Here's the last part. Hope you all liked the story x

**

Shivaay paced the shore of the beach impatiently. He kept checking his watch and looking towards the direction of the road. Just a few more minutes and she would be here. Shivaay couldn't control his excitement. He had been waiting for this day for two years, after all.

He and Annika had been 'unofficially' dating for the last couple of years. She of course had maintained her stance of not getting into a relationship before graduating college, but anyone who saw them could tell that they were more than 'just friends', no matter how many times Annika reiterated the fact. From being on the phone with each other all day, to meeting every day during vacations and not paying attention to anyone but each other—what more did anyone need to guess they were a couple? But not labelling Shivaay as her boyfriend gave Annika the satisfaction that she wasn't disregarding her parents' words. And it had all worked out just fine, because despite her insecurity the feelings between her and Shivaay didn't fade. If anything, they were stronger than ever.

Annika had returned from Bangalore yesterday after her convocation and moved to Mumbai for good. Shivaay had wanted to come see her at the airport but of course had to cancel the plan since her parents were accompanying her. And now, he was desperate to finally hold her in his arms after 5 long months and ask her out for good. They both knew he would ask her to be his girlfriend and there was no surprise about it. It had been long due.

Finally, Shivaay saw Annika's car pull up. She got out and searched for him, before spotting him and giving a squeal. She ran to him and jumped into his arms. Shivaay laughed.

"I missed you, baby," He said once he put her down. Tucking away strands of her hair that were flying in the wind, he kissed all over her cheeks and jawline.

"Shivaay!" She chided while giggling due to the pricking of his beard, "You know friends are not supposed to kiss each other like this?"

"Hey, you said cheek kisses were acceptable," He countered, placing one last sloppy kiss on her cheekbone. "Ah, I can't believe you're finally back. Anyway, I don't want to waste any more time."

"Waste any more time in what?" Annika asked playfully, even though she very well knew.

"In asking you out," Shivaay replied. He instantly got down on one knee, uncaring of how his pants were dusted in sand. "Annika Trivedi, will you be my girlfriend?"

"How romantic," Annika rolled her eyes, even as she smiled. "But yes, I will be."

"Finally," Shivaay sighed, standing up and taking her into his arms. "I've been waiting for this for two years. I can finally call you my girlfriend."

"Yeah well," Annika replied, playing with his shirt buttons. "But you'll be off to Harvard in three months," She continued sadly.

"So what, love? We've mastered long-distance relationship in these two years."

"We weren't in a relationship," Annika corrected, making his chuckle.

"Right, right, we weren't," Shivaay said. "Either way, don't worry, love. I'll visit whenever possible and even you will come to visit me, right?"

"Sure," She mumbled into his chest. "We just have such bad timing."

"No we don't," Shivaay frowned. "Anyway, why are we wasting our time talking about these things?"

"What would you rather talk about?" Annika looked up and smiled.

"I'd rather not talk at all," Shivaay said in a husky tone, "and indulge your mouth in far more pleasurable things." He leaned in as he said that and Annika pushed his face away.

"Stupid Singh Oberoi, we're in a public place," She reminded him. Seeing his pout, she continued, "But, we can go somewhere private..."

"My house," Shivaay grinned. "No one's home."

"Well then, what are we waiting for?" Annika asked with a wink. She started to move, but Shivaay held her back.

"Listen, I had to say something," He started, looking a little serious. Annika raised her eyebrows.

"You remember when I had first messaged you on Instagram, 2 years back?" Annika nodded, and he continued. "Yeah, I lied about how it was because I wanted to send something to Kushal. I was actually intrigued by your profile and wanted to get to know you better," He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. He'd been carrying around this 'secret' for so long, it was high time she knew.

To his surprise, Annika started giggling.

"I knew that, idiot" She said.

"Wha-how?" He asked, flummoxed. He had always thought that his excuse had been really good.

"Because I asked Kushal afterwards if he'd received a gift from you, and he said no," Annika shrugged. "And I distinctly remembered how you had liked an old picture of mine, which wouldn't be the case if you just wanted to message me for Kushal, no?" She asked, eyes gleaming.

"I guess not," Shivaay mumbled. He was kind of bummed that he had made a fool of himself in her eyes.

"It's okay," Annika grinned. "I found it adorable, actually. And I love you just the same, regardless."

Shivaay's smile lit up his face.

"I love you, too," He replied.

An hour later, as he and Annika lay on his bed kissing feverishly, a part of Shivaay's brain that was still working remembered that he should probably thank Instagram for helping him find the love of life.

Maybe social media wasn't so bad, after all.

**

Have an idea for a new OS. Votes and comments will motivate me to write it soon!