Thanks for all your inline comments narbhi_fan suryaarjuna missingmypassion Neenu_neenu Tachiedadi chauhankrishna sanaliaqat95 Titas28 jiya070 ManishaJain650 user78290620 ayatkhan97 pari527379 Aspiramdoc DiwakarMisra Archana1989 hijk2017 sufanazan user635991450274 Priya0706 pavithra82 anrawsnarayan jiya070 arshi-suchi

I'm dedicating this to Tachiedadi Aspiramdoc and suryaarjuna for somewhat guessing the upcoming! And a special dedication to the new reader amiamuami for staying awake and reading my story 🙈hope you continue to enjoy it🙂

Happy Reading guys and yeah, here comes the first promo😎let's see if your guesses then and now remain the same..

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Annika sat on her bed contemplating her thoughts on the conversation she just had with Omkara and Rudra.

"So much has happened? And, that is why Pinky aunty was so disturbed? Obviously, he must have also gone through a lot of emotional turmoil" she thought.

"And, he really spoke to Mumma and Papa about all this?!" she wondered. "I can't even imagine how he would have explained it all.. It was, it was really generous of him to have done that.. It was not even required to tell them about this"

"He has indeed gone through a lot" she thought. "And there are people like this Tia too?? How nastily she has played.. My god!"

That was when she remembered OmRu telling her about how Tia ran away. She got reminded of her own stunt before the wedding.

"If only Chanda did not stop me that day?! I can't even imagine what would have happened then? Another reputation loss and heartbreak because of me? I know the situations were different. But the impact?" she was engulfed with guilt.

She was walking to and fro within the room, deeply lost in thoughts of him and how he must have felt, when he entered the room, speaking on his phone.

He walked straight to his coffee machine to make some coffee for himself. She was so lost that, she assumed him to be a fragment of her imagination. She kept looking at him without batting her eyelids. As he disconnected the call, he was startled by her constant gaze on him.

"Like what do you see?" he asked waving his hand in front of her. She continued to stand still and stare.

"Annika...ANNIKA??Do I look any different today?" he called a little loudly to gain her attention.

"Huh.. you.are.really.here?" she asked with shock painted all over her face.

"What? What do you mean, Annika, all okay?" he asked.

"Huh.." she blinked.

"Oh nooo.. need to cover up" she thought.

"Nahi kuch nahi.." she smiled.

"Kuch toh hai.. what is it?" he asked looking intently.

"What do I say?! What do I say?" she thought.

"Huh.. woh actually...I.. I was just so fascinated on how you manage to have this" she babbled pointing at his coffee cup.

"Idiot.. such an idiot you are Annika.. what the hell did you just blabber?!" she mentally facepalmed.

"Really? Hey come on.. it's not so bad ok.. alright, you taste it.. you will know" he said, taking another cup and making some coffee for her.

"So, she was really drooling at my coffee drinking style?" he thought to himself. "Dont be so stupid Shivaay.. lame thoughts" his mind warned him.

"What the hell?! No way!!!" she thought to herself.

"No no.. that is fine.. I don't want.. you have it" she sheepishly smiled.

"Come on Annika.. just half a glass.. then you will keep asking for it.. I will make it myself wait" he smiled and got to prepare it for her.

"Yuck!! Phail gaya raitha.. Your mouth is your biggest enemy, Annika" she murmured.

About two minutes later, he gently smiled and extended a coffee mug towards her. She also slightly smiled and took it from him.

"Here..have it!" he smiled and she slightly nodded, though she felt like banging her head somewhere right away.

She took it close to her mouth with lot of hesitation slowly and shut her eyes close.

As she finally had a sip with loads of hesitation, mentally chanting a prayer with her eyes still closed, her reaction changed as soon as the liquid acted on her taste buds.

1..2...3... SPLASHHHH!

She spit out the entire contents on his shirt and both of them stood flabbergasted.

"What the hell, Annika?" he screamed.

"Sorry.. I am sorry.. It was..by.. mistake" she stuttered while he continued to glare at her. Making him angry was the last thing she was expecting to do.. She was almost sweating profusely. Had she triggered his anger so much?!

"Annika.." he shook her and her eyes shot open. "Chill Annika..why are you so tensed for such a small thing?Give it to me.. You don't have to drink it" he smiled.

"Nahi..it's fine" she stuttered again.

"It's fine Annika.. My god, you hate it so much is it?" he chuckled.

"Did I imagine him shouting at me then?" she thought.

"What happened? Did you feel like tasting it and spitting it on me?" he giggled and her eyes widened in shock.

"Huh?!!!"

"You are so cute.. I was just joking" he gently caressed her cheeks and walked out smiling.

It was only after he walked out of the room did he realise what he had done. A smile involuntarily formed on his face. Rubbing the back of his neck and shaking his head, he walked away.

Annika, on the other hand, still stood frozen at the same spot, not knowing how to react!

"What just happened?" she blinked.

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Annika was busy with her event planning as there was just one day left for the event. She had to go and meet the Mishras for one last round of check. She was getting ready, and struggling to wear her nuptial chain. Furthermore, she was already late.

"Why is this not getting fixed?" she murmured struggling to adjust the hook.

"May I?" came Shivaay's voice and she slightly nodded.

He was surprised would be an understatement. His heart jumped in happiness, but he did not make it visible on his face.

"I hope I am not imagining anything?!" he thought to himself, still not recovered from his shocked state.

He simply smiled and helped her wear the chain, while her hands were still on it. Their fingers slightly brushed and his eyes never left hers. He wanted to stay like that forever, but her voice broke the silence between them.

"Th..Thank you" she uttered slightly moving.

"How are your preparations going on for the function?" he purposely asked trying to divert his and her attention.

"So far so good" she smiled widely. "Thanks to you..for all those apps. They were very useful" she expressed. He was literally on cloud nine.

"Huh.. looks like you are in a hurry?" he then asked.

"Yeah... I need to go to the Mishra's place... Need to ensure that everything is in place" she pouted.

"You want me to drop you?" he asked and her jaws dropped.

"Really? You can do that?" she asked with a surprised look.

"When did I say I can't drop you?" he raised his brows.

"That day.. when I had to go there" she expressed sadly.

"Huh.. that was different Annika" he replied, realizing the situation.

"Haa... I know you were very busy that day" she said with the same sad expression on her face. But, for a moment, he thought she was being sarcastic.

"Haa.. haa I was.. not anymore.. accha we will go?" he asked.

"Huh one more thing..." she said hesitantly.

"Hmm tell me"

"You are free? I mean free enough to come inside their house for a while?" she asked with a lot more hesitation.

"Hmm kind of.. but what is the matter?" he asked doubtfully.

"They were all looking for you the other day itself.. I told them you were busy and that I will ask you to meet them soon.. Ever since they have been asking me again and again" she pouted sadly.

"Hmm alright.. I will come today" he replied and a wide smile formed on her face.

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"You know what.. I am proud of you.. You are doing a great job" he appreciated her while they were in the car.

"Thank you" she smiled happily.

"I mean I know you work really well. I have witnessed it too.. But, it was great to hear this from someone else.." she could see his face beaming with pride as he said that.

"Thank you so much" she said again.

"Kuch aur bhi bol sakthi ho!!" he said and she wondered what he meant.

"I mean.. other than the thank yous'" he added and she simply chuckled understandingly.

"Cute" he thought. "Focus on the road, Shivaay" his mind warned him again.

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They were welcome with lot of excitement at Mishra's place. Shivaay was quite close to Rina and her parents. They treated him almost like their own son. From what Annika understood, Shivaay was everyone's favorite, just like how she was in her own town.

Annika had just called them and informed that she was coming with him and they had prepared a full fledged meal for Shivaay and her, insisting them to have it. Annika was completely overwhelmed at their gesture.

"Looks like Mr.Shivaay Singh Oberoi is everyone's favorite" she thought to herself with a smile.

"Thank you Bhabhi...thank you so much.. for convincing Bhaiyaa..for making him come here and have a nice feast with all of us.... You made my day.. I felt so bad the other day you know.. But you made up for it.. Love you, Bhabhi" Rina exclaimed, side hugging Annika after a sumptuous meal and a lot of chit-chatting.

"Bhaiyaa.. Bhabhi is love" she said looking at Shivaay and his eyes shone in happiness. Every other person was in awe of her these days and he was completely amazed by this.

"Accha.. I need to go to office.. Shall I come back and pick you up on the way?" he asked Annika, after a little while.

In fact, he purposely did that. He did not want to force things on her. He wanted to give her some space. And, ever since he had started doing that, he noticed a positive change in her. So, he decided to continue following the same strategy, atleast for a while.

"That's fine.. I am not sure when I will leave.. I will handle it" she smiled back at him.

"Alright.. but if you want me to come, let me know.. I will be here, thik hai?" he asked and she nodded.

Shivaay then bid goodbye to everyone and left to office. He had a couple of meetings lined up for the day.

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Next day, Shivaay approached his room to find a beautifully dressed Annika, that too in her most favorite color, BLUE. He just couldn't take his eyes off her, while she was busy on a call with the caterers. Annika was oblivious to his presence. Her dress, her eye makeup, her hairdo, her jewellery, everything seemed perfect to him.

Shivaay changed into his function wear and was buttoning his shirt, with his eyes still stuck on Annika.

"How does she manage to do this? Anything and everything suits her so well" he thought drooling.

Annika disconnected the call and turned to notice his gaze on her. She chuckled seeing his reactions and what he was doing, which was when he realized that she was already looking at him.

Not knowing how to react, he quickly decided to walk out of the room, while her eyes were still stuck on him.

"Ek min...just listen na" she said, but he had already walked out.

"Shoot.. he is wearing his shirt inside out" she facepalmed. She decided to quickly walk down and inform him, before anyone else did it.

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Om and Rudy were waiting for Shivaay and Annika. They had decided to go together in one car, while the remaining people had already left. As they noticed Shivaay walking down, Om chuckled while Rudy's eyes widened in shock.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" Shivaay asked Rudy.

"Bhaiyaa.. how many more new clothes do you want?" he asked folding his hands across his chest.

"What? What do you mean?" Shivaay asked with confusion.

"You recently only got lot of new clothes for your wedding Bhaiyaa.. and now you are trying this tactic too? So kiddish" he said faking an anger.

"Kuch samaj mai nahi aaraha hai Rudra" he was puzzled.

"O.. you remember Daadi used to say.. if we wear our clothes inside out, we will get new ones?" Rudy tried taunting him and that was when Shivaay looked down.

"Oh nooo..." he shut his eyes bending down.

"Ek min.. I wanted to...." Annika paused when she noticed Om and Rudra there with Shivaay. She bit her tongue as realization dawned upon her.

"O.. you remember I said something the other day.. at the poolside...about someone being so much into someone else..." Rudy teased Annika, understanding what could have possibly happened.

Annika was baffled, while Shivaay was already dumbstruck that he could not say or ask anything else.

"We.. we are ge..getting late.. Sh..shall we leave?" Annika stammered.

"Yeah yeah sure" Shivaay took her side and the brothers nodded, unable to control their laughter looking at both of them.

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A week had passed by. The function was over and Annika received a lot of appreciation from everyone. She was in extreme good mood and was building a very good rapport with everyone, including Shivaay. Though she had not yet become too close to him, she was way more comfortable than before. Though she did not initiate any talk with him on her own, she still tried to answer him whenever he spoke to her and was not throwing any tantrums anymore.

They even played a number of games like carrom, cards, chess and badminton over the weekend, along with the brothers. Shivaay left it that way, since he felt she was more comfortable with him, when all others were around. Inside their room, in the privacy, she still chose to maintain a little distance, which he respected and of course he needed that too, to understand her better.

But, what he really adored was her bonding with his brothers. Even when they played, Shivaay purposely chose to give up for her, while Rudy kept teasing him for taking her side.

"Bhaiyaa.. next time I will be in Bhabhi's team.. so that I can easily win all the games" he had teased Shivaay whenever they teamed up, but she had simply smiled and had not reacted and most importantly, took it quite easy. Shivaay was bewildered at that.

One such evening, Annika was sitting in the hall, all bored. Daadi walked towards her and sat next to her holding something in her hand.

"Feeling bored, Annika Puttar?" she asked Annika.

"Nahi Daadi.. I mean I was just reading this book and it was a little boring" she replied. Shivaay had a lot of books and she chose to explore them as she was free. She wanted some break before stepping into her next assignment. She indeed felt that Shivaay had a very good collection of books and she truly enjoyed reading most of them.

"Accha koi nahi Puttar.. that is why I brought this" Daadi said extending an album towards her.

"What is this Daadi?" she asked curiously.

"Puttar.. I was looking for something, when I found this album in my room. It has Billu's childhood pictures." Daadi said.

"Really?" she asked with lot of excitement, getting prepared to see it. She always enjoyed seeing these old albums, specially childhood ones as each picture would have some story behind it.

"This was when he was a year old" Daadi said, pointing at a picture as they glanced through the album.

"Those blue, green eyes are still the same" she thought adoring the kid in the picture.

"And this was when he first started walking"

"And this, during his second birthday, when he had eaten the cake all by himself even before we could cut it" Daadi laughed explaining the story behind each of the photos. "And see now.. he is allergic to cakes.. This has fat, that has cholesterol.. Uff Annika Puttar.. he doesn't even let me enjoy my favorite food properly" Daadi added and Annika chuckled.

They continued checking the pictures when Jhanvi and Pinky joined in too.. Each one now had unique stories to tell her and she was full of smiles at what each of them told her. For a few moments, she was completely lost that she did not even realize it was all about Shivaay.

As they were almost done with the album tour, Shivaay came home. He was so tired that he straight away walked towards the couch where these people were seated. There was an empty seat beside Annika and he walked directly towards that spot. As he sat next to her, their arms brushed slightly and chills ran down Annika's spine. However, Shivaay was too tired to realize this.

She, on the other hand, immediately got up as a reflex and stood beside him.

"Huh.. I will bring something.. You look tired" she uttered gently, gathering enough courage as well as words to speak. It took a few seconds for Shivaay to register in his mind as to what exactly had happened just now. Though Daadi and others did not realize much about this, having been lost in the albums, Shivaay still felt a little awkward at her behavior.

He quickly got up from there excusing himself and walked into their room, for he knew she would be there for sure, probably preparing coffee for him.

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He dragged her to one of the nearest walls, holding her by her hand and she was startled.

"Atleast don't make things so obvious Annika" he pleaded and she did not understand what he meant by that. "Atleast not in front of Mom and Daadi.. They smell things easily" he added.

"But, I did not do anything" she said.

"You abruptly got up and walked in.. Don't think I did not notice that.. It was.. it was little awkward Annika.. I mean, I hope you understand" he said.

"Also, I am sorry.. I will be more careful next time" he added, a lump had already formed in his throat.

She stood silently, as she realized that he had misunderstood the entire situation. But, she had hardly any guts to admit that to him as she herself was not very sure why she felt whatever she felt!

At the exact moment, his phone buzzed.

"Yeah Bade Papa.. yeah.. huh? Ohh ya.. ok coming.. coming down" he said disconnecting the call.

"Bade Papa asked me to come down.. You will join in too?" he asked with hesitation.

"Of course... we will go right away" she smiled, trying to make him comfortable and relaxed, so that he would forget whatever that happened earlier.

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As they both walked down, all the other family members were already present.

"All of you are here?" he asked with confusion. Tej had asked him to come down, saying he wanted to inform something important. He was expecting Tej, while all others except Tej and Shakti were present there.

"Papa called and said he will be calling on the landline phone.. He wants to say something important it seems" Om said and Shivaay was perplexed. Before he could think of various possibilities, the landline phone buzzed and Om put it on speaker.

"Congratulations Shivaay!! Congratulations to you.. You did it and we both are so proud of you" came Tej's voice. Tej and Shakti were calling them from the office conference hall.

"The project you have been waiting for, the project that you were too eager to work on is all set to begin, that too very very soon... And, as you wanted, as you had requested, Shakti and I have decided to assign it to you. You will take care of setting up the team from the scratch and every other thing is your responsibility" Tej announced and everyone was overwhelmed with happiness.

"And Shivaay, I just made this call so that everyone is aware and happy. Now, I will disconnect and you come to office for sometime. I will give you the details and we have a quick meeting with the client too in another hour" he said and disconnected the call.

"Wow Bhaiyaa wowwww.. I am so happy for you" Rudy hugged him.

"Congo Shivaay..so finally.. and Good luck my dear brother" Om hugged him too.

"Pehle have this.. I am so happy today" Pinky fed him a spoon of sugar.

"Congratulations to you" Annika smiled widely followed by Jhanvi and Daadi. He had never seen her this genuinely happy for a while now.

"Thank you Annika" he responded shaking her hands.

"Anything can be done for this smile" he thought to himself.

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Shivaay had left immediately after his happy encounter with his family.

It was around eight in the evening when he walked back home sadly. He went straight into his room, where Annika was folding some of her clothes and arranging them. Her smile came in front of his eyes.

"She is happy.. She is happy that I have got this project.. She will be even more happy that I will not be here to trouble her anymore" he thought.

He was in mixed emotions right from the time Tej and Shakti had told him that he was supposed to travel for the project. He was going to leave Mumbai. Of course it was his dream project. Right from the time the proposal had come, till it was finalized, he had been dreaming about it all through, and how efficiently he could work on it. But now, ironically, he was sad. He was upset that he was going to leave behind his family members. More than that, he was upset that he was going to miss Annika. Things had just started falling in place, atleast that was what he thought but were going to be shattered even before they started. However, ultimately she was happy. And that was all mattered to him right now!

"Annika.. can I speak to you for a minute? Just wanted to say something" he finally made up his mind to speak, which was when she noticed that he had come.

"Oh hi.. yeah please tell me" she replied casually, sitting next to him.

"Annika..woh actuallyyy.." he paused and continued "you know what.. you don't have to worry anymore.. I mean you know.. you can be free from my annoyance for sometime now.. you can be genuinely happy. You know, I will not irk you anymore, irritate you anymore, frustrate you or piss you off or stuff like that... you can breathe now, who bhi peacefully" he explained slowly.

"Huh..It is all one and the same thing" she replied with a perplexed reaction.

"Haa it is all one and the same thing.. but yeah, it is now valid as well" he stated further confusing her.

"Is everything okay?" she asked trying to decipher what exactly he meant.

"That was what I had begun to think.. In fact, I thought it was, until now.. Never knew that happy things don't last too long and end too soon" he expressed sadly.

"Matlab... wh.. what are you ss.. saying?" she asked, trying to sink in each of his words.

"Am I guessing the same thing? Is he really trying to say the same thing I am assuming?" she thought when someone coincidentally knocked on their door.

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So, what are your thoughts on this chapter?

Now, make your guesses.. Let's see if your guesses are still the same as they were during the promo? 🤔

Do you really think things are falling in place or are falling apart??

And, what is Shivaay trying to say and what is Annika assuming?? Are they both one and the same thing??

What do you think is going to happen now??

Guesses guesses 😎😎

Happy weekend you all 🙂
I will try to get back as early as possible!