The next day, the mansion was a hive of activity as everyone prepared for the sangeet function. When Annika arrived downstairs, Shivaay was sitting in the living room, working on his laptop.

S: Anni. Kahin ja rahi ho?

A: Yeah. Actually, I need to go to the hospital and let them know that I can't be joining their branch here in Dehradun. So, if they could shift my name to the Delhi branch.

S: Oh okay. Have something at least. You didn't even come for breakfast.

A: No it's fine. I'm not hungry anyway. Bye.

Saying this she left while Shivaay felt like Annika was ignoring him.

***

During the evening sangeet ceremony, all of his doubts were confirmed. Harsh and Shakti announced in the Sangeet that Shivaay and Annika are also engaged, and that they will marry on the same day as Maya and Aditya.

Everyone came out to congratulate Annika and Shivaay as they stood together. Shivaay wore a floral sherwani, while Annika wore a white netted dress with a floral dupatta.

Vikram and Ragini came forward to congratulate them. Annika entwined her arms with Shivaay and smiled at them.

V: Congratulations, Annika-Shivaay.

S: Thank you, Vikram.

Ragini merely gave Annika a false smile and gave Shivaay a flirty smile, saying,

R: Congrats Annika. And you too, Shivaaaay.

Annika drew Shivaay closer before responding to Ragini after hearing her drawl Shivaay's name. 

A: Thank you, Nagini. Oops sorry. Ragini. If you're done, can you and your husband move away so that others can come forward.

Rolling her eyes at Annika, Ragini moved forward pulling Vikram with her. The moment they left, Annika left Shivaay's arm abruptly and glared at him while Shivaay was confused.

After some time had passed, it was time for all of the performances to begin. Annika was ignoring Shivaay the entire time, and Shivaay was becoming enraged. He was on the edge of exploding at her, but he kept his cool. He dragged Annika to her room without being spotted after they had all finished dancing

***

A: What is this Shivaay? Why did you pull me here? Sab kya sochenge?

S: I don't care. You're ignoring me.

A: I'm not.

S: Yes you are. I've been watching since yesterday. You're not talking to me properly. Breakfast mein bhi nahi ayi. When I asked you to go after eating something, you just denied and left.

Shivaay cradled her face in his hands and gazed into her eyes.

S: What's bothering you Anni?

Annika simply lowered her head.

A: Nothing, Shivaay. I'm just tensed for work. Nothing else.

S: Jhoot. I know you enough to know when you're lying. What's going on?

Annika sighed as she sat on the bed. Shivaay sat next to her and took her hand in his. He was firm in his tone.

S: Batao mujhe.

Annika quickly engulfs him in a hug. Shivaay hugs her back tighly. He stroked her hair while she kept her head on his chest.

A: Do you regret leaving Malli?

Shivaay was shocked hearing her.

S: What? What makes you think that?

A: I saw you guys. You were cupping her face and consoling her.

S: Anni, that's because she was crying. And she felt insecure that she lacks something. I was just explaining to her as a friend. But why did you act rude to her?

Before responding, Annika frowned. Shivaay kept staring at her, waiting for a response.

A: Woh, kuch nahi. I just recalled how she wanted to have sex with you.

Shivaay smirked and replied,

S: Someone's being possessive.

Annika turned to look at him. She glared seeing his smirk and replied,

A: Aisa kuch nahi hai. Waise, jab woh Nagini flirt karne ki koshish kar rahi thi aapse, why didn't you say anything?

S: Haw, when did you let me say anything, tumhi ne use suna diya aur mujhe glare kar rahi thi.

A: Haan toh? You're my fiancé, why'd she flirt? Cheapdi kahiki.

Annika grimaced as she said it. Shivaay grinned and drew her in closer. Annika gasped as she felt him close to her. Shivaay reached forward and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. 

He took a step back to see her reaction and noticed that she was closing her eyes and breathing heavily. Her face didn't show any signs of distress. He blew slowly as he moved his face near her ear. Annika wrapped her palms around the fabric on his chest and tightened them. Shivaay said softly in her ear,

S: Jealous much?

A: Hmm.

Shivaay smirked and pulled back,

S: Hmm?

Annika opened her eyes and frowned at him, realizing what she had spoken.

A: No, Mr. Oberoi.

S: Really?

Saying this Shivaay pulled her towards him while she gasped.

A: Shivaay, yeh aap kya kar rahe hai?

S: Kya kar raha hu?

He moved towards her neck and inhaled her fragrance, while Annika spoke shyly,

A: Shivaay.

S: Are you uncomfortable?

He inquired as he stepped back a little. She gave him a quick nod denying and caressed his face, watching him tend to her needs. He smiled understanding that their proximity was affecting her at equal measure and moved back into her neck, slowly rubbing his nose there, while she bit her lips to keep her moans in check.

A: Shivaay, koi aa jayega.

She whispered losing her control.

S: I don't care.

A: Koi dekh lega hume aise.

S: Dekhne do.

He stared her in the eyes as he raised his head from her neck. With one hand, he cupped her face and caressed it. Annika flushed as she closed her eyes.

Both of them were lost in the moment. Shivaay moved towards her neck again and slowly pecked her there when Annika gasped and whisper moaned,

A: Shivaay!

Shivaay moved back to examine her face as she pressed her fists on his chest even more. They locked their gazes. Only a few inches separated their faces. Annika's gaze was drawn first to his lips, then to his eyes.

They were getting closer when Harsh abruptly called Annika's name. Hearing him, Annika pushed Shivaay off the bed. Harsh entered the room at that very moment, but he was unable to see Shivaay since he was hidden by the bed.

H: Anni. I had been looking for you? Why're you here?

A: Actually Papa, I was feeling a bit tired so came here to rest.

H: Are you okay? You look so red?

Annika forced a grin as Harsh spoke up and touched her forehead. 

A: Woh, nothing Papa. Just due to tiredness.

H: Okay. Come downstairs when you feel fine, bachche. I'll let everyone know you're here. Have you seen Shivaay?

Annika and Shivaay both got shocked and Annika replied,

A: No, Papa. He must be downstairs.

H: Okay, beta. Take care. I'll leave.

He then walked away, stating this. Annika dashed over to the door and slammed it shut. She then proceeded to Shivaay, where she discovered him resting on the floor next to the bed. Watching him glare at her, she hurriedly extended her hand to him, which he grasped. With a puppy's face, Annika said,

A: Sorry. Woh Papa came and I didn't get any other idea.

Slowly settling into bed, he responded,

S: That's why you pushed me down the bed. Wow.

Annika dashed over to him and gently massaged his back as he groaned.

A: Sorry sorry. Wait. Take your clothes off.

Shivaay gave her a wide-eyed gaze.

S: Kya?

Annika realised what she said and replied,

A: I mean, I need to put spray. Take the sherwani off so that it's easy.

S: No need for that. Just give me a painkiller. I don't like the smell of spray anyway.

A: Okay. As you wish.

She handed him the medicine and he gulped it. After a while, Annika spoke,

A: Can you move?

S: Of course, Annika. I'm not paralysed.

He sneered at her making Annika smacked him across the arms before speaking,

A: Don't talk nonsense. I said sorry, no? Now let's move downstairs or else everyone will become police looking for us.

S: Fine.

They arose slowly and proceeded to go downstairs.

_________________________________