Shivaay was sitting in his cabin typing something about the collection opening. He looked engrossed in his work but in reality, his mind was somewhere else.

It has been 3 days since they've came back from their small business cum fun trip. Something has changed between his and Annika's relationship. He has started liking her company, he wants to be with her in all possible times. A possessiveness rush inside him towards her when he see her smiling and talking with some other guy in the office.

He sighed as the door of his cabin opened. He looked back at the screen trying to concentrate.

"The file regarding fabrics of collection is here Shivaay", Malika said passing it to him and turned to leave.

"Thank you Annika", he said making Malika stop and his eyes widened. She turned to him in a swift with narrowed eyes and crossed her arms across her chest.

"I-I meant Malika. You guys have such similar sounding names that it just slipped", he said making her nod and rolled her eyes.

"Why don't you just accept Shivaay?", she said making him look at the keyboard.

"What are you talking about?", he said making her roll her eyes again.

"No need to act being so oblivious Shivaay. Just agree that you like her", she said keeping hands on his desk leaning with a tired face. He made face.

"I don't know! Yes, I like her. I like her company but I don't know whether it's romantic likeness or friendly. I don't want to ruin the friendship between us or make her feel like I am like typical men who takes friendship as hint", he said making her eyes widen.

"Wait! What did you say? You like her like, L-I-K-E", she asked wide open eyes.

"The very same Mal", he rolled his eyes making her squeal and jump happily. He looked at her as if she's grown horns.

"I can't tell you how happy I am Shivaay. First time you liked a girl. Eeee", she squealed again hugging him making him lean back to his seat with hands in air.

"Okay.. It's not a really big deal. You're excited as if she also likes me", he said parting from her making her shrug.

"How can you say she don't like you?", he raised his eyebrow hearing it.

"So she does?"

"I don't know. But maybe, who knows"

He groaned keeping his head on his hands. She chuckled seeing him.

"By the way, she must be coming anytime. Ask yourself", she said and went giggling seeing his sulked face.

"Ask Annika. It's not that easy as she thinks, what if Annika see me just as a friend", he muttered to himself murdering the keys of keyboard.

As Malika came out, she started jumping seeing her mission getting little successful. She immediately called bhavya and Gauri.

"Hey Mali, you're calling now. All good?", said Gauri from that side in concern voice.

"Yeah yeah. I am good actually super good right now. Guess what happened now?", she said excitedly in hushed voice as people were giving her looks.

"You by mistake made a masterpiece?", Bhavya asked making Gauri chuckle.

"Oh no. Something bigger than that. Leave that, where are you and where is Anu?", she asked.

"I and Bhavya are on the way to Allure, I am driving and Annika is to her promotional meet. She'll coming by mid morning to office", Gauri said making Malika hum.

"Cool. You people come. I have to give you a good news", she said controlling herself.

"Cool. See ya"

"See ya", Malika sighed happily and rushed to tell her boys about her good news.

|••|

"So you mean to say, bhaiya said that he's having feelings for Anu?", Malika nodded smiling widely at Gauri.

"And he likes Annika's company?", she nodded again to Bhavya this time with a grin.

"That means he like Annika. He confessed himself to me", she whisper shouted and all three girls started jumping squealing in a huddle hug.

"Omg! Omg! It means first step of our mission is succeeded!", Bhavya said and trio again squealed hugging each other.

Little far, Arnav, Om and Rudra looked at them weirdly and then at each other, seeing girls.

"Boys. Note it down. These girls behave weirdly and wildly when they're happy", Arnav said making other two chuckle.

"But, even I am very happy! Finally bhaiya like a girl, that too Annika didi. I thought maybe he's a gay", Rudy said grinning widely.

"I know. Even I felt so. He doesn't even give a glance to other ladies. Something is really special and different about Annika", Om said.

"After all she's Annika, her vibes are so positive and attractive", they turned to see girls standing with smirks.

"Of course! That's why every boy is now or then behind her. I am just thinking how bhaiya will handle her male fans", Gauri said giggling.

"Hey hey. Wait girls. Shivaay said he likes Annika but he's not sure whether Annika likes him or not and that's the same thing none of us know", Om said.

"Well maybe we know", girls looked at each other with knowing smile.

"That means Annika didi like bhaiya?", Rudra asked enthusiastically.

"What I feel is yes. If not like, Annika at least have a crush on him and by crush, I don't mean childish temporary crush which keeps coming and going. It's more like liking but still less than love", Gauri said along which Bhavya and Malika nodded.

"So if it's from both side, what are we waiting for. Let's tell both of them respectively that they like each other", Arnav said making everyone look at him with raised eyebrows.

"Seriously Arnav! Won't it be better that those two themselves tell each other about it. That's what confession mean, idiot", Malika said in obvious tone.

"I don't have experience okay. I have never been in this 'I like you' situation", he said sulking.

"I pity on your future girlfriend", Om said to which all nodded and looked towards Malika making her cheeks pink.

"Ahem. So...yeah-um when is Annika coming, Gauri?", malika asked changing the topic.

"Hello guys", they heard Annika's voice before Gauri could say anything. She walked in Malika's floor smiling widely and hugged everyone one by one.

"Someone looks really happy", bhavya said hugging her.

"Well I had a good interview so maybe. Anyways, did I disturbed you guys? Any company meeting?", she asked looking at everyone.

"Of course not Annika. Also, even you're part of this company now", Arnav said bringing a genuine smile on her face.

"Okay then. I will go and meet Shivaay. He wanted me to come and see my photo-shoot's pictures. Catch up with you guys later", Annika smiledand left to his floor making everyone raise their eyebrows.

"It's now girls. Come", Malika said walking behind her taking her girl gang. Om and Arnav exchanged looks while Rudy was squealing internally.

|••|

"Annika. Annika!", she stopped hearing voice and turned to see Malika coming with other two.

"All okay guys?", Annika asked seeing them huffing catching their breath.

"Yeah.. All lifts were occupied so came running up from stairs", Gauri said calming.  She nodded patting her shoulder.

"Annika we need to talk to you", Bhavya said exchanging looks with other two. They nodded and pulled Annika towards the nearest empty room.

"Guys what's happening?", she asked looking at them. Bhavya closed the door while Malika made her sit on a seat. Okayy!

"Annika, without beating the bushes. We'd like to ask you a question and dare you lie", Gauri said threatening still last.

"I never lie to you and Bhavya, Ri!", Annika said rolling eyes.

"Great then don't like to me too. You like Shivaay?", Malika asked making Annika gasp and cough.

"What-um-uh..you..what- girls, what do you mean?", Annika asked getting off guarded.

"Anu a simple question. Do you like Shivaay bhaiya?", Bhavya asked. A hue of pink spread across Annika's cheek making her look down.

"What are you girls talking about! It's nothing such. He's just a good friend", she said tucking her hair making other three roll their eyes.

"Don't come with the typical 'just friends', it's so common. Just spill it babe", Malika said and all three leaned to her holding the handles of chair.

"Okay. Jeez. Stop this intimidating look of yours. Yes. I-umm kind of like him", annika said and covered her face looking down. Their face lightened up hearing it.

"Omg! Yeeee! I am so happy Anu", Gauri squealed hugging her tightly. Annika blushed tapping her arm.

"Okay! You really like him right? I mean-", Annika nodded smiling softly.

"Well yeah. I enjoy being around him. He's sweet, caring, understanding. Good looking too", Annika said and all three pounced on her making Annika pressed between them.

"Girls.. Shh! The noise must be going out. Calm down! It'd not like Shivaay likes me", Annika said shrugging. Gauri was going to say when Malika stopped her.

"Why don't you say it to Shivaay? I mean, not directly you know giving him hints", she said making Annika confused.

"I don't want to be clingy to him. What if he see me only as a friend. I don't wanna loose it", she said with a pout keeping her face between her palms.

"Both of them are same", Malika muttered to girls who chuckled silently.

"Anu, try na! You hardly feel for boys and for the first time you're thinking about a boy. Just think, if it work, you and bhaiya will make beautiful pair", Gauri said bringing a sweet smile on Annika's face.

"Umm..we can give a try", Annika said making them happy. She got up and hugged her friends.

"Thank god you guys made me speak out it", she said parting to which they passed her flying kisses.

"Just go give a try to your destiny Anu", Gauri said to which she nodded and was leaving when she stopped and turned back.

"I look good?", she asked biting her lower lip. She was wearing crimson pink pant suit with a loose satin top under it. Her hair were tied up in a pony with some unruly hair coming on her forehead.

"You look gorgeous, babe", Malika said making Annika smile widely and left to meet Shivaay.

|••|

Annika reached to his floor and wishing his secretary, she walked to his cabin.

"Okay Annika, let's give it a try", she mumbled to herself and knocked on the door getting a faint come in as reply.

"Good morning Shivaay", she wished cheerfully making him look up and pass his soul searing smile. She smiled back and walked inside.

"Good morning Annika. How was your press meet?", he asked as she took a seat in front of him.

"It was good. Some good questions came to me. You know, what was one of those question", she said and looked at him playing with her fingers. He shook his head.

"Whether I am single or not. In fact, people are more concern about it since that Daksh's incident", Annika said. He held her hand taking in his.

"Don't think about it okay. You understand media well. You know how they take interest in even false news or rumours about celebrities", he said softly making her nod.

"I handled it though. But you know, one of them asked whether you and me are in relationship. Why are you being protective towards me", she said and chuckled at last to make it sound casual.

"We're.. Just friends. Right?", he said pausing in between making her look at him. She held his hand.

"Are we?", she muttered. He looked at her and stared in her eyes. She was also looking in his eyes trying to read them.

"Annika..", she hummed making him get up. He walked to her chair looking at her. She got up facing him.

"There's something between us", both said at same time taking the other one in surprise.

"You..you too?", he whispered pointing at her. She nodded lightly.

"You too?", he nodded lightly and sighed running fingers in his hair.

"I thought it's only me. When you felt?", she asked.

"Four days back. There's something which pulls me towards you", he said looking at her. He stepped closer making her look at him.

"You? When you felt something for me?", he asked softly. She closed eyes and looked away.

"We-week ago", she mumbled shocking him.

"I know it's just three weeks we know each other but it feels like I know you from years", she said sighing taking a step back. He held her hand.

"Well what I feel is, duration of knowing each other doesn't matter. It's all about emotions", he said with a small smile.

"Shivaay I li–", she paused as the door of his cabin opened. His secretary gave an apologizing look.

"What is it?", he asked little annoyed.

"Sir, Jhanvi ma'am is here", she said making Shivaay smile widely. He nodded.

"Help her with snacks in lounge area. I am coming", she nodded and went from there. Annika looked at this confused.

"My mom is here. Come, you'll love her", he said to which she nodded and both went to lounge area.

|••|

Shivaay along with Annika came to lounge area to see Jhanvi with OmRu and Arnav. She was chuckling on something Rudy was saying whereas Arnav and Om were rolling eyes.

"Hey Mom", Shivaay said making Jhanvi smile widely. She got up and hugged him tightly kissing his cheek.

"Okay mom we know Shivaay is your favourite. Don't make us jealous at least", Om said in fake anger making Jhanvi pull his cheek.

"I love all of you equally", she said.

"Except bhaiya", Rudy added.

"Exactly Jaanu! You show special love to Shivaay", Arnav said pouting. Shivaay shook his head seeing his drama kings while Annika smiled seeing everything.

"Mom! You came suddenly?", he asked.

"Yes, I was getting bored at home so thought to seeing how's my kids doing. Where is Gauri, Malika and Bhavya?", she asked when her eyes went on Annika.

"Hey! Hi sweetie", she said walking to Annika and held her hands.

"Hello Mrs. Oberoi", Annika said softly.

"Shivaay won't you introduce us?", Jhanvi asked looking continuously at Annika.

"Umm-yeah. Annika this is Jhanvi Singh Oberoi, my mom and inspiration. Mom, this is Annika D'souza, the new signed model of our company and..a really good friend of mine", he said looking at Annika in last line. She smiled lowering her eyes.

"Who doesn't know her. The most beautiful, down-to-earth and successful actress of today's time. Nice to meet you, beta. I heard quite often about you", Jhanvi said making annika smile at her.

"You're just flattering me Mrs. Oberoi", Annika said softly.

"You can call me aunty like your friends Annika, everyone associated to Allure is like family to me", Jhanvi said to which Annika nodded.

Just then Malika, Gauri and Bhavya came there and immediately hugged Jhanvi.

"We missed you aunty", Gauri said as they all parted.

"I missed my beautiful ladies too. You all forgot me, doesn't even come to meet me", Jhanvi said with a pout.

"It's not such aunty. Your devil son gives us so much work that we get tied up in it, we'll meet you super soon", Malika said making Shivaay roll eyes at her endearment for him.

"Why later? Come tonight for dinner at our home. We'll catch up also and I will make you guys favourite dishes?", Jhanvi said making girls squeal, agreeing to the idea.

"Annika beta, you too please come. I would be happy in getting one more daughter", she said making Annika emotional for a moment. Her eyes glisten which she hid with a soft smile and nodded.

"Sure aunty. I would be happy to bond with you", she said to which Jhanvi smiled. Shivaay noticed her emotional face.

"Mom it's lunch hours at dad's office. You aren't going today?", he asked making Jhanvi hit her forehead biting tongue.

"I really forgot about it. Your dad must be waiting for me", she kissed boy's cheeks and gave hugs to girls. She even hugged Annika, making Annika more emotional but she controlled.

"Bye kids. Don't forget about tonight", she said and left from there. Shivaay looked at Annika who looked vulnerable but she facade it behind her smile.

"Anu! You'll love Jhanvi aunty and Tej uncle. They're just awesome", Gauri said excitedly. Annika smiled nodding. Later, all dispersed to their work. Annika was going towards washroom when she felt a tug on her wrist. Turning, she saw Shivaay holding it.

"I think we're talking before mom came. You're about to say me something. Come we'll talk in my cabin", she nodded and both went back to his cabin.

"Have this", he said sitting on the table in front of her chair, forwarding a glass of water. She took it taking a sip.

"You're saying something", he said making her look at him. She looked confused for a moment but then nodded.

"Yeah-uh, I was saying that I feel for you and now if you feel for me, maybe we could give us a chance? I mean of course I won't force you but it would be nice if we come up together but it's not important, I hope it won't-", she stopped her blabbering as he kept finger on her lips.

"Shh, calm down. Yes you're right. If we come up together, it would be really nice as you're everything I see in my said partner. You're understanding, caring, sweet. I just want you to know that even if we're giving each other a try, I expect loyalty and honesty from you", he said leaning to her and gently tuck her hair. Annika looked at him with parted lips.

"I also want same Shivaay, I want you to be open and transparent to me", she mumbled making him nod.

"So, Ms. Annika D'souza, would you like to go on a date with me?", he asked keeping hand on her cheek. She chuckled lowering her eyes.

"I think I would love to", she said looking in his eyes. He smiled taking her hand and kissed her knuckle.

"I am excited to understand this bond between us and give each other a chance", he mumbled softly looking in her eyes to see her smiling back at him.

|••|

Thanks for your votes and comments on the previous chapter. Keep reading, voting and commenting your views. They means a lot to me♥️

First of all, I am really sorry for the delays. I am out of station for a small vacation and the internet connection is really poor here. I would try to update as fast as I get little high speed network but just tolerate it for one more month.

Hope you like the update. Do tell me how it was😁

Precap: Shivaay, Annika and poolside

Love,
K♥️