Thank you for all the inline comments
Andetheres narbhi_fan suryaarjuna hijk2017 titas2828 Neenu_neenu DiwakarMisra Iblover1203 user40279863 arshi-suchi missingmypassion riyavithlani riyaaaravi anrawsnarayan user02759713 IndraPriyadarshini Karthisundar sufanazan Tachiedadi  user41717447 pavithra82 DeepsitaDeb chauhankrishna ManishaJain650  Aspiramdoc Tachiedadi QueenOfHeartss mumbaichic ayatkhan97 and all others whom I missed 😍

Dedicating this chapter to arshi-suchi missingmypassion pavithra82 DeepsitaDeb Andetheres riyaaaravi Tachiedadi who mostly answer correctly 😬
Special dedication to ayatkhan97 I missed you 🤧

I appreciate how you guys made good use of your chamelis in last chapter..

Now it's time you use a stronger weapon🌚🌚

Come on, tell me what are you gonna use this time before reading the chapter.. At the end, you can again tell me if it was really useful!

Chalo, I was so eager and so giving you an early update 😬
It is a little lengthy chapter and so read it carefully 😌😌😌so that the weapons are of use 😎

Happy Reading (I hope) 😊😊😊

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Shivaay had walked out of the washroom after changing to notice that Annika was already sound asleep.

He had wanted to talk so much to her, apologise to her for Sunaina's behaviour, to comfort her as he felt how disturbed she would be on hearing such cruel words about her, and to make her understand and promise her that he would make sure no such thing would happen again for sure.

But, to his disappointment, she had already slept. Her face was pale.

"I am sorry Annika.. We will talk about this tomorrow.. I promise" he said, lying down at the other corner of the bed, falling asleep eventually.

He woke up the next morning to find that she was already up and dressed. He quickly walked into the washroom for a shower and came out to notice she was arranging some documents, probably her certificates. He had downloaded few of those job portal apps for her on the IPAD. He assumed, she must be doing something related to that.

Meanwhile, he got ready and as she was going to step out of the room, he called out her name.

"Annika..."

She did not respond in words, but turned to give him a questioning look.

"I... I apologise for whatever that happened yesterday at.. at Mohit's place" he stammered. He did not want to remind her of those unworthy moments, but he did not want to let them go as well.

"You don't have to.. I mean there was nothing wrong in what she said right.. it was all true.. why do you have to apologise then?" she asked in a stern voice.

"That's not true Annika.. whatever she spoke was wrong.. I am not sure if I can get her to apologise to you.. But, it is my responsibility to do it myself.. I am sorry.. And, I promise I will try to make sure nothing of that sort happens again" he explained.

"Ufff.. please Mr.Oberoi.. you don't have to do this..and yeah, I told you so many times. You had so many options.. But, you still chose me and now, you want to become a Mahaan in front of everyone.. Great, just great.." she smirked, turning around to leave.

"Annika.. what are you saying?" he asked trying to hold her hand. She simply stared at him and he released her hand realising their position.

"I am sorry" he said.

"Now, I do not have time to waste on your 'sorry's.. And please, I have nothing more to talk or discuss about this.. I am done" she replied rudely.

Before Shivaay could speak any further, one of their cooks came there calling them for breakfast.

"Daadi is calling both of you sir, for breakfast" she said.

"Yeah coming.. two minutes" he smiled casually asking her to leave.

"Let's go.. I do not want to ruin your mood in the morning itself" he said, a little perturbed.

"Neither do I.." she paused "want to spoil MY mood" she smirked leaving.

"How do I handle her?! She is angry with me for whatever that happened. God, just give me the strength to not lose my temper in front of her.. Rest I will handle" he sighed thinking to himself.

That was when his phone buzzed.

"Yeah, yes Mishra.. Oh really.. alright.. huh.. ok... let me do one thing.. I will talk at home and let you know., thik hai.. in sometime" he said disconnecting the phone.

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

Everyone was present at the breakfast table when he arrived.

"Come Billu.. I was looking for you" Daadi smiled.

"What happened Daadi?" he asked with confusion.

"Are you free tomorrow, Billu?" she asked him.

"Huh.. I do have a couple of meetings.. But, I can reschedule them accordingly if you tell me the purpose" he replied, sipping his juice.

"I was talking to Panditji, Billu.. He was asking us to have a Ganpati Puja at home.. It is for the welfare of all of us.. And, he was asking me to make you both perform the puja, I mean you and Annika.." she explained.

"Ohhh.. thik hai..if it has to be done, we can do it Daadi.. I mean I do not have concerns. You can ask Annika as well" he replied with a subtle smile.

"I do not have a problem Daadi" she replied as usual.

"Accha then fine.. I will ask Panditji to make the arrangements.. Billu, don't worry.. it will not take long.. just a matter of forty five minutes to an hour.. I will check for the timings and let you know by this noon" she said making a mental calculation.

"No worries Daadi.. anything is okay for me.." he replied casually.

"Waise, I wanted to say something..Huh, Mishra had called.. Remember, his Bhaabhi delivered a baby girl three or four years back. They are organising her birthday.. They want to celebrate it as a grand occasion.. And, another thing is, co-incidentally, his parents' wedding day also falls on the same day.. They want to do something special for that as well.. But, want to keep things low key regarding the wedding day celebrations... And yeah.. So, looks like Shivaay had suggested Annika to him. He was asking me to confirm about it.." Tej said as he got reminded of his conversation with Mishra that happened last night.

"Huh?! Me??" Annika's eyes widened in shock.

"Shivaay did not tell you?" Tej asked.

"So Sorry Annika.. I.. this slipped out of my mind.. I wanted to tell you last night.. I mean, if you are okay, you can take this up and do it.. Only thing is, it is in a week..So, you may have to plan accordingly.." he clarified..

Annika was literally taken aback. Just less than ten minutes ago, she was literally shouting at him. And, here he was helping her yet again.

"He is just unbelievable..And, looks like he makes all deals in secrecy only!! I said all sorts of things.. But, he did not give a darn about them and he is.. he is suggesting me to take up an assignment. How does he manage to do this? He seems more like a puzzle to me!! The more I try to hate him from the bottom of my heart, there is something that happens, and gives me second thoughts. Is this his true face or the other one that I saw that day? The beast mode.. where he was threatening to even take away a life, where he was signing a deal in exchange of a wedding. How much ever my heart tries to put away those incidents, that is the first thing that comes to my mind. So, obviously that is not something I can dismiss from my mind as well! Oh god, why are you making things so complicated for me?" She was lost in her own pool of thoughts when Daadi slightly shook her, bringing her back to reality.

"Annika Puttar... where are you lost? Are you sceptical about it Puttar? You don't want to take it up? It's fine.. we can tell them in that case.. Billu will take care" she tried comforting her looking at her panic stricken face.

"No No Daadi.. nothing of that sort.. I was not thinking of that.. accha leave that.. I.. I will take this up.. you can tell them" she affirmed to Shivaay.

"Good.. I will call him right away and tell him.. And, I will give them your number.. They will contact you directly.. It will be easier for you as well" he suggested smiling and she nodded in agreement.

"Sure.. that will do" she replied.

"Oh and haa.. I forgot one more thing.. You can take this up and do it as Sirf Annika.. not as Mrs. Annika Shivaay Singh Oberoi or an Oberoi Bahu... I have already spoken about this to Mishra" he gave more details leaving her amazed.

"Th..Thank you.." the words escaped her lips without her own knowledge. "Thank you so much" she repeated.

"Come on Annika.. it is ok" he smiled leaving inside to his room to fetch his jacket and car key.

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

Meanwhile, Annika received a call from Mishra's family. They explained about their requirements and also suggested that she could visit their home sometime later that day so that she would get an idea about the arrangements. They also told her what their expectations were and she made a note of everything. She had to handle everything, right from the caterers to the cake, to the decor, to the photography.

Annika always believed it was a good practice to go and check certain things in person, rather than enquiring over phone or just getting the pamphlets. But, she had no idea about anything in this city, unlike her town. As she was thinking how to proceed, Shivaay walked down the stairs.

"Huh.. they called me.. I spoke to them" she informed him herself. Afterall, he was the one who had suggested her name.

"Ohh Nice.." he replied.

"Huh.. actually, I have no idea where to contact people, I mean for the cakes and other stuff" she said not particularly looking at anyone.

" Huh Badi Maa.. can you help her with those details??" Shivaay requested Jhanvi.

"For cakes, what better place than the Nilofer Bakery? Shivaay.. you will go that way right.. Why don't you drop her there?" Pinky suggested.

"Woh Mom.. I have lot of work today..You know I will have to plan accordingly as I will be going late tomorrow as well.." he replied briefly glancing at his watch.

Not that he did not want to help Annika, he was more than dying to do it. But, after what she spoke, he wanted to give her some space. In fact, he needed some too. Taking her with him would make the situation more complicated. She would not be comfortable as well, which made him all the more hesitant. He wanted her mood to lighten before talking to her yet again.

"Bhaiyaa.. you don't worry Bhaiyaa..O wanted to go to his gallery today.. And, I am free too.. We will help Bhabhi.. hai na O? Waise bhi, Bhabhi can visit O's gallery as well..you carry on with your work Bhaiyaa" Rudy volunteered to help.

"Thanks Rudy.. thank you so much" he felt relieved now. Obviously, he couldn't let her just suffer like that all by herself. Good his brothers came forward to accompany her!

"Alright.. I will leave then.." he smiled and left after giving one last glance at Annika.

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Later that day, Annika along with Om and Rudra left to enquire about various things that Annika had planned for the party. They accompanied her to almost all the places she wished to visit, helping her find out various details. She made a note of everything, so that she could go home and calculate the budget accordingly. She got reminded of the app Shivaay had shown her the other day. She decided she could fill data into it and make calculations, that would make her work easier!

They also went to the Nilofer bakery, where Annika tasted the cake, and found it extremely delicious.

"Hmm it is so yum Rudra.." she clicked her tongue.

"Bhabhi.. this bakery is believed to be here since many years.. like you know since Daadi was married probably" he said and Annika chuckled.

As they walked out, Rudy pointed out at a cotton candy shop, on seeing which Annika literally jumped in joy. After a good gol gappa competition between her and Rudy, they decided to visit Om's gallery. She was almost a kid amidst the two!

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

"Waah Om.. your paintings are truly so fascinating.. They look so realistic" she was almost mesmerized, as she looked around the gallery.

"Thank you Annika... that's exactly what Shivaay says too" he smiled.

"Had I known you paint so well, I wouldn't have gone behind that stupid guy in my town to arrange for the backdrop in Priyanka's wedding. He literally drove me nuts by the time I could get work done from him" she pouted sadly, while OmRu chuckled.

"Accha.. Annika.. we need to visit their house as well.. let's go there and you can check whatever you want. We will then have to go back to the bakery as well to confirm the flavour, remember?" Om reminded and she nodded in agreement.

By the time, they finished all the work and came back home, it was late evening. Annika was the same old Annika with OmRu. She truly enjoyed their companionship. It was one of her best days in Mumbai so far today.

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

All the three were literally so tired as they entered home. The three had in fact finished some nice spicy roadside dinner on their way back.

Shivaay had not come back, it was already close to nine. He had a habit of coming back by half past eight mostly.

"Probably he had to wind up something for tomorrow, O..anyway, let's meet him tomorrow.. leave it.. Bhabhi. Good night huh.. we are so tired.. Tell Bhaiyaa good night too" Rudy yawned and left.

Annika walked into her room, changed into a comfortable night wear and sat down making a note of all her enquiries in the app. And, by the time she had concluded on the budget, it was almost ten. Shivaay had still not come back. She was too tired already and closing the ipad, retired to sleep.

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

Shivaay returned a little while later to notice Annika fast asleep. Her angelic face glowed in the moonlight that peeped into their room and brought a smile on his face. This was the only time he could admire her, without any disturbance and without any counter comments from her, specially the rude ones.

He showered and sat next to her on the bed, lost in his own world of thoughts.

"Why Annika? Why are you doing this to me? To us? Talk to me Annika.. whatever is bothering you, just let me know.. fight me, shout at me.. you are all ok and normal in front of everyone, which makes me assume that there is no issue..but, when we are alone, you don't even want to look towards me, forget about talking. Unless we talk, we can't resolve our issues Annika..unless you speak out, we would not be able to move ahead Annika..you want space, I am all ready to give that to you! But, I wouldn't know it myself. Fight me Annika, please! Your silence is making me mad! I am not able to handle it.. I don't even understand the language of your silence Annika.. please tell me something.. But, don't ignore me Annika.. I know your pricking words are just a facade.. you even shout at me, just call me Billuji... that is more than sufficient, just call me Billuji" his eyes were moist as he said those words, running his hands through her hair.

A few seconds later, Annika turned in sleep extending one of her hands, as it got placed close to Shivaay's chest unexpectedly. Shivaay smiled, trying to move it away with his hand, when to his shock, she held his hand tightly, wriggling in sleep, not even allowing him to push it away. A smile crept up his face. Not wanting to let it go and holding it close to his chest, he then drifted to a contented sleep.

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

Next morning, after a nice cold shower, Annika sat down to check something on the app before the puja could commence. Daadi had informed her that she and Shivaay were supposed to fast till the Puja was over. Though she was a little sceptical about it, she still decided to follow it since it was for the welfare of the family and she truly loved all of them.

Shivaay walked into the room with a package in his hand. By his looks, she presumed that he was coming to threaten her to join the puja, just like the way he had threatened her the other day when her parents were leaving.

"You do not have to threaten me? I will come for the Puja.. I am not so rude ok" she told him herself.

"But.. I never came to threaten you" he replied casually, wondering what had gotten into her.

"Don't lie..I can see those looks" she stammered "You can't always force me like you did that day" she added.

"But I did not come for that" he chuckled "Anyway, I came to give you this saree" he said extending the package in his hand.

"What is this? I do not want all this" she stated rudely.

"Why so?" he asked perplexed "It is nice, see here" he said opening the box. There was a blue saree inside the package.

"Huh.. I.. I don't like it" she snapped back.

"But why?" he asked again.

"You can't force me to wear what you like, alright? I have a lot of my clothes.. I will wear them..I don't like this saree.. it is not good" she stated.

"But it is beautiful, Annika.. it is a nice color too" he said casually.

"I don't like blue.. and so I don't like this saree" she said grumpily.

Shivaay was taken aback. He remembered pretty well how she had told blue was her favourite color when they were playing a game in the hometown before Priyanka's wedding. Her parents had also told him the same thing yesterday..Now, she says she doesn't like blue?! That was when something struck his mind.

"Is she simply bluffing just so that she could avoid me?! How come I never thought of this?! Now, she is saying she dislikes her favourite color itself. God Annika, you are just unbelievable" he thought chuckling.

"What are you still here for? And why are you blinking?" she asked disturbing his trance.

"Huh.. nothing Annika.. Chalo fine.. I will go and give this back to Mom saying you don't like it" he said purposely and her eyes widened in shock.

"What? Why aunty?" she asked with bewilderment.

"Haa.. because she was the one who gave this to me.. no worries.. I will go tell her you don't like it" he said turning to go away when she quickly walked in front of him.

"No need.. just give it to me.. I will take care.. I will wear it" she said quickly.

"But, you don't like it hai na, Annika.. it's fine.." he said when she stopped him again,

"I said by.. by mistake.. I did not see it properly.. it is good.. such a nice color too.. I will wear it" she said literally grabbing it from him, walking quickly into the washroom.

He simply smiled at her antics and walked out of the room.

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

The puja was a simple affair and it took about an hour to complete. Annika religiously performed it along with him. She even helped him hold the flowers when they were advised to drop them together. He admired how she casually did anything and everything that the Pandit ji said, in spite of the fact that, she had to do it along with him.

Once it was done, she went into her room to check if she had received any calls from the caterers. They had told her they would be contacting her in the morning..

Shivaay walked in a little later when Daadi was worried as Annika had been fasting from morning and she was not sure if this girl was used to it. Shivaay said he would bring her down and decided to tease her a little, as he assumed she was in a nice mood.

"Annika..come let's go and have lunch.. Daadi has been looking for you" he said.

"I will come later" she said still engrossed in her phone, the menu one of the guys had sent had gotten her pissed off slightly.

"Hmm anyway...I heard you were fasting for me" he teased.

"Excuse me?" she raised her brows at him.

"It is ok Annika.. I know you are new to this.. But I still appreciate how much you cared and fasted..Oh and the most fascinating thing is, you don't talk to me..you don't even look at me properly.. But still fasted for me....Awww" he teased further. She was irritated now. What the hell was he thinking of himself?!

"Stop giving too much importance to yourself, Mr. Oberoi..and stop living in delusion.. Why the hell would I fast for you? Like seriously.. I did it for the family.. I love them a lot" she stated angrily.

"Annika.. just relax...I was just joking.. nothing serious!" he replied noticing her changing mood.

"Oh come on ok.. nothing is serious for you..right from your talks till relationships.. and yeah I know that already.. I am afterall a small town girl.. so you can just take me for granted, hai na" she screamed.

"Annika.. what are you saying? I took your side Annika, even yesterday.. how could you think like that about me??" he was confused at her sudden grumpy mood.

"Oh please..you did that for yourself..you always want to tag yourself as the best son, best grandson, best brother and yeah on that line, yesterday was best friend and the best gentleman.. wowww.. that is why you always do this "mahaan banne ka naatak" in front of everyone" she clapped.

"Annika.. what's wrong with you?" he asked, a lump forming in his throat. What had gotten into her now?!

"How many times did I tell you, that I am not the right match for you? I did ask you right, why are you choosing me over these city girls? You had an option. I did tell you directly, indirectly and in all ways.. But, you still, you still married me.. in exchange for a deal.. I will not forget that.. your deals always take a front seat for you.. I loathe this wedding and the way it took place from the bottom of my heart" she spat breaking him into a million pieces.

"Annika please.. just relax" he tried saying, he knew she obviously did not mean it all, though it did hurt him a lot, yet another pang forming in his heart. He tried composing himself and not breaking down in front of her.

"Relax? Just leave me alone.. there is no need to relax.." she screamed.  "No..you stay..I have work...I better leave" she said hastily walking out of the room!

Shivaay was completely broken now..A lone tear escaped his eye!

With a lot of difficulty, he composed himself and left to office after changing. When asked, he said he had a very urgent meeting and he would come back after finishing them soon and then have all the special dishes prepared.

Annika almost cried all her heart out, as she sat in the auto. She did not want to breakdown. She did not even expect that she would scream like that at him. She knew she was somewhere wrong, but did not realize where exactly. On reaching her destination, she composed herself, all set for her work!

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

Annika reached home around early evening to notice someone at the security check area in Oberoi Mansion. The voice seemed to be very familiar to her. She walked closer to get a clearer vision of who it was!

"Sir ek minute..you can't just walk in like that" Khanna said.

"But beta..just ten minutes..I will just give this sweet box to them, meet them once and leave" he pleaded.

"Uncle? Aap?" she was surprised to see Niraj uncle there.

"How are you Annika beta?" he asked with lot of excitement, as he finally found someone who could lead him inside.

"I am fine uncle.. Khanna ji.. he is from my town.." she explained when Khanna let him inside.

Niraj was flabbergasted at the inner view of the mansion. He simply stood mesmerized right in the middle of the main hall. That was when Daadi and the others arrived and were surprised to see him there. They all greeted him and enquired about everyone in the town.

"I will arrange some tea and snacks for you..you talk to Annika meanwhile" Daadi said.

"Daadi I will go" Annika stood up as a reflex.

"Sit and talk to him puttar..I will get something for you as well and join you guys" Daadi convinced her somehow and she finally gave in.

"How is everyone at our place? How are mumma and Papa? How come you are here?" she asked not able to hold her patience.

"Puttar.. let him have those sweets and tea..why so much hurry?" Daadi laughed at her impatience.

"Oops.. sorry uncle.. aaram se.. you have" she bit her tongue.

"I had come here for Navin's college admission, beta? He had to join the hostel today.." he replied after finishing his tea.

"Accha.. so he joined here, in Mumbai?" she asked.

"Haa beta.. if not for your papa's and Shivaay beta's help, I don't know how I would have managed" he stated.

"Matlab?" she wondered how her Papa and Shivaay had helped him.

"I thought you knew Beta.. you remember the land right..that I had here in Mumbai?" he asked.

"Haa uncle.. Mumma has told me about it sometime" she replied as she remembered vaguely.

"I had to sell it Beta.. if not for Shivaay beta's help, we would not have made it this early.. In fact, you know what...it happened that morning, before your wedding beta" he said and Annika froze in shock.

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Alrightttt.... So, how many of you expected this uncle to come back?? Btw, you remember him right?? 😬

Now, tell me.. what are the weapons you have ready for Annika madam?? 😌😌😌

And most importantly, what do you think is going to happen next???🌚🌚🌚

What is Shivaay going to do???
(And)
What is Annika madam going to do??🧐

Guess guess..

Until I come back again in the weekend(I hope), keep guessing and yeah a very Happy mid week and rest of the week!!!😎😬