CHAPTER 6
Dinner with you?!
Shivaay and Annika were seated in his SUV. The drive from the mansion to his office was usually half an hour but due to the odd time and severe decrease in traffic, it took them 20 minutes. Annika went into the Oberoi Industries head office, she truly felt underdressed. Though the building looked every bit like the usual corporate structures, it was the inside that was truly different. It was almost pleasant and calming. The paint was beige with maroon accents, not too bright but not subdued enough to be plain and boring. Shivaay's cabin, if you could call it that, it was the size of her apartment in Cambridge. She could see traces of him spending a lot of time here, there a little kitchenette, an attached bathroom and a wooden cupboard in the far corner; she could bet it was a wardrobe with spare clothes. What really surprised her was the cleanliness and order that the entire room was in. Did he have OCD? How must it feel to live with someone that has OCD? She shook herself out of those thoughts, why did she need to know that? They had separate rooms. Looking at him being at ease in his zone revived feelings of her old crush. Yes! Annika had a crush on the mighty Shivaay, it wasn't new, it was atleast 6 or 7 years old, when she was a teenager. The only person that knew about this was Om. It had started when she was frequently spending festival time at the mansion during her holidays. She always contributed it to the air of mystery he carried. She only caught glimpses of him here and there and maybe exchanged a hello once in a while. It was an amalgamation of his mysterious aura along with the wonderful stories about him that she got to hear from his family. She was not sure where they had a future together by any means, but he always had a place of respect and admiration in her heart.
After grabbing a few things, Shivaay closed all his cabinets and rearranged everything to their former state and straightened up to leave. He saw Annika standing there flipping through one of his magazines, calling her name to grab her attention, he motioned for them to leave. She put the magazine back in its place with a knowing smirk and headed out to enjoy the promised ice cream treat. Belted up and sitting in his car, she proceeded to ask him "where are we going for ice cream? Shivaay said "Well, Regency Palace hotel is close by, they have us on priority list for all their hotels, I'm sure they would be more than happy to comply with an ice cream request, so don't worry. I'm taking you to a good place, infact I think you can pick a really outrageous flavour, I would like to firsthand experience of their so called efficiency that is promised Annika shook her head furiously, "Noo Shivaay. Please don't take me to those fancy places, I'm in pajamas for goodness sake, I just want ice cream not a royal 7 course meal. You know what there is place I used to go when I was little, I'm not sure if they are still open, its near the beach. Let's go there if you don't mind. Shivaay shrugged, she wanted the ice cream, he was fine to go anywhere. He followed the instructions and they landed infront of a little storefront opposite the beach. There were a few people here and there. Annika squealed, it was still open. They had gotten down and she practically bounced over to place an order. She looked over her shoulder and asked Shivaay what he wanted, he shook his head and refused. Annika was appalled this was the best ice cream place ever, not paying any heed to him she went ahead and got 2 scoops of her favourite chocolate delight in a cone. She grabbed her cone and he was walking back to their car and Annika said, "Wait do you want to go home? Let me finish my ice cream at least. Shivaay looked around "Here? There are no seats. Annika whacked her forehead! "Oh Shivaay! Look across, look how beautiful the beach looks, come on I'll show you something, she quickly crossed the road and walked rapidly to a hidden ledge that she knew would be there. She climbed and reckoned for him to join her. Shivaay relented and joined her on the ledge. "Now look at the beach and tell me if you have seen anything more beautiful? Shivaay looked over and had to agree, the moonlight had cast a silvery glow over the water and from their spot it did not even look like the busiest beach in town. It was quiet, serene and beautiful. They were just quiet for a while admiring the beautiful night.
Annika was happily munching on her ice cream. Shivaay looked over at her happy face, " So can I ask how you know about this well-hidden ledge and that super-secret ice cream place? Annika paled and suddenly stopped eating. Shivaay panicked, " No ! Forget I asked, you don't have to tell me. "Its ok Shivaay! I used to come here when I was a little kid, my grandparents used to bring me here, I was a regular customer. They showed me this ledge too. My grandfather found it when he was younger, him and my grandmother used to meet here in secret apparently after they got engaged and weren't allowed to see each other. Every time I woke them up in the middle of the night, they took me here. My grandmother used to bring me here after school sometimes when I was really sad and she used to tell me all these stories about this brave girl that went through so much but always remained strong for herself and never gave up. You know, this is the first time I came back here after they passed away. Look at the irony of it, years have passed and this place looks the same, but I can't feel the joy and excitement I used to feel anymore. I think back on all the things I made them do for me sometimes, I laugh but sometimes I wish they weren't so attached me, I wish they weren't so involved in every little thing I did. Maybe they would still be here. I wish they didn't love me as much as they did. Shivaay had to blink back tears, where was she hiding all this anguish. He couldn't even bring himself to say that he understood. He didn't. He had never lost anyone that close him, just the thought losing someone in his family constricted his heart. To lose not one but two people so close to her heart at such a young age, bear that pain and yet come out of it to be the bright and caring person that she is; was truly incomprehensible to him Bracing his thoughts he asked "you really miss them right?
She nodded "they were the only parents I knew and had. Quickly composing herself "look at me going all Meena Kumari on you, you were being nice and brought me out to eat ice cream and I'm unleashing my sad sob story on you. Shivaay grabbed her shoulders and looked straight into her eyes, " Never apologise for letting out your feelings, atleast not to me. If you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm always here and I mean it. Anytime! We should get back now Annika softly smiled, "Thanks! Now can you please try this ice cream? Its yum! Shivaay vigorously shook his head, "That is way too much chocolate for me and I don't like ice cream, I prefer icy things, like sorbet or gelato "Oh god! Mr Suave Singh Oberoi, its ice cream, just a lick. Come on! Fine.. look! Try this baby and I will attempt your Romanian Lemon Sorbet. Ok? "It's Romanian Lime with Gin She rolled her eyes "Yeah same thing! I will try it Sensing that there seemed to be no way out of this, he relented and took a bite. He had to admit it was good, creamy and chocolatey. But still too much for him. He gave her cone, and got down to leave. He stuck his hand out like a true gentleman. Annika smiled at his posh high society manner, they were ingrained to be second nature to him, she grabbed his hand and got off her loving ledge. Casting one fulfilled look at it, she proceeded to leave.
The car ride was filled with small talk on the way back. Shivaay was in a constant state of grinning, she was a riot. She had a way with words, they only other person that makes him laugh as much was Rudra, no wonder they got along so well. After debating; more like arguing over their respective music tastes, they reached home. They sat unmoved for half a minute until Annika being Annika spoke up "So.., that was nice! Thank you for taking me out for my weird midnight cravings, you didn't have to and for showing me that beautifully decorated office. Who designed it by the way? "Choti Ma, the original design as completely stripped out, she designed and decorated the entire place. It is really beautiful! "Ahh! I knew Jaanu aunty was talented! I should remember to mention it to her. Anyway thanks again and goodnight!
"Annika Shivaay called out. "Yeah? she turned around. "Next time you have a craving, even if its late, you can wake me up. I'm not bad company I swear! Annika blushed slightly, thankful for the darkness, she whispered "I'll keep it mind thanks! "And Annika, next time we go out, you have to try one of my places, maybe an earlier time? Annika was stunned "Next time? Earlier? Shivaay nodded, "Yeah maybe dinner? Before your ice cream treat? Annika truly stuttered "D..Dinner? with you? Stepping forward he whispered "I would like that
Leaving a semi stunned Annika we went to his room, to get a good night's sleep. Annika was still in a daze when she went to her room. Her stomach was giddy with joy. What was happening?
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My beautiful readers! Thank you for all the love and appreciation you have shown this fic! I read all your comments, looks like I have a few constant readers. I will thank you all personally next update. If you haven't already, please leave your name when you comment, I would love to know my readers personally!! Do leave a little tidbit about yourself as well.
So That's it for now! A very Shivika licious update.
Hope you all like it.
Do let me know your thoughts as usual.
PS: To the reader that suggested the index! Don't know your name dear! Thank you! Totally slipped my mind to create one
PPS: For intros!
I'm Vinu, 21 turning 22 soon! Recently graduated, currently working! Love IB (obviously) also watch AnNeil and used to looove Bade Bhaiyya ki Dulhania. On to the first commenter! Keep the chain going.
Much love as always
Vinu xx
Edited by missreddy7 - 8 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
