Anika smiled when Shivaay opened the car door for her. As she sat inside, Shivaay got back to his seat. The engine revved to life and Anika felt Shivaay interlinking his hand with hers. The butterflies erupted once again and Anika couldn't help but wonder what sort of dream this was.

Her mind drifted back to yesterday morning, the reason she and Shivaay ended up the way they are now.

-

Amidst all the preparations, Dadi noticed how tired Anika looked. She had a slight idea of the feelings brewing between them but couldn't understand why Billu had preponed his engagement to Tia.

That morning, after Shivaay left for office, she asked Rudra and Saumya to calm Anika down. To let her rest a bit.

Rudra did the emotional-blackmailing part and Saumya chose a movie. Some angrezi film whose name Anika didn't care to know. As Rudra and Saumya enjoyed the movie, Anika's thoughts were all around Shivaay. She couldn't believe the Bagadh Billa had preponed his engagement. Suddenly coming back to the movie, she only turned her attention to the screen to witness the leads into a passionate kiss.

Instead of looking away, like Anika usually would, she started imagining Shivaay and herself and her cheeks turned crimson.

Shaking her head to remove those cheapde thoughts, she actually paid a bit of attention to the plot. A bit.

It was when, a risky and probably desperate attempt struck her. What if?

-

Anika was brought back out of her thoughts when she felt Shivaay's lips on her cheeks. She turned to find him looking at her in amusement.

"Were you really lost or were you pretending so you could get a kiss?"

Anika narrowed her eyes and answered haughtily. "I am not dying to get a kiss from you."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. I can live without them now."

"Then why did you kiss me in the dark."

"So that I could live as I saw you getting married to Tia." Anika softly replied.

Shivaay pushed his foot on the break immediately and turned to look at her.

Immediately pushing his and her belts, he cupped her face. "Anika, I'll tell you one thing. I only preponed the engagement to see if you would react. Anika these feelings have always been there for you. The ring you are wearing is the one I bought for you. The one I bought when I told Mom I didn't find anything for Tia the day we went to the  jewellery store. What you did was for the best, okay?"

Anika looked at him and smiled. "Thank you Shivaay.",

He only looked at her in confusion. "This just makes me so happy. I was so upset until you showed up at my doorstep. You are only making this the best day of my life more than it already is. What I did last night was probably the first thing I did, for myself. Without thinking about anyone else. Even you and your engagement with Tia." Anika chuckled.

Shivaay took her in a hug. "Anika, you did that for me as well. You don't know how much I wanted you to love me back. I mean, I was hoping and praying you were my mystery kisser."

Anika grinned and pushed him away. "And why is that so?"

Instead of answering, Shivaay only pulled her into a short kiss.

-
While Rudra, Saumya and Om, who had joined them when he had returned from his studio watched the movie that had turned emotional, Anika's mind started forming a plan. She loved Shivaay. She will have to take this risk. He wasn't even engaged till now, one short kiss wouldn't hurt. After this, Anika will strengthen herself and face the difficulties her life always throws at her. What love can make people do.

She had talked to Khannaji. Not really telling him her intentions (because that would have been very very awkward) she told there was a plan and she needed his help. Something about Oberoi security and some half-baked lies. Khanna didn't believe those but he trusted Anika and so he did as he was asked to.

In all her nervousness, she readily agreed when Priyanka suggested they stay upstairs for most of the party. When Anika knew it was almost time for the party to get over, she lied to Priyanka that she'll have to look if everything is going smoothly. Priyanka agreed and Anika messaged Khanna to take down the power after a few minutes.

When the lights went out, Anika started sweating profusely. For the first time, the dark didn't scare her because of what her past help but because she was nervous of the consequences of her present actions.

Priyanka let go of Anika's hand and Anika took a deep breath. She had already made sure where Shivaay was and took slow steps towards him. One last assurance and she grabbed his hand, turned him around, raised herself on her toes and took the most impulsive decision.

She felt heavenly. She knew Shivaay made her feel things nobody ever could. They had started off on a rough patch but this was one of the most cherished relationships for her. Every argument with him would always stay with her. She'll never forget those times when he let her privy to a different Shivaay. Those times when she wondered where the Bagadh Billa vanished.

Anika's eyes filled and she pulled away. Shivaay's hold on her wrist made her panic and she struggled. Struggled to not cry and to loosen his hold.

-

After their kiss, Shivaay pulled back reluctantly. "Now don't distract me, we have to reach the Mansion."

Anika only blushed in reply to his wink.

"Waise, Anika..."

"Hmm?" She curiously looked at him.

"We know you kissed me. But how did you come from the main gate after that? Even the fuse box is in the backyard. You came real quick. How?"

"Arey, woh Khannaji helped me!" Anika grinned and then widened her eyes at Shivaay's raised eyebrows.

"Uh.."

"Continue.."

"Woh.."

"Anika.." Shivaay drawled.

"Woh main bhaag gayi, aapke room main khudki shakal sudhari, pool window se jump kar liya and Khannaji ko message kiya. Fir bhaag bhaag ke aa gayi."

[I ran to your room, tamed my appearance, jumped from the pool window, messaged Khannaji and then quickly ran inside through the main door.]

Anika spoke quickly hoping Shivaay doesn't catch on the words.

Shivaay stared at her for a few seconds before turning his attention back to the road. "I can't believe Khanna knew all along and didn't tell me!"

"He didn't know what I did! I didn't go and tell him, Khannaji, I am going to go kiss your boss so please turn off the lights lest he should catch me."

Shivaay smiled before laughing and confusing Anika.

"When did I ever say anything excecpt telling you how I am disappointed he is going to take your side over mine, everytime."

Anika grinned. "Main hu hi khidkitod."

"Definitely."

-

The Oberois sat in the living room, waiting for any news from Shivaay. Om and Rudra knew where he might be, but he hadn't picked their calls. Not even messaged anyone. What must be happening at Anika's place?

Pinky was almost sure Anika must have thrown water on him and they would have argued. Or he would have said something stupid and upset her.

Before she could curse Shivaay for being so stupid, Shivaay and Anika walked inside, hand in hand, arguing and Khanna following them, his phone in hand, capturing their argument.

"Oh My Maata! Thank Gods tum dono aa gaye."

"Exactly. Hume toh laga, Di ne Bhaiya ko reject kar diya aur Bhaiya kahi Devdas banke ghum rahe honge." Rudra sighed in relief.

Anika looked at Shivaay with wide eyes. "You told them everything?"

Shivaay furiously shook his head in negative. "I swear I didn't."

"Nahi nahi, Anika Didi, Bhaiya didn't say anything. He only said he isn't getting engaged to Lady Baba and when Choti Maa cried about not getting to see her grandchildren, Bhaiya promised to make her wish come true soon." Priyanka smiled.

Anika looked at Shivaay in horror, her cheeks a furious shade of crimson. Shivaay tried to subtly hide his embarrassment as Rudra nudged him and Om cupped his face trying tonot giggle.

"Woh sab theek hai. Pehle mujhe mere Billu ki shaadi main naachna hai." Pinky grinned. She took Anika's hands in her own, smiling at Anika. Before she could get into a dramatic 'Meri pyaari bahu' segment, her eyes noticed something and cue, "Oh My Mata!"

"Kya hua, Pinky?" Shakti panicked.

"We were all in tensions ki yeh dono kahi lad na rahe ho. Par..."

Anika wondered if there were some lipstick marks on Shivaay's face and immediately checked. On finding nothing out of place, she looked at Pinky in confusion.

"Yeh dono engagements karke aa gaye!"

The whole family looked at them in shock. "Nahi nahi, Mom.. Engagement nahi hui.. Sirf maine Anika ko ring pehna di." Shivaay rubbed his hand at the back of his neck sheepishly.

"Aise kaise pehna di? Humare saamne pehna deta." Dadi narrowed her eyes.

"Ab aap logo ke saamne waise thodi pehna sakta tha." Shivaay muttered under his breath.

Anika smiled a bit. "Pinky aunty, I promise we'll have a proper engagement after this."

Pinky smiled. "Chalo, jaane diya." She hugged Anika.

Rudra immediately jumped and took Shivaay in a bear hug. "Thank you so much Bhaiya. I love you so so so much!"

Shivaay only smiled as he ruffled Rudra's hair.

-
As the family slowly got busy in discussions and moved towards the dining table, Shivaay moved closer to Anika. Bending his head, he went closer to her ear and muttered "I think I should show them how I made you wear the ring."

Anika's eyes widened and she turned around, hitting his chest lightly.

Shivaay snaked his arms around her waist, pulling her closer.

"My dear Mystery Kisser, will you marry me?"

Anika was stunned. She knew it was coming. She even ensured Pinky that they'll have a proper engagement but hearing these words from Shivaay, she couldn't help but wonder once again whether it is a dream.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pecked him on his lips. Not before checking of course. Lest the Oberois should catch them.

"Yes, Billuji."

And that's a wrap for His Mystery Kisser. Thank you so much for all the love you showered upon the story. To every vote, comment and adding to your libraries and reading lists.

I am so happy that it's only a week and we have 3.5K+ reads 500+ votes and #355 as the highest till date.

Thank you once again.

Also, if this update seems half-baked, I apologize. I will definitely come back to it and edit some day.

Loads and loads of love from Billu and His Mystery Kisser.

BlackManiacx

P.S. Let me know if there are some grammatical errors. Will try to look into them ASAP.