Shivaay said 'So you mean to say , her husband will object to these things?'

Mallika said 'Well, soon she will have her own family to look after. And more than that , she herself will not find the time to come after you.'
Shivaay looked at her oddly and then left . Mallika called after him 'Shivaay? Shivaay..'

She slumped back on her chair. Annika came there after some time and said 'Hey Mallika . Happy Birthday.Where is Shivaay? Why isn't he with you?'
Mallika shrugged and said 'I don't know where he is. We were having a normal conversation and suddenly without a word he got up and went somewhere.'
Annika scratched her chin and said 'Without a word?'
Mallika said 'Yep.'
Annika said 'He got really upset by something then. I will find him and talk to him. Don't worry, he will be fine.'

Mallika said 'How do you know where he is ?'
Annika said 'I know him since childhood and it's an old habit of his. I am really sorry you had see this on your birthday.'
Mallika said 'No ,it's cool.' She smiled suddenly and then said 'Thank you for the gift, I loved it.'
Annika said 'Oh , it wasn't from me. Shivaay got it for you.'

Mallika just smiled broadly and said 'Fine , I will take your word for it. Listen , after if talk to Shivaay, ask him to meet me. I have something to say to him.'

Annika went to her car and bought out two beer bottles and put it in her bag. She then headed towards the terrace. She found Shivaay and headed towards him and knocked the bottle on his shoulder.
Shivaay looked up and saw her. She sat down and they started sipping their bottles. Annika placed her hand on Shivaay's. They didn't talk for a quarter of an hour and then Shivaay said 'Annika, if I get married,do you think things would change between us?'
Annika said 'Not our bond but yes our habits would have to change. I will not wake you up but she will. You will make coffee for her and not me.'
Shivaay said 'And you will be okay with these changes.'
Annika said 'Change is the only constant Shivaay. And friendship has its limits you know.'

Shivaay said 'I can't believe it, you say it in such a matter of factly tone. I mean, it's like you are already prepared for this.'

Annika said 'Well, I am sorry for being practical. But I face the reality unlike you.'
Shivaay said 'It's pointless expecting any emotions from you. You are so habituated being practical that you don't know what it's like to live in a place where it's good to be impractical.'

Annika said 'You are an impossible man to deal with. I pity the woman who would marry you.'
Shivaay said impulsively 'Well, you certainly won't have to pity yourself.'

Annika made a face and said 'I am going home. I don't want to talk to you anymore today. You are being an idiot. And by the way Mallika wants to meet you.Goodbye.'

And Annika went from there in a foul mood. She reached home . Her mom saw her  and said 'Annika , for the wedding...'
Annika rounded up on her and said 'Why is everyone stuck on wedding and wives?'

Annika's mom looked shocked and said 'Annika, your brother's wedding. Does it ring a bell? Why are you acting so weird about it?'
Annika looked abashed and said 'Oh,. Ma,has Om come home?'

She said 'That's what I was going to tell you. He is in your room.'

Annika's eyes gleamed. Her brother had come home after a year and he was going to get married. She hopped upstairs and opened the door. She hugged Om and he said 'Looks like someone is in a bitter mood. Did the exam not go too well? Or did you have a fight with Shivaay?'

Annika sat on the bed and said 'The latter. Why does he have to talk about marriage now?'
Om said 'Maybe because you both are twenty five and it's the age people generally start thinking about their future better halves.'
Annika told him everything that happened and then said 'I mean, why is he asking about the changes now. It has taken me years to get used to the fact that Shivaay and I can't be together always. And today all of a sudden he is bringing this up.'

Om said 'Annika , you are upset at the thought of losing Shivaay, what will you do when you actually have to let him go? Your day starts with him and doesn't end without talking to him. That's not just friendship , it's love .'

Annika blushed and said 'No, it's just deep friendship.'

Om said 'You know , I had many good friends in college. My life used to revolve around them. It's been two years since I last spoke to them but it doesn't matter to me. But if I don't speak to Ishana for even a day , I get really cranky. I love her and she is best friend. There is a thin line between friendship and love Annika . You and Shivaay have crossed that line way back but your stupid minds was stuck to the fact that you were just friends. Just imagine you being Shivaay's wife. Nothing would change . You would be together for the rest of your lives fighting like best friends and caring like lovers. Think about this and tell me don't you feel good ?'
Annika said 'Yes , I do.' She clapped her hand to her forehead and said 'Oh my god , Om. You are right . I am in love with him. For years actually. That's why I don't find any boy good enough to be a boyfriend because I already have the best guy. Shall I tell him?'

Om said 'Yes. What are you waiting for? Go, to him.'
Annika was about to rush outside when she stopped dead in he tracks and said 'But he already is in a relationship with Mallika. He doesn't think of me that way.'
Om said 'Idiot. Even you know that he is with Mallika because of his best friend. Annika, unless you tell him what you feel that moron won't get it. But I think after listening to your events that took place today , he has somewhat realised his feelings. Go Annika.'

Annika nodded and rushed out and ran towards Shivaay's house and saw Shivaay running towards her. They both stopped in front of each other panting.
Shivaay said 'What are you in a hurry for?'
Annika blurted out ' I love you. I always have but was too thick headed to get it.'
Shivaay laughed and said 'I love you too.'
Annika said 'What?'
Shivaay nodded , 'Yeah, I spoke to Mallika and she made me realise that it's love that made me act so strangely.'
Annika said 'It's a weird feeling being in love with you.'
Shivaay said 'Tell me about it. We were best friends just an hour ago and now we are in love. You are right , we were always in love but never thought about it.'
Annika caught her stomach as it had stitch from her run and said 'So , you want to get married to me after some years?'
Shivaay said 'Hell, Yes I do.'

And without a word Annika jumped on him and hugged him tightly. Shivaay hugged her back .

They were still the same two old friends but they had decided to grow old together.

So my beautiful readers, did you like this story ? Was I able to do justice to it? Tell me your views and comments, I love to read them all. And yes, any requests don't hesitate to share. Lots of love💖💖💖

P.S. : Rii , I really hope you enjoyed it. Because this was all for you. Thank you baby for always motivating me to write 💖♥️♥️ RiiReads