"Thought You'd Never Ask"

The rest of the day passed in a blur and night saw Shivaay and Anika laying on the hammock on the side of the villa, quietly listening to the sea waves.

Anika was almost on top of Shivaay and there was no doubt they both were peaceful. His hand was around her waist, hers on his chest. They had their dinner quickly and Shivaay insisted on taking her to the villa because she looked so tired but when they were here, he lead her to the backside and showed her the hammock, having her all excited.

"This feels so good." Shivaay mumbled, turning a little so he could look at her.

"This feels impossible. Khidkitod Anika and Bagadh Billa, dating each other."

"My family would say otherwise." Shivaay winked.

"How did they know?"

"Maybe they knew you wouldn't be able to resist Shivaay Singh Oberoi for long." Shivaay smirked and Anika playfully rolled her eyes. "Or maybe they knew that this Shivaay will find his way to Anika." he continued, staring at her intently.

Anika smiled softly. Shifting a little, she leaned and placed a kiss on his jaw and Shivaay's grip on her waist tightened. Before she could guess, he pulled her above himself conpletely and took her lips in a kiss, his hand moving to her hair. Anika was shocked for a mere second before she eagerly kissed him back, hands moving to his shoulders and slowly to the back of his head. As they pulled away, Anika gave him a khidkitod smile and rested her head on his chest, feeling his accelarated heartbeat. Poking him where his heart lay, she mumbled, "Didn't know I could have this effect on you."

"Oh you don't know how much you do." Shivaay kissed her forehead.

---

The next morning, Shivaay frowned as he woke up to an empty bed. He frowned and heard the door click and looked to find Anika all dressed up and hurrying about.

"Good morning girlfriend."

Anika froze as she heard his raspy voice. Turning to him, she grinned. "Good morning boyfriend." She looked on as a beautiful smile made its way to his lips.

"Now I have to hurry." With that she ran outside the room and Shivaay heard the clatter of vessels from the kitchen. Getting off the bed, he decided to freshen up before meeting Anika.

When he came outside, he saw Anika hastily drinking her tea, eating her toast and also busily going through her phone.

"What's gotten you in so much hurry?"

"There is a function for the elder ladies from the groom and bride's side. Something Avni's family has been following for years. Have to make sure there is nothing wrong with the arrangements."

"Of course nothing will be wrong, you are quite a planner."

"But I have been vacationing more than doing work. If it would have been anyone else, I would have been called unprofessional."

"You do realise that the only other even you actually planned was at my house."

"And you called me unprofessional all the time." Anika showed him her tongue.

"Well that case was different."

"Sure Shivaay." she scoffed.

"Okay so when will you be coming back?"

"After the function gets over."

"But that will take a lot of time! Are you not coming with us todat for sight-seeing?"

Anika rolled her eyes. "I am not a tourist."

"But you are also a guest. You are my girlfriend!" Shivaay almost whined and stood in front of her.

"I became your girlfriend after coming here. So no, I am not a guest. Why are you being so unreasonable?"

Shivaay paused in whatever he was saying. "Fine. I am being unprofessional now."

Anika smiled and finished her tea. "Will see you in the evening."

Shivaay smiled softly. His mind was stuck at one single thing. Why was he being so clingy? Frowning to himself, he failed to realise that Anika was staring at him curiously. It was when she snapped her fingers in front of him that he looked at her again. "Hmm?"

"Where are you lost?"

"Uh, nothing."

He raised his eyebrow when she was looking at him expectantly. When he gave her a blank look, Anika frowned. "Everything okay, Shivaay?"

Shivaay nodded, half-mindedly.

"Bye Shivaay."

"Bye."

Sighing, she leaned and placed a quick kiss on Shivaay's lips and walked out, leaving him stunned. He looked at her wide-eyed, only to find her gone. Well, his girl was too precious to not be clingy.

He grinned. Calling her his girl felt so good. Shivaay shook his head. What was wrong with him?

---

The day had been hectic for Anika. She had been going around the hotel's banquet hall, making sure none of the ladies had any problem. It was, apparently a ritual for the bride and groom's mother and even though their kids weren't here, Anika had beem amazed at how all these rituals held so much of symbolism. Watching them dance and sing, Anika stood in one of the corners. Whenever Avni's mom would look at her, she would smile widely and Anika knew why she loved doing this so much.

When they had all shifted to food, Anika's thoughts wandered to a certain person whose thoughts wouldn't leave her at most times. She was not sure if this was real, she knew she could never be. The past three days had been a different something. Shivaay's smiles and kisses, waking up next to him, she realised she wanted more. Seeing him not wanting to leave her alone, it made her feel all sorts of butterflies, even if it was supposed to annoy her.

Smiling to herself she got back to work. She was about to go around the guests when Avni's mom came to her.

"Aunty is there some problem?"

"Not some problem but my daughter has sent special orders that her best friend eats something." She smiled.

Anika chuckled and nodded. "Will have it once everyone's done."

"Have it soon, okay? Also, Avni said she wanted you to set up a campfire somewhere around the boys' villa. They have apparently made some plan for tonight."

Anika nodded. "Will get to it."

"Also, Avni says you have an off tomorrow."

Anika frowned. "I never applied for a leave."

"It's okay Anika, you'll have three more days to prepare for other functions and half of it is already done. Avni said she really needed you tomorrow."

Anika nodded, still unsure.

Mrs. Raheja smiled and ran a hand through Anika's hair before heading back to the other ladies.

---

By the time they were back from their tiring day, all five had crashed on the sofas, not even bothering to relax. When Anika came back she found them sprawled on the sofas, Aryan and Isha on the ground.

"Were you guys gone for war?" Anika asked with raised eyebrows.

They looked up and all smiled widely. "I hope our last activity for the day is ready Anika. It is going to be so much fun." Avni grinned, almost sounding evil.

"Yeah it is set up but you guys look like you'll all drop dead in a few."

"No time for dying today. Aryan and Avni have the best campfire in mind." Aryan grinned.

"Wasn't Avni upset with you?"

"They made up before today morning." Vedant provided and Aryan  poked Avni's cheek in response.

"How was your day, captain Anika?" Meera asked making Anika smile.

"Well, I had so much fun."

"Anika is a complete old woman on the inside. How did you manage through all that old people stuff?" Aryan whined.

"Oh please. They were more fun than you will ever be."

"Huh, like I'll believe these lies. I mean, you are dating Shivaay, of course you will have weird choices." Aryan quipped and was immediately punched in the shoulder by Shivaay.

"Well, I am heading outside, waiting for all of you." Anika walked outside again.

"At least let her have some rest Aryan." Meera frowned and Shivaay hummed in agreement

Aryan and Avni smirked at each other. "She's going to have a nice relaxation tomorrow."

"What do you mean?" Shivaay asked only to meet Aryan's grin.

"Though you would never ask."

---

Waiting to know what y'all think of this. At times I don't understand why you like this story at all :P

Thanks for sticking to this <3

BlackManiacx