Anika: Thank you so much Raghav Ji

After signing the papers, Anika handed over the file back to the landlord

Raghav: you're most welcome Ma'am, and sorry for the delay

Gauri: kohi baat nahi, ek aur hafta toh kuch nahi hai
(It's okay, one more week is nothing)

Anika: hume nikalna hai aab
(We should leave now)

Gauri: see you next week

She chirped, happier than usual. There was one main reason why, and that was because she was allowed to drive the car. Tej insisted that the two girls should take a car instead of an auto or cab, so Gauri ceased the opportunity. She absolutely loved driving, and even more when she'd accelerate the car and zoom down the road. On the other hand, a calmer Anika didn't know how to drive. Unfortunately for her this meant being stuck with Gauri's reckless skills on the road.

A few minutes into the journey and Anika was clutching onto the seatbelt very tightly as her sister's foot pressed down on the accelerator pedal. Despite the empty road, Anika still feared a car would come out of nowhere and cause a huge accident.

Gauri: Rahul?

Anika: Rahul kaun?
(Rahul Who?)

Gauri: sadak pe
(On the road)

Careful not to jerk the car, Gauri applied the brakes and got out of the car. She kept on walking towards a man on the road who was signalling for help. Anika also followed, unaware of what was happening.

Anika: Kya hua Gauri?
(What happened Gauri?)

Gauri: yeh hai Rahul, mere saath America mein tha padai ke liye, inke girlfriend bhi thi humare saath
(This is Rahul, he was with me in America for studies, his girlfriend was also there with us)

Rahul: Anika, right?

Getting an idea of who he was, Anika shook hands with the man

Gauri: what happened man?

Their attention was bought to the white car beside the road.

Rahul: meri gaadi kharab hua, aur mujhe kahi jaana hai
(My car broke down, and I have to go somewhere)

Gauri: kya, apni Simran ke paas?
(What, go to your Simran?)

Teasingly, Gauri smirked as she watched the guy blush at the mere mention of his girlfriend.

Rahul: actually hone-wali fiancée, mein bas uske ghar jaara tha
(Actually fiancée to be, I was going to her house only)

Anika: hum aapko lift deh sakte, agar aapko kohi problem nahi hai
(We can give you a lift, if you don't have a problem)

Rahul: that would very much be appreciated

He got into the car with them and they soon reached a house. When the door was opened, Gauri and Anika noticed a familiar face. The easily recognisable bodyguard Khannah greeted them first

Khannah: Anika Ma'am, Gauri Ma'am?

Anika: Khannah Ji

Rahul: you know him?

Gauri: yeh humare family-friends ke ghar mein security ka kaam karta
(He works in security at a family-friends house)

Khannah: aap sab andhar aaye please
(You all come in please)

Welcoming them into his house, Khannah introduced his younger sister Simran to the girls. They took out a date for the engagement, that lay in the next week.

Khannah looked up and caught a glance at the clock, reminding him of the time.

Khannah: baate karke meine time per dhyaan ho nahi diya. Mein late hora hoon, Ma'am aap mujhe lift deh sakte?
(While speaking I didn't pay attention to the time. I'm getting late, Ma'am can you give me a lift?)

Anika: haan lekin please aap drive karo
(Yes but you please drive)

Gauri: meri driving se kya problem hai aapko?
(What problem do you have with my driving?)

Anika completely ignored her sister's grumbling and went along with Khannah.

Upon reaching, Anika got a call from a colleague. So she immediately excused herself.

Gauri: Khannah Ji, aapko pata ki Om kaha hai?
(Khannah Ji, do you know where Om is?)

Khannah: apne kamre mein hoga, darasal uska art exhibition hai kal.
Uske liye tiyaariya kara hoga
(He should be in his room, actually he has an art exhibition tomorrow. He must be preparing for that)

Gauri: Thank you

From a young age, Gauri had a fascination in creating things. She had hoped to get into one of Om's exhibitions, seeing as he is a very good artist. Ceasing the opportunity to ask, it would also double up as a chance to get to know this man more. Somehow, she had taken an interest in him, and adorned how cute and gullible he was.

____________

Roaming along the vast corridors of the luxurious mansion, Anika was looking around in all directions. This wasn't an area of the mansion she was familiar with, only she knows how she reached there. It was no surprise that she collided with someone on her way, and that person was Pinky. Anika then noticed behind her was Shivaay, who was suspiciously checking his phone as if not to interfere in their talks.

Pinky: Anika, tujhe kuch chahiye?
(Anika, do you want anything?)

Anika: Nahi Aunty Ji, Mein bas ghum hogi.
(No Aunty, I just got lost)

Pinky: kese?
(How?)

Anika: ghar aane ke baad, mein ek colleague ke saath baat kari thi. Acha jab mein phone per baat karti, mein toh uss call mein itna kho jaati ki pata nahi kaha pedal karke pahunchti. Ek baar mein sirf garden mein thi aur baate karke hospital paunch gayi
(After coming home, I was a talking to a colleague only. When I speak on the phone, I get so lost in the call that I don't know where I reach through walking. One time I was just in the garden only, and reached the hospital whilst speaking)

Pinky couldn't help but chuckle at this girl's craziness. All the various faces she made whilst explaining were just so adorable.

Shivaay: kaha gayi thi?
(Where did you go?)

Simply out of curiosity, the man casually asked.

Pinky: tu kyu jaanaa chaata hai?
(Why do you want to know?)

Anika: haan Shivaay, aap kyu jaanaa chaate?
(Yes Shivaay, Why do you want to know?)

Whilst crossing her arms, Anika smirked seeing him stuck with no reply.

Shivaay: mein toh bas ese pooch raha tha
(I was just asking like that)

Pinky: theek hai coh chod, Shivaay tu jaake Anika ko apne room thak chodo
(Okay leave that, Shivaay go take Anika to her room)

Shivaay: lekin yeh jewellery?
(But this jewellery?)

Showing her the red velvet boxes in his hands, Shivaay asked what he should do with them.

Pinky: meine apna minds badal liya. Yeh sets mujhe itna acha nahi laga
(I have changed my mind. I didn't like this set so much)

Giving a crooked smile, Pinky lightly pushed the cases back to Shivaay.

Shivaay: seriously Mom? Aap pichle 3 ghante se jeweller ka dimag khaari thi, aur aab keh rhi ki yeh set acha nahi hai?
(Seriously Mom? For the last 3 hours you were eating the jeweller's head, and now you're saying the set isn't nice?)

At this moment, Shivaay was almost certain that he would never be able to understand women. His mother was literally praising the pieces a few minutes ago, now she couldn't bear the sight of it.

Pinky; to kya, aab mein apna minds nahi badal sakti?
(So what, now I can't change my mind?)

Shivaay: aap hi batao, isme kya acha nahi hai?
(You tell me, what isn't nice in this?)

He carefully opened the first box, showcasing the neck piece to Pinky and Anika.

Pinky: tu batao Anika, kese lagta?
(You tell me Anika, how does it look?)

Anika: Aunty Ji, agar aap bhura nahi maanoge...
(Aunty Ji, if you don't mind...)

Pinky shook her head, signalling for her to carry on.

Anika: yeh style toh kuch mahine mein outdated hoga. Aapko kuch aur, khaas wala lena hai. Agar aap itne bright colours nahi chunte, yeh doosre outfits ke saath match kar sakte
(This style will be outdated in a frw months. You need to take something else, unique. If you don't choose very bright colours, then you can match these with other outfits)

Pinky was surprised with her knowledge on these things and was immediately impressed.

Pinky: yeh sab tum kese jaanti, Fashion designers ho tum?
(How do you know all this, are you a fashion designer?)

Anika: Nahi Aunti Ji, mujhe actually Event Management karna tha, kaam ke jage mein. Isi liye thora bohot basic understanding hai mere paas
(No Aunti Ji, I actually wanted to pursue Event Management as a career. That's why I have a basic understanding of it with me)

Pinky: lagta hai ki humare paas kuch kaam hai
(Looks like we have some work to do)

With a grin plastered on her face, Pinky took Anika's hand and began to go back to her room

Shivaay: aur mera kya?
(And what about me?)

Trying to seek some attention, Shivaay called out as he balanced the many jewellery boxes in his arm. The way Pinky recklessly stacked them made it so his vision was slightly blocked.

Pinky: yeh sab mere room mein chodo, mujhe Anika ke saath baat karni hai
(Leave all this in my room, I have to talk with Anika)

Caressing her cheek, Pinky gave a heart-warming smile and lead Anika to the hall.

In a trance, love-struck Shivaay's eyes followed her until she was out of sight. He also made a mental note on the whole event management dream; it could be a good conversation topic to initiate a discussion between the two. Lately things had been a little unsettled amongst Anika and Shivaay, ever since they went on a house hunt.

Shivaay: Anika ne already Mom ki dil jeet gayi. Achi bahu chod, beti jese banegi
(Anika has already won Mom's heart. Forget a good daughter-in-law, she'll become like a daughter)

Rudra: hai naa?
(Isn't it?)

Nearly jumping out of his skin, Shivaay was certainly alarmed by Rudra's sudden appearance

Shivaay: shut up Rudra, you didn't hear anything

Rudra: oh but I did

Aiming to throw another popcorn up in the air and into his mouth, Rudra smirked before landing the shot perfectly.

Shivaay: kaan saaf karo
(Clean you ears)

He clutched the bowl tighter, enjoying the embarrassment on his elder brother's face.

Shivaay: haath aage karo
(Extend your arms)

Shrugging his shoulder's, Rudra kept the bowl of popcorns on a nearby table. Suddenly his arms felt a weight on then, after shivaay dumped all the jewellery boxes on him.

Shivaay: yeh sab Mom ke kamre mein chodo
(Leave these all in Mom's room)

Rudra: mein kyu?
(Why me?)

He let out a whine as he watched Shivaay snatch the popcorn bowl from the table.

Shivaay: kyuki tu chota hai
(Because you're small)

Rolling his eyes, Rudra follwed his brother and

Rudra: shayad umar mein hum chote pade, lekin height mein toh aap...
(Maybe I fall behind in terms of age, but in height you are...)

If he wanted to see another day, Rudra realised it would be best to not complete that thought.

____________

After passing by his own room, Shivaay found his beloved security guard patiently waiting for him in the main hall

Shivaay: bol Khannah
(Speak Khannah)

Khannah: Sir kya mein agle hafte chutti le sakta?
(Sir can I take a leave next week?)

Shivaay: haan zaroor. Abhi mere liye gaadi ready karvaado, mein aata
(Yes definitely, now get a car ready for me, I'll just come)

When Shivaay was speaking to Khannah, he noticed that his soulmate wasn't with him.

Now don't get too eager, his soulmate is a thing he cannot live without.

You've probably guessed it right, Shivaay's phone. Even though it was inevitable he would eventually break the cell, the man needed it with him for him upcoming meeting. Hence he didn't waste another second before rushing to his room, where the device was kept. Letting out a sigh once he saw the phone on the bed, Shivaay picked it up.

Shivaay: tere bin mein kya karta
(What would I do without you?)

On her way to her room, Anika sneaked past Shivaay's bedroom. Her eyes widened seeing Shivaay speak to the phone. From what it looked like to her, it seemed that Shivaay was on a call to someone.

Anika: oh bete ki! Shivaay ka girlfriend hai? Vese yeh saare lovey dovey baate suit nahi karte, itna sadu aur akdu aadmi joh hai.
(Oh my god! Shivaay has a girlfriend? Anyways all these lovey dovey talks don't suit him, after all he's such a stubborn and arrogant guy)

Scrunching her nose, Anika continued on her way with a tinge of jealously. Oblivious of her presence but still feeling a weird sensation in his heart, Shivaay grabbed another file from the cupboard.

Meanwhile downstairs, Khannah had just finished instructing the driver when Gauri came along

Khannah: Gauri Ma'am?

Gauri: Khannah Ji

She gave a warming smile before continuing further

Gauri: toh, aapki behn ki shaadi ke invites humko bhi milege ki nahi?
(So, will we also get your sister's wedding invitations or not?)

Khannah: Thank you Gauri Ma'am, ride ke liye
(Thank you Gauri Ma'am, for the ride)

He thanked her for the earlier incident.

Khannah: hum dono bhai bhen ke pass sirf ek doosre hai, aur uski kushi ke liye mein kuch bhi kar sakta
(Us two siblings only have each other now, and for her happiness I can do anything)

Gauri found it amazing that he was so protective of his sister. It reminded her of her own relationship with her sister, how they were also alone and would be there for each other.

Gauri: toh shaadi kab hoga?
(So when is the wedding?)

Khannah: agle mahine, meine Shivaay Sir se sagai ke kiye chutti maanga. Shaadi ke liye mein baad mein poochunga
(Next month, I've asked for holidays from Shivaay Sir for the engagement. I'll ask for the wedding later on)

Gauri was about to continue on her way when Khannah stopped her with a quick question

Khannah: aap aur Anika Ma'am zaroor aaye, hume bohot acha lagega
(You and Anika Ma'am should definitely come, we will appreciate it)

From the corner of her eye, the badmaash girl noticed Shivaay (aka her future "Jiju") approaching them. She thought of playing a little trick to see if it worked.

Gauri: behn ki shaadi hai, kese nahi aaoungi mein?
(It's the sister's wedding, how will I not come?)

She lightly hit the bodyguard shoulder as they both chuckled.

Shivaay's reflex action to this shock was to hide behind the pillar and seek more information.

Khannah: Anika Ma'am ko ladka pasand aaya?
(Did Anika Ma'am like the guy?)

Being the protective brother he is, Khannah wanted to make sure that the guy was decent and likeable. Figuring his sister's happiness could cloud his judgement, he wanted to know what everyone thought of him.

Shivaay, of course, was unaware of what was happening. He presumed they were talking about a shaadi for Anika, seeing as she is Gauri's sister

Gauri: bohot, first class banda chunna aapne Khannah Ji
(A lot, you have chosen a first-class guy Khannaj Ji)

Whilst walking off in the other direction, she left Khannah waiting for his boss, who soon revealed himself.

Shivaay: gaadi?
(The car?)

Khannah: waiting outside Sir

With a troubled mood, Shivaay continued on his way. Who knows what was in store for his poor client today.

____________

As Gauri and Anika were sat with Jhanvi, Pinky and Dadi, they noticed the three women stealing glances of them.

Anika: Pinky Aunty kuch hua kya? Humne kuch galat kiya?
(Pinky Aunty has something happened? Have we done something wrong?)

Pinky: bilkul nahi, Tum dono toh ek dum perfects ho
(Not at all, you two are absolutely perfect)

Jhanvi: haan, aaj kal kohi achi aur sanskari ladki nahi milti
(Yes, nowadays we don't find any well behaved and traditional girls)

Anika: yeh Miss America bhi?
(This Miss America also?)

With the sole purpose of annoying her little sister, Anika questioned in a low voice. Gauri whined at the teasing as her sister kept an arm around her.

Jhanvi: jab voh ghar aayi toh saare bade logo ke ashirwad le liye isne. Visesh gayi lekin izzat dikhana nahi bhooli
(When she came home she took blessing from all the elders. She's gone abroad but hasn't forgotten how to respect elders)

Gauri: sun liya Di?
(Did you hear Di?)

A wide grin plastered on her face after hearing her praises.

Pinky: kaash hume tumahre jese bahu milte, apne bache ke liye
(If only we got daughter-in-law's like you for out children)

Gauri: aap rishte dhoond the, Om aur Bhaaiya ke liye?
(Do you look for proposals, for Om and Shivaay Bhaaiya?)

Pinky: meine toh give ups kiya
(I've given up)

Rolling her eyes, Pinky let out a sigh and sat back in her seat

Gauri: Kyu?
(Why?)

Pinky: yeh ladkiye bohot... kese bolu mein
(These girls are very... how do I say it)

Thinking of a way to phrase her thoughts, Anika gave an suggestion.

Anika: cheapde jese?
(Cheap types?)

Pinky: haan vahi, aur ese cheeze karte...
(Yes that; and they do such things...)

Anika: 2 rupees wale harkate?

Jhanvi: exactly

Pinky: mere shareef bete ke liye ese ladkiyan bilkul nahi match karte
(For my innocent son these girls don't match at all)

Anika remembered that Shivaay had a lover, the one whom he couldn't live without. Such a dhokhebaaz, lying to his own mother, cheapde kahinka

Gauri: kohi nahi Aunty, bohot jald aapko apni idea bahu milegi
(No worries Aunty, you'll get your ideal daughter-in-law very soon)

None of the elders noticed, but Anika was well aware that Gauri was hinting about her. She shot a deathly glare back at Gauri, indicating her to shut her mouth.

Anika: Gauri sach mein?
(Gauri really?)

Sarcastically, Anika muttered in a low voice, making sure only Gauri hears her words

Gauri: mein toh facts bolri hoon
(I'm speaking facts only)

Anika: tu...
(You...)

Remembering that they weren't alone, Anika thought she should deal with this girl later on.

Precap: Shivaay offers Anika a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Anika: Shivaay are you sure?

Shivaay: sure as I'll ever be

Anika: matlab pakka?

Furrowing her eyebrows, she looked him in the eyes. Those mesmerising, dreamy, mysterious eyes.

Shivaay: pakka

************

I know there was not much of Shivika at all in this chapter. But I promise, balti bhar bhar ke romance daalungi mein 😉

Thank you for reading my lovelies 😊