He woke up with a smile adorning his face as usual. After all, the person who made him smile was the person he thought about first thing every morning. His hand immediately went to his phone. His wallpaper held his universe. That picture made him happy. It was of Annika and his brothers, laughing at something, while he just looked at them. He reminded himself that he must send a word of appreciation to his photographer.

Annika- Billu Ji! What are you
                 wearing tonight for the
                 cocktail party? I'll have to
                 choose mine, so reply
                 asap.

Shivaay- Why were you awake 3
                  am? Planning to give
                  migraine as my wedding
                  gift honey?

Annika- :| Bride doesn't get to
                 sleep. Now answer!

Shivaay- Whatever I feel like :P

Annika- Thank you for your
                 help :/

Shivaay was able to picture her rolling her eyes, he chuckled. How was it possible for a person to be that adorable! And she knew how to make his morning.

Annika- I'm wearing all black, not
                the monochrome one. You
                better match!

Shivaay- Yes Mi'lady!

Gauri called Omkara for the fifteenth time and he did not pick her call. Again. She was about to toss her phone on her bed when he called back.

"Why do you have that stupid phone of yours? What if I had an accident and was calling you? What if I got kidnapped?" Gauri yelled.

"Good morning to you too darling! I was bathing!" Omkara chuckled. But Gauri only heard 'darling'. Even though it was said in satire, she blushed a little. Seemed like he was in a good mood.

"I called to ask whether you checked with the DJ?" She asked lazily. She knew he had, but Bhavya being her annoying perfectionist self asked her, rather ordered her to confirm with him.

"Of course I did! Is that all?"

Gauri smirked at the disappointment in his voice. She did notice how he was looking out for her the previous day. That was the first time he had openly manifested his feelings for her. She knew Abhishek wouldn't dare to do anything to her, so she wasn't exactly worried. But seeing the protective side of Omkara provoked the devil in her, so she deliberately stayed in the vicinity of Abhishek. And not once, Om left her.

"What else could it be Didi ka devar ji?'' She asked, trying to sound serious.

"Bhai ki saali, I understand you have nothing productive to do. Unfortunately I do, so see you tonight!" He cut the call with a smirk on his face. He was able to visualize her pout, probably her nostrils flared too. He had also started to hallucinate her around. If he ever went to an asylum, Gauri Advani would be the reason!

Annika checked her make-up for one last time before going down. Sushant, who stood near the stairs, took his time to look at her.

"Sexy cupcake! I swear your guy won't be able to keep his hands off you!" Annika couldn't help but look surprised. The fact being, her best friend always insulted her.
"Don't look so shocked. I can be nice sometimes." He grinned at her and took her hand in. When she got downstairs, she saw him.
He stood there with his hands in his pockets, talking to her dad. She blatantly ogled his stature, as she went and stood next to him. His hand immediately took her waist, and Annika smiled.

"Well, you kids just remember you have to do a puja early in the morning. Better not be hung-over!" Vijaynath sent them off.

"Why do our friends need a separate party anyway?" Annika questioned as she sat on the passenger.

"Oh c'mon! You aren't throwing a bachelorette party, and didn't allow Shivaay to throw a bachelor's either. This is the least you could do for us!" Sushant argued vehemently. Annika lifted her hand up in defeat. Shivaay, who was on the wheels, seemed to enjoy himself.

"Well, wipe that grin Shivaay. Its you who didn't agree that we'd hire a male stripper. So I cancelled both the parties!" Annika crossed her hands and looked away. Before Shivaay could protest, Sushant said with a laugh,

"Worry not, Shivaay would probably give you a private strip tease himself!'

"This is the payback for all our hard work!" Gauri gleamed as she held a glass up.

"The party hasn't started yet and you are drinking!" Om snatched her glass away, making Gauri pout. Gosh, she shouldn't be allowed to pout like that!

"Rudra, change to this RIGHT NOW!" Bhavya held a bag in her hand, with her usual scowl on her face.
"What is wrong with my clothes?" Rudra couldn't concentrate with her looking hotter than she usually was, if that was even possible.
"They don't go with the theme!" She exclaimed. He only could shake his, how many ways were there exactly to wear black right!

"Now that's a good party!" Mallika yelled when she saw her favorite couple enter. Shivaay grinned, it was crystal that she was drunk. He looked around, to see the place already crowded. The party seemed to have started without the stars of the night.

"I don't think anyone would miss us if we aren't here Billu Ji!" Annika said after a long pause. Shivaay chuckled, it was indeed true.
"You wanna get out of here?" He winked at her and she nodded excitedly.

"VODKA SHOTS!" Gauri yelled excitedly. Omkara just followed her, shaking his head. If looked from afar, they seemed very much like a couple. Maybe we should just enjoy it that way!

"Bhavya, half the people here are not conscious. Even if anything goes wrong, no one would notice! Enjoy the party, will ya? Maybe I'll just ask someone else." Rudra turned to leave, when Bhavya tugged his hand.

"Ask what?" She questioned him curiously.

"To dance with me of course!" And he pulled her to the dance floor.

"Have I ever told you that I love the beach?" Annika wrapped her hands around Shivaay when the cold breeze caressed her. He hugged her back, and nodded.

"Does the sea speak to you Annika?" Shivaay asked. Annika looked up, intrigued. "Sea can be easily read. Isn't it fascinating that the sea provides tranquility on one hand and washes away a whole city on the other? It seems like it has a mind of its own, as if it has mood swings too!"

"I guess you have been talking to Om a lot lately!" Annika chuckled, making Shivaay frown. "So, what mood is it in now?"

"With you here, probably romance!"

Coming up- The Big Fat ShivIka wedding! See you there❤️