Hi guys. Hope you're all doing well. I'm sorry I couldn't reply to the comments on the last chapter due to my busy schedule.

As far as I can see, the target has not been met. Nonetheless, I'm posting this for the benefit of my regular readers. But, to be honest, I'm very disappointed. There are about seven chapters left before the book is declared finished. But the way things are going, I'm not sure I'll be able to finish this book.

It's quite distressing. Please take the time to vote. Please.
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Most details of the places have been taken from google. No copyright infringement intended.
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S: Anni. Don't take a shower.

A: What, why? We're heading out in an hour, no?

S: We are. But I want to take you somewhere. You don't have to shower before we go there. In fact, pack some fresh clothes too.

A: But where are we going?

S: That's a surprise, baby.

Annika glared looking at him while he was scrolling through his emails. She approached him and pulled his phone from his grip, startling him.

S: Kya?

A: I think you're on honeymoon, Mr. Oberoi. Mind keeping work aside?

S: I just worked today, Anni. It's an important deal so..

A: I don't care. I'm sure Bade Papa and Papa could handle. Lekin aap toh hai na, Workaholic Singh Oberoi, kaise reh sakte hai business ke bina, no?

S: Okay, sorry. I won't do it anymore. Now, please get ready, baby.

He talked quickly to calm his wife down before she exploded in rage. They left after getting ready for the spot only Shivaay knew about.

***

Annika was taken aback when she saw Shivaay escorting her to a certain area of their hotel. She was surprised as soon as they arrived at the location for they were at a Hammam's entrance.

Usually, the Hammam was timed for each gender but due to the power of Shivaay Singh Oberoi, and his shares in the hotel, he was able to persuade the authorities to allow them to take a couple bath.

Annika was intrigued by the magnificent decor of the place as they walked in.

The first hammams were discovered in Arabia, and it was the Turks who popularized them by allowing everyone access. The Ottomans brought their own bathing practices with them when they conquered Constantinople (now Istanbul) from the Romans in 1450. The Turk Ottomans quickly learned about Roman bathing customs and incorporated them into their own. As a result, a completely new cleansing ritual was established, one that adhered to Islamic standards and laws. It was given the name Hammam by the Turks, which means "the spreader of warmth".

Annika and Shivaay entered the changing room and changed into a bikini and towel, respectively, before heading to the spa room.

S: Looking hot, wifey.

A: You don't look any less, SSO.

Shivaay smirked when he heard her. Two girls entered the spa room just as he was going to come closer to her, forcing him to back away. Annika stood there watching as Shivaay examined the bikini-clad girls from head to toe.

G1: Sir, Ma'am, please lie down. We'll start now.

Shivaay nodded immediately taking his place while Annika was shocked learning that both the girls were to bathe them.

***

Shivaay flopped on the bed as soon as they entered the room, while Annika stood there staring at him.

S: Kya hua?

A: Bada maza aa raha tha aapko, when the girl was bathing you, no?

Shivaay smirked and yanked her on top of him, causing her to collide with his chest.

S: Someone's jealous.

He cocked his head and smirked.

A: I'm not jealous. I'm territorial.

S: Doesn't look like it, baby.

He spoke nuzzling into her neck while she closed her eyes at the proximity.

A: Really? Then just imagine, if I was there with a guy, flirting openly while he flirted back and touched me....

His lips didn't let her finish as he drew her into a ferocious kiss, demonstrating his possessiveness.

S: Don't you dare. You're mine. Only mine.

A: Then you're only mine too. Remember that.

Shivaay flipped them over and began smothering her with kisses all over her neck, causing her to gasp. He moved apart as though realizing something, causing her to grimace.

A: What?

S: Get ready. I'm taking my wife for a date.

He spoke kissing her cheek, making her smile.

A: We have enough time for a quickie, SSO.

She said while leaning in for a kiss, which he avoided, causing her to scowl.

A: Kya?

She whined.

S: We have time for that at night, baby. Now get ready. We'll be late, or else.

He spoke as he stood up, making her grimace. She shrugged it off and got up to get ready as well.

***

As they got closer to their destination, Annika was ecstatic. Shivaay extended his hand to her, as they boarded the cruise ship, making her grin brightly.

Breathtaking views open up as you cruise the Bosphorus strait, which divides Europe from Asia. Stunning sites such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace provide the backdrop as you enjoy Turkish cuisine, a fiery belly dance, and a folklore show.

Istanbul is a beautiful crossroads where East and West collide. It is here that the historic waters of the Bosphorus separate two continents, Europe and Asia. The sun sets over world-famous sites, minarets, and historic villas along the strait, providing you opportunity to relax, lie on cushions, take in the magnificent scenery, and have a drink from your roomy boat's open bar.

An evening sail in the Bosporus Strait will allow you to physically move between Europe and Asia. The views from the river after dusk may be really unforgettable, as the city comes alive with glittering lights. Some of Istanbul's spectacular attractions, such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, may still be seen from afar. You may enjoy a feast of traditional Turkish mezze, as well as belly dancers and other colorful folk acts, under the stars.

A: This is so beautiful, Shivaay!

S: I'm glad you liked it, baby.

He spoke kissing her cheeks.

S: Come, let's settle down. It'll move soon.

As they stood along the railing, watching the sunset, the waiter brought them both a glass of wine. After Shivaay signed her to, Annika smiled and collected the glass from her tray. She glanced towards Shivaay when the waitress had left.

A: SSO, I don't drink.

S: It's non-alcoholic, babe. You can drink this.

She smiled as he took her to the dining hall, where everyone was already seated in preparation for the evening's show. Shivaay dragged Annika upstairs with him after a delicious supper punctuated by dancing and magic performances. She was taken aback when she saw him scan a card and open the door to the terrace.

A: How do you have access to this?

S: Well, Missus, I am Shivaay Singh Oberoi.

He smirked proudly, causing her to roll her eyes. He chuckled at her reaction before tugging her along with him.

***

Annika was completely enthralled by the scene in front of her. The entire space was decked out in red rose petals and candles to match their attire. She was perplexed when she noticed food on the table covered by a cloche. 

A: We just ate, right? Food again?

S: That's for later. Now, would you mind a dance with me, Mrs. Oberoi?

He spoke with a smile on his face and extended his hand towards her in a gentlemanly manner, making her grin. She kept her hand on his, and the two of them began to move with the soft music playing in the background.

Shivaay took her by the waist and swirled her around, causing her laughter to reverberate throughout the area, making him smile openly in delight. He put her down and hugged her from behind, nuzzling into her neck as he softly sang the lyrics into her ears, causing her to close her eyes in joy.

Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight

Annika sank into his chest, her eyes closed with a smile as he hugged her from behind, kissing her hair every now and then.

S: Anni.

Annika hummed hearing him.

S: Open your eyes.

She nodded and turned to face him, only to be greeted with a broad smile that made her fall even deeper in love with him. He gently pecked her lips and motioned for her to turn in the direction he indicated.

Annika smiled and turned her head to the sky as he spoke. Looking at the spectacle in front of her, she couldn't stop her tears from streaming.

There it was, fireworks in the sky, writing 'Happy Birthday, my love'- reminding her of her own birthday that she had forgotten. She turned towards Shivaay and pulled him into a kiss, pouring out all her love into it, to which he gladly returned.

After the kiss, he pressed his foreheads together, savoring their love and oneness. He muttered a 'Happy Birthday' to her once more, kissing her forehead deeply, before embracing her in a bone-crushing hug that made them both smile.
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Target: 200 Votes