Hey guys, so I've been really sick for the past couple of days, having caught a terrible cold. I don't feel like getting out of bed much less do anything else, but managed to write this short chapter because not updating for too long doesn't sit well with me these days. Hope y'all understand :)

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The morning was bright and shining and it got to Annika in the jolliest ways possible. Her usual chirpy nature was at a peak today and though she had no clue why, there was a skip to her steps and a stupid romantic song on her lips that refused to leave as she continued making breakfast. She tried persuading herself that this sudden surge of happiness was because of a certain letter that had arrived early morning, saying that her kiddo brother had gained admission in one of the best boarding schools in the country on 100% scholarship because of his commendable performance in school. The sister cum mother in her was immensely proud of  the little guy, although she would have to bid farewell to him in a week when term started.

However, a part of her also knew that the happiness wasn't owing to this particular news only. Sh knew, but was refusing to admit, that it was because of what had happened last night too. She had been furious when Shivaay had introduced himself as her boyfriend to Mayank but had felt light-headed at the same time too.

Shivaay Singh Oberoi's girlfriend

The very thought was making her smile uncontrollably, and no matter how much she tried to convince herself that it was all just a drama, it wasn't helping. The mere memories of last night had her feeling high on adrenaline. The way he had held her possessively, kissed her cheek, asked for a goodnight kiss at the end. The way they had practically fed each other at the restaurant. It was all so new to Annika, but felt so good. She had never had the time to imagine things like those that most other girls did, of having a boyfriend and having such sweet moments, but now she saw where they were coming from. She was herself, in all her 23 year old glory, acting like a teenage girl and there was no escaping from the fact that the baggad billa had induced this in her. Curse that stupid cat!

"Why are you smiling, didi?" Sahil asked with a teasing tone while munching on his breakfast of aloo puri, the only dish Annika could make properly because of her immense love for the food. Biting her cheek, Annika tried to compose herself.

"Nothing," She shrugged, "Still happy about you admission, of course." Sahil rolled his eyes and muttered a "Whatever you say", knowing that his sister and the man in question would do everything in this world other than admit their feelings for each other. He would really need to have a talk with Rudy and Om bhaiya to get these two thick-heads together. He was thinking all these and making weird irritated expressions when his sister called him out on it.

"What's wrong? Aise mooh kyu bana raha hai?" She asked him, hands on hips. Dare he insult her cooking again...

Sahil gulped, and was about to come up with a lame excuse, when Annika's phone rang. The sudden shy smile on her face told him it was SSO's call, and he blessed the guy mentally for saving him. If, or should he say when, the man became his Jiju properly, Sahil would surely thank him.

Annika made an excuse to her brother saying it was an important call, and moved towards the bedroom, not noticing the knowing smile Sahil gave. She entered the room and picked up the call, not before taking a deep breath so that she didn't dissolve into a gushy mess just by the sound of his manly voice.

""Hello?"

"Hey." Ah, that damned voice.

"What do you want?" Annika tried bringing some annoyance into her voice, knowing it would rattle him.

"What's got you fussed so early in the morning? It's a beautiful day outside." Shivaay drawled, as if he was reclining on his personalized massive throne. He probably was, Annika thought with a silent giggle. She wouldn't put it past him.

"Come to the point, will you? I have work to get to."

"Ah, your work. How's it going, anyway? I had meant to ask yesterday but had gotten distracted in...other things." Annika cheeks flushed pink at that, and she was so thankful that he wasn't in front of her.

"Great, actually. Mrs. Malhotra is so nice," she gushed, "And Rohit, he is just-"

"Okay okay," Shivaay interrupted her quickly, and Annika laughed with a palm against her mouth to not make any noise, "I don't wanna hear about your oh-so-amazing-boss, alright? I only called because Badi Ma and Mom wanted to know when you're coming over. They need to make sure your dress for tomorrow's event fits, accessorize it, decide on your make-up and hairstyle, yada yada."

Annika giggled, knowing that all these womanly necessities were lost on him.

"I'll come over in the evening after work." She replied. Shivaay hummed, and somehow they both looked for something to say in order to prolong the conversation.

"See you in the evening, then," Shivaay said when he could no longer avoid the fact that he had to get to office for an important meeting. Annika nodded in response, before of course realizing he couldn't see her and saying "Okay." They were just about to hang up, when Annika decided to leave behind her tadi for a while.

"Oh, Shivaay?" She said. 

"Yeah?" He asked, voice laced with something akin to hope.

"Can you come pick me up from work today?"

It was probably just her imagination, but Annika could practically feel his full-blown smile through the phone.

"Yeah, I guess so. Sure." Shivaay said, trying to act as nonchalant as possible but feeling his heart doing somersaults inside. Annika smiled knowing that he was just showing tadi because of course one of them had to, right?

"Great. See you at 7." 

Saying so, she hung up and hugged the phone close to her chest, adding up just that much touch of a teenage girl with a crush.

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Btw guys, sorry I wasn't able to reply to anyone's comments on the last chapter, will get to it soon! Hope you liked this and please vote/comment if you did. Sorry for the short length of the update; hopefully next one will be longer, as I wanna get everything Pre-Business Event finished there. Loads of love <3