Sorry to keep y'all waiting, and hope this lives up to your expectations ❤

**

After a quick lunch at a cozy Indian restaurant, Shivaay and Annika were off again. He seemed to be in a hurry while driving, swerving across cars with his usual careful driver's tag abandoned, and Annika called him out on it.

"It's just that there's so much to do," He replied, eyes fixed on the road as he overtook a bike.

"Really? Since how long have you been planning this Shivaay?" Annika asked, curious.

Shivaay shrugged.

"Just last night. It had escaped my mind that today was Valentine's Day until Rudra came barging into my room whining about how many girls he had to buy gifts today-" they both shared a laugh at this- "and then I made a few phone calls to arrange everything for today, and then called you."

"Are what are these arrangements, pray tell? Where are we going, Shivaay?" She asked him. Shivaay, however, refused to answer.

"You'll know soon enough." He replied simply, making her pout.

"Which is exactly why you should tell me, since I'll know soon enough anyway," she logically reasoned, making him chuckle.

"Which is exactly why you should keep mum, and see everything on your own in a while." Annika scowled at him at that, crossing her arms and huffing, while Shivaay shook his head at her antics.  After about an hour of driving, during which they got into some light conversation and usual teasing, Shivaay parked the car in front of a large amusement park, and Annika's eyes lit up instantly. Opening the car door, she ran towards the entrance gate where two guards were stood. As she approached, they asked her for tickets, which would have to have been booked in prior due to the large number of crowd  today, and she turned towards Shivaay with a sad pout.

"Shivaay, we can't enter without tickets." She told him, upset that her excitement resulted in nothing. Shivaay for his part came and slid an arm around her waist.

"Shivaay Singh Oberoi," He told the guards authoritatively, who suddenly seemed to have light bulbs lit on top of their heads. Standing a bit more straighter, they opened the gate wide for the duo, and Annika watched the whole exchange with mouth hanging open, while entering the park.

"How did you manage to do that?" She asked him, and Shivaay grinned down at her.

"I have my ways," He told her haughtily, and Annika frowned.

"No but seriously, how did they just know who you were and let you enter? It's not like you're Shahrukh Khan or something!"

Sighing, Shivaay stopped in order to explain things to his overly inquisitive girlfriend.

"I had called the owner of this park yesterday, and told him I was coming, along with making advance payment for the rides and everything, okay?" He said, and Annika smiled.

"Aww, I can't believe you did so much prior planning. I was so disheartened when I thought we wouldn't be able to enter!" 

Shivaay laughed and took her hand in his, while making their way inside.

"How can I possibly deny my baby girl something she wants, huh?"

**

Shivaay couldn't remember the last time he had been to an amusement park and gotten on all the crazy rides, and neither could he remember the last time he had had so much fun. Annika was hands down the best person to visit such a place with, with her enthusiasm and energy and love for everything. They got on all the rides, and while Annika sat through them with enjoyment, cheering all the while, Shivaay wouldn't let go of the tight hold he had on her arm. He gave the excuse that he was worried about her and not himself, but Annika knew better. The roller-coaster ride was particularly interesting since when it took a drastic turn, Annika practically fell on his lap, and even when it straightened Shivaay refused to let go of the tight wrap of arms around her waist.

"Woah, that was amazing," Annika remarked as they got down, fixing her messed up hair.

"It sure was," Shivaay said with a wink, referring to their little 'moment'.

Their next stop, after having tried all the rides, was a stall where you had to shoot small baloons hung on a wall and got a huge teddy bear if you won. As they neared the stall, Annika turned to Shivaay with a teasing grin.

"This is the cliched part in the story where you win me a teddy bear and prove what a great boyfriend you are," She said in fake seriousness.

"Is that so, my love?" He said with a raised eyebrow, already opening his jacket and handing it to her to take preparation.

And like any other great boyfriend, he won the teddy bear, and handed it to a clapping and jumping Annika.

"Happy Valentine's Day, love." He said as she took the large teddy, beaming with happiness.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Shivaay. Thank you for making this day so khidkitod!" She said, stroking the fur of the teddy.

"Oh, the day has just started, babe. Let's go." Saying so, he led a confused looking Annika, who kept wondering what more he had planned, towards the food stalls. Annika then gobbled up some delicious pani puri, followed by some ice-cream to soothe her burnt tongue, while Shivaay stuck to a very cheap and watery cold coffee that he spit out on the very first sip. Soon, their time in the park was over, much to Annika's disappointment.

"Can't we stay here a bit longer, please?" Annika asked him petulantly, giving him her best puppy-dog face.

"Annika," Shivaay said with a deep sigh, "you know how hard it is for me to say no to that face, right? But we really do have to hurry- it's almost 7 now, and I have other things planned, too. If only you had agreed to spend the whole day together, we could have taken our own sweet time in everything." He told her with mock sternness, and she only stuck her tongue out at him before following him out.

**

"But this is the road towards Oberoi Mansion, Shivaay!" Annika exclaimed as he turned the car towards a particular road.

"Really? I hadn't noticed." Shivaay said with a roll of his eyes. Annika glared at him, and slumped back on the seat. It was useless asking him any questions, since even after bugging him for the past half an hour, he hadn't told her where they were headed off to next.

Much to Annika's surprise, Shivaay entered the Oberoi Grounds, and swerved the car into a narrow path she had never been to before and didn't know where it led to.

"Shivaay, where are we going?" She asked him, trying to figure out by taking a good look around, but unfortunately it was all dark.

"Patience, Annika. You'll know soon."

He then suddenly stopped the car, and all Annika could make out was a series of stairs leading somewhere. Opening the door, Shivaay led her out. He knew of her fear of the dark, and texted Khanna to turn on the lights in this part. In a minute, it was illuminated all around.

"What is this place?" Annika asked, nose scrunched as she took in the area. It had a concrete building whose top she couldn't even see, and the spiral stairs at the side led to the top.

"And aren't we gonna go to the mansion?" She continued, as Shivaay started making his way upstairs, forwarding his hand to her. She took it, but her questions didn't stop.

"Shivaay, I don't know where you're taking me, but can we go to the mansion for a while? I want to wish everyone for Valentine's Day!" She asked him eagerly. Shivaay refused without consideration.

"No way, I'm not letting go of you for a minute even. You can wish them over the phone, or I'll convey your message to them later. But right now, you're coming with me, chup chaap!"

His authoritativeness had Annika scowling, and she muttered "Sadu" under her breath, which was met by a glare for him.

As they reached the top, Shivaay led a huffing and puffing Annika towards a door. He opened the door and entered first, and Annika followed behind. She was all wound up after climbing the stairs, and it took her a moment to register the view in front of her.

"Wow," She breathed out when she did see it.

A pathway had been made from the door, with petal of red roses on the ground. It was an outdoor terrace and there was a gentle breeze blowing, and the area had been lighted up with faint yellow lights that made the place seem more romantic. But the best part was, the pathway made of roses led up to-

"A helicopter!" Annika exclaimed in wonder, and Shivaay muttered "It's a chopper", even as he smiled seeing her happiness.

"If you will, milady," Shivaay said as he offered her his hand again. Annika still couldn't believe all this- the level of effort this man had put in to make this day special made her feel overwhelmed. Hand in hand, they walked down the floral pathway, and he helped her get into the chopper. 

"Where's the driver?" Annika asked with a frown, looking around to detect the presence of another person, but could spot no one.

"At your service, ma'am." Shivaay replied as he took the pilot's seat beside her. Annika's mouth fell open.

"YOU'RE the driver?" She asked him incredulously, and he rolled his eyes.

"It's pilot, babe. And yes, I am. And don't look at me suspiciously, I've taken aviation training, and am a registered pilot." He said proudly.

Annika looked at him impressively. It seemed like she would be pleasantly surprised by him at every turn these days.

As Shivaay took preparations to take off, Annika's nerved kicked in.

"Shiv, I'm scared." She told him, fiddling with her fingers.

"Hey, don't worry when I'm with you, alright?" He told her with a soft voice. "Trust me, this is going to be one of the most surreal experiences of your life, so just sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking view of the night-life of Mumbai from vintage point, okay?"

Assured by his words, Annika nodded, and they were off.

Shivaay's level of confidence as he smoothly managed the helicopter- or chopper- amazed Annika. After admiring her baggad billa for a good while, she turned to look outside, and was awestruck. Shivaay's words had been a gross underestimation, since the view was beyond breathtaking. It was out of this world, and Annika felt like she was in space, or a different universe entirely.

"This is just- just-" Annika started, not being able to form coherent or apt words for how she was feeling. Shivaay smiled, and nodded in understanding.

"I know." He said.

They were in the air for about an hour or so, and the entire ride was spent in silence. Annika was now completely relaxed as she gazed out in wonderment. It all felt like a dream, since she never in a million years would have thought of a helicopter ride to be a part of her life. She was shocked that the same God who had made her face so many difficulties life, had now brought this man into her life who made her feel like some sort of a princess.

"Ready to descend?" 

Shivaay's soft voice brought Annika out of her reverie.

"Not really, but okay."

Shivaay chuckled at that, but started making his way down. He mumbled something into the earpiece he was wearing, that Annika couldn't quite catch. She took in her last few minutes in a way that the view gets embedded in her mind for later. In all this, she noticed that they were landing not on the Oberoi Mansion's helipad, but somewhere else.

"Shivaay, where are we?" She asked him, as he very expertly landed the chopper on a vast terrace.

"In a resort, to have dinner. Come on." He got down, and assisted her by holding her waist. Having gotten out, they were met by Khanna and another man Annika didn't recognize.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Khanna ji!" Annika wished the cute large man with a radiant smile. He wished her back happily, although faltering a bit when he caught his boss's hard, stern glare.

"Let's go, Annika. They'll take the chopper back to the Oberoi Mansion." Saying so, he placed a hand on her lower back and led her away, and she followed but not before waving at the two men, making Shivaay scowl.

**

"Mmm, this is so delicious."

They were currently having dinner at a private terrace of the resort, and relishing in some delicious Italian food after an eventful day. Annika usually did not like angrezi khaana, but the pasta here was simply mouthwatering.

"I know, right? See, this is why you should try different cuisines sometime. Only Indian food is so boring!"

Annika gasped at that.

"Oh hello, mister, Indian food is the best, okay? It's you who's boring!" She rebuked, and Shivaay raised his hands in defeat. After having their dinner, which was consumed with portions of bantering and conversations, Shivaay asked her hand for a dance. There was a romantic song playing in the background, and it really created a certain mood.

"A dance? Not bad, Mr. Oberoi," Annika said as she held his hand and got up from her chair. He wrapped his arms around her slender waist, and she did the same around his neck. The song that was currently playing was Tere Sang Yaara from the movie Rustom, and Shivaay felt like he could relate to every single word.

"This is a nice song," He said, voice a mere whisper, and Annika nodded. They were simply just wrapped around each other, moving slowly from time to time. Shivaay set his forehead against her, and looked at her intently.

"You had fun today, right?"

Annika smiled lazily, eyes half hooded.

"Would you even believe me if I said I didn't? Today was the best day of my life, Shivaay. Thank you so-"

"Ssshh," Shivaay shushed her by putting a finger on her soft lips, "Don't thank me, baby. You deserve all these, and more."

Annika had tears in her eyes by this point, and engulfed him in a tight hug.

"You're the best man I've ever met, Shivaay." She mumbled into his shoulder, and Shivaay kissed the top of her head with a smile.

"Well, I better be, since I won't be able to bear the thought of you considering any other man as being better than me." He replied, and Annika looked up at him with a grin.

"And why is that?" She asked, tilting her head to the side.

"Because," he pulled her even closer here, so their bodies were pressed up against each others', "you, are only mine."

Saying so, he pressed a long, lingering kiss on her forehead, and took her into his arms again.

After a while, when the song ended, they moved towards the table to collect their phones. Annika yawned adorably, and seeing that Shivaay asked if she wanted to go home now.

"I was thinking of visiting the resort's beach before calling it a day, but if you're tired, we can-"

"I'm not tired," Annika said instantly, always ready to visit the beach, "let's go." She took his hand and pulled him out, while Shivaay ruffled her hair at her cuteness.

**

Seated on a stone on the beach with arms around each other, Shivaay and Annika gazed at the sea in silence, much like the last time they had been to a beach together. There were a few other couples around, taking a walk on the shore or simply sitting down like they were.

"I never knew Valentine's Day could be so much fun," Annika voiced out her thoughts, and Shivaay nodded in agreement.

"I also never knew you could be so romantic," She continued, biting her lip, and Shivaay rolled his eyes.

"Do me a favor and don't tell anything about today to Om and Rudy? They won't stop teasing me for years to come."

Annika giggled at that, making a mental note to tell her two best friends ALL about today. She then turned back to observing the couples around, but having spotted a certain pair seated a distance away, quickly turned back and buried her head in Shivaay's chest.

"What's wrong?" Shivaay asked with a frown, before looking in that direction. Understanding the reason for her discomfort, he started laughing. The reason being? The couple seated there, that Annika had spotted, had started making out.

Aww, baby," Shivaay cooed, "you're so adorable!"

"Shut up, Shivaay," Annika said, her voice muffled in his t-shirt, "it's not funny! Such shameless people, kissing in public! Why don't they just go to their rooms!" She exclaimed in disdain, finally looking up again and throwing a scowl their way. Shivaay, on the other hand, couldn't stop laughing.

"Gosh, Annika," He started once his guffaws had subsided, "thereh' nothing wrong with kissing, you know that, right? It's perfectly normal for couples!"

"I know," Annika said, "but they should do it privately, na? I wouldn't mind then!" Shivaay smiled at her cuteness.

"So you're saying," he said, a teasing smile on his face, "that you're okay with kissing in private?" 

Annika shrugged, not understanding his implication.

"I guess so, yeah." She replied innocently, irking the cheapda side in him.

"Which mean," He said, voice getting deeper and huskier as he leaned in close, "that you're ready for a make-out session when we get back to your house?"

"Yeah I thi- wait, WHAT?!" Annika practically yelled as his words clicked in her mind, and her eyes widened like saucers. 

"Wh-what are you saying, Shivaay? S-such a cheapda, Gosh!"

Shivaay had again succumbed to a fit of laughter seeing her state, and pulled her closer by wounding an arm around her shoulders. Kissing the top of her head, he looked at her fondly.

"You're a weird piece of work, you know that?" He asked, and Annika shoved his chest.

"I wasn't kidding about the kiss by the way," He said again, and laughed when her face turned red.

Finally, after all the teasing and laughing, they decided to call it a night. The ride back home was entirely silent, since both were too tired after the day's events. As they reached, Shivaay realized Annika had fallen asleep. Moving towards the passenger's seat and opening her door, he tried to wake her up.

"Wake up, baby. We're home." 

Annika mumbled something like "don't wanna" in her sleep, making him smile. Deciding she wouldn't relent, he scooped her up in his arms. The sudden jerk woke her up, and she gasped.

"Shivaay, put me down!" She exclaimed, but he didn't budge. Making her open the door with the keys, he took her inside and only dropped her when they were in her bedroom, and that too on the bed.

"I have to change," Annika said in the sleepy state she had receded to again, when Shivaay laid a blanket over her. He removed her sandals before that, and Annika was too tired to protest.

"Change tomorrow. Sleep now, love." 

He then placed a soft, loving kiss on her forehead. She had already fallen asleep, and looking at her for a few seconds with admiration his eyes, he left, not forgetting to lock the door from inside. Reaching home, Shivaay reminisced on their first Valentine's Day with a smile on his face, before falling into a deep sleep.

**

Phew, finally done! Apologies in advance since I won't be able to update for the next couple of days- travelling to India tomorrow. Will stay there for like 12 days, and I really can't say in advance how that will affect my updating pattern.

By the way, what's with the current track in the show, guys? I don't watch it anymore but still remain updated with what's going on, and the current track is giving me major michmichis. Obviously it'll be really stupid if Shivaay actually shoots Annika and it's not just a plan, but I don't trust the writers. They seem hell bent on making SSO in the show do things OUR SSO would NEVER do (Sorry but I just feel so strongly about fictional characters..) Also, I absolutely hate the idea of Annika's doppelganger. My love for Shivika is still alive thanks to the many amazing fanfictions out there which portray the characters so well, otherwise the show would have totally ruined everything for me, long ago.

Alright enough with the rant, love y'all!