chapter xxx. Just Like Fairytales

Shivaay wasn't planning on anything in particular this evening. It was Om's birthday, he was going to sign himself as an important member of the charity board. He wouldn't admit this, not even to himself but the way a certain someone looked tonight was really distracting.

Currently sitting with Rudra at the bar, he rolled his eyes.

“Bhaiya, don't judge me for drinking just like I am not judging you. Dad really went out of his way to make this guest list so boring.”

“What are you not judging me for?”

“If I say it out loud, me not judging becomes a lie.”

“You're still silently judging, you are just choosing to not tell me. Come on, out with it.”

“You're never at the bar at these events. The only reason you're keeoing me company is because you want avoid her.”

Shivaay opened his mouth to say something but then shut it. Then, “I have no idea what you're saying.”

“The last time you spent an entire party with me was my 16th birthday. You are here because Anika Di is everywhere else.”

Shivaay looked horrified. At absolutely how true it was, but horrified nonetheless. “That is not true. Why would I want to avoid Anika?”

Rudra raised an eyebrow.

“I mean, yes, I always try to avoid being around her because she is crazy annoying. Tonight I am here because I want Om to be the limelight of the party.”

Rudra snorted. “It won't kill you to accept that Anika Di is gorgeous. And I get it, she is your matchmaker, it is inappropriate for you to think of her in any other capacity, blah blah blah. Boring old people ideas.”

“God, what story are you cooking up Rudra!” Shivaay frowned. “Okay, yes, she is attractive but that doesn't mean I think of her like that or anything. Stop watching those stupid rom-coms.”

“Well, if you don't, I hope for the sake of your ignorance that you don't run away the moment I say Anika Di is headed towards us.”

Shivaay barely had time to comprehend when he heard Anika asking the bartender for a soft drink. Rudra smiled to himself at Shivaay's stunned-for-a-second face. Anika came and stood between Rudra and Shivaay, resting her elbows against the counter.

“Aren't you having a lot of fun today?” Rudra said, grinning.

“I had my fun, now I just want to go home and sleep. Oh, and the alcohol I am missing out on isn't helping me stay sane.”

Rudra chuckled, offering the glass the bartender had just served him. Anika loiked at it ruefully and then turned to look at Shivaay who just shrugged. Staring at him for a little longer rather suspiciously, she turned to Rudra with a frown. “Your brother is my boss today. I am not drinking in front of him.”

Shivaay shook his head. “It terrifies me to think what would happen if I leave this station for a second.”

Anika looked at him, offended. “Wait so you've left your entire party to guard your booze from me?”

Shivaay shrugged. “Maybe but now that I think about it, seeing you embarass yourself might be the highlight of this party. Even Om is missing. Where the hell did he go?”

“Gauri said something about signing a few art gallery contracts. You two should be supporting him.”

“Just say you want to drink.”

“I do not.” Beat. “Okay maybe I do.”

Rudra, who had clearly been forgotten about, chimed in. “If you want to, my offer is still right her on the table. I assure you, Bhaiya won't say anything. Will you Bhaiya?” Rudra looked at Shivaay meaningfully.

Shivaay wasn't entirely sure what Rudra would do but at times, it was way better to be on his good side. His brother was very unpredictable. “Alright. If it makes you feel a little better and you can forget about murdering our guests, you can have one.”

He didn't think he had ever seen Anika happier. Good lord, what was this woman?

---

It was a little over nine-thirty when some of the guests had left. Soft songs were playing, Shakti and Pinky and Tej and Janhavi had taken the dance floor along with some of their friends. Papprazzi was made to clear out and it was mostly close friends and clients who stayed around.

Shivaay had to agree, his favourite part of the parties they hosted would have to be when the four of them started dancing. Shivaay had been talking to one of his Dad's college friends when Rudra came and excused Shivaay out of the conversation.

“What?” Shivaay asked, still looking over to where Mr. Chabbra stood, smiling at him apologetically.

“As your shubh-chintak, I think you should ask Anika Di for a dance?”

“Sorry what?”

“Ask her for a dance.”

“Why would I do that? Especially right now? You know it's usually couples dancing and it is meaningful to both our parents.”

“And Choti Maa knows how much you adore this. I am pretty sure she is expecting you to ask your girlfriend for a dance.”

Shivaay seemed to consider this for a moment before shaking his head.

“I am still on the lookout for an actual girlfriend, okay? Many of them might be related to the people here. I am not dancing with her.”

“Do you care about people or Choti Maa's wrath?”

“Choti Maa's wrath after she learns Anika is my fake girlfriend and I ruined all other potential matches by dancing with her in public.” Shivaay smiled extra wide.

Rudra huffed in frustration talking to himself about how people were too dumb for him.

Just then, Anika walked to them with a nervous smile. “Where is Om? They want him to dance. You guys as well.”

Rudra looked at Shivaay with a smile. “Bhaiya, find yourself a partner, I am dancing with the most beautiful lady here. Anika Di, do I get the pleasure of asking you for the first dance?”

Anika smiled, placing her hand in his. “Might as well.”

Rudra threw a discreet smug look towards Shivaay. Shivaay only rolled his eyes in return.

“I'll go find Om.”

Rudra took Anika to the dance floo while Shivaay tried dialling Om's number.

He was just about to head towards his room when Gauri came out. Shivaay walked to her, raising an eyebrow. “Have you seen Om anywhere?”

Gauri looked at him curiously for a second before nodding. “A potential client wanted to see some of his work, they'll be out in a few seconds.”

Shivaay smiled, he was indeed proud of his brother. Then he looked at Gauri curiously, “You wanna dance?”

Gauri, taken by surprise, only stared at him.

“What?” Shivaay shrugged. “We need partners, I like no one else enough.”

“What happened to your fake girlfriend?”

“She's dancing with her best friend.”

“Alcohol?”

Shivaay laughed a little. “New best friend, Rudra.”

Gauri rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly. “Anika Di can take anyone by surprise.”

Shivaay forwarded his hand and Gauri smiled, letting him lead her to the dance floor.

The speakers were gently humming some Bollywood song Shivaay distinctly remembered Anika singing this morning, Om had joined the dance floor with Kalyani, both of them giggling as they danced.

Shivaay wasn't sure exactly who grabbed the mike, it sounded like Pinky but they were asked to shuffle around. When he and Anika ended up facing one another, Shivaay rolled his eyes. “My mom knows no subtlety.”

Anika chuckled, taking his hand and beginning to sway to the music. Shivaay placed a firm hand to her waist as hers rested against the base of his neck.

“She really tries to find happiness in her dumb son.”

“Okay, I am anything but dumb.” Shivaay scrunched his nose. Anika made a face but said nothing, continuing to dance softly.

For the first time, Shivaay could see why his parents loved dancing like this, their house was all decorated, the lights were dimmed. Of course, it had nothing to do with that simple feeling of calm that his current dance partner brought.

“Congratulations, by the way. Guests are leaving and they look beyond happy. Good job.” Shivaay said, making Anika smile softly.

“I know, it feels so great. Thanks.”

They both moved in closer, their bodies touching ever so lightly.

“Dadi looks so happy.” Anika commented, not sure of what was happening.

There was quiet till they eventually turned around, Shivaay looking at Dadi and Rudra dancing now.

“Dadi always get emotional at these events. Her Omki is getting older. I am pretty sure she is soon going to join Mom's get Shivaay married bandwagon. I hope we find someone for me by then.”

“Wow, I better find that crazy woman soon.” Anika widened her eyes, trying to look innocent.

Shivaay smirked, “Or I am getting married to you, afterall we have been dating since forever now.”

Anika pressed her lips into a thin line, “Yeah, every second with you does feel like forever.”

“We never talk about your family. I mean, mine thinks I am dating a erird wedding planner for God knows how long. What do your parentd think of their daughter going around playing matchmaker just so she could get more clients.”

“Ha ha ha. Very funny.” Anika deadpanned. “Although Dad would be proud of me for creating business where there is none.”

Shivaay twirled her around, smiling at his Mom who seemed to be staring at them adoringly.

“Well, my Mom, as you know really wants me to find the perfect guy. My Dad, on the other hand doesn't really want me to get married.” Anika said.

“Protective of you?”

“No, he says he is too noble to let a guy ruin his own life.” Anika frowned making Shivaay laugh.

“Your Dad and I do indeed share thoughts.”

“He will also break your bones for insulting me, mister.”

“I could never.” Shivaay shrugged, almost looking sincere.

The music came to an end and they pulled away from each other, smiling at whoever their eyes met. Shivaay was still holding Anika's hand who didn't seem to mind. It was only when Gauri waved Anika to come over that she realised Shivaay was holding her hand, talking to Shakti about something. Anika smiled to herself for a moment before frowning. She moved closer, trying to tug it away but Shivaay, apparently, didn't even seem to bother. Anika awkwardly bit her lip, looking over at Gauri. Anika's dress hid their hands so Gauri only frowned in confusion.

Anika smiled, blinking her eyes and hoping to God Shivaay finished his conversation soon. What was even up with him. When Shakti finally walked away, she jerked at the hand once again making him look at her.

“What?” Shivaay frowned.

“My hand?”

“I know. I wanted to give you something before you disappeared into a cloud of black smoke or something.” Shivaay said.

“Gauri's calling me. I'll be back, I swear.”

Shivaay looked behind Anika where Gauri was staring at them curiously. “Fine. After everyone leaves?”

“Sure.” Anika smiled as he let go of her hand.

---

At this point, I don't even want to bother you guys with excuses. Of course, I am terribly sorry that this story doesn't have more frequent updates because I'd love, more than anyone, to see it get completed like it deserves.

But like always, I am waiting for your opinions. I hope you like the update.