ShiVika FF || Pride and Prejudice|| Chapter 11 || 27/07

I had this idea in my head for a while; I have the chapters planned out so i can promise decently quick updates. It will be multi chapter and longish. I must stress that it is not inspired by our dear Mr. Darcy and Miss Bennet. I find that this title will suit the story I have planned. Also, please be mindful that this is not based on a previous track or a current track, the characters are the same but the premise is a little different, there may be similar incidents. I have posted a little glimpse of the story and a character sketch of some new characters. That's that! Happy Reading!

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Prologue

Getting off her plane in Mumbai and walking out of the airport, Annika appreciated the warm humid sun on her face, after spending months together in a cold, dreary place like Cambridge. It felt like she was starting a holiday rather than going back home. Home? It was a subjective word to her. She was actually going back to just a house, to be honest a mansion. It was a home in her childhood but slowly got renovated into a cold, marbled mansion. She pushed her sunglasses back up and pushed her trolley to find a familiar face of one of her staff. Right when she was about to pull out her phone to make the necessary calls, she heard a voice call her name. She turned around - Dadi? She whispered taken back.

Kalyani Oberoi was waiting at arrivals to pick someone up. Annika was coming back after two semesters. Annika was not related to her by blood, her and Chandralekha were the best of friends. After getting married into two affluent families, the bond deepened. Ravindranath and Chandralekha Suryavanshi were the epitome of happiness and kindness. Like all good things in life, they moved on. Annika was only 12. They were the only parents she knew. Her own abandoned her when she was born, despite being the same house for years - Kishore and Madhu had no time for their only child. Annika never minded. He home was perfect, he doll house always had two parents, her parent teacher meetings were always attended, her talent displays at annual functions were always recorded and played and replayed to everyone that watched. Her random scribbles on walls were as prized as the Picasso's sprinkled along. Every handmade greeting card was always stored in the same trunk; some even found a place of honor in the family study room. She could never want for anything else; her grandparents were her mum and dad. She would sometimes be skipping down the stairs to go out for a late night ice cream treat and see two figures stumble in - she always wondered what it must be to talk to them. She had tried once, only to be pushed out the room, she had hit her arm on an edge and started bleeding. She still holds the scar to this date. Her Dadi said that it was a battle scar and never to be ashamed. She didn't care - she had her parents will her all along. Until one day, when she didn't. The matriarchs of the Suryavanshi house had been in a car accident, they were on their way to attend their Anni's dance recital.

That day on, she never used her doll house, she never participated in annual functions, he never drew anything, and the trunk was still locked. She didn't have anyone to watch her and replay her performance with pride or save all her cards. Even after all these years, she still saw the figures stumbling in, not together anymore. She still wondered - how must it feel talking to them?

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There you go!

That's it for now. Hope I haven't confused anyone.

Let me know your thoughts. If you would like a PM please Buddy me, so that I don't miss anyone.


Much Love
Vinu

Prologue | Page 1

Chapter 1 |The Homecoming | Page 1

Chapter 2 | A Hippie Stranger| Page 2

Chapter 3 | Snob? Genius?| Page 3

Chapter 4 |A Ray of Sunshine| Page 4

Chapter 4.5 | A Ray of Sunshine| Page 6

Chapter 5 | Ice Cream Treat | Page 8

Chapter 6 | Dinner with you?!| Page 10

Chapter 7 | Unfinished Business | Page 13

Chapter 8 | Unwarranted Feelings|Page 16

Chapter 9 | Intensive Planning| Page 17

Chapter 10 | The Bold, Brave and Blasphemous | Page 18

Chapter 11 | Unwanted Guests| Page 20

CHAPTER 1
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The Homecoming
Anika turned around to see Dadi excitedly waving at her. After she lost her grandparents, Dadi was the only person who came forward to give her some sort of parental guidance. Annika didn't want to impose on her; therefore she always carefully declined invitations to stay, more like move in to the Oberoi Mansion. She could not however escape the inclusion during festivals and such. One should not celebrate alone, Dadi said. It was also one of the reasons, Annika didn't come to Mumbai too often during her degree,. She always wanted to go far way to study, not because she was privileged or could get admission in any University she wanted but she did not want to stay back in an empty house with ample memories and have to impose on anyone. She applied to Cambridge, not as a Suryavanshi scion - but as a normal student wanting scholarship, Sirf Annika.

She got the scholarship, Annika had to admit despite her part time jobs, she had to use some money from the trust fund her grandparents had set up for her to settle in initially. She took it as a loan and repaid money each time she got paid. She walked over to her Dadi and greeted her. "Annika my child, it's been too long! Don't you like me anymore? Why don't I see you more than once a year?" Dadi pouted. "Please don't say that Dadi! I don't have anyone that cares for me beside you; you know why I don't come back often." Dadi agreed remorsefully. "Enough of all that, I sent your driver away so stop looking for him. You are coming to Oberoi Mansion with me today. You finished your degree right? Until you decide what you want to do after, you are staying with me. I've been trying since you were little, you never gave me the chance to take care of you or pamper you. Now look at you all grown up. I don't even know if I can bribe with ice cream and chocolates anymore. Don't say no, Annika. Not this time at least. Otherwise how can I face Chandu when I go to her?" Annika was welling up. "Please Dadi! Don't say that. You've taken care of me when no one else did, you were always there. Always called to see if I'm doing well - even in Cambridge. The care and concern is more than enough for me, I can't bear you beating yourself up for something you've already done. You've never asked me to do anything for you. I will this time. Let's go to Oberoi Mansion. I need some peace and quiet to decide what I want to do next - which i will never get in that house. Oh and Dadi! You can still bribe me with ice cream and chocolate, i will never be too old for that." Annika giggled. "Aha! There she is. Always be happy like this. I could never want anything but the utmost happiness for you in life. Enough of all of this talk, let's go home." Both the ladies went to their care.

As Annika stretched out her legs in the back of the luxurious car of the Oberoi's, she wondered whether this change might actually be good for her. Dadi kept her updated with all the happenings in the house. Annika smiled, she was always in touch with the younger Oberoi clan. She loved each of them to bits. They were always so warm and welcoming towards her. Sooner than later that car pulled up to the majestic mansion. Annika found it strange that two mansions that were pretty similar in build and scale were so vastly different. One was an empty shell that was just shelter to house rich, ridiculous people, while the other one exuded life and literally glowed; exactly how a happy home does! She got out and was about to step into the house, when she saw two figures zoom past her, the male voice was running and a shrieky female voice was chasing him. "Bhaiyya! Stop It! Give me my tablet right now. I need to record the results for my assignment, its due tomorrow." Priyanka Oberoi yelled. "I'm not giving it to you, my tablet and phone are dead and i need to log in to Facebook and tell Riya that we are on for tonight." Rudra Singh Oberoi yelled back. "You wouldn't need Prinku's IPad if you used any of the external battery packs I sent you, after you pestered me to death" Annika said, suddenly both the figures paused.

Things happened simultaneously, Rudra losing concentration and Priyanka grabbing that damned tablet of him. Rudra ran 'Annika DIDI!!! HOW ARE YOU? FINISHED WITH CAMBRIDGE? HOW COME NO ONE TOLD ME YOU WERE COMING? I CAN'T BELIEVE IT. THANK GOD I HAVE HOLIDAYS TOO, WE ARE GOING TO HAVE SOOO MUCH FUNN!!". "Rudraa...choking please!" Annika whimpered. Dadi unblocked her ears. Rudra you Donkey! She is in Mumbai not Cambridge, Do you know how hard i had to convince her to come here, not here 2 seconds and she is choked and almost deaf! Oh dear God! I wanted cute grandchildren, why did I get these little terrors? She mused. Aww Dadi! That's not fair. I'm your cutest grandchild. You cannot get cuter than me. Look at my puppy dog face. Rudra pouted. I give up, I truly give up! The fact that you only heard the 'not cute' part shows how much you guys annoy me. God save you all! Now stop arguing with me and take this poor girl to her room, jetlag and she had to listen to all your rubbish. Go on Annika! I'll send your luggage. Annika followed Rudra to one of the guestrooms. Both of them dumped themselves on the bed, Priyanka followed. I'm so glad that you are here didi, I hate being the only girl in this house, and it's so boring. I either get the muscle brother, the art brother or the business brother. Now I have a normal cool sister. Priyanka happily hugged her new buddy for the holidays. We are going to do so many things. Oh hello! Rudra interrupted, you are going to take her shopping and to all these rubbish things and she is going to be bored. Annika di, don't listen to this duffer, come with me we will go sky diving and bungee jumping. Oh ho bhaiyaa! First you choke her, make her deaf and now you want to kill her? I got a girl buddy after so long - why do you want to ruin it? Ok ok! Stop it both of you! We will all spend time together alright? Stop fighting. You two haven't changed at all! By the way - How is Om? I saw pictures of his exhibition, the pieces are lovely! Is he not at home today? O Bhai is space hunting didi, he wants a permanent studio. He should be back later in the evening. You rest for a while and freshen up; we can all go to dinner, Oh Dinner? I'll call Shivaay bhaiyaa too then. Prinku quirked. Will he have time though? All these new mergers and acquisitions? I barely even see him at breakfast these days. Rudra quips. You don't worry about that entire plan Annika di; sleep for a bit, we will take care of the evening plans. Prinku said and both of them left the room. Annika fell back on the comfortable mattress to get rid of some of the jet lag before their dinner plans.

How dearly had she missed OClan! Prinku, Rudra, Om, Dadi, Jaanu aunty, Pinky aunty, Tej uncle, Shakti uncle. But Shivaay? Shivaay Singh Oberoi was an enigma to her; she had a picture formed in her head with everything she heard from everyone. Don't get her wrong, it's not like she hadn't met him, but they had never spoken a word directly to each other, they had seen each other at the few gathering Annika was part of, they acknowledged each other's presence and moved on with their tasks. So despite the rest of the clan being best friends with her, she was barely at an acquaintance stage with Shivaay. Annika was keen to get to know the charismatic and keen man she heard him to be. With final thoughts of new friendships and gala time, she closed her eyes. Maybe home is not a subjective word anymore!

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That's it for Chapter 1. I have a little bank of chapters. I will upload them randomly.

Do let me know your thoughts


Much Love
Vinu x

This sounds very interesting. Pl PM if possible.

WOW... That was awesome n very interesting... You made me cry... It was paining to read about Anika n how her parents treated her... Don't noe the reason but felt really really bad for her... Oberoi clan is definitely fun as always... Your story sounds quite promising... Would love to read more of it... May be old ib memories get revived with this... Hence plz continue soon n update next chapter asap... As I m a very choosey reader n I hate it when t stories I love don't get updated for long... So pllz plzz update asap...

Both the parts were awesome
Continue soonish
Tq for pm

CHAPTER 2

Hippie Stranger

Annika woke up a little rejuvenated after her nap, she got off her comfortable haven and proceeded to find out what this highly hyped up evening plans were. She walked out and almost walked in to the Oberoi's pride and joy. Shivaay! "Oh! Sorry Shivaay, you can blame the jetlag." Annika piped. "Hey Annika, nice to see you here, haven't seen you in a while, all good in Cambridge?" Shivaay enquired, albeit a little surprised. He hadn't seen her in years, caught glimpses here and there but had not had a conversation in a very long time. He took in her appearance, her long hair, the double piercing, the hand bracelet she was so possessive about, the stacks of tribal bangles - she truly looked like a hippie to him. "Yes! All done for now, waiting for my results, but officially graduated. Dadi insisted this time, but you're right. It has been a while. How is everything in the big bad world of business?" Annika enquired, Day one and her lets be friends plan seems to be in play. Shivaay looked every bit the high profile businessman, in his three piece suit and his straight posture and sharp nose, not to mention those piercing blue eyes. "Well its the same old, hostile takeovers, high marginal profits, new acquisitions and mergers. But, it really is nice to see you here. Fantastic timing! you would've probably heard by now, Rudy has holidays and so does Prinku. Now they might lay off me for a little bit about taking time off." Shivaay responds.

"Oh my! Only you would thank someone for not having to take a vacation. Seriously though! You can take a break once in a while, at least a couple of days. They really do miss spending time with you. Especially Rudra, he was mentioning it today as well." Shivaay shakes his head, "Please don't believe everything Rudra says, he is the biggest drama queen I know, he hasn't seen me for breakfast for two days and looks like he has relayed a long distance breakup to you." "I see! So the cooking expeditions are still on I'm guessing? And are you up for the supposed dinner plan that is being made tonight?" Annika asked. "Unforutnately not! Not tonight, I need to finalise the deal with the Italian clients before tomorrow, so I can also finalise another telecommunications merger by tomorrow morning. You guys go ahead and have fun! I can ask Mishra to make reservations if you decide on a place." Shivaay says.

I better leave you to your beloved companions then, see you around Shivaay. "Bye Annika." With that both of them turn around to leave to their respective destinations. Annika - Shivaay had first seen her some 15 - 16 years ago. When Dadi had brought her home. Shivaay was indulged in an intense game of Chess with his Bade Papa, when this little girl of 11 - 12 walked in holding the hand of his Dadi. She looked weak and malnourished. He hair was left open and was stringy, she looked hollowed and her eyes were red. Like she was crying for a very long time. His Dadi had taken her straight to a guest room, all the kids were instructed to not go into that room. All four of them were curious, they only saw their Dadi and mother's go in often, and the men went in a couple of times. Three days later, he saw Annika again. This time a small girl, with a long ponytail, a fuller face but still will red eyes. He was told by his Dadi that her grandparents died. When Shivaay asked about her parents, he was asked to be quiet and not ask her. Shivaay did not know why that question was forbidden, but after spending years in the business industry, he figured out the answers on his own. From that day onwards, he saw Annika once in a while, sometimes for Rudra or Prinku's birthdays or for festivals where Dadi staunchly insisted that she come along. He knew that she had a great camaraderie with all his family. Especially Rudra, those two bonded like a moth and a flame, Rudra brought out a side of Annika that no one knew existed - the carefree one.

He also knew that everyone regularly communicated with her, they kept tabs on her. Any updates he received were due to whatever was mentioned of her in conversations. Shivaay had neither pried or pressed on for more details. Despite being so close to the rest of his family, he found it very strange that they were never friends. He could attribute it to him not being around most of the time. After recognizing his knack and aptitude for the family business, his Bade Papa made sure he was in it from a very young age. This made him miss a lot social aspects such as this. Now that she was here for a substantial amount of time, he was sure they could make some progress on the friendship front. He wanted to know why him and Annika were never destined to be friends all these years. He wanted a clearer picture of the enigma that Annika was.

Little did he know; destiny had other plans !


That's Chapter 2 for you all.

Until next time


Much Love
Vinu x

Lol... For shivaay Anika is a hippie stranger... But that was very short... We want long chapters... Becoz u write so well.. I want to read more into this... But it was nice to begin with shivika's cordial conversation... Lets see how u make their destiny unfold...
Continue soon:)

This is very interesting! I'm eager to see how Shivika fall in love

Wow