Annika slowly went back to her room, no his room, actually their room. They did sleep next to each other the previous day, but today was different. Today, she was awake and he wasn't tired. She slowly went inside to see him lying on the bed, massaging his head.

"Jet lag?" She asked softly. He looked up for a moment before nodding. "Do you want something?" He shook his head in response. He looked as if he was unable to open his eyes. She switched off the light, hoping he'd feel better.

"Aaahh." Annika fell down with a thud, startling Shivaay. He rushed to her, headache long forgotten.

"Are you mad, Annika? Why did you turn off the lights? Now look you're hurt," he rubbed her back. "Will you be able to walk?"

She tried taking a step, but she had twisted her foot badly and her back wasn't in a good position either. Sensing this, Shivaay took her up in his arms. She stared at his features, she loved the way his eyes were furrowed with concern. He gently placed her on the bed and took out a gel from the first aid box. Without second thoughts, he pulled her top up and rubbed her back with it.

His touch was something she did not anticipate. She swore it sent a static in her. Her body stiffened and every cell in her was electrified. She couldn't breathe for a minute. She turned to him wide eyed. Was it just her or did he feel it too?

Shivaay did not stop what he was doing when he realized it, because he knew if he took his hand back, they'd be awkward again. He pulled her top down and neared her ear, "Don't move Annika. Sleep." He pulled the duvet up and slumped on his side of the bed.

*

Annika wondered why she felt something heavy was on top her. She tried stretching in her sleep, but couldn't move a single limb. She slowly opened her eyes and was shocked to see Shivaay on top of her. Well, not quite literally. His head was well rested on her shoulder. It seemed as if he had pinned her down in his sleep. She wondered how she'd get up without his knowledge, because awkwardness was the one place she did not want to be in.

Tringgggg.

The alarm made Shivaay open his eyes, which were heavy in slumber. His back was killing him. He turned at Annika and glared at her. He hadn't committed any sin to be punished that way.
"I need to go." She squirmed and Shivaay's glared only intensified.
"Do I look like a football to you?" His question made her realize the one thing she'd forgotten in a long time.
"Did I kick you?" She asked sheepishly. She should have warned him about her little habit.
He seemed as if he was about to say something, but he just shook his head and smiled.
"I guess I'll sleep a little more!" He pulled back the duvet as she nodded. She wondered what was on his brains.

She got ready in a jiffy and made her way out without waking him up. When she got down, she saw Dadi doing her morning aarti. Annika knew what was coming up.

"Chikoo, prashad?" Dadi lovingly placed a ladoo on her hand. She lifted up the plate, and gestured the diya to Annika.
"Dadi, you know I don't believe in all this right? Please don't force me." She gave Dadi a small smile before walking away. Dadi could just only sigh.

*

"Anni, what is the red patch on your neck?" Mallika's enquiry made her hand reach out to the place that itched a little while back. Must have been his stubble!

"Come on Mal, her husband just came back!" Sushant winked at the two of them as he sat back. Annika realized there was no way she was escaping comments on their non existent sex life.

*

By the evening until she returned, Shivaay knew that he was no longer the son of his house. Every single person had nothing to tell him, not even an 'I missed you', but no one got tired of talking about his wife. He also realized that everyone else, including their driver Mohan knew more about his wife than he did. He figured he'd have to change that. But how? Asking a girl out was relatively easy, but how did one ask his own wife out?

"Cause I just wanna look good for you, good for you
I just wanna look good for you, good for you
Let me show you how proud I am to be yours
Leave this dress a mess on the floor
And still look good for you, good for you"

He heard her sing and his mom immediately rushed out to the door. He peeped in and saw Annika wearing her giant headphones and his dad behind her.

"You should probably listen to other songs Chikoo!" Pinky said with a smile.
"Maybe. But Selena Gomez is my Queen!" Annika said with a grin on her face.

Shivaay raised his eyebrows, hmm Selena Gomez.

"Bhabhi! I missed you." Rudra ran and hugged Annika dramatically, leaving Shivaay mortified. When on earth did these two bond and where the hell was he!

"No you didn't. You just missed your gaming partner!" She laughed as Rudra denied profusely. "Get the Xbox on Rudy boy!"

Hmm. Games.

"Oh, you two aren't playing without me!" Om hopped behind them, leaving behind a surprised Shivaay. He would probably never fit in their squad.

"Bade papa, can I read your files with you?"

*

"How come Annika doesn't have to do this?" Shivaay protested. He had had enough of his family pampering his wife. He was very happy they had bonded well, but it was getting in his nerves that she was treated like a princess and he like a slave.
"Jiju, that's because she doesn't believe in God!" Gauri chirpped happily as she took out the garland. Omkara gave her a weird looks, she was probably the only teen who loved jagrathas.
"When I said the same, you nearly throttled me Dadi. Not fair!" Rudra pouted.
"Well, you lied because you wanted to go out clubbing! Annika has a completely different reason!" Dadi resumed her work. Shivaay wondered what may have been the reason that his dadi thought was valid enough.

"Jiju?" Gauri whispered. Shivaay raised his eyebrows.

"I can help you. Only if you agree to my deal!"