A really long chapter!! ;-)

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Annika was surrounded by Malika, Gauri and Bhavya in a semi circle. Their faces were intimidating and nose scrunched with narrowed eyes looking at her.

"Guys!! Stop looking at me like that. It's making me more anxious", Annika said looking at her friends.

"You're sure Shivaay asked you for date? Like D-A-T-E?", Malika asked to which Annika nodded.

"You shared about your feelings?", Gauri asked.

"Not really. I mean I didn't tell him that I like him, before that Sia came there and told that Jhanvi aunty is here and after that I didn't got the chance. Though he said that he want to give us a chance and feels a strong feeling towards me", Annika said, ending shyly at last.

"Omg! That means Shivaay bhaiya is taking you on a date tomorrow and you people might come together soon", Bhavya said, squealing at last. She hugged her tightly followed by Gauri and Malika.

"Guys! You're crushing me", Annika muffled wriggling but the girls kept squealing hugging her.

"Babe I can't tell you how happy we three are! You and Shivaay makes a beautiful and hot couple together", Malika said gushing along with other two.

"Exactly! If you two will come up together as a couple, people will burn around", Bhavya squealed making Annika shy.

"Okay shh. I am nervous. I mean you two know na, I have never really went to a date. Just casual hangouts. What should I do?", Annika hopefully looked at girls.

"Annika you don't worry babe! I will keep bestest of best outfit by tomorrow afternoon. Your date is by evening. We'll make you ready at your home. Right girls?", Malika glanced at other two who gave a thumbs up.

"Exactly Anu! Don't worry. You'll do amazing with the date. Me, Mali and Bhavu are there na!", Gauri assured Annika. She nodded taking a deep breath.

"Okay great then. I need to go home, a script has come. Let's see if it's good one or not", she said getting up and took her bag. She gave hug to girls walking to the door.

"Don't forget about the dinner at your maybe future in-laws tonight, Annika", Malika winked making her eyes widen and she went from their hitting Malika's arm playfully. Malika immediately took out her phone to message boys.

Malika: where are you?

Arnav: in my cabin of course. Completing the work so that go home early.

Malika: keep it aside for a while. Come to my floor with Om and Rudy. No excuses. Tata! xoxo

Arnav: Mali..fine! 10 minutes!

"I have called boys here. Let's share the progress with him", Malika grinned at girls who grinned back.

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It was late evening. Annika was chilling on sofa having some fruits watching TV when her mind went to the dinner plan at night. She's an extrovert and loves mingling with people yet she was nervous.

Even though she's not in relationship with Shivaay and they're just going to start seeing each other, the idea of meeting his parents was making her palms sweat. She want to create a good image in front of them.

"Annika, I think you should dress up good for tonight. Maybe something sober yet elegant", she said to herself and rushed to her room opening her closet. Wandering her eyes around all her expensive branded clothes, she started throwing them here and there to find something suitable for night.

Her eyes stopped on a top. It was a black balloon sleeves, off-shoulder top with floral prints on it. She paired it up with a high waist simple denim jeans and smiled widely in satisfaction.

"This would be great. Simple yet beautiful on me", she smiled to herself and went to change in them.

Coming out, she paired her outfit with simple sneakers. She wore a thin pendant around her neck and kept a natural make-up with just liner, kohl and nude lipstick. She made a high ponytail of her hair leaving some strands unruly.

She looked simply beautiful and was happy with her look. Just when she was looking at herself, she heard a knock on door and Gauri came inside.

"Annika are you– OMG! You look simply beautiful Anu!", she exclaimed and rushed to Annika hugging her. She smiled hugging Gauri back.

"It's not over dressed or under dressed na?", Annika asked fiddling with her fingers.

"Of course not Anu! You look just like you are, simple and beautiful. Why are you nervous?", Gauri asked cupping left cheek of her.

"I- I don't know. I never get nervous in anything. Maybe it's because of I like Shivaay and it's his parents, I am freaking out from inside", she said.

"Just relax. Jhanvi aunty already loved you in Allure. Om told me that she was talking about you and Tej uncle is a darling. He treats me, Bhavu and Mali as his own daughters", Gauri said bringing a small smile on Annika's face.

"Waise, is there something between you and Om?", Annika asked raising eyebrow. She has noticed them stealing glances with each other or just smiling looking at the other one.

"Wh..what are you talking? Kuch bhi bolti hai. Come! Bhavu is waiting for us downstairs", Gauri fumbled rushing out of the room making Annika chuckle.

Giving a last glance at herself, she took her phone and small clutch going downstairs. Bhavya was waiting for gauri and her. Getting inside Bhavya's car, all left for Oberoi Mansion.

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Shivaay, Om and Arnav walked inside hall to see Jhanvi instructing servants about placing this properly on place or clean it up without any spots.

"All okay mom?", Shivaay asked casually looping arm around her shoulder.

"Of course it's okay, in fact it's amazing. My girls are coming home tonight. You know, infact I am planning to stop them here tonight", Jhanvi said with an excited smile making boys chuckle.

"Your wish mom! They love you anyways", Shivaay said smiling softly.

"Even Annika is coming today. It would be so great. I want to know her and about her more. Such a sweet girl she is", Jhanvi said with a soft smile bringing a small smile on his face.

His thoughts went on her, the way her canines exposes when she smiles or her musical giggles. She is an innocent heart with boldness and elegance. Everything about her amazes him. Shivaay has never been a person to get attracted from a girl's body or appearance, he's man of heart and gestures. Her innocent heart has did something to his calm heart.

"Jaanu it would be great! You should know Annika more well. You'll love her! We all do. Don't we Shivaay?", Arnav said looking at Shivaay at last with a mischievous smile making him roll eyes.

"It's Jhanvi and aunty for you, young man", they heard a voice from behind to see Tej walking towards them. He came and wrapped his arm around his wife's waist.

"She's my wife", he said making Arnav smile naughtily.

"But more than you, Jaanu loves four of us. Don't you jaanu?", Arnav said bringing a frown on his face.

"Jaan, it's me right? You love me most!", Tej said making Om and Shivaay chuckle. Arnav bite his inner cheek.

"Offo Tej! Grow up, Arnav is teasing you!", she said swatting her palm on her husband's stomach, lightly.

"But he wasn't wrong mom! You love us more than dad", Om said hi-fiving with Arnav.

"Okay guys! That's never coming on conclusion debate. Drop it", Shivaay interrupted seeing Tej going to launch on boys.

"Exactly Shivaay! We should debate about what we're doing before uncle came. Annika", Arnav smirked at Shivaay making him groan internally. If looks could kill, Arnav would have been 10 feet down the earth.

"Hey! Even I am hearing a lot about her since Jhanvi has come back from Allure! Who's she boys? Shivaay?", he asked looking at others and then Shivaay.

"Dad she's the new hired model for our upcoming collections and a really good friend of mine", Shivaay said.

"Really Shivaay, friend?", Om and Arnav asked simultaneously. He glared at them.

"Is my boy finally getting a girl?", Tej asked teasingly making Shivaay roll his eyes.

"Idk dad. Nothing is sure for now. We're just thinking to see each other", he said casually making Jhanvi squeal.

"Really? You'll finally have a girlfriend?", she asked making his eyes widen.

"MOM!! As I said, we're just thinking to see each other for now. If things goes good, maybe!", Shivaay said calming his mother.

"Then I will pray to god that he make you guys fall for each other soon", she said joining her hands.

"Rudy is in bar area right? I go and see what magical drink according to him, he's making for dinner time", Shivaay made the excuse, rushing away to bar area. 

"I just hope he gets his special one soon", Jhanvi said sending a silent prayer to god.

|••|

Shivaay was at the bar side, talking with Rudy when a servant came there informing that girls are there.

"Yay! They are here!", he exclaimed and rushed to hall area. Shivaay exhaled a deep breath and walked to hall area.

As he came there, he saw girls talking with his parents. Annika was smiling, talking with Rudy who was side hugging her.

"Hey Shivaay!", he came out of his trance and looked towards Malika who was smiling at him mischievously.

"Hey!", he walked to them and took Malika, Gauri and Bhavya in a hug.

"Finally home looks lively", Tej said, all smiling towards girls.

"Really. And thank you Annika for coming", Jhanvi said holding her hand smiling.

"Please aunty. It was so sweet of you for inviting me, how would have I not accepted it. I am happy to come here", Annika said smiling back.

"See Tej. I told you na, I met a sweetheart today", Jhanvi said looking at her husband.

"Girls are always sweetheart, love. I don't know why we got blessed with these 3 idiots", Tej said teasingly.

"Dad!", Shivaay, Om and Rudra exclaimed while Arnav chuckled.

"What? You guys are of no use! I am glad of getting one more daughter, Annika", he said gently patting her head. Annika smiled softly blinking.

"Come let's sit. What would you guys like to have?", Jhanvi asked as all settled down.

"Coffee would go", everyone said.

"Um..aunty I will go with juice. I am no-caffeine diet", Annika said smiling softly.

"Okay sweetie. Definitely maintaining this body needs some diets", Jhanvi said getting up. Annika chuckled nodding.

"I will help you mom", Shivaay followed Jhanvi. Annika smiled seeing this but then looked at Om and Rudra who bickering about something.

Shivaay was helping Jhanvi along with the servants when she saw Shivaay looking at the hall from the open window of kitchen. She saw him looking at others, specifically Annika. A small smile was there on his lips. The way she was talking with everyone, consoling Rudy when Arnav or Om is teasing him.

"Shivaay", he hummed subconsciously but then looked at other side and smiled at Jhanvi.

"Yes mom", he said keeping the refreshments on tray and servants took it along with snacks going out.

"You like Annika, don't you?", she asked making Shivaay look at her and smiled lightly.

"Mom! I won't lie to you. Yes I do like her, she's a great person, an amazing human. I like spending time with her but I am not sure if I like her in romantic way or just as a friend. I don't want to hurt her. What if she get expectations from me that we might end up and then I realise that it was just friendly from my side. She's a really nice girl, someone who we usually don't get these days", he said looking back at Annika who was laughing talking with Tej.

"Wow! I don't know other things but she surely affects you a lot. You are really caring towards her", she said softly making him nod.

"I am. Her smile is innocent, she is beautiful from inside. She's untouched from life. She appears bold but from inside she's just like a small kid. Maybe her that thing attracts me towards her", he said looking at his mother.

"Even I wanna know her more, it's good you got someone like her instead of some bimbo", Jhanvi chuckled making him shake his head.

"We're just seeing each other for now so don't do anything overwhelming which may awkward her", he said making Jhanvi nod taking a glass of juice.

"Of course I won't but to you I am saying, I would love if she become my daughter in law", she said taking a sip and went out patting his shoulder. He sighed with a smile and went out.

He saw empty seat beside Annika and saw her looking towards other with a smile as boys were bickering with girls.

"Hey", he said softly making Annika towards him. She smiled back softly.

"Hey. How have you been?", she said looking at him.

"Just helping mom. Juice is good?", he eyed the glass in her hand. She nodded.

"Oh! It's really nice. Aunty told me, it's her home-made freshly pulped juice", she said smiling.

"Mom loves natural and organic food. She has developed her own farms which she even exports", he said making her nod taking a sip.

"Have you told anyone from your parents about it?", she asked softly, he looked at her confused.

"About what?"

"Us, of course! I mean like we're thinking to see each other. Actually aunty is being, really sweet towards me and most of her talks to me is about you", she said looking at him. He mentally face palmed at his mother.

"Well yes. I mean I know we're not in any official relationship but I never hide anything from them. Specially mom", he said with a nervous smile.

"It's fine. I understand. She is really sweet to be lied to. So you're mumma's boy?", she teased making him laugh a bit.

"Well you can say so. She is like my best friend, my first love, my inspiration", he said fondly.

"Aww! That's really sweet Shivaay. She really loves you a lot", she looked at Jhanvi in adoration.

"Whom are you close to, mom or dad?", he asked making Annika look at him for a moment and lowered her eyes squirming on her seat.

"Umm..", fiddling with her fingers, she looked towards him who was waiting in anticipation.

"Should we move for dinner?", Jhanvi's voice interrupted them making Annika nod immediately shifting her attention there.

"Exactly aunty! I am hungry too. I will help you in serving", she got up walking to her. He frowned lightly seeing this.

"Sure sweetie. Though I don't know what you like but I hope you'll like everything. Come", she nodded and went with Jhanvi.

"Why does she always excuse on the topic of her parents? I need to find out", he thought and left to dining area with others.

|••|

Dinner was a heartily affair. Laughter and smiles were present on dining table. Tej was sitting on the head chair with Jhanvi opposite him, across the table. Boys were sitting on left side whereas girls were sitting in right side. Annika was sitting opposite Shivaay.

"It's really good aunty. Specially the curry", Annika praised bringing a wide smile on Jhanvi's face.

"I am glad you liked it Annika. Do share with me what you like to eat. I will prepare your favourites next time", she said.

"Definitely aunty and you can call me Anu like everyone does", she smiled back.

"You know Jhanvi aunty, Anu also cooks really delicious food, specially baking", Gauri said making Annika glare at her playfully. Annika and compliment doesn't go well together.

"I agree", Malika said along.

"Really?? You know Anu, I love baking too but none of these boys like baking much", Jhanvi said, pouting at last.

"Don't worry aunty. Whenever we'll have time, we'll bake together", Annika smiled to which she nodded.

"Haan Annika beta, whenever you wish, you can come over. Make yourself feel at home", Tej said making Annika look towards him. She smiled softly nodding and focused on her food. Shivaay noticed her eyes. It was same like in morning.

"I will make sure she keeps coming uncle and aunty", Malika said winking towards Annika who shook her head.

|••|

After dinner, everyone was sitting in hall talking on various topics. Annika got to know that Tej is fond of wines and drinks, much to her interest. He has a large collection of drinks.

"We'll have drinks together one day. It would be fun", she said when Shivaay came and sat beside her.

"Mom, dad! I was just thinking to show Annika around. She has come for first time", he offered looking at his parents then her. She smiled lightly looking at her fingers playing with them.

"I was just thinking about it. You show her around, I will serve dessert till then. Anyone joining me?", she asked getting up.

"Me", girls said in unison, going with her. Shivaay looked at Annika who nodded.

"Excuse us dad", he mumbled getting up to which Tej nodded with a smile.

"After you", Annika smiled and went ahead. He glanced at boys who were passing a teasing smile making him roll his eyes and go behind Annika.

"You've a beautiful home", she said as both were walking at the corridor. He smiled having his hands inside his pockets. He was wearing a simple body-fit sleeves back shirt with chinos. The shirt was showing his physique quite well.

"All are mom's interior. She's an interior designer, loves bringing new difference here whenever she finds something new", he chuckled.

"She's really a sweet lady. In fact even uncle, he's so handsome for his age. I see from where you get your looks", she said smiling.

"So you are saying, I am handsome?", he asked with a teasing tone coming little closer. She looked down smiling softly.

"I never denied about it. You're undeniably one", she said looking at him.

"Thank you, lady. Come I show you an area. Actually my favourite", he said holding her hand and took her to the direction. She smiled and looked down at their entwined hands.

"Wow!", she exclaimed looking in front of her. It was swimming pool with sitting area around it. It had bar at one side. The moonlight was falling on the clear water making it shine. The area was in different shades of blue.

"Come", he walked them to the sitting area near poolside. They settled down on a couch.

"Whenever I want some personal space or me-time, I stay here. It's even hangout points of us, boys", he said making her nod.

"It's really cool and good here. I love swimming", she said looking at the water.

"One more. Mine too! We've quite similar things", he said bringing smile on her face.

"Definitely, that's why we feel something for each other", she said with a chuckle. He smiled.

"You're different from the girls I have met till now. True I have never dated anyone but you know, casual talks with them", she nodded smiling.

"I told you first day itself, you'll find me different", he smiled.

"Speaking of which, be ready by 5 in evening tomorrow. I will come to pick-up you", he said looking at her.

"Where will we be going?", she asked with a blink making her look adorable.

"I mean, I will dress up accordingly", she continued sheepishly.

"Ah! Don't worry about that. It may sound cheesy but definitely everything suits on you. You can keep it casual", she blushed hearing him and gave a smile with nod.

There was a comfortable silence around them. She was looking towards pool while he looked at her. The way moonlight fell on her face making it look more angelic. Her baby hair and unruly strands blowing because of the breeze.

"Annika"

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask you something?", she frowned hearing it in confusion.

"Of course. Say", she turned her attention to him.

"I notice whenever we talk about your parents. You change the topic. Is there any issues?", he asked making her stiffen for a moment. She looked down tucking her hair.

"If you're comfortable, I don't want to invade in your privacy", he said making her shake head and look at him.

"Definitely not Shivaay, now when we're seeing each other, even if it's casually, you deserves to know", she said softly.

"My mom and dad lives in Goa. Dad owns biggest bakery of Goa, mom and dad, both are bakers. My skills on baking comes because of that. Mom wanted me to become a doctor or have simple professional life. I wanted to become an actress which according to her will only trouble me or destroy me, I will never stay in peace. Dad supported me but mom was always against it. When I was 20, I got offer for my first movie from a really big production house. I told about it to mom and dad, dad agreed but mom didn't.. Still I came here in Mumbai with dad, he always supported me and still supports me. She loves me but she don't like my profession so she hardly talks to me now. She don't like my fame, she says one day I will regret going against her. We've strangers kind of relationship now. She talks to me only as much as needed and expect same from me Dad is still happy with me, he keeps updating me about mom. Dad tried many times to convince her, explain her but she's still against it. I miss my mom", she stopped as lump formed in her throat, pain was visible in her voice.

"I tried my ways to convince her. I even went to Goa but she didn't even talk to me, she just said I have hurt her.", she cried and he took her in a side hug. She buried herself in his chest. After sometime, she parted from him and wiped his cheeks looking down.

He held her hands as she was rubbing her palms harshly on her cheeks. He shook his head and dabbed her cheeks with his thumb pad. She was looking at him with red eyes, his own eyes were glisten. He realised how strong the woman is in front of him. She has struggled in her life to achieve what she is today.

"You are a very strong woman Annika", he mumbled softly and kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes feeling currents running inside her and her breathing got calm.

"Is it wrong that I chose my dream over her dream as my occupation? Dad is proud of me, my relatives are happy too. Why only mom?!", she sniffed. He had his one arm wrapped around her shoulder.

"Of course not. You chose and live your dream. Everyone has right for that. I am proud of you that you stayed strong. Your mom could have tried to understand you" he said softly.

"You understood me?", she looked at him with little amusement in her voice.

"Of course I did. I should understand you. I heard girls love it when their partner is understanding. Is it true?", he asked softly wiping the wet strains of tears from her cheek.

She blushed on the mention of partner. His face near her face was not helping too. She hummed nodding lightly.

"Thank you for sharing it to me Annika. We've just been known to each other for 3 weeks and you shared biggest part of your life with me", he said gratefully.

"I felt like sharing it with you. Except you only Gauri and Bhavya knows it", she mumbled looking at him. He smiled softly.

"Bhaiya! Annika didi! Dessert is here", they heard shout of Rudy. She separated herself from him.

"I think we should go now", he said to which she agreed.

"But my face...", she said looking at her face who had dry strains of tears.

He actioned her to wait and came back with wet tissues. She mumbled a thank you taking them and made herself presentable.

"Let's go", he said to which she nodded and both went back to hall area.

|••|

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

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

Annika's outfit:

Precap: Shivaay, Annika and sea

Love,
K♥️