It was a quiet Thursday morning when he decided that the midnight blue theme of his room did not please him anymore. And so I expected him to do what he usually does, demand! But something about our agonisingly awesome hate story turned love story had changed a slight part of the mighty Shivaay Singh Oberoi in ways unimaginable to the world!
Allow me to elaborate! So here goes!
I glanced up from my book, shifting into a comfortable position on the marble floor as he approached. A happily drunk Shivaay Singh Oberoi, eh, and then I went back to my book, acting neither surprised nor pleased.
"I figured you'd be here!" He said.
Whatever, I decided not to respond but from my peripherals I could see his eyes drift around. He wasn't very late but I was in no mood to entertain his excuses, justifying his whereabouts. And considering the fact that I am sitting in his room, as if I own the place, I am being pretty mean.
Ah, bad Anika!
"So, shall we start?" He prodded.
Instead of answering, I simply flipped a page of my book. I had lost focus in this novel long back but seriously, what was there to lose if he was fooled by the pretence.
"Wait! Let me guess, you are giving me the cold shoulder because I am four minutes and thirty six seconds late, right?" His chuckles were deep and addicting.
I bowed my head, biting my lips to stop the smile from turning into a full blown grin. He is hard to shrug off! I sighed. "Shouldn't you be out in your office with your secretary-girlfriend, staring at yourselves in the mirror?"
He kneeled down beside me and I looked up. "That is funny. I have to remember that the next time!" His laugh was carefree.
Even when drunk, he acts pretty sober! And even though we are going through the stage of we-love-each-other-but-we-are-too-proud-to-accept-it, our jabs and snide remarks would never fail to be expressed.
"I was not being funny, I was being serious!" I retorted. "Oh, because my girlfriend and I are so damn good-looking, right?" In response I went back to my book but I am sure that this time he could tell that I wasn't actually reading.
It hadn't taken me long to adapt to the Oberoi style of literacy, which included reading a lot, being fluent with your accent and what not. Granted, I have only studied till tenth grade but this tutoring, curtsey of Shivaay, grated on my nerves at times.
"When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold. My fingers stretch out, seeking Prim's warmth but finding only the rough canvas cover of the mattress." He quoted. "That is how your book starts. I read it last summer!"
"The Oberois must be so proud that you can read!" I smirked.
He grabbed hold of my hand and pulled me up. "They are! They bought me a pony and everything when I read out Sleeping Beauty to them." I snapped my book close.
"Real funny, Smarty-pants!" I threw some paint cans at him, which he caught with ease. "Smarty-pants? Could you not come up with anything better?" He raised an eyebrow but I pointed to the thick paintbrushes.
Although, I still don't understand why this man did not call up his interior designer and got the bedroom a makeover that was to his liking. Omkara and Rudra would certainly die of surprise if they find their ass of an elder brother painting his own room. Hah, how crazy is that?
And minutes after we had started painting, the ass I was previously referring to, got bored. Priyanka was right, men and creativity weren't really the best of friends, with the major exception of Omkara, of course. "Nika, this is boring!" He whined.
I stood there, staring at the man with a slack jaw. Shivaay just whined. The Shivaay Singh Oberoi just whined. Oh almighty, is there anything else that I have yet to witness? I snapped out of my wonder-land when he snapped his fingers in front of my face.
"One, it is Anika, so don't go around giving me weird nicknames! And two, you better suck it up like a man if you want me to help!" I replied offhandedly. He stared at me for a while. A while too long and I started to trifle under his gaze. But as I was about to burst, he turned away and relief washed over me.
Ah, much too soon!
And before I could really comprehend what was happening, I found myself choking on something thick and disgusting. Coughing into my hands, I saw the steel grey stains.
Paint!
I stared at him dubiously, hands on my hips, as if trying to annihilate him with my death ray vision. I wish I had something like that as an inbuilt feature! This man is drunk, high and insane all three at the same time! And one thing that he is not, is being himself!
"What the hell? Why did you do that?" I yelled, wiping the colour off my face. But he was too busy laughing to pay heed to my words.
"Shivaay!" I exclaimed.
"Aw, I am so sorry!" He pulled me into an embrace and I calmed down. Whatever, I guess I could forgive him for this once. But if he does that ever again then I would-
SPLASH!
My thoughts were left hanging as something gooey splattered against my head. What? Did he just pour out a can of paint all over my head? I spluttered and looked up at the howling man before me with a dumbstruck expression.
"Too funny!" He gasped.
I backed away dazedly and picked up a can of white colour. Oh you are so dead, Mister Oberoi, I thought. Walking up to him, I lazily upturned the bucket over his crouching form.
He wheezed and gaped at me with disbelief.
"Bet that wasn't so funny, eh sweetie?" I rubbed my hands together in anticipation as he straightened with a mischievous glint in those electric grey orbs. "Not really, but I can show you what is!" He advanced like a predator and I backed away like a prey.
To every step he took forward, I took one back.
My hands held onto the cans for dear life and my brain went into an overdrive with all sorts of explicit imaginations that could transpire between us. He looked vulturine as he prepared to hurl the pigment my way and I wasted no time in running away.
A few ticks later, I found myself dripping with every colour in the grey-scale you could possibly name. He too looked like a dyed piece of the ancient times, the Dolce and Gabbana ruined beyond recognition. I praised myself for the job well done. "Nika, where are you?" I pulled at the huge crates placed neatly in the massive storeroom. "Okay, I promise, it is over!"
Hah, I know better than to believe that!
I ducked low when I heard his footsteps echoing around. Damn, the rest of the Oberois are going to have the shock of their lives when they see what we have been up to. I shuddered at that thought and bit back a laugh.
But ended up failing miserably!
It was somewhat between a snort and a laugh but enough to give me away. So I made a mad dash for the door sooner than he could catch hold of me. "You can run but can't hide." He chortled maniacally and I laughed back.
I ran, leaving my footprints for him to follow.
"For the last time Rudra, stop hitting on Shivaay's secretary!" Omkara groaned.
His voice startled me and I slipped. Whoa, no! My eyes widened and I hit the floor, painfully might I add.
"Did you hear something?" Rudra silenced him. "What are you talking about?" Omkara yawned lazily and I quickly scrambled up. "Come on, let us go check what bhai and Anika are up to!"
Curse this little troublemaker, now what do I do?
As I was thinking, someone grabbed my arm and wrenched me back into the dark corridor. My instincts kicked in and I struggled but was gently rammed into the wall. Wait, gently rammed, is that kind of possible?
"Hush!" The person whispered and placed his hand over my mouth.
I quieted down as two sets of footsteps walked past, which I guessed belonged to Dumbbell Oberoi and Long-hair Oberoi. We have to get back to the room or they would see the coloured stains in Shivaay's bedroom and completely flip out.
And don't even get me started on what stories Rudra would cook up at the wrecked sight.
From the little light that peeked into this dark corner, I could see the tips of tousled raven hair and familiar electric grey eyes. Shivaay looked down, my breath hitched in my throat, gorgeous. This little golden light did not do justice to his mien.
"Hey!" He whispered. "Nika, we need to go!"
I snapped out of it and realized that I had been fawning over him quite a lot as of late. What is wrong with me? I am Anika, the girl who never stopped to give men the time of the day in my twenty one years of existence and here I am, stumped with the man who had hated me at first sight! But damn, is he an eye-candy!
Get your head out of the gutter. My devil snapped.
Whoa, you deserve a chance at love. My angel argued.
What love? No, no, this is so not happening, not now, not in the near future, not ever! I relentlessly conciliated my warmongering selves.
He dragged me away to his bedroom where we had abandoned our posts as 'decorators' and handed a brush to me. I thoughtlessly swung the brush all over the wall and he too pretended as if he had been labouring for hours.
"What the hell!" Rudra stopped short.
I clenched my hands and looked up at the two, well mostly Omkara who looked like he was trying to swallow a cockroach. I frowned, well aware of Rudra's wiggling eyebrows.
"You guys, um, is everything okay?" I winced as they looked just about ready to faint.
They looked at Shivaay, then at the floor and finally turned to me. A shiver ran down my spine, as the eldest Oberoi brother turned to face me regally. As if he has no f**king idea about this! Betrayer!
The beautiful silver of those liquid orbs was now steel hued gunmetal grey that intimidated me a little. His lips pressed into a taut stern line and that pulled at the guilty strings of my heart. Wait a second, why should I feel guilty?
"Anika, what did you do?" He asked nicely, almost a bit too nicely.
"What did I do? WHAT DID I DO?" I spluttered. "You did this too! Don't you dare pin this on me!"
"No!" He forced a grimace and turned around. "Why would I stoop to such levels?"
I gaped. What changed in this span of a few seconds? I turned to face Rudra who was snickering uncontrollably while Omkara simply grinned. Ah, so these Oberoi brothers are pulling my leg. How delightful! Note the sarcasm, would you?
"Rudra, where were you taking me?" And so Omkara winked at Shivaay and dragged an excited Rudra out of the room.
I got that sinking feeling, again. Whenever these two would politely offer personal space, it was a blaring sign that something would definitely go wrong.
"Hey, earth to Anika?" Shivaay placed a hand on my shoulder and I smiled back at him. He sat beside me and poked my cheek. "Ah, so where were we?"
I leaned forward and cupped his face. "Right here!" I cheered and rubbed his awe struck face with more of the pastel grey paints. And once again, I ran. The silly game of the cat and mouse had ensued.
He laughed. The deep musical sound was echoing around the almost empty Oberoi Mansion as I rushed past many doors with him following close behind. I am sure he is deliberately letting me lead because by now he could've easily taken over.
I giggled and skidded to a stop near my hiding place. The broom closet!
Opening the two doors, I climbed into the dusty cupboard shoving the brooms to one corner. He would never be able to find me in here, I thought and mentally did a victory dance.
But as I was about the close the doors shut, Shivaay came into view and blocked my exit. "The game is over!" He whispered and took slow steps towards his cornered prey. I crawled and dragged myself as far from him as the closet would allow, which was not much.
For a moment, I thought he would simply stand there and laugh at my pitiful state but he did something totally unexpected. He climbed in effortlessly, even though his hands were occupied with the pigmented goo.
I looked up startled when he sat down before me, one of his legs crossed, resting between mine without making contact and the other was propped up, jamming my right one. It was not a very intimate position but my breathing quickened when I realized that I was trapped.
Not that I wanted to get out.
"Shivaay." I trailed off when he did exactly what I had done with him a few minutes ago. He cupped my face gently and rubbed the white paint all over my face.
I closed my eyes as his hands traced my face, colouring it. Even through the coats of paint, I am sure he knew that I was blushing due to my heated flesh.
"Payback is sweet!" He flicked my nose and ran a hand through his dripping hair like he had done so many times before. The signature Shivaay Singh Oberoi move!
"Yeah." I mumbled, still not over my surprise.
"Shall we leave now?" He asked. "Why?" I whined. Oops, it simply tumbled out. Are you crazy Anika? For god's sake, you guys are sitting just inches apart in a broom closet and you ask him why do you have to leave?
"Oh, because I have my girlfriend waiting out there and I do have a date this evening!" He chuckled. All of a sudden my temper flared. All men are dogs! "Of course, please leave! You must be so busy with that hag of a secretary of yours. What is her name, yes, Sarah! Why are you wasting your time with me, Mister Oberoi?"
"Busy, I am. By the way, is it just me or is something burning in here?" He smirked and I snarled. "Don't you bloody dare say that!"
"You are jealous, Anika, admit it!" He poked my cheek but I slapped his hand away.
"No, I am not!" I sneered. "I have nothing to be jealous about, and especially not of that hoe you and your youngest seemed to be so fascinated with! You know what, Shivaay, you are a jackass and I hate you! So you can very well get lost for all I care and-"
Let me get this cleared up, when I talk, people listen! And I don't like being interrupted! But there can be some exceptions.
Everything happened too quickly and all at once to even make sense of it. Once second, he was sitting back with a casual smirk and in the next, he had my face imprisoned within his considerably soft hands. Before I had time to bark again he leaned in.
I am convinced that right now if you zeroed in on my eyes then you would see fireworks, matching the popping in my ears and the vivid flowing of my blood.
His lips brushed mine and I felt butterflies flutter around in my stomach. They were soft and he was surprisingly gentle, not bestowing me with the kisses that burn with passion or all that intense stuff. But whatever it was, it made me dizzy, so I held onto him for he was the only solid being who held me as my world swayed.
Maybe it was simply that he caught me by surprise, but even so, I found myself kissing him back. Was he aware of his actions? Or was this the drinks he had gulped down working their magic?
It did not last very long, and it wasn't the earth-shaking, soul-destroying kiss they show nowadays in movies but all the same I was glad it happened. When he pulled back, he hunted my eyes for something. Anything! But all I could possibly manage was a dark, cold stare.
I mean he kissed me, so underlying all the rules of the universe, he is supposed to say something. Anything!
"Um." He started. His partly silver cheeks were flushed beet red were the skin peeked out and I guess it was more from embarrassment than a normal blush. I sighed.
For a moment, glancing back into those grey orbs, I felt content. His volatile gaze widened as he let his thumbs caress my sticky cheeks. I foraged his face for any sign that he was playing around with me. "Why did you-" I bit my lip.
I do not know how to react. I mean, this kind of situation has knocked on my door for the first time, so yeah. It was not planned! God, I need Rudra. I am sure he has some 'how-to-French-kiss-and-afterward' tips in store for me. Though I'm not so sure if he would really be keen on imparting that knowledge.
I cursed myself for not going on a kissing patrol so often.
Focus, Anika, focus!
Spots danced before my vision and it was a possibility that I would hyperventilate and faint, hitting my head and soon would 'die'. Then my clothes would turn into a prominent red but this time with blood! I, my friends, am in a serious need of deprogramming.
"You don't taste good with paint, you silly cat!" I tried to make it sound normal. I scrubbed my lips and GAH!
Disclaimer Alert- DO NOT KISS ANYONE WHO HAD A BATH IN PAINT! IT IS FATAL! THANK YOU!
"Paint tastes like, like it's awful!" I grumbled. Shivaay's face seemed to regain a fair shade as he threw his head back and laughed. His chest rumbled due to the jolts of his uncontrollable howls.
"Stop laughing, Shiv, I need a mouth-wash desperately, no wait, I need a bath super-desperately." I announced. Now let me tell you, this broom closet is ridiculously compact and Shivaay's mad fit made it bounce like a gym ball.
"This is why I like you, I mean this was supposed to be all serious but you!" He gasped. Well, some part of me agrees with him, but I just don't want things to be awkward around him.
Images of men trying to force themselves on me popped up and the hair at the back of my neck rose.
"Hello?" Shivaay's deep voice pulled me out of my muddled thoughts.
"What?" I yapped.
"You are being so rude and arrogant to me, Shivaay Singh Oberoi, so you are not allowed in the boundaries of my empire!" He put some muscle into it and off I thunk-ed, right out of the closet. Oops!
"I think I broke my tailbone." I complained.
"Then you probably have to sit on an inflatable doughnut." He laughed. I looked at him strangely and he rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. He is just trying to lighten up the atmosphere.
"May I?" I motioned to the closet. He nodded, taking his original spot as I stretched out and rested my head in his lap, half dangling out of the closet. He stroked my head, gingerly at first and then with more assurance.
I closed my eyes as the flashes of those bad men again took over. Restlessness washed over me and for the first time, I felt cold. Cold at my wrists, face, feet, everywhere.
"I am scared." I mumbled against his hand that stroked my face. Nothing about it was romantic, it was a just a strange comfort. "Scared of what?" He wiped my face, with his palms, willing to hear what I had to say.
"I am scared of falling in love." I spat. "Don't tell me how overrated it sounds, I already know that. And I especially don't want to fall for you, Mister Oberoi."
"It is okay." He smiled down at me, confusing me. "It is okay to be scared. And no, it doesn't sound overrated, truth be told, I don't want to fall in love with you either. I do not want to fall for anyone, it would just give me another emotion that I would not be able to handle." He laughed mirthlessly.
I cocked my head to a side, what is he trying to say? "I don't get you." I stated. "I don't get me either." He shrugged.
"So, you are not going to ask me to marry you, right?" I asked and he gagged. "No, ugh, I am not! You are a middle-class girl and I hate you, Nika! Remember?" A wave of relief washed over me and I smiled to myself. Now this is normal.
A few minutes passed by and I suddenly remembered. "Hey, you had a date with your secretary, did you not?" I frowned and started to push him away. Why did the idea of him dating someone else, got my stomach in a thousand knots?
"We are having a date, are we not?" He teased. He propped me up and I raised my head to look up at his eyes, they were smiling, and then his lips, they were still wet with some paint. But I did not care. That grey paint kind of tasted like sharp mints, and on second thought, it is awfully good.
Leaning closer, I caressed his lips with mine and he pulled me closer to him.
People dream of perfect first kisses, with bliss, under the moonlight, on the beach, fired up with ardour. But I, Anika could proudly say that my first kiss was really unique. It was something that hadn't been done before so it could mark the pages of history!
My first kiss was in a broom closet! Beat that!
Author's Note: - This One Shot is dedicated to Niki, my favourite writer on India Forums! I know that I am super late darling, but I made it extra long! I hope you like it, since this is a bit different than the One Shots I have written before. Love you!
And I hope the rest of you enjoy this just as much! Do comment!
Happy Reading!
My Works: -
The Story Untold (One Shot)
The Satan's Angel (One Shot)
Taming The Oberois (Fan Fiction)
Guess Who? (Game thread)
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah
Tum Se Tum Tak
