Hola all of you 😎
Busy these days and get time to update only over the weekends.. Anyway, will try to give an update this mid week..

And, I saw many of you asking for Shivika scenes and find there are lot of grpbaazi scenes😛 sorry, jus wait for a while and you will get more of Shivika SOON😬

Obviously, I can't change the pace of the story suddenly and also can't throw all other people out now😛So jus a lil more intezaar 😬

Now, thanks to the people who commented :
hijk2017 arshi-suchi sufanazan titas2828 Andetheres ib123456 IndraPriyadarshini RupaShah2 Priya0706 chauhankrishna ayatkhan97 missingmypassion DiwakarMisra ManishaJain650 pavithra82 Karthisundar rodoshi10 narbhi_fan

Dedicated to Andetheres IndraPriyadarshini ayatkhan97 missingmypassion pavithra82 and Karthisundar for the right guess😎

I'm curious why some of u have told Rohit 😂😂pls let me know 😛

Ok enough of my rants..Now, happy Reading and do comment your views 😎

***************************************
"Why Panditji?what's wrong with the date?" Daadi asked with confusion when the Panditji said they would not prefer an earlier date.

"Because it is in another three days and it is obvious you would not prefer it" he smiled and all others gasped in shock.

"So early?" Shivaay asked completely taken aback at the suggestion.

"Yes Beta.." he sighed and then turned towards Daadi "Kalyani ji, it is indeed a very good muhurat..But, I also understand, it is not possible to do all this within this timeframe..Still, I just suggested since you asked me" he stressed with a smile.

"No.. nothing of that sort" came a sharp voice and everyone's attention turned there.

Annika stood completely motionless, devoid of any emotions. Something was wrong, terribly wrong in her life!

"Meera..what is this you are saying?are you even serious??" asked Harsh with shock painted all over his face. Not only him, all others in the hall were shocked.

"Of course Harsh ji..very serious.." Meera kept a stern face and replied.

"Aunty..there is no need to hurry up on things.. we can take them slow" Shivaay volunteered to speak when all others still kept mum. "Pandit ji.. can you please check again if there is any other date?" he asked in anticipation.

"I have already checked thoroughly..And only then suggested this.. If everyone is ready to wait, we can have it next year like I said already" he gave the subtle smile again.

"Oh my maata.. aise kaise.. in three days, how to arrange things?It is not easy" Pinky panicked as it was her son's wedding and though she would love to have the wedding as early as possible, she also wanted to make it one of the most celebrated and spoken about weddings of their family.

"Nahi Pinky Ji..when we do not have another option, we will have to rush things" Meera said.

"Meera.. when everyone is ok with the date a year later, what is your problem in this?" Harsh was surprised, as she was the one who always used to take more time to conclude things usually, but from the time this wedding talk started, she was hell bent on rushing every other thing.

"Harsh ji..can we go inside and talk for a few minutes please?" she asked and he readily agreed. He had to know today, what was going on in her mind.

As they walked into one of the rooms, Chanda suggested Annika also to follow, to which she refused.

"Not needed Chanda" she said with a straight face.

"For god's sake they are going to talk about you, Annika..it is your wedding.." she stressed.

"I know.. but it is not needed.. I know what they will be talking" she repeated.

"Annika..do you even understand what you are saying?" Chanda scowled.

"Chanda please.." Chanda understood that this girl was too stubborn to give in and sighed at her behavior.

About ten minutes later, Harsh and Meera came out of the room and Harsh seemed to be very well convinced, much to the expectation of Annika and to the shock of all others.

"Hmm.. After this discussion, I understand that Meera is right.. we need to proceed with the wedding in three days.. it is better not to delay any further.." Harsh said in front of the entire family and Annika sighed and smirked looking down.. As expected! She knew this was coming!

"But uncle..what is the need to hurry up? We are just done with a wedding and moreover Annika and I..." before Shivaay could complete, he was cut off by Meera.

"One year is a long time Beta..don't get me wrong all of you..anything can happen over a year..since, everything is set, why do we have to wait for that long.." Meera addressed to Shivaay and all other family members..

"But.. in a matter of three days, how do we make all the arrangements?" Pinky was worried.

"Don't worry about all that Pinky ji.. we can handle it" Meera assured.

"Meera..dont get me wrong Puttar.. it is not done if we all are okay.. our kids' decision matters here.. they are the ones getting married.. we need to find their take on this" Daadi sounded confused and unsure.

"I do not have any problem Daadi" Annika said sternly in a bold voice.

All others were dumbstruck.

"Puttar.. it is not another wedding that you are going to organize.. it is your own wedding" Daadi was shocked with Annika's reaction. She knew Annika was bold, but making such a decision in haste was something, atleast she least preferred.

"I know daadi " she replied casually.

"Then how Annika.. I mean what is the reason for this hurry" Jhanvi was confused too..

"I understand Jhanvi aunty..Daadi .. How does it matter Daadi? Whether it is in one year or three months or three days.. It is one and the same thing" she sounded all the more casual..

"But puttar.."

"Annika is right..waise Kalyani ma... not only that.. Did you notice, the entire family is gathered already for a wedding.. There is no one we need to invite also... and stay wise both our houses are huge.. Should not be a problem" Meera came up with a full fledged plan....

"I.. I don't know what to say...whether to be happy that her Billu's wedding will be taking place in another two days, as it has been my dream for last two years..or be worried that it is taking place in such a Short span.." Daadi sounded worried..

"Don't worry about all that.. We will take care..hai na Harsh ji" Meera tried to sound cheerful though she was completely tensed about the whole thing..

Harsh nodded while trying to absorb things.

"Annika... Are you sure about this?" he asked looking towards his daughter..

"Haa...haa papa..I..I am" she tried not to stammer..

"Annika.. Think well and decide..it is not a small thing" Shivaay warned her..

"What is there to think? We don't have an option right..." she said softly. "I mean..from their point of view they are right.. Everyone is gathered for this wedding.. The muhurat is good..we do not have any nice dates for the next one year..all the reasons are valid right..and waise bhi it was going to happen at some point of time" She said all this in one go, though she wanted to scream right there. She herself felt she was possessed by something that made her say a YES.

"But you should still be ready right" Shivaay asked concerned.

"Haa, I did tell I am ready right" she was still too stubborn.

"But.."

"Puttar...it is a big decision... I do not want you to regret it later" Daadi added.

"Daadi.. You are happy right? All of you are happy right?" Annika asked, as if that is all mattered to her now.

"Yaa.. We are...very happy" Daadi tried to say.

"Then what Daadi..that's what matters to me" she said with a straight face, with null expressions.

"Billu.. You are okay with all this?" Daadi asked him also.

"Huh?!" He asked his eyes fixed on Annika, trying to decipher what really was going on in her mind. He understood her parents were pushing things, but what was wrong that she was giving in to all their demands. And, what was the need to be so stubborn. She still stood there without any expressions.

"Are you prepared Shivaay?" Om asked shaking him.

"If the bride is ready, I am ready too" Shivaay said his eyes still fixed on her, after a few moments of silence. If she was stubborn, he was stubborn too. But, he ought to learn the language of that stubbornness.

"I have never seen such understanding children anywhere.." the Panditji was equally surprised as all others.

Om wondered what had gotten into Shivaay. Was he really ready or trying to show his two year old suppressed Tadi to all?!

None of them knew whether to be cheerful or skeptical about the whole thing. Priyanka, Om and Rudra were still surprised on how Annika and Shivaay were so unfussy about it.

Daadi hugged Annika and gave her a peck on her cheek, not knowing how to express her happiness. Tej and Shakti were just going with the flow, so were Raj and Rohit. Though they were taken aback at the happenings, they were still too surprised to react as so many good things were happening back to back.

Vanitha came and embraced Annika saying she was proud of her and was happy that she is going to get into the best family and also that the Oberois were very fortunate that Annika was going to be a part of their family.

After a lot of discussion, rather commotion filled discussion, all of them were happily convinced and they concluded that they were all in for the Roka that evening.

Shivaay kept looking at Annika if he could find some clue in her reactions, atleast in her eyes, but he failed to find any. After what seemed like an endless discussion, the families decided they would need to make some urgent preparation for the Roka.. They also concluded they would have all other functions in a simple manner with just the wedding a little grand.

Though Harsh was skeptical about the whole thing, he was happy that some of his wishes was coming true - his daughter was getting married into one of the best families, which was no way lesser than the Joshis.. Another that his daughter's wedding was taking place in the same ancestral mansion as he had hoped for.

Meera, then requested Chanda to help her with all the arrangements and stay with Annika and give her some moral support, to which Chanda readily agreed.

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

Once all was said and decided, Annika walked into her room and fell over her couch sobbing into her pillow. Chanda followed her into the room shutting the door, so as to confront her friend for her behavior. She was so shocked that Annika agreed to everything in spite of the fact that she had an opportunity to say NO and also when the Oberois were so accommodative.

"Annika.. what is wrong with you huh? Why did you say yes?" Chanda asked aggressively, which was when she noticed that Annika's eyes were red of crying.

"Why do you have to agree to everything and come here and cry huh Annika? Answer me.. listen look at me.. they asked you so many times. Shivaay also asked you" she questioned holding her chin up to face her.

"I.can't.hurt.them Chanda... I really can't... I am.. I am so attached to them.. I do not have the guts to make any of them upset.." she sobbed looking at Chanda.

"But.. they were not pushing things right... they still left it to your choice" Chanda said.

"Yeah..but I am sure Mumma would not agree to the whole arrangement of waiting for over a year.. Then, they would become upset.. I did not want to see that" she sniffed.

"But why is that? They never forced you into this, neither did they command that it is in two days or never. Then why?"

"I don't know.. I really don't know.. All I thought of at that point is, they all have to be happy.. And they were.. That is all mattered to me.. I know I am being stupid.. But I have no idea why.. I know I have no right to think over it now, as I was the one who had agreed. But, I cant't stop thinking of how to get over this.. I want to scream a NO..but I am not able to.. I don't know what to do Chanda... I am so confused.. I am so stupid, I know..I..I don't know what to do now.. I love them all a lot Chanda..a lot..just like I love Mumma and Papa.. I have no idea why.." she sobbed onto her shoulders.

"Annika..don't cry..please.. I really don't know if I should give you one slap for behaving like that or console you for putting all of them in front of your own self and your own happiness.. Listen.. you have just two choices now - either make up your mind and get prepared for the wedding.. or.." she paused.

"Or??" Annika asked curiously wiping her tears and looking into her eyes curiously.

"Or..go and talk to Shivaay right away, saying you are skeptical about the whole thing.. I know you can't talk to his family..I know you don't want to hurt them.. But, you can talk to Shivaay right? He is also equally involved...He may have a clarity on what can be done" Chanda suggested.

"But.. even then everyone will be hurt.." she hesitated.

"Then accept everything...I know Annika.. it is easier said than done.. I know that things are not happening as we had expected.. But, there are always reasons as to why certain things take place.. we may not like them.. but, it changes our lives for the good...I don't want to confuse you.. from what I see, the Oberois seem to be really nice people..they all love you a lot for what you are..and that is the reason aunty is very particular on getting things done quickly.. who knows, anybody's mind would change anytime, right? But Shivaay seems to be very genuine and assertive from what I noticed..go and talk to him once..you still have time.. it's your call.. take about two hours.. think.. I will come and meet you later..and if there is anything you guys decide, tell your parents before the function.. the sooner, the better..that's all I would say" she advised and Annika nodded in understanding..

Though her mind accepted all what Chanda said, her heart still failed to accept things..But, one thing was true... She had less time, whatever she had to do, she had to do it quickly!

Chanda left the room thoughfully. All that she thought was Annika should make a good decision. Though she also felt everything was happening in a hurry, and neither Annika nor Shivaay were mentally prepared, she still had a high regard for Shivaay. From the day she met him on the road along with Annika, till today, his behavior was quite mature and she felt he was very assertive and understanding. She always had a secret thought, a feeling, that he would make a good match to her friend, though she did not very firmly think about it until the idea of their wedding came up. Turning back to look at a thoughtful Annika, she stepped out of the room, making a mental prayer that things should fall in place soon, very soon, as time was running!

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

"Shivaay..." Om entered into Shivaay's room after a serious discussion with his family. Shivaay seemed to be too lost. In fact, it was quite expected and that was the reason Om came there.

Om had, sometime back, discussed with his family, specially his mom, Choti ma and Daadi as to why they were hell bent on pushing things so quickly. He had asked them why they had given in to the date so easily, though they understood that the bride and groom were just getting accustomed to things.

Pinky had beautifully explained him about the kind of insecurities Meera and Harsh would have gone through and why they had readily agreed on making such a big decision. Pinky had told him to put Priyanka, for a moment, in the same position and asked him as to what decision he would take about his sister's wedding in such a situation. He had confidently replied he would readily wait as Priyanka and Rohit were truly in love with each other. She had asked him to put Shivaay's traits in Rohit and asked him to then rethink. His choti maa was right in a way. Shivaay was indeed great at business, but when it came to relationship decisions, he was never too good at it, atleast so far. He would change his mind once in every three or four days and keep postponing things, without thinking of the consequences. Om thought what if they left Shivaay for over a year and what if later he said NO to Annika.. One year was definitely a long time to go and anything could happen in the timeframe. He understood he had the responsibility to explain the same thing to his brother too.

"Om...come and sit" replied a confused Shivaay, which brought back Om from his thoughts.

"Hey.. seem to be disturbed" Om smiled softly.

"I don't know Om.. I feel everything is happening within the blink of an eye.. isn't it too fast?" he sounded low.

"Shivaay.. I understand it is all happening quick.. but, look at the bright side of it.. Annika will be with us forever from another three days" Om smiled.

Yes, that was true. Annika would be with him and his family forever in another three days. That felt really nice! But, still, weren't things going too fast?!

"Aren't her parents pushing things? And, doesn't it all look like she is forced to accept it all just for the sake of their happiness..I.. I can't see her upset Om..I.. I just want to make sure she is genuinely happy.." he expressed sadly.

"Shivaay.. we can't blame her parents Shivaay.. why didn't you think for once why they made that decision.. maybe they had their own doubts..insecurities..." Om explained.

"Like? Like what Om? We are assuring them, right? Then what?"

"Shivaay.. we don't know what made them conclude that right..hmm maybe some past experience or something.." he said thoughtfully.

"Past experience matlab?" he asked confused.

"Hmm I don't know Shivaay.. I am just saying.. maybe some past incident.. maybe someone they know had faced a similar problem..maybe some wedding was fixed and there were problems since date was far off.. I don't know.. But there must be some reason.. I am just saying" Om contemplated.

"Hmm.. maybe..but still, Annika will be affected right" Shivaay sounded worried.

"Then talk to her.. assure her Shivaay..tell her you are with her in this..give her that confidence that she can confide in you when she wants, when she is confused.." Om suggested with a reassuring smile.

Shivaay concluded that Om was right.. He would be with her, no matter what.. But, for that, he had to know what was in her mind. He had to find a way.. And there was hardly anytime left!

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

Shivaay sat in solitude and thought over what Om had told him. Om was right. What was the surety that he or Annika would not change their minds in a year. He, atleast by now, knew that he could not give up on her easily, and one year in that case seemed like a very short time to him.

But, Annika?! Her eyes, that uncertainty, that stubbornness, it all messed up his mind. He had to get a clear picture of everything soon. He decided he would go and talk to her right away.

That was when a weird thought struck his mind - 'why not gift her something and talk to her about it?!' But, he also felt - 'what if she doesn't accept it.?'.

Then he thought - 'Never mind, let's give it a try to see what happens... But, where do I buy and what do I buy? Huh.. why worry when Khanna is here?!' he winked deciding he would get a simple jewel for her, as he had once heard her say she liked only elegant jewellery.

"Khanna... can you find me the best jewellery shop in this town?" he was shouting on his phone.

Annika had finally made up her mind and walked up towards his room. She had also thought over what Chanda had told her..

They were all staying back after Priyanka's Grah pravesh function, as the Roka was taking place here. Pinky and Jhanvi had gone to Harsh's shop along with Tej and Shakti to purchase some items. Daadi was staying back to help Meera and Vanitha at home. Priyanka and Rohit had gotten into full swing work mode soon after, as they decided to help Om and Rudra with the arrangements. Though they both had denied taking their help, asking them to rest for a while, Rohit and Priyanka denied, saying they would relax after everything was over and were too excited to sit and chill out right now.

Annika took this as the right opportunity to go and talk to Shivaay, as she knew everyone was busy downstairs. That was when she heard him speaking over the phone to someone.

"Looks like he is planning to gift Prinku something..good chance.. I will go initiate the talk based on this" she decided as she was unsure of how to begin.

"Khanna.. what do you mean poor network? I will give you ten minutes.. I need to know the details right now.. you understand, right now!" he commanded. As he turned disconnecting the call, he was shocked to find Annika there.

"Hi..." he smiled.

"Hello" she stammered. "Huh?! Looking for some store?" she asked.

"Huh?! Haa yeah.. I mean, I want to buy something for a special someone..Not sure where to go and buy" he said intently looking at her.

"Buy what? I mean like what kind of stuff are you looking for?" she asked, still kind of lost thinking of what he was going to buy for Priyanka.

"Huh? Jewel maybe..." he replied.

"Ohh.. I know a good shop here.. Papa's friend..if you don't mind, you can go there?" she suggested.

"Is it? Wow.. I would love to go there.. huh but how to go there?" he asked keenly.

"Your car?!" she replied innocently.

"Hey not that.. I mean, I am not familiar with the routes and how would I go?" he chuckled.

"Ohh that.. it is easy..I can tell you the route" she suggested.

"Huh how about instead.. you accompany me?" he asked raising a brow. He so wanted to see her reaction.

"Mee?? But how?" she asked and he was bewildered. Instead of giving a reaction like 'what', she asked 'how'. So, she was interested in coming with him. Good! That sounded really good!

"In the car" he teased and she glared.

"I did not mean that.. how would they send me?"

"So, you will come if they send you?" he asked, he was liking this..After a few moments, she slowly nodded. His lips curled into a broad smile.

"Don't worry.. I will handle that.. Just be ready.. we will start in another five minutes" he said sounding all excited. Finally, he was going to get some private time with her, to talk his heart out, and also listen to all that she had to say! That sounded KEWL!

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

I did not make the first part too emotional as it would unnecessarily drag the scene.. Pls excuse and add your own emotions to it 😛

So, the wedding is as such fixed 🌚
But, do you think it will happen???
Will the Roka atleast take place??.

Ok, even forget that!

Will Shivaay and Annika be able to go out, as planned??😉

Guesses please 😎

Until we meet again, a happy Sunday, a happy weekend 😬

Hit the vote button if you liked it !!!