chapter xlii. Stupid Little Things

It happened again!!

Saumya: What did?

Shivaay and I... We almost kissed :/

Saumya: OMG!!!
Di that's—

Wait... Why almost?

Because Pinky aunty called and we realised we were being stupid?

Saumya: You know..

If he almost kissed you twice now.

Maybe he also likes you?

That is...

Okay it does make sense

But... Idk?

Saumya: Maybe try telling him you like him?

What is the worst that could happen?

You guys recovered from almost kiss once already.

How bad could it be?

But... What if he doesn't like me back?

Saumya: His loss ;)

He'd be an idiot not to.

Marry me Saumya.

Saumya: But I already know you have the hots for someone else...

Husshhh now.

---

The next morning, as Anika stepped out of the house for work, her phone rang.

Pinky Aunty <3

Anika smiled as she picked the call, making sure she had everything she needed in her bag.

“Hi Aunty!”

“Anika, I didn't expects this from you.” Pinky began without any preamble. Anika loved it but was confused.

Before she could ask, she heard Shivaay's voice in the background. “Do not tell me you've called her already. Mom!”

It didn't take seconds for her cheeks to turn pink. Wow, she was in deep.

“I am not really sure how I disappointed you Aunty.”

“Your parents were here and you didn't even let me meet them.” Pinky complained and Anika chuckled.

“But I haven't really told them about me and Shivaay, right?”

“Oho don't lie to me, I saw Shivaay and Rudra on video call. Your parents love Shivaay.”

Well, that was true.

“I am sorry?” Anika tried, no idea what else she could possibly say.

“No, I want to meet you. Only then I'll decide.”

“Mom, please.” She could hear Shivaay and Pinky banter about something.

“Shivaay says you have work. When will you be free.”

Anika mentally racked her brain. “There are actually lots of events all week. I'll be free only on the next Monday.”

Pinky sighed. “Fine. Also, you are home alone, if you need anything. Tell me, I'll send Billu.”

Anika laughed at the nickname. “I will let you know.”

---

Shivaay'ji': Goddd

I am sorry Mom's being...

It's okay. She thinks I am your girlfriend.

Shivaay'ji': Yeah

You are probably the best fake girlfriend I'll ever have.

How many more are you planning to have? :P

Shivaay'ji': Oh, AFTER you?

Definitely none.

Not sure anybody will be able to live upto your legacy.

Now that's certainly some flattery.

Shivaay'ji': I...

???

Shivaay'ji': Nevermind.

Best of luck with the baby shower.

Thanks!

I hope none of your meetings are cancelled this week.

---

Gauri☠️: Oh my God Di!!!

Who knew lying about you having boyfriend would end badly for me?

God answered my prayers. What happened?

Gauri☠️: Now that they think you already have a groom, Mom has moved on to finding someone for me???

Wow. Has she looked around? Like a certain long-haired Oberoi?

Gauri☠️: Om's being so jealous.

If I wasn't worried, I'd definitely call that adorable.

Well, you did already but okay.

So, now what?

Maybe tell them, Anika Di is still bholi, I am the badtameez liar.

Gauri☠️: Yaaar diiii

Chutkiiii

Gauri☠️: You are not entirely bholi.

What about you liking Shivaay Bhaiya?😏

Ha ha ha

Gauri☠️: Imagine you guys being the Salman-Madhuri to mine and Om's Mohnish-Renuka

Uhu uhu

Go away before I send this screenshot to everyone in my contact list.

Gauri☠️: You do realise that will also expose your crush on him?

I declared myself his girlfriend not even 20 mins after meeting him.

I think I can take another 'moron' label to my name.

Gauri☠️: That's some confidence

---

DID YOU HEAR?

Shivaay'ji': Hear what?

There is like a 95% chance Mom saw Gauri kissing Om

Feels like bliss

Thank you for sending them on that stupid road trip!!

Shivaay'ji': Yeah everyone will witness that stuff, I am guessing.

Wow, my brother cannot be stopped.

I am sure it's Gauri's charm :P

Shivaay'ji': I'd argue both the Trivedi sisters are full of that charm.

---

After that message, neither Shivaay nor Anika dared message again. Anika was flustered, because what the fuck was she supposed to take that message as? Monday evening, Anika finally dared to even open that conversation again, only because Shivaay sent another message.

Shivaay'ji': I am downstairs. Come quick.

Pinky had called and told Anika that Shivaay would pick her and Gauri up for the dinner.

Anika was nervous. That message was just another boost. It would be easy, all she had to do was find Shivaay alone and tell him. Then, probably run home and wait for him to react (or simply block her from all parts of his life if he thought it was too much).

She walked slightly behind Gauri, the idea of telling Shivaay she likes him causing a nervous pit in her stomach. This was probably a stupid idea for too many reasons but Saumya had drilled in her brain "how bad could it be?"

Gauri sat in the backseat, Anika in the front. She smiled softly at Shivaay who did the same.

“Hi Shivaay Bhaiya!” Gauri chirped from behind.

Shivaay smiled at her from the rearview and began driving. The car was very silent and only contributed to Anika's nervousness.

Something told Anika shouting 'I really really like you' right now wouldn't be the best way to go about that. She looked at Gauri who was just grinning for no reason.

Anika raised an eyebrow to which Gauri shook her head, the grin still intact.

Anika scrunched her nose. She had a crazy sister.

“Okay this is very quiet. Maybe we play some music?” Gauri prompted.

Shivaay and Anika both shouted a "No."

Gauri looked at them in confusion

“Shivaay and I argue a lot with the music. Just better if we don't.” Anika explained.

“By the way,” Shivaay began, throwing Anika a cautious glance, “Rudra told me you actually like the music I suggested.”

Anika smiled. “Why would Rudra say that?”

“Maybe because it is true and you just have a large ego to accept it.”

“Oh no, no, no. I HATE the death metal.” Anika cleared.

Gauri nodded along. “Who would've thought Shivaay Bhaiya would like death metal?”

“I know right!” Anika chimed in. “I mean, he totally seems like someone who'd listen to anything but death metal.”

“Right! At first I thought it was Omkara Sir's albums in the car and I was so confused because even him listening to this... music, doesn't make sense.”

Shivaay rolled his eyes and then looked at Gauri for a second. “Gauri, tell me this.”

“Hmm?”

“Why is it that I am Shivaay Bhaiya for you, Rudra is Rudra but Om is Omkara Sir?”

Gauri took a second. “Because he is the only one I am working for. Plus, you were the one who said I could call you Bhaiya.”

“Yeah but, outside of the office, you are like family. So, I don't know call him O like Rudra, Om, Om Bhaiya?” Shivaay trailed off.

Anika looked at him for a second in shock before turning to Gauri who looked horrified. Anika looked at Shivaay again. His face was so genuine. God, she was sure she wouldn't have been able to tell he was messing with Gauri if she didn't already kniw he knew.

Gauri chuckled humourlessly. “I guess, it never came up.”

Anika turned to look out the window to keep herself from laughing out loud. She caught Shivaay's eyes who smirked lightly.

---

Dinner was a talkative affair and Anika noticed how Om and Gauri were more distant than usual, probably trying to 'ward off' any suspicions. Shivaay sat next to her, Pinky in front of her, to quote her, "for better view."

As Shivaay finished his dinner, he excused himself. Before he left, Shakti called him once again.

“Are you ready for your pitch or should we go ahead with the one Tej Bhaisahab's team came with?”

Shivaay looked around the dinner table and Anika saw Pinky look tensed. What was going on?

“Dad, I am working really hard for this. Can you guys give me twelve days? Like you know, at the general meeting I'll let you know.” Shivaay sighed.

Tej and Shakti looked at each other before Shakti nodded. “Fine.”

---

After that, the dinner was quickly done and Anika had spent some time with Rudra, Gauri and Om. At around ten, Gauri got up.

“I guess we should leave. Di has work tomorrow.”

Anika nodded and got up before making a decision. “Gauri, could you give me five minutes. I wanted to talk to Shivaay about something.”

All three of them looked at her curiously before Gauri nodded. Anika walked to his room, humming to herself. Well, it was going to be easy.

As she opened the door, she saw files scattered on the bed, Shivaay's laptop sititng in the middle and Shivaay talking to someone on the phone. She sighed. Maybe part of it was her own fear but she didn't really think burdening him with this right now would do him any good.

Before she could back-track, Shivaay spotted her and gave her a genuine smile that made her heart leap.

Time to make Saumya proud.

“Anika?”

“I wanted to talk to you about something but looks like you are really busy.” Anika walked towards the bed.

Shivaay came and stood before her. “It's okay. Tell me, what is it?”

Shivaay's phone rang again and he excused himself. Anika bit her lip, looking around. She spotted Shivaay's calendar open on his laptop.

As she looked on, she realised this Friday, 8pm was marked with a meeting as well.

Mallika C.

When Shivaay was done, he smiled. Anika noticed how tired he looked.

“Wait, why is there a meeting scheduled for Friday 8pm which is you know...” Anika raised her eyebrows.

“Date night, yes.” Shivaay sighed. “Well, I thought I'd tell you later but,” He took a deep breath. “Remember how you were upset because, you know I know about Om and Gauri and you felt like I was wasting your time, my time...” Shivaay began.

Anika hated where this was headed.

“So you took a meeting?”

“A date, I guess?” Shivaay shrugged. “It had to be with someone meaningful, Mallika is...” Shivaay fumbled. Anika had no idea why he sounded so confused but her entire focus was on her own feet and suddenly burning eyes.

“So you are still looking for someone... For you know, dating?” Anika's voice was soft.

Shivaay didn't answer for a few seconds. “Seems like it, doesn't it?”

Anika bit her lip. Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck. Don't cry.

“Well that's great!” She smiled at him. “I am– just going to go home. Bye.”

Anika quickly turned around, taking a deep breath. Thank God she didn't actually say something.

“Anika, wait.”

Shivaay came to stand in front of her, hands in his pant pockets. “You were here to say something?” He smiled softly.

“Well, I was just here to ask you to look for some... For your next date, you know.” Anika gulped the lump in her throat.

Shivaay stared at her. “Right. Is everything okay?”

Anika was grateful when Gauri came in that exact second, shouting, “Di, are you done?”

Anika nodded at Gauri and waved at Shivaay. “See you on Friday?”

“I guess.” Shivaay smiled back, looking doubtful.

As Gauri hurried to the front doors, Anika rubbed at her eyes furiously. Stupid crushes, stupid suggestions, stupid decisions.

Stupid heartbreak.

---

Please don't kill me, I love you guys :')

Dumber: Shivaay or Anika?