Annika went to the backyard to join the youngsters as they enjoyed. She went ahead and sat beside Gauri when Rudra said,

R: So Annika Di, Bhaiya so gaye? Ya jaise khilaya, waise sulaya bhi?

Annika was taken aback when she heard Rudra and blushed slightly, while the others began to chuckle.

A: Nothing like that Rudy. Tumhare bhaiya na, he's so stubborn. That's why I had to forcefully feed him like that. Waise, tumhe kaise pata?

R: Maine dekh liya tha jab main apko dhoondney gaya tha. I wanted to call you but you seemed busy, no?

Annika blushed once more, and Gauri, Bhavya, Ranveer, and Maya were delighted to see her blushing and acting normal again like she used to be, a few years ago.

***

Shivaay was in an exceptionally cheerful mood the next day. It was because he had gotten two new deals early in the morning and his headache had vanished. Not because of the doctor, but because of the medicine. At least, that's what he convinced himself of.

When he returned to the kitchen for his espresso, he discovered Annika brewing tea for herself. He went close the coffee machine to serve himself, not making the same error as the last time, when Annika offered him a cup.

He looked horrified seeing the cup in her hand when he felt her touching his hand and handing him that cup. He saw her coming close to him, whispering 'Don't worry, SSO' before she moved away. He exhaled deeply, releasing a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

He took a sip after another thorough inspection of the cup, still afraid. But he was taken aback when he discovered it exactly how he liked it. There's no sweetness in this, and it's bitter but not overpowering. The aroma was perfect. Overall, an SSO Perfect Espresso.

***

Annika sat across from Shivaay at the breakfast table, and she couldn't help but notice his every motion. His hair was flawless, his jawline was beautiful, and his beard was neatly groomed. It's not too much, and it's not too little. Not to mention those enticing blue eyes that seem to beckon to her. Above all, when he is among his family, particularly his brothers, he smiles and acts himself. Gauri was correct, she realized. When it came to the people he cared about, he was unique.

Shivaay suddenly looked up to see her staring at him. She flushed and looked down when she realized what she'd done. This wasn't intended to happen. She wasn't supposed to be affected by anyone's feelings. Not again.

***

When Avantika approached them after breakfast, the youngsters were chatting between themselves.

Av: Anni, Gauri, Bhavya, get up and help around. It's your sister's wedding and you're all sitting here like brides.

Ro: Gauri, Bhavya, come with me. I need your help in selecting the dresses for Maya. Anni, tu jaake apni ma ki help karde.

D: Avantika Puttar, give us something to do as well.

V: Maa ji, but how? You are all guests here. How can we make you work?

D: Kyun? Maya humari bhi toh beti jaisi hai, toh humara bhi farz banta hai. Kyun, Pinky, Janhvi?

J: Yes you're right mummy ji. We're all family. So, feel free to give us any work.

P: Aur nahi toh kya? Avantika, I'm tellings you, main teri har cheez mein helps karne wali hoon, no matter what you says.

Av: Okay Pinky. If you all say so.

Annika, Om, Priyanka, Rudra, and Ranveer were conversing on the other side when Vanshika called Annika again.

V: Anu, you go to the place where the stage is to be placed for the engagement ceremony and put the lights.

Annika nodded and was leaving when Dadi spoke,

D: Anni, how will you do it alone? Billu, go help her.

A: Billu? Dadi, we don't have a cat here? And even if there was, how would it help?

Everyone laughed, save Shivaay, who stood there with his palms on his face.

D: Beta, hai na yeh billu tere paas mein? Main Shivaay ko pyar se Billu bolti hoon. Ankhen nahi dekhi uski? Ekdum billi jaise hai. Pyare pyare.

Hearing Dadi, Shivaay scowled and spoke,

S: Dadi, ho gaya? Annika, let's go.

A: Okay. Let's go, Billu Ji.

Shivaay was taken aback and said,

S: Do not call me that.

Annika simply smirked and walked away, followed by Shivaay, who glared at Om, Ru, and Pri who were laughing.

***

Shivaay was holding the ladder and passing the lights to Annika, who was standing on it. She suddenly slid and closed her eyes, fearful of falling. But she didn't feel anything. When she opened her eyes, she saw a lovely pair of blue orbs staring at her brown ones.

They were still locked in stares, Shivaay holding Annika in her arms, when a woman exclaimed,

W: Anni.

Annika turned around to see her closest friend, who stood there with huge eyes. Shivaay was so taken aback that he didn't even attempt to put Annika down.

Annika patted his shoulder, causing him to turn and look at her. He realized he was still holding her and put her down after she signed him to.

Annika hugged her friend as she moved towards her, with a cautious chuckle.

A: Malli. How are you?

After receiving no response from her, Annika turned to see where she was looking and discovered that she was staring at Shivaay, who was also staring back at her.

Mallika approached Shivaay.

M: Hey Shivaay. How come you're here?

S: Maya's a family member. I'm here to attend her wedding.

Annika was somewhere happy when Shivaay mentioned her family as his.

A: Malli. Billu Ji. You guys know each other?

Mallika was taken aback when she heard her refer to Shivaay as something only his Dadi had the right to do.

M: Billu?

Shivaay glared at Annika and spoke,

S: Annika, I've asked you not to call me that. And yes, we do know each other. Since college. We were class mates.

Mallika forced a smile and said,

M: And?

S: And we used to date.

Annika looked shocked at Shivaay and Mallika. She realised that, Shivaay is the one Mallika fell in love with. He was her first love. The one who broke her heart. The one whom she never named in front of her before today.

________________________________