The media was in a frenzy as Shivaay and Annika approached them and they couldn't be blamed. Shivaay Singh Oberoi was the richest- not to mention most controversial after the Kapoors' deception- businessman in the country and his life's minutest details were of interest to the media. And here he was, attending the biggest Business Event with a lady in his arms just a couple of weeks after his breakup with Tia Kapoor. Of course the media was dying to get some worthy news out of the whole deal.

Shivaay and Annika stood in front of the group of media people, his arm wrapped around her waist possessively, making Annika feel secure for some reason. The journalists went on and on with their questions before Shivaay raised a hand to stop them.

"One by one, please," Shivaay said calmly, and they agreed.

"Mr. Oberoi, who is this lady?"

Shivaay looked at Annika and they shared an eyelock. It was the moment of truth, and Annika gave him a reassuring nod and smile. 

"This is Annika. She's my..." A second of silence to prolong the suspense as the journalists waited with bated breath, before- "She's my girlfriend."

This had the desired effect and more, as the media took a moment to register the fact and then suddenly, cameras were flashing, there was scribbling of notes, and the start of non-stop questions by the group of people who had just found the news of the month. Or probably, the year.

"But Mr. Oberoi, you only broke up with Ms. Tia Kapoor 2 weeks back."

"Mr. Oberoi, can you tell us more about your new girlfriend?"

"Mr. Oberoi, is she the reason-"

Shivaay once again raised his hand in order to stop them. He shared a look with Annika, before proceeding with answering. Annika had been feeling nervous before but now that she was really here, there was a certain kind of confidence in her. She did not survive in this harsh world alone just like that- she was Khidkitod Annika, after all. Facing a bunch of journalists and doing a btt of acting was nothing compared to what she had had to endure since as long as she could remember.

"I'll answer all your questions now, all at once, please do not interrupt," Shivaay said in an authoritative voice.

"Annika used to be the wedding planner for mine and Tia's marriage. I never cheated on Tia but had a special place for Annika in my heart since the beginning, which soon became too deep for my to ignore. I then decided to break off my relationship with Tia to pursue one with Annika, but unfortunately or fortunately, the Kapoors' fraud plan was revealed in front of us before I could do so. So no, Tia Kapoor did not deceive me, answering your previous question, because of Annika. Annika had nothing to do with it. The Kapoors are a malevolent bunch of people who had gone bankrupt, and the only reason they wanted to get their daughter married to me was so that she could run off with our money. I'm extremely thankful we came to know the truth in time, and entirely glad that I can now be with Annika in peace. I hope that answers all your questions. Thankyou." 

While Shivaay gave this little speech of his, Annika stared at him with hopefulness in her eyes. She wished ardently, without knowing why, for whatever he had said about the two of them to be true. She wondered if she really did have a special place in his heart, but then mentally scolded herself for having so much hope. This was all just a drama and being deterred by this probably rehearsed lines of his would only result in unnecessary heartbreak.

Little did she know, though, that nothing was rehearsed from his part.

Shivaay and Annika were about to make their way in, when the reporters stopped them again.

"Miss Annika, can you please answer a few of our questions?"

Shivaay looked at Annika, asking non-verbally if she was willing to do so. Annika thought for a second and then nodded. There was no way she was going to let the Oberois down.

"Miss Annika, have you too liked Mr.Oberoi since when you were his wedding planner?"

Annika smiled at the irony of the situation. Look at her, telling the entire truth while he thought she was only pretending.

"Yes, I did. I never thought he would feel the same way, though." She still didn't.

"Miss Annika," started another reporter, "We all know that Mr. Oberoi has always been a firm believer of bloodline and surname. How is it, that now, Mr. Oberoi is dating someone who used to be his wedding planner?"

Annika faltered at the question. Naam, Khoon and Khandaan- the three things she would never be able to obtain. Shivaay had told her before that he no longer considered these as important as he used to but she wondered if this would ever stop being a barrier between them.

"These were never Shivaay's beliefs," Annika started confidently, "but mere attributes he would have liked his future wife to possess. But you know what they say, you don't fall in love by choice, but by chance. I'm pretty sure," Annika squeezed Shivaay's hand here, who was looking at her admiringly, "that he no longer considers these things meaningful. And I am only concerned about our present and future, so whatever he may have wanted in the past, holds no value now. Thankyou." Ending her answer with a radiant smile thrown their way that had them flashing away their cameras again, Annika walked in with her hand in Shivaay's. As soon as they entered the vast and beautifully decorated garden, they were met by the rest of the family.

"Wow, Annika didi!" Rudra exclaimed as he neared her, taking her in a bear hug, "you were just AWESOME out there!" 

Annika smiled in relief as the rest of the family, even the elders, congratulated her for being so bold and smooth in front of the media, even though this was her first time giving an interview.

"I'm so sure the media will love you, Annika." Jhanvi said adoringly. "It is seldom they meet a beauty who also happens to be such a darling." 

Annika giggled at that. Having known Tia, she knew what Jhanvi aunty was talking about.

"So we have the the revelation done with," Tej started, "A lot of other people will be approaching you to congratulate you two, so be on guard. Shakti and I have already had a talk with all news channels and papers, Annika, so don't worry about your name being out there." Annika smiled at him gratefully, and they all started making their way inside.

"Hey, wait," Shivaay half whispered to her while the others went ahead. It is now that Annika noticed that their hands were still clasped together, and she wondered how his touch had grown to appear so natural and comforting to her.

"Yeah?" She asked, looking up at him expectantly.

"You were great out there," Shivaay said, his heart surging with pride. "Just...perfect."

Annika smiled.

"Thank you. So were you. I didn't know you were such a great actor!" She told him teasingly. Shivaay came closer to her at this, and leaned down so that there noses were almost touching.

"Oh, yeah?" He said, his breath fanning her face making her go still, "What if I say I wasn't acting?" He asked with a flirty smile on his face. Annika rolled her eyes and pushed him back at that.

"Well, then I'd call you a great liar too. Ab chaliye!" She joked, and they proceeded ahead hand in hand, laughing all the while.

**

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I welcome you all to the biggest Business Award show once again this year."

An man of about 50 took the stage and made this announcement, as Shivaay and Annika sat in one of the tables at the front. Their chairs were reserved with two other older couples, with whom Annika had bonded quite well in the past few minutes that had passed since they had taken their seats. Shivaay wondered, not for the first time, how it was that this girl could make everyone fall in love with her. 

The other Oberois were seating in an adjacent table, and kept waving and smiling quite frequently. Shivaay felt like he was in 10th grade again during one if his school award functions, when the family left no chance of embarrassing him with their over-enthusiasm, but gradually as he had attended similar functions for his younger siblings he had acted quite the same.

As Tej had predicted, the word of Shivaay dating again had spread like wildfire within the garden and many business associates and their partners had indeed come to congratulate Shivaay. None of them had forgotten to mention that Annika was gorgeous, and called Shivaay a very lucky man, to which he had heartily agreed. One man who knew Shivaay from long and was a genuine and humorous person had even told him frankly that Annika was like 'a breath of fresh air after Shivaay's ex-fiance', and Annika had blushed while Shivaay had laughed in agreement.

"So tell me, dear, how did you two fall in love?" One of the woman seated with them was asking Annika, and Shivaay looked on curiously to see what she answered.

"Areh puchiye mat, aunty," Annika said, getting into one of her extravagant story-telling modes, hands flailing around to emphasize her points, "He was such an arrogant jerk when I had met him! Throwing money, showing tadi, and what not!" All of them seated at the table laughed in amusement, while Shivaay rolled his eyes. Leave it up to his girlfriend to be so dramatic, he thought with a chuckle.

"It's my own goodness that made me see the little but of good side in him," Annika continued with attitude, "and when I came to know he likes me, I decided to show some dayaa and said yes to his proposal!"

Annika finished off with a laugh, stealing a glance at Shivaay. He raised his eyebrows at her, at which she only stuck her tongue out.

"I have to admit, though, Shivaay," Said Mr. Ahuja who was beside them, "Annika beta is a real gem. If you take her along to all your meetings, she will charm her way through to everyone and you'll have every deal!" 

Annika once again blushed at the compliment, and Shivaay smiled proudly. He took her hand in his and intertwining their fingers, kissed the back of her palm.

"You're right, Mr. Ahuja. She's really precious." He said while looking into her eyes intently. Their moment was broken only when the man on the stage continued with his speech.

"Without further ado, let's get on with this year's business awards, as I'm sure you're all waiting to indulge yourself in the delicious dinner, as I myself have." This earned a soft chuckle out of everyone. Quite a few business awards were given out then, such as Best Emerging Businessman, Highest Earning Company, etc. Both Tej and Shakti Uncle got awards, to which the whole family including Annika cheered loudly.

At the end, it was time for the most awaited award of the evening, that was Best Businessman of the Year. Everyone waited as the man on the stage took his time opening the envelope that held the awardee's name, and as expected, it went to the one and only-

"Shivaay Singh Oberoi!" 

Annika clapped and cheered like never before when his name was announced, being rivaled only by Rudra who was all but whistling. Shivaay blushed hard at all the enthusiasm, but felt great too. He stood up, but before moving towards the stage to collect his crest, leaned down to press a soft kiss against Annika's cheek, to which the audience "Aww"-ed. He then whispered against her ear something that had her feeling like the luckiest woman on earth-

"This one's for you."

While Annika's heart started beating faster and cheeks started burning, he went up and after receiving his award, started with his acceptance speech. He talked a bit about how the year had gone business wise, and thanked the numerous people he had the good fortune of working with.

".... I would also like to thank my family, without whom I wouldn't be half the man I am today. And lastly, I would like to thank a special person," He looked directly at Annika here, who met his gaze intently, "who changed my life for the better this year."

All the clapping and cheering were lost on these two who only had eyes for each other.

**

The next chapter will have the last part of the business event, after which you'll probably see an even more boyfriend-ish version of Shivaay!