Ch-7
Okay so I love dedicating chapters to people, and this one's for Shikha (Nimik)- I hope this suppresses your update ki bhook for a while!
Shivaay was at his wit's end. In the past half an hour, he had done more research into the Kapoor family than he had ever done, and the results had been shocking, to say the least. Long story short, he had found out that save a few properties and assets in India, the Kapoors were badly bankrupt. All transactions they had showcased to the Oberois, and every other business partners, had been nothing but a very well-planned faade. Shivaay had to give it to them though- no one had gotten even an inkling of their disastrous financial position in the past 5 years. He blamed himself too, ofcourse, since the mere image of the Kapoors in the high society of the elite had been enough for him to agree to the marriage cum business proposal.
"Aaarghh, Shivaay groaned out in frustration, running a hand wildly through his hair. "I can't BELIEVE I've been so stupid! Imagine, if I'd gone through with this wedding, we'd be ruined; they would become an equal partner in many our business without even having to spend a single penny!
Sitting beside him, Mishra sighed too.
"You're right, sir. We have indeed been quite stupid. Business dealings aside, you would have married a person who has already been married for the past 4 years!
Well, then there was that. Looking through one of the properties owned by Tia, Mishra had come across her puzzling last name, researched into her life, and voila!they had been deceived on that front too.
Shivaay groaned again.
"Gosh, I'm so glad I decided not to go through with this marriage.
"But why did you take the sudden decision, sir? Mishra asked curiously.
The question brought a smile on Shivaay's face, confusing his PA even more.
"Well, Shivaay answered with a grin, "Let's just say I decided to listen to my heart for once, and that's the best decision I've ever taken! Saying that, he jumped off his chair, and left the office.
"I swear, everyone in the Oberoi family is a little cracked, Mishra mumbled after his boss had left.
~
In the Oberoi Mansion, everyone was obliviously sitting in the main hall, while all the ladies haughtily discussed the numerous upcoming functions. It was almost 7 pm, and time for Annika to leave. She sat sulkily amongst the others, listening to their conversation half-heartedly, and responding where appropriate. Shivaay had still not come back from the office, and neither had he replied to her text. After the stunt he had pulled in the morning, she had already been infuriated to no ends. Now, her mind was threatening to explode with the held up anger. Moreover, she kept getting weird glances from Rudra, who was observing her every move suspiciously, and it was getting on her nerves.
"Um, Dadi, I think I should leave now. It's getting quite late.
"NO! Rudra suddenly shouted out, startling everyone.
"O my Mata Rudra, where did the bomb explode? Why are you shouting? Pinky exclaimed dramatically.
"Areh, Chotima, I'm just telling Annika didi to not leave now. I mean, Shivaay bhaiya will come and drop you home himself,na?
Annika's temper increased at Shivaay's name, but she tried keep calm in front of the whole family. It seemed like Rudra was up to no good, for whatever reason, and she didn't want to give him any more reason to be doubtful.
"No need for that, Rudra. She said to him with a forced, sweet smile. "I can go by myself. And who knows when Shi- Billuji will return.
Saying that, she said goodbye to a pouting Rudra and the rest of the family, and advanced towards the front door. Just as she walked out of the hall, she bumped into none other than Shivaay.
"Hi, he said in a husky voice, his face breaking into a wide smile seeing her.
Annika's resolve weakened at his adorably dishevelled sight, but she tried to maintain her composure. Ignoring him, she was about to walk past, when he grabbed her wrist to stop her. Since they were still in plain sight of the family members, Annika struggled to free her hand.
"I'll drop you home, come on. Shivaay said while reluctantly letting go.
"No need for that, Annika whispered haughtily. "I can go by myself, thank you very much.
Shivaay grinned at that.
So my Tadibaaz girl is still angry, huh.
His grin enraged Annika even more, and she was about to leave again, when Shivaay came and stood in front of her, blocking her way.
"Let me go, Shivaay.
"Nope,I'm coming to drop you home. And if you don't let me then...
"Then what?What will you do, huh? Annika asked, raising her chin in defiance.
"Then, Shivaay whispered huskily, "I'll kiss you here and now, in front of the entire family.
Annika gasped.
"You wouldn't dare do that..
"Oh yeah? Shivaay inched closer to her, "Try me.
Annika discreetly looked back at the family, and found that thankfully, they were all busy in talking and hadn't noticed their exchange.
Sighing, she turned back to Shivaay, who was staring at her smugly.
"Fiiine!Let's go.
On the other side of the hall, Dadi and Rudra suddenly exchanged a high-five, earning weird glances from the rest.
~
The car ride was silent, and full of sexual tension. Annika did not wish to speak to him, and Shivaay was too busy smiling to say anything. After a while, Annika couldn't take it anymore.
"What is wrong with you? She suddenly yelled.
"Wrong with me?Why, nothing at all!
"Then why the hell are you smiling like crazy? She asked, irritated.
Shivaay suddenly stopped the car in a secluded spot like that of last night, and got down from the car. Moving towards Annika's side, he opened the door and helped her out too.
"What is UP with you, Shivaay? Annika asked, flailing around her hands. She was exasperated beyond measure now. "You've been acting so-"
She couldn't finish, as Shivaay had smoothly grabbed her waist and pressed his lips firmly against hers. Annika was dying to reciprocate, but then she remembered the numerous reasons on why she shouldn't. Half-heartedly, she pushed him away.
"Oh no, Mr. You don't get to act so damn annoying, and then think you can persuade me with a kiss!
"Really? Shivaay asked while sliding his hands around her waist, his eyebrow quirking up sexily, "Well then, how DO I persuade my girl?
Annika tried hard to think straight, but it was becoming more and more difficult with his close proximity.
"I don't know. She muttered. "But don't think I'll let you off so easily for kissing that Tia! Why did you do that, huh? And on top of that, you didn't even reply to my text! Have you lost interest in me that easily?
Shivaay was taken aback.
"Lost interest in you? Jaan, I've been DYING to get my hands on you and you think I've lost interest? Annika blushed at that. "I only kissed Tia in the morning to make you jealous, and I see that I've succeeded. He winked at her.
Annika's face heated up even more.
"Okay well, She tried to remain angry at him, "Why didn't you answer to my text?
Shivaay's expression changed at that. He got a far-away, blazing look in his eyes, remembering the disclosures of the day.
"Someone tried to mess with my family, and trust me, I won't spare them.
Annika got worried at that. Rubbing her hands over his shoulders in smooth movements, she tried calming him down from whatever was enraging him.
"What do you mean, Shivaay? She asked him softly.
Seeing her worried expression, Shivaay quickly composed himself. Pulling her closer, he touched their foreheads together.
"You don't need to worry about it, okay? Just know that soon, everything will absolutely fine, and we won't have to hide anymore.
And they stood like that for a long time, earlier annoyances forgotten, just relishing in the warmth and comfort they brought to each other. After a while, Annika mumbled with a grin,
"Don't think I've forgiven you for kissing Tia, though.
Let me know what you think about this chapter, guys! And so sorry I couldn't reply to everyone for the last chapter, I've been a bit busy today. But but your comments mean the world to me :* Hope you all like this. Next update on Saturday, hopefully.
Kumkum Bhagya
