinkling eyes and it's not a movie.

Infact I am afraid that he will make me fall on floor and if he did I swear I will pull him too with me! He wasn't even affected by dance, still looks composed while here I am huffing due to our dance like I ran a few miles and  right now on his complete mercy.

We heard everyone clapping for our performance, hooting so much loudly but he didn't leave me.

"What are you doing? Leave me." I whisper-yelled at him. Well ignoring the fact he is too close than he should be.

"Okay" he said and smirked and I felt he was leaving his grip loose on my waist.

"Noonooo. Dare you leave me like that!" I shouted enough loud to not to be heard by others. I clutched even more tightly on his arms.

He had that annoying  smirk on his face, "So you were challenging me!"

I rolled my eyes and said mockingly,  "yeah yeah you dance... not that bad."

"Oh really?" He mocked me. Can't he see everyone are staring us!

"Fine. You dance great. I am fan of your every move." I gave him that extra sweet over cheerful smile than deadpanned, "Now would  you let me stand? Everyone is looking at us!"

He gave me that triumphant smirk and I glared him while he made me stood on my feet, in one piece.

••|••|••

Another hour went by, with Om, Ru, Gauri, Mallika teasings, on our as they called 'hot-sizzling-passionate' dance. Whereas Ryan stood, with a soft drink at corner just giving small smile and not much participating wherever Shivaay is involved. However in other topics he too bickered with Om Ru Mallika and Gauri. So that said I think I need not to worry about him.

On other hand was our Prinku, she didn't tease her bhaiya bhabhi, but her nervousness started overpowering her. She stayed mostly silent because of that. Eventually Shivaay talked her out, ensured her which made her better but not the best. He even offer to send all people out if she doesn't feel alright. Hearing Shivaay,  Prinku gave wide eyed surprised look to him, shaking her head vigorously and assured him she is alright, he need not to send all the guest back. To thank him, she hugged Shivaay, mumbling a 'i luv u bhaiya', Shivaay just hugged her protectively, wrapping his hand around her shoulder but didn't said back it aloud. He loved her sister, his action said it but words, he didn't said it out.

I smiled, while admiring their bond, stading aside, them. Shivaay and me were supposed to see guests off as they are making their way after dinner. Prinku left from their, where our little gang is laughing loudly and as another guest came, I thanked them and Shivaay shook his hand seeing them off.

As the guests left, and most of our relatives too. Only Oberoi family and my family including my two best friends left for the dinner. We all settled down on the dining table, dadi on head chair, beside her either side were Tej uncle and ....did I say Tej uncle? I meant bade papa and Shivaay,  followed by Jhanvi Aunty and me on respective sides. Mallika, Rudra, Om sat beside me, while across them sat Prinku Ryan and Gauri. And at last Maa on remaining other head chair.

Battering, cheering, joking, planning... all kind of conversation went on table. Ladies deciding on dresses, makeup, jewellery while guys discussing food, latest cricket match and bachelor party. Offcourse the last one was by Rudra. He initiated the conversation, while Om tried warn him about the elders sitting around. And for a moment everyone stopped seeing bade papa sternly saying his name but it turns out bade papa laughed out at him and told him his own bachelor party story, where badi maa gate crashed their party. The dinning hall boomed with everyone's laughter.

For once, when Shivaay's dad name mentioned in bade papa's story, I noticed him stopped in between eating, stopped his morsel in air for a single eating. In that second I realised even if he doesn't show it, he kept his emotions masked perfectly than any other of us but still, he misses them clearly.

Other thing I got surprised seeing on dining table, Ryan getting along with Tej uncle freely, without any of his rivalry thing or any differences. Tej uncle too, treated him as his own son. There wasn't any kind of tension that he claims two rivals have, between them.

When everyone were buzy discussing about Udaipur, I felt something on my knee . Or rather some blue eyed man's hand, patting there.

I looked at him questioningly, raising my eyebrows, while he removed his hand and motioned with his phone to my phone. I exhaled, picking my phone up and laughed something Mallika was saying without even listening. Powering on the screen of mobile I saw a whatsapp message of him.

Shivaay
08:53 pm

Meet me in my room.

I looked at Shivaay surprised, he was buzy in conversation with Dadi.

Anika
08:57

Meet you in your room? Are you kidding me!

Shivaay
08:58

I mentioned it before, I don't kid around. However you are forgetting about our morning meeting. Everything is ready now.

Anika
09:00

Yeah. I remember dat.
But hw d hell will I come out of here! Everyone is around.

Shivaay
9:02

Nobody will say anything.
I am leaving now. Meet me in ten.

Anika
9:03
Oe hello, I can't come there in your room, like that. I am not coming!

He didn't even see my last message. But as he was about to stand up, and excuse himself, Dadi called him out, "Shivaay puttar"

Shivaay sat back, looked at dadi, "ji dadi."

"Tune Anika ko aaj kuch gift diya yaa nahi?" Dadi asked, making him confuse and for now everyone else has also stopped talking, listening to the conversation intently.

Shivaay shook his head in negative, asking cluelessly, "Gift? Dadi I didn't know."

"Puttar, aaj tumhari sagai hui hai, you should give something to Anika." She said.

Shivaay nodded, "Ji dadi." 
And than stood up, excused himself from all of us. After few minutes badi maa, bade papa and maa too excused themselves going to living room, while I waited for a moment to scoop out of here.

It's been twenty minutes, I try going but Mallika or Rudra both didn't let me go. Finally giving a excuse for bathroom, I walked from there fast when I was out of their sight and hiding behind the pillars, I as fast as I can climb the stairs in this heavy lehenga, I marched to Shivaay's room.

I knocked, and before he could say come-in, I barged into it. Closing it behind me, hiding from everyone who could see me.

"What are you doing?" He asked me, amused with my action and me panting against his door.

I showed him my hand, showing him my hand, motioning to wait as I gulped a large fill of air. "Yo..u don't know! How difficult it is to run in this lehenga and come hiding from all!"

"You ran hiding from all?" He asked raising his eyebrows, the file in his hand, he closes it back.

"Yeah! Offcourse or else what do you expect, to tell them truth and be victim of there endless teasings!" I scoffed, making my way to his bed and sitting down at corner.

While he looked at me raising eyebrows, cleared his throat, "whatever!"

"So?" I sigh, stiffling my yawn a little. Looking at him with tired eyes.

He went to his study table, picket out the file, naming contract with todays date and handed it to me. "It's ready. You can read them."

I nodded, taking the file, and started reading it, carefully while he sat down on his study table chair, facing my side.

After two minutes of engrossed reading, my eyes watered because of sleep and I rubbed them roughly, stifling more yawning.

"What are you doing, you will ruin the papers!" He complained as one of my sleepy eye tear dropped on his sheet and I rubbed that off.

"Not my fault! I am exhausted and you caught me on wrong timing!" I snapped at him.

"Not only you are exhausted, everyone is tired this late!" Still his face cringed at the sight of spot where my tear felt.

I snapped at him again, "do you want it now or not? Or else I could keep it with me till I want!"

"Fine fine. Read it and sign. I won't say anything!" He gave up, sitting back quietly. It's just show how desperate he is for damn papers!

"Good." I mumbled and get back to reading, again rubbing my eyes vigorously.

He had made all the points clearly, the one I said the same way is mentioned here. Everything seems alright, every clause clear and he had already signed them.  I forwarded my hand to him motioning for a pen, he gave me his expensive black pen, our fingers touched, his hot and warm while mine was cold.

He looked at me, I uncapped the pen, looking down at my name.

If I signed it, major deal will be I couldn't get divorced even if I want, in our first year. If I signed it I will officially entitled to act certain way with him for a year. If I signed it-- don't overthink Anika!

Thinking, it's the right way and for our family and our happiness I finally signed my name there, officially agreeing to be in a contract marriage with him!

I looked up at him, handed him the contract. He took it, safely keeping in his file back. I stood up, seeing the time it's about to ten, and we have to leave soon.

"Anika" he called me out as he saw me leaving his room.

"Yeah?"

"There's... something---" He said, with hand gesturing something that I didn't get it.

"Oh yeah," I said in a non chalant way, with a small smile, "it's okay! You are welcome!"

He looked at me standing staight uptight, gestured to himself, raising his brows, he asked "I  am what? What are you even talking about?"

"You are thanking me na" I shrugged of my shoulder, said in a duh-uh tone. "For the papers? The contract! I think it's kind of a good way. This cou--"

"Anika" He stopped me there, "It's good you think that, but I wasn't thanking you."

"Than?" I asked raising my brows, a frown ceased on my forehead.

He didn't answer me, but came towards me, held my hand. His hands still warm and strong and hard.

"Shivaay" I looked at him than the hand. He started leading me across the room, "what are you doing?"

"That!" He said, pointing behind me, turning me over " I was talking about the thing on your face."

"Oh my god!"

It's miracle he didn't ran away in the hills screaming out loud!  I look utter mess now. The hairstyle I totally ruined it by multiple scratching to these pins, my makeup is intact except, I bite my lip multiple time and ate little amount of lower lip lipstick and than my eyes! Those were the horrible! I have totally ruined my mascara, specially the left eye, the whole black thing make me look like a horror movie spirit!

"I look like a mess!" I muttered, bending towards the mirror for close up look.

"Indeed" he muttered and sharply turned around, glaring at him hard.

"You should never agreed to a woman when she say that! I snapped at him and started cleaning the mascara rubbing through my thumb.

"So, you want me to lie?" He asked

"Better than the truth!" I murmured too, buzy rubbing it.

"Here, take this!" He said, handing me a klinex tissue from his dressing table.

"Thanks" I said at my back, searched for some lotion on his dressing but here were all man's grooming things like cologne, man's cream, hair brush, hair gel etc etc which I didn't actually identify.

"Don't touch the dressing table," he took me by surprise, "you are dirting it!"

I saw what he is talking about, indeed I had blackened his white dressing table wood by holding with my already mascara spot hand.

"Well, someone  here is too fuzzy about cleanliness!" I commented taking my hand back and trying hard to clean the mascara! Damn, it doesn't seem to go away. My skin itched and has some redness there.

"God!" He said under his breath, before pulling me by my shoulder to his side. "Who does it like this? You are literally rashed up there by vigorous rubbing your skin!"

"I can do that!" I whinned, not at all trying to do that myself! What? I am tired and sleepy and want to just go home.

"Yeah I can see that! Now be silent and stand still."

I looked at him silently, as he snatched the tissue from my hand, and I heard him opening his dressing tabe drawer behind me, doing something but I didn't  turn and look, just stood there, frozen.

This time, there was some cotton in his hand, dipped with white coloured lotion, he stood at a step away, facing me and slowly he brought his hand up, on  my face and dabbed the cotton ball, near my eyes. All with gentleness.

It was soothing, it felt cool on my hot skin there, it did relieve my rashness. And I was again surprised to see this cold, stiff man could be capable of this gentleness. His eyes whole time remained on my cheek and near my eyes, concentrated on his work intently to clean it up and there was this little frown in forehead I noticed he does have when he concentrate hard.

Lastly, he threw the cocoa butter smelling cotton ball and rubbed my cheek gently with his thumb. Oh boy! His touch so soft, so light, so warm!  His touch barely there as if he thought I am some glass-doll and break down if pressure applied to his touch.

"Here, see done now!" He said, lastly rubbing off his thumb near the side of eyes and--

"Bhaiya"

"Ani!"

"Shivaay?"

"Bhabhi"

Oh crap! Oh crap! OH CRAP!

••|••|••

EXTRA