Oberoi Mansion

Shivaay was in ths gym working out on the squat rack. He was shirtless, sweating under the equipment. Jhanvi came there searching for him and shook head seeing him there.

"I am searching you from long Shivaay", Jhanvi said making Shivaay stop and got up smiling walking to the couch there wearing his t-shirt.

"What is it Mom? All okay?", he asked drinking water. Jhanvi walked to him with a towel.

"Rudy told me something really shocking", she said giving him the towel which he took mumbling thanks.

"What? His biceps shrunk one inch?", Shivaay asked chuckling making Jhanvi hit on his arm.

"You said sorry that too to a girl", she said to which Shivaay sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Firstly, I am not able to understand why you people are making it a big issue. It's just a sorry guys", he said moving out of gym room towards downstairs.

"Because its you! You said sorry Shivaay, ever since your college days, we all have tired making you say sorry but you never said and a girl you met just a day before made you say sorry!", Jhanvi said following outside making him groan internally.

He walked inside the kitchen and started brewing his Americano, meanwhile taking out eggs and bread.

"Mom! I was wrong I said sorry, I disrespected her which was wrong, I rectified it", he said shrugging, beating eggs.

"As casual you make it sound Shivaay, it's not for us", they turned their head to the entrance of kitchen to see Arnav leaning there against the wall.

"Exactly! Something is there in that girl Shivaay, I am telling you", Jhanvi said excited making his eyes widen while Arnav smirked.

"Absolutely Jhanvi aunty. You know, Shivaay goes silent in front of her, she talks to him directly looking in his eyes. Even Shivaay talks decently with her", Arnav said coming to Jhanvi keeping his arms on her shoulder looking at Shivaay with a smirk to which Shivaay glared at him.

"Really?? I want to meet her. She's really different", Jhanvi said excitedly making Shivaay face palm mentally.

"Good morning beautiful people. Usually when I come back from morning walk it's only Shivaay here, what's special today", Om said walking inside with his DSLR keeping it on the couch in kitchen.

"Annika", Arnav said teasingly making Shivaay glare at her.

"Ahh that girl.. Yes", Om said nodding sharing a knowing smile with Arnav.

"What about that girl?", Shivaay raised his eyebrows looking at him.

"I saw her portfolios and pictures last night, mahn she's really a beautiful woman", Om said smiling. Shivaay just hummed noticing on his omelette.

"She's beautiful right Shivaay? I mean as designer I am saying. You know model's look", Arnav asked to which Shivaay rolled his eyes and hummed.

"Yes she's beautiful and that's why I want her as model of Allure. Anything more?", he asked to which they shook head.

"Shivaay, she's beautiful??", Jhanvi asked with hopeful eyes making Shivaay throw his hands in frustration.

"You guys continue your Annika tales, I will go and call dad, Rudy for breakfast!", he said going out.

"Om, Arnav I want to meet this Annika soon", Jhanvi said to which Om and Arnav nodded smiling.

|••••|

Girls penthouse

Annika came back from her gym and directly went towards dining area. She was wearing a black trackpants and sports bra. Taking water, she went to kitchen to see Bhavya and Gauri cooking together.

"Good morning ladies", she said sitting on the slab grabbing an apple.

"Morning Anu, freshen up. We've made pancakes and mocha", Gauri said making Annika groan.

"Why!! Just last night I ate so much fatty in anger thinking I won't be working for a while where I need to go to Allure today. No! No! I will just have this apple and few strawberries with juice", Annika whined frowning at last making other two roll eyes.

"Babe! Nothing will happen in one day. You love mocha and pancakes", Bhavya said making Annika nod when her subconscious mind mocked her about her liking every food making her grumpy.

"No no! I am not eating. I will go and freshen up", Annika said jumping down on her feet and walked to her room muttering something.

Annika took a quick shower and walked in her walk-in closet choosing a dress for the day. She chose a rib-tied stripped black top with matching pants. Doing a light make-up, she paired up with black pumps and tassel earrings. She curled the ends of her hair completing her look.

Looking at herself, she smiled feeling satisfied with her look and walked out taking her handbag. She saw Gauri and bhavya waiting for her on the dining table. Maria brought a plate of apple and strawberries with glass of mixed fruit juice.

"Anu!! Eat na!", Gauri said again making Annika shake her head and started having fruits checking her social media.

Finishing their breakfast, they left for Allure.

"Annika, you're okay with Shivaay sir na now?", Bhavya asked to which Annika nodded confused.

"I have already said 4 times till now Bhavya, it was past. He was wrong, he accepted, it's okay", Annika said to which other two sighed making Annika narrow her eyes.

"Guys what's happening?", she asked to which they looked at her with smiles shaking head.

"Absolutely nothing. We're happy, to work with you", Gauri said taking a pause to which Bhavya nodded.

Annika, who was not completely satisfied nevertheless nodded.

|••••|

Allure

Annika, Gauri amd Bhavya reached Allure talking to each other when Rudy saw them.

"Hello beautiful ladies", Rudra said stopping them in lobby area. They turned to him and Gauri Annika passed a smile towards him.

"Good morning didis, good morning gorgeous", Rudy said to which Bhavya frowned.

"I told you, don't call me gorgeous", Bhavya said frowning at him.

"Aren't you gorgeous?", Rudra smirked making Bhavya tongue tied.

"I am going, I have work", Bhavya said annoyed and went from there making Rudra chuckle.

"Even I will leave guys, I have to prepare looks for upcoming collection. Annika, you go to 7th floor, it's Malika's floor", Gauri said giving a quick hug to her and Rudra.

"I will escort her", Rudra said and Gauri went from there. Rudy turned to Annika smiling widely.

"Hello Didi! I am so happy and excited that you're here", he said making her giggle.

"Hello Rudra and even I am happy to work here", Annika said smiling.

"Oh didi! You can call me Ru or Rudy, everyone lovingly calls me", he said winking.

"Then you can call me Annie or Anu, everyone lovingly call me that", Annika said in same way making both of them chuckle.

"Hey Rudy!", just then they heard a shrill voice making his eyes widen and he made a crying face.

Annika looked confused and turned to the entrance of lobby to see a woman almost same of her age, coming towards them. She was wearing a red above knee-length dress and her hair was straight open.

"Your girlfriend?", Annika asked looking at Rudra who was looking here and there. He looked at her in horror.

"Not at all didi! Before she become my girlfriend, I will marry any girl but her..eww! She's Tia Kapoor, one of famous model of Allure and bhaiya's self proclaimed girlfriend", Rudra said with an irked face at last.

Before Annika could say ahead, Tia came there with a sickening smile and gave a hug to Rudy who responded with an irked face but smiled as she looked at him.

"Hey Tia! Why... I mean when you came back from hawaii?", he asked placing a fake smile.

"I came back last night and directly coming here to meet Shivaay baby", she said making Rudy roll his eyes but nodded smiling.

"Go then, bhaiya must be waiting for you", Rudy said leaving way for Tia. She was leaving when her eyes went on Annika and her eyes widened.

"Annika D'souza? In Allure?", she said and looked at Rudy who smiled widely.

"Yes! Bhaiya is going to work with her", he said emphasising bhaiya. Tia looked shocked and turned to Annika with a frown. Annika looked at her confused who just fumed and went from there.

"Isn't she weird??", Annika asked when she went making Rudy laugh.

"She's weirdest. She behaves like she owns Allure. Just because bhaiya was sweet with her, she has spread rumours that she and bhaiya are in relationship and bhaiya just 'tries' to hide it", Rudy said rolling eyes at end making Annika chuckle.

"Interesting character! So Shivaay don't have girlfriend?", Annika asked as they started walking to elevator.

"Girlfriend? I think bhaiya has not even shared a kiss with anyone till now. He is completely single, you see I have 30 yrs old virgin brother", Rudra said as they entered the elevator and he pressed to 7th floor.

"Well it's impressive as men these days just laid themselves to any girl", Annika said.

"Waise didi, even I am a virgin but pure, I won't say ahead", he said cheekily to which Annika hit on his shoulder playfully.

As they reached 7th floor, Annika noticed entire floor to be filled with designer dresses in cloth hangers and mannequins. People were working around taking materials from here to there.

"Malika didi solely have this floor. All the designing is done here. Only bhaiya and Arnav bhai has rights to touch the things of here as per thier wish", Rudra said talking Annika towards Malika's desk which is also surrounded by clothes hangers.

They saw Shivaay and Malika sitting together discussing about something. Just then Malika looked up and saw Annika.

"Finally my star is here", she said amd hugged Annika who hugged her back. Annika looked at Shivaay and passed a smile who returned it back with a smile.

"Bhaiya!! Your girlfriend is here", Rudy said rolling eyes. Shivaay who was looking at Annika looked at him with wide eyes.

"Huh?", he asked surprised.

"Tia! Tia is here", Rudra said making Shivaay's face turn irked.

"She's not my girlfriend", he said rolling his eyes and looked back at the materials.

"Anu, you don't have allergy from any fabric right?", Malika asked showing her the fabric catalogue.

"No, usually I don't have, just the cloth shouldn't be harsh", she said just then she saw Tia coming there and moved her gaze back to Malika.

"Hey Malika! Hey Shivaay baby", Tia cringly chirped to Malika and Rudra made face.

"Hey Tia and it's just Shivaay", he said parting from her hug she did.

"Oh come on Shivaay, these are your friends and family right, what's to hide from them. Oh! I see you're hiding from Annika. Annika, please don't tell anyone, me and Shivaay are in relationship", Tia said to which Malika rolled her eyes.

"I don't poke my nose in other's matters Tia and secondly, why would I say anyone about something which is like one sided relationship?", Annika said making Rudra and Malika's eyes widen and they controlled smile seeing Tia. Even Shivaay looked at Annika surprised.

"Listen-", Tia was going to say when Annika interrupted.

"You listen, first of all I don't give a damn with whom Shivaay has relationship that I will talk about it, secondly, it clearly shows that he is not interested in you, so there's no gain in spreading such rumours", Annika said making Rudra cup his mouth to control his laugh. Even Malika bite her inner cheeks to control it.

Shivaay looked at Annika surprised. Till date, no one has cross talked with Tia like this. It's true he doesn't have any feelings for Tia but he just ignores her so that she get hints as he doesn't want to hurt anyone.

He faked cough to control his laugh. Tia looked at everyone and fumed at Annika in embarrassment. She left from there stomping her feet. Malika and Rudra burst in laughter as she went making Annika chuckle.

"Didi I am your fan", Rudra said side hugging her still laughing.

"Seriously Anu! No one has insulted Tia so much till date but you girl", Malika said controlling her laugh in impressed way.

"I see Shivaay doesn't like her but doesn't wanna hurt anyone so someone needs to show her reality check na", Annika said winking making Malika hug her giggling.

"She's not my girlfriend, and yes I don't wanna hurt her as she's a family friend", Shivaay said with a small smile.

"I understand Shivaay. Btw, when can we start Malika? I am giving my total time to your collection", Annika said making her smile widely.

"So we're working on the outfits, why don't you give some stills so that we can decide which type of work or fabric would suit with you and makeup", she said to which Annika nodded.

"Okay, I am okay with anything", Annika said taking her handbag from seat.

"Ru! Take her to the studio then, Om must be there.. I will come in a while", Malika said to which Rudra nodded and took Annika from there. Shivaay was going towards stairs when Malika stopped him.

"Where are you going?", she asked making Shivaay confused.

"I have works Malika", he said in obvious way.

"No! They can be done later, we need to go to studio", she said pulling him towards elevator.

"But why? What's required there?", he said walking with her.

"The designers, aree if we won't notice what suits on Annika and what not, how will we design na", Malika said confusing Shivaay.

"Okay? Take Arnav then", he said stopping.

"Arnav is busy in a meeting, you come with me", she said and pulled him inside the lift and pressed 5th floor, the studio.

As they reached studio, they saw Annika wearing a lehenga from past collections. It was a red lehenga with short blouse and heavily embroidered flowy skirt. One of assistant make up artist was doing her makeup while another stylist was styling her hair.

As the look completed, she moved to the photoshoot area.

"You look gorgeous Annika, just give me your side looks and some soft ones like a bride", Om said to which Annika hummed and started giving poses.

Shivaay's eyes went to her waist as she kept her hand on them. Her milky slender waist looked perfectly toned and small under her palms. He looked away irritated from his pervert mind. First time, his mind was reacting in that way.

Annika was affecting her like no one has ever did. She's beautiful, she's fearless, she's sweet and she's affecting him which was irritating him.

He again looked at her to see her smiling widely. His heart felt something seeing her canines looking beautiful enhancing her adorable smile. Just then he felt a pat on his shoulder.

"What happened?", Malika asked as he looked at her.

"No..nothing!", he mumbled.

"She's the most beautiful woman in Allure till date Shivaay, I am so glad she's working with us", Malika said on which he looked at Annika again.

"I have some work Malika, I will see you later", Shivaay said and went from there making Malika confused but shrugged and looked back at Annika.

She was giving some really amazing shots as Om was guiding. Her body had grace, looks were sharp and smile was killing.

"This is one of my best photoshoot ever Annika!", Om said looking at the pictures in his camera. Malika rushed to him and looked photos with him.

"You're so hot Annie", Malika said to which Annika chuckled hitting on her shoulder.

|••••|

After completing the catalogue shoot, Annika was going back to Malika's floor as she called for something. She was going towards her desk when she slipped on the water spill over there.

She closed her eyes in fear to fall down when she felt two arms wrapping around her preventing jer from falling. Annika clutched the shoulder of the person and opened her eyes to see Shivaay holding her.

She looked in his eyes and for the very first time, she noticed his eyes. Those ocean like cyan blue eyes looking at her. They was so attractive that Annika felt like looking at them for hours. His arms had a warmth and protection as he held her.

He made her stand properly but she slipped again making her lean on him while he kept his one hand on the table behind for balance. Their faces were close making them feel each other's breath. For the first time, she felt what she acts in movies, increased heartbeat and butterflies.

"Are you okay?", she heard his faint voice making her come back from her thoughts.

"Huh?", she looked at him and then parted from him but he held her hands. She looked at him.

"You'll slip again, there's water over here! I don't know what these people are doing! If you would have fallen down then!", he said carefully bringing her to dry surface.

"I am okay Shivaay, it's okay", she said to which he hummed. Both noticed at their intertwined hands and took back their hands immediately.

"Th..thank you", she said tucking her hair looking here and there to which he hummed and left from there mumbling something inaudible to himself. She lightly hit her head and walked towards Malika scolding herself.

|•••|

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

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

Precap: Shivaay, Annika and pool

Love,
K♥️