Chapter Three
"You can hold my hand if you want, you know." Shivaay leaned over, patting her sweaty palms and twiddling thumbs away.
"I'm fine." She bit out, looking out the window, shrugging him off and proceeding to continue playing with her fingers. When he glared at her, she stopped, only to fuel her nerves once more by tapping her index finger on the armrest separating them.
"It's okay, I get it. It's your first plane ride. Just relax. You'll enjoy it once we take off." He reassured, taking it upon himself to take her hand in his, much to the mercy of the poor strip between them.
"You don't even have to talk to me, just listen to me. Hold my hand, hmm? We're gonna take off in a bit." He said softly, as he raised her palm to his lips and pressed a soft kiss.
He heard her sigh as she sank down in her seat. She turned to him, surrendering to the man with the cold blue eyes, the very ones that glimmered with warmth just for her.
"I can't stay mad at you." She admitted lowering her eyes.
"Then don't... " he whispered, interlocking their fingers and placing them on her lap.
Just then the flight attendant gave everyone the last instructions before she returned to the front deck, and the wheels grated against the ground, the friction erupting into a grinding sound as the aircraft began slowly moving along the lighted path, preparing for takeoff. Annika peered out the window, thankful that Shivaay had given her the window seat, her eyes laced with amazement and a little fear, as the bloody huge vessel picked up its pace. She must have gasped because she felt Shivaay nuzzle her hair slightly, as he too peered out the window, hovering over her.
She shut her eyes, unable to comprehend her emotions about what was yet to come.
"Do you trust me?"
"Yes." She said, gnawing on her bottom lip, pressing her eyes shut even tighter.
"Then open your eyes. You really don't want to miss this." He instructed her and let out a small chortle, and she, like a moth chasing a dull beam of light, silently obeyed, her brown orbs meeting his ocean deep ones.
He pointed towards the window, and just as she tilted her head, her line of vision following his finger, she felt a sudden jolt in her stomach, her body went limp for a fraction of a second. Something heavy was plummeting in the depths of her and she felt her breath hitch as a near panic or shrill of excitement (she was not quite sure which it was) mixed with fear threatened to claw at her insides, when she finally realized that it was over. They were in the air, the plane was straight and steady, and as she continued looking out, she saw the twinkling lights of the place she had known more than she even knew her own identity, become blurry and hazy, before they finally faded away into the vast dark sky now surrounding them.
Shivaay grinned at her incredulous expression.
He cleared his throat, giving her hand a squeeze so that she'd face him, and she did, bringing with her that dazed appearance, a flicker of wonder dancing in her eyes.
" O bete ki!That was..." She was speechless.
"Amazing?"
" Ek dum khidkitod, matlab darwazatod, nahi nahi, matlab.."
"Okay okay let's not break too many things now. " He said shaking his head at her.
She laughed a little.
"Amazing, Shivaay."
"It really is. That's one of the reasons I love travelling. Taking off is just a thrilling rush of adrenaline."
"You're right." She beamed up at him.
"So am I forgiven?" He asked, smiling at her.
She sighed in response and looked out the window again, baffling him.
Just then a flight attendant came with her trolley of drinks, offering Mr. and Mrs. Shivaay Singh Oberoi only the best.
"Uhh I'll have an espresso and a chai for my wife." He said politely and passed the warm mug over to Annika who was still facing away from him.
"Thank you." She said quietly.
"What's wrong?"
"It's nothing."
"Annika.."
"Just be quiet and drink your Saira Bano, and let me enjoy my chai." She said roughly, beholding the sky out the window again.
He exhaled heavily and rolled his eyes, indulging in the black steaming liquid his wife had always stuck her tongue out at.
"Mmm." He moaned slightly.
"Is it really that good? "she asked curiously.
"It's British coffee, that's why. Wanna try it?" He asked, encouragingly.
"Uhhh sure." She put down her chai and extended her hand to take his mug of Saira Bano.
"Wait.." he quipped.
"Ya ya first you smell it, let the aroma hit your senses, savour it and then you have it. Pata hain." she snapped.
"I was just gonna say to be careful because it's hot." He looked so cute when he pouted.
"Ohh. " She replied, sheepishly, while he raised his eyebrows, surprised she still remembered.
One sip and she saw him craning his neck backwards, a pleading look on his face. She could see other passengers in the same row on the opposite side looking at him in bewilderment.
She grinned, placing the mug back in his hand.
"You're safe, don't worry. And it's actually not that bad." She admitted.
"Really? I thought you didn't like this bitter sugarless coffee? Hm?"
"I guess a lot of things I never used to like before, I do now." She said softly, looking away from him, suddenly engrossed in navy blue tinges which adorned the sea of black and grey before her.
She seemed so distant, so lost in thought. There was this air to her that made it impossible for Shivaay to think of any witty comments to irritate his wife. All he could do was ogle her.
She was dressed in an off shoulder black long-sleeved blouse, a wispy frill running around her chest area to her shoulders and around her back as well, baby blue jeans and a pair of black pointed closed up front shoes. Her straight hair hung like a curtain, framing the side of her face as she was angled away from him. He could see her reflection in the window, a slight tinge of red adorning her lips, her eyes wide and open, looking at nothing in particular. He could tell her mind was wandering somewhere. This had been a real shock to her, so he decided to let her be for a bit, allowing her the grace to become accustomed to her surroundings and this new experience.
He leisurely sipped his coffee, a twitch of his lips waltzing onto his face, as he recalled the moment he had revealed to her that she was actually included in his "Strictly Business trip.
"Ever since I met you, my life has spiraled out of my control, you know." She said, breaking him out of his reverie.
She was still staring out into the blanket of nothingness, but her thoughts were voiced directly to him, almost as if she would not be able to face him and say the words she really dared to.
He brushed his fingers lightly against hers in her lap, urging her to go on.
"I never dared to dream of much, you know, I just did what I had to do. To live. To survive. To make sure I could pay for Sahil's school fees. To provide him three meals a day. Sometimes I went to sleep with an empty stomach but it made no difference. As long as my baby was fed and okay. He's my baby, even though he acts as if he's my elder brother." She chuckled dryly, her fingers delicately sliding across his palm, as she took a deep breath before she continued.
"There were always things I wanted to do, but I just... I knew I'd be stupid to think about those things. My life was about doing what was needed to be done. I'm qualified, I have a degree, but people are so narrow-minded, I could barely get jobs because I was Annika. Sirf Annika.
A pang of guilt bellowed in him."
"I started doing pretty fine for myself, I started catering along with my aloo puri stall and teaching kids dance. I was just figuring everything out when I met you. And boy, did everything change. And then I married you. Or you married me. Whatever. Let's not go there. And everything changed once again. When all the distances and misunderstandings cleared, things again, took a new route. I'm confused, you know, what's gonna happen next. But more than that, there's this thought that jabs at my heart. What if one day, you take off too like this plane, and I'm the one left in a sea of darkness? What if one day I'm not with you?"
"No let me talk. " She squeezed his fingers and turned to face him, when she saw his reflection about to interrupt her, his blue eyes now beginning to glisten.
"I don't want to depend on you. I don't want to weave these dreams, and do these things I never thought I would do, just because I'm with you. Do you know? For you, travelling is like taking cab. For people like me, I can't even think about leaving the state, much less for the country. I never thought I'd make it out of India. You know, sometimes Sahil and I would talk about going to London and Paris and everywhere, but I knew it was just wishful thinking. The cost of a ticket is something I would never even think about. At least back then. I dreamt of visiting but what's the use of such dreams to someone like me. I was always just Annika. And now here I am, with Mr. Shivaay Singh Oberoi, flying out to New York. This isn't real. Not for someone like me, at least."
"So that's whats on your mind?" he asked, furrowing his eyebrows.
She nodded. "I'm not mad at you, I'm just.. wondering if I'm doing the right thing."
Shivaay sighed into a sad smile. "I really can't win with you, can I?"
"What do you mean?" she questioned curiously.
"You still can't let go of that annoyingly self-dependent part of you. You just want to do everything yourself."
"I guess... yeah, that's exactly it."
"You think one day I'm gonna turn around and throw it in your face that I paid money to take you out and away and that's gonna tarnish your self-pride." It was so strange hearing these words coming out of Shivaay Singh Oberoi's mouth without even a half of an ounce of sarcasm or disgust.
"I just don't like people doing things for me, especially big things like this. Especially where lots of money is involved. I know you can afford it, I get it. It just feels weird."
"I understand you, really. And I know in the past I've accused you of being a gold digger. I don't even know how to apologize for that. But hear me out?"
She nodded.
" What if Sahil felt that way about you and all the things you've done for him, the way you're feeling about me and this trip and this whole new path of being married to me? Or more correctly, do you think you would ever feel that way about him, that way which you think one day, I would end up feeling for you and for the things I do for you? We're the same Annika. You've lived your life for your family, yani ki Sahil, I have lived mine for my family as well. I always had the money to travel, but the company? Never. I'd go on business trips, to Japan or London, wherever it may be, and come back within two days because I didn't know what condition my family would be in. Whether it was being there for Dadi, for my brothers, stepping up for what my dad wouldn't do in Oberoi Empire or standing up for Bade Maa or helping Bade Papa, I've never truly had time for myself. I don't regret it, don't get me wrong, I'd do anything for my family. But I never had that companionship. Tia was..." he scoffed before he could resume.
"She was too interested in likes and Reiki, and of course her own revenge plan, to even offer me anything like that. And Mallika, she was a good friend but, it just wasn't what I needed. But you, you're different. I feel the need to protect you like I feel the need to protect my family, my brothers, except I can stand beside you and do that. We face everything together, hand in hand. I'll step in front where need be, but I'm always at your side. I like you, this thing that we share, this understanding. You're my wife, my equal. Now we've reached this point as you've said, all misunderstandings cleared, all family drama somewhat at bay... And in light of that, isn't some time for ourselves overdue? Every husband wants to whisk his wife away and indulge for a while."
"Can't I do the same? Now after all these years, can't I be a little selfish with myself, and actually do something for myself? We've been through a lot, you've been through a lot, that too because of me and my family. This is our little escape, Annika. Your orders will come, your business will flourish even after we get back. If it's about money then clearly you don't understand our relationship. In any case, with the kind of earnings you've got from your last couple jobs, you would have been able to afford your own ticket. But obviously, your husband will not allow that. And that doesn't make you any less independent. Money shouldn't be an issue between us. I do for you as you do for Sahil. Because you're my family. We're one."
"But.."
"You've seen so much in life. You fought so much, is it wrong for me to want to give you everything I can give you and more? It's not about feeling sorry for you or spending money on you. I know your mind is capable of conjuring up all sorts of weird things, so if that was brooding, clear it from that thick skull of yours at once. It's what I want to do. I want to spend time with you. Whether it's in a small run down cottage we're stuck in, in the middle of nowhere like that last time, or in New York." He paused, trying to gage her reaction. When she said nothing, he continued.
"Do you know, travelling is the only thing you buy and you get richer. All the things I've never gotten to do, I want to do them now, with you. It's not just about you, it's about me too. It's selfish, really. I have this.. this desire to spoil you... it's.. I don't know.. I just.. I just do."
"Shivaay.."
"No let me finish." he stopped her before she could continue.
"I want you to know, what we have here, is not going to change. I want you, in my life. We wasted enough time, we struggled a lot, individually and together. You've fought for your survival and I've fought for my family. Can't two tired souls just enjoy the rest of their lives together?"
With misty eyes and almost quivering lips, Annika sniffed and leaned her head onto his shoulder.
"Thank you."
"No thank you's"
"Okay fine." She pouted and then grinned up at him, pressing her lips onto his cheeks.
"If this is the way you say thank you, then maybe we could do thank you's after all." he flirted and she smacked him playfully.
She tried to wrap her arm around him but the armrest obstructed her.
"Yeh kabab mein haddi" she muttered, squinting her eyes at the darned armrest, as if she would set it ablaze with her eyes alone.
"Relax, meri Jhansi ki rani." He smiled as he pulled the armrest up, and gathered her up against his chest.
"I'm lucky." She murmured.
"We both are." He said and kissed her hair, caressing her arm softly.
It was only then they realized suddenly the entire aircraft was silent, save for their soft voices and just on time, the lights went off, except for those down the aisle.
"Everyone's asleep?" she asked, looking at him.
"Mhmm. I mean, it is after 3 am." He said, looking at his watch.
"Are you sleepy?"
"Nope. Strangely enough, I rarely ever sleep on planes. You?"
"No I'm not either, but I am a bit tired. So what do you do? I mean especially when it's long flights like this."
"Well I read, sometimes work on last minute changes to business deals, flirt with the flight attendants, you know, the usual." He said cheekily.
"Oh okay.. wait. WHAT?" she almost shrieked.
"Shhh you'll wake up everyone." He snickered.
She hit his shoulder and snuggled into him.
"By the way, I did not know that The Great SSO owned a pair of jeans. Or casual shirts like these."She brushed her thumb on the sleeve of his black shirt.
"Oh come on, I just rarely have use for them. I'm not an alien. Don't be so dramatic."
"Still, I was so shocked, but not as stunned as everyone at home, of course." She giggled as she recalled Rudra wondering if he was seeing Shivaay's ghost when they were leaving the house.
They both chuckled silently for a few moments and then sighed.
"So Shivaay...?"
"Mhmm?"
"Tell me, where have you been before?" she chirped, and he launched into his adventures of travelling.
~~
"...And then the waiter actually tried to hit on me. I mean, I did have an idea he looked sort of... you know, on the other side, Maa da laadla bigad gaya, but I didn't think he'd try to take my coat off like that. Jeez! " Shivaay laughed as he revisited a memory in a French restaurant, the name of which Annika couldn't quite catch on to.
"I'm sure you.. were like... Fhat the Wuck!' " Annika said tiredly, but Shivaay was so caught him trying to keep his laughter down, he barely noticed his wife was beginning to drift into a slumber.
"I tried to politely refuse but then I had to give in. It's when he tried to smell me, that's when I yelled Fhat the Wuck!! " He said, his laughter now subsiding.
"Maybe you were wearing this Jimmy Choo... like this cologne on you, by the way." She said, yawning.
"Yeah, it is one of my favourites." He agreed, and then he caught a glimpse of their reflections.
"Someone's sleepy?"
" Mmm.. it smells nice...You look ... nice in this shirt too..." She mumbled, her eyes closing down as she turned her head into his chest, the first few buttons of his shirt open, allowing his scent to engulf her, as she finally fell asleep.
Shivaay found himself smiling at the sleeping woman in his arms, a rare blush creeping onto his face. He pressed a light kiss on her hair and soon after, the man who was always too restless to sleep on planes, floated away along with his most prized possession, his head finally drooping and resting on hers as he slumped down next to her. They woke up to have something to eat and then spent some more time talking before they fell asleep again.
~~~~next day~~~~
"Shivaay!Shivaaay!" Annika shook the arm of the man next to her, who was fast asleep to her surprise, excitedly looking out the window, vague outlines of concrete structures, appearing slowly as the airplane lowered.
"We're here already." he said sleepily, holding on to her palm where she grabbed his arm, and followed her line of sight.
"Woahhh so many buildings." This is so much to take in. she cried in disbelief.
"See that over there, in the middle of the water, that's the Statue of Liberty. I think we can go for a boat tour if you'd like." He informed her, and she looked at him wild eyed, nodding furiously.
He chuckled at her elation.
"Welcome to New York, Mrs. SSO." He grinned and nuzzled her hair, pressing a kiss onto her temple, as he set down the armrest and buckled his seat-belt after instructing her to do the same, getting ready for the landing.
~~~~~~~~~
When their cab came to a halt in front of the Park Hyatt Hotel, Shivaay gently woke up his sleeping wife and once again, he was graced by her awestruck face as they entered the hotel.
"Mr. Oberoi. How great it is that you've spared me a visit out of your oh so busy schedule!!" A tall guy with an American accent and dressed in a navy blue suit called out to Shivaay as they approached the receptionist.
"Hey John I told you to call me Shivaay, you idiot, and great to see you too!"
Shivaay just insulted the very authoritative and official looking man, and the weird fellow just shook his head and hugged him.
New York is a strange place, Annika thought to herself.
"I see you've brought someone along." He looked over to Annika.
"Meet my wife, Annika. Annika this is Mr John Miller, He's the owner and manager of this hotel." Shivaay smiled.
"Oh your wife! I must say, you do look happy and now I know why! Nice to meet you. He's a bit much to put up with, but don't worry, the pain in the arse has his perks." He said, shaking Annika's hand.
"Pleasure meeting you too, Mr. Miller. " she smiled warmly, and bit back a chuckle at his statement, still taken aback at her husband's interaction with this guy. It was so pleasantly surprising.
"Oh please, call me John. Besides, any woman who can make this guy uhh what was it.. Akdu! Ya this Akdu guy look so happy need not be so formal with me." He said proudly, and Annika grinned at the way Akdu sounded with his accent. Meanwhile, Shivaay sighed exasperatedly.
"Really though, best wishes to both of you. I'm so happy for you Shiv. I think the universe is overjoyed too, you know." John said cheekily.
Annika raised her eyebrows at Shivaay.
"Ahem. That's enough." Shivaay fixed his collar absently as he tried to change the topic.
"Anyways, got a meeting to run along to. Your personalized suite is prepared and ready, waiting for you. Annie, just show Mr. and Mrs. Oberoi to their room will ya? And get a bell boy to take their luggage." The kind gentleman John called over to the lady standing next to the receptionist.
"That's okay John, just the keys will be fine. I think I remember my way around here. As for our suitcases, we'll manage." Shivaay said, thanking him before the couple proceeded to the elevator.
"What was that all about?" Annika asked.
"We go ages back. I studied with him in school actually. Also, Oberoi Empire has a deal with Hyatt. The hotels are connected, you see. So I have a personal presidential suite here, should I ever need accommodations in New York, while in India, it's the same for John." He explained as they both stepped into the elevator.
"Oh okay. You two seem so witty together. It's unbelievable. But what was that about the universe is overjoyed too?"
"Actually, Tia and I went out with him and his friends when we were all in London. He was still completing his Bachelors along with two of my other colleagues. I had already finished and was back in India but I went to London for business. I hadn't told Tia because it was just for a few days. But eventually I mentioned it.\ but I told her how busy I would be. The night before I came home, we all went out. It was supposed to be a guy's night out but Tia crashed and since then they never let me off the hook. She crashed two other parties and I think she even told John he needed to cleanse his aura because he seems heavy. They always teased me about her."
"They never liked her, did they?" Annika was too amused at the thought of Shivaay being in college and having college friends and a guy's night out. It made him sound incredibly normal, human almost.
"Nope. They found her voice was annoying and she was 'too nice' ". Shivaay said, looking up at the lights in the lift finally reaching the number 24.
"Hmmm I think I like John already, Shivaay baby." Annika smirked as they stepped out of the elevator, a grunting Shivaay leading her down the corridor, dragging their suitcase and carry on along.
"So, this is the 24th floor, the second highest, only special rooms are facilitated on the two topmost floors."
"Woah, Shivaay Singh Oberoi reigns in New York as well?Special rooms?"
"Trust me, when you see our room, you'll know just how special SSO is." He said, as he stopped by the 3rd door after the small sitting area and unlocked it.
"After you." He smiled, gesturing her to go in.
"O bete ki... "There were no other words that escaped Annika's mouth as she stepped in, because she hadn't known enough Hindi or English words to perfectly describe what she felt upon what she had seen.
To the left, was a cozy navy blue loveseat joined by a lounge sofa of the same colour, with a white coffee table, and a tall white reading lamp, all standing over a soft dusty blue rug, almost the same colour as the room. Right behind this little living area, was two white book cases on either sides of a pair of white French doors, which were open, dusty blue and white drapes blowing slightly in the hushed winds. She took a step out and gasped. There it was, the most breath taking view, they could look out at the city from their room.
Recovering from her shock, Shivaay guided her back inside.
She could see to her right, a small kitchen net, very modern yet vintage looking with marble countertops and stainless steel utensils and appliances, and she smiled as she saw a New York incarnate of her husband's Espresso machine.
"They know you well." she smiled pointing towards the bubbling liquid, entertained that they had already set his coffee to brew.
There was a small walk way, just a few footsteps before the walls opened up and she was greeted with a massive king sized bed, everything white and fluffy and feather like. There was a big glass window, through which a view of the city on the other side could be clearly scene, without exposing the privacy of their bedroom. It seemed like a dream.
A dressing table and a walk in closet was tucked away to the right of the bed and to the left, another surprise.
A bathroom probably as big as her old room in Sahil's house. The bathroom was dimly lit, a massive white marble tub to the side of the room, alongside a tall window with removable shades, with a magnificent view of the city. There was a double mirror and double sink vanity to the right, with overhead cupboards and a shower enclosure a bit to the front left of the room, alongside the toilet, which was a little more secluded behind the shower for privacy.
Annika couldn't miss the fluffiest towels she had ever seen, the baskets of petals and essential oils and soaps near the tub, nor could she take her eyes off the fantastic view. This was not real.
"So, if you're done gawking, maybe we should get changed and uh get some rest?" Shivaay said wittily as she returned to their bedroom.
"Shivaay this is incredible!" she crooned.
He chuckled. "I designed it, it must be! " He said cockily, bending over their suitcases, digging for a change of clothes.
"We're gonna rest?" She asked disappointedly.
"I thought you'd be tired but we can go for a walk if you want." He offered.
"YES!" she said doing a happy dance.
"Okay okay! Now come here and get some clothes, I'll go take a shower in the meanwhile, hmm?"
Annika rummaged through their clothes and got out a maxi skirt Prinku had got her, a black one with a slit and a long sleeved floral frilly top as she noted outside seemed a bit chilly. She grabbed up her undergarments and blushed a little, wondering if Shivaay had come across them while searching for his change of clothes.
She shook her head and got her make-up and Shivaay's medicines out of their carry on and assembled them on their dressing table.
While Annika was in the shower, Shivaay called home and informed the family they had reached and were already settled in.
Soon after both were dressed and ready. Shivaay had donned a burgundy shirt, a few buttons down, and dark denims and brown shoes, and he was sitting on the loveseat with Annika.
"So we can take a walk around the block or we can go to the city, like Times Square or Rockerfeller Centre so we can walk a bit and grab something to eat. It's already 6pm."
"Yeah, I am a bit hungry."
"Why am I not surprised?" He teased and she elbowed him.
"Ouch! Okay look here at these pictures and tell me where you want to go. This is Rockefeller..."
She shoved his phone away and he was taken aback, wondering if he had done something to offend her.
"Don't show me these pictures. Just take me somewhere and surprise me. " She said with enthusiasm.
"You don't even want to know where we are heading out to? That's a lot of trust you have in me." he flirted.
"Exactly, so you better not let me down." She winked as she stood up and put out her hand, and raising her eyebrow as if challenging him.
Poor Shivaay gulped, a little intimidated and equally stunned by his smartass wife and took her hand as they made their way down.
They had to walk part of the distance then get onto an E train. The subway stations were busy and when they finally got onto one, they both had to stand as all seats were taken. He saw Annika flinch as the train resumed its path with a sudden jolt, and rested one hand on hers where she held the pole, draping the other around her shoulder protectively.
"I'm okay." She said, looking up at him, seeing him slip into his protective mode.
He just smiled down at her and pulled her closer into his arms, and continued talking about the transit system, how metro cards worked, how John had organized their metro cards for them, and explaining the modes of transport to her.
She observed the people around her in the train, everyone seemed preoccupied. Down to the old lady with headphones in her ears seemed to be in her own world. She was surprised to see many people of different races, co-existing. There was a thin Chinese girl, her hair jet black and incredibly straight, in gym attire including a short pants. There was an Indian couple, South Indian maybe, with bags of vegetables in their laps. She saw some of African descent, a lovely couple and their two kids, playing with a toy truck, driving it onto the arms of the father. The number of Caucasians were almost equal to other races, yet everyone seemed to be comfortable in their own skin. Whether it was the Indian woman in her salwar kameez, the Muslim girl in her burka, the group of friends in their heels and tight short dresses. New York was definitely an eye opener to her of how much more there was to stereotyping and judging people based on difference. No one batted an eyelid at the couple who kissed softly in one section, no one complained about the old man strumming his guitar and singing country music as he moved from carriage to carriage. She was sure there were the downsides as well, but in a simple ten minute train ride, she felt something in her soul align while looking at this display of everyone coexisting with their differences. There was so much more in this world to see, so many people who lead different lives. She was beginning to understand a bit of what Shivaay felt about travelling.
Shivaay saw her zone out and let her be, giving her time to appreciate every moment of her experience.
They got off and walked a few minutes and reached Rockefeller Centre, all the while, their fingers interlocked, as if it were second nature to them.
Shivaay showed her around the plaza, the waterfalls, the flags, the different stores which were still open, but he hustled her, saying they should go eat before it got too late.
He took her to the Garden Rock Cafe and they were seated two tables away from the front of the waterfall, a beautiful view to behold. The velvety crimson and purple shades of the setting sun made the atmosphere even more divine.
"Now, you know you won't get any aloo puri here, right?" He joked.
"Maybe you've forgotten, Mr. Shivaay Singh Oberoi, but your wife is actually a graduate with distinction in Minor Culinary Arts and Management, so she pretty much values and appreciates any type of cuisine now. Even your exquisite taste."
"Paanika has grown so wise hmm. Now you can no longer mock my tasteless Hollywood type khanna."
She giggled slightly.
After discussing what they'd both like to have, Shivaay summoned the waitress nearby.
"I'll have the Falafel burger and uh my wife would have the Penne Caprese Pasta is it?"
"Yup, oh and a portion of the Truffle Parmesan Tater-Tots." Annika continued.
"Okay guys, excellent choice, that's it? What about something to drink?" The friendly waiter asked.
"uhh I'm not sure. Shivaay?"
"Any special wines tonight?"
"Yup, we have Red Moscato and Pinot Noir. Both terrific, I tell you."
"We'll have two glasses of Red Moscato. Is that okay with you Annika?"
"Sure." she smiled a fake smile, just to appease the eager waitress.
"Wine?What if.."
"Oh come on, it's mild wine. Anyways, from what I remember, you seem to have a high alcohol tolerance, especially for a woman. I mean, you didn't pass out like the rest did. You beat even Rudy and Om to it. " He grinned.
"As if you were any different." She shot back, earning a chuckle from him as he raised his hands as if to surrender.
At that moment, she had been fiddling with her phone and she quickly snapped him.
"Heyyy" He said disapprovingly.
"You were looking so cute. Ek dum Billuji ki tarah." She teased.
"Mera naam matt bigada, Paanika. " He squinted his eyes and glared at her.
Just then, the waitress returned with their wine and tater-tots.
She gave them a bright smile before turning away, only to turn back.
"Do you guys want me to take a picture of you both?"She asked, gesturing to Annika whose phone was still in her hand, showing Shivaay the picture.
"Sure. That so kind of you ask."
And so, as Annika and Shivaay clinked their glasses together, the lull of the wind caressing their faces and whisking a few of her tresses away from her face, and gave the two most genuine smiles the world had ever seen, the majestic waterfall in the background no less a witness.
"Thank you. Shivaay said, taking the phone from her.
"No problem man. You guys make a really lovely couple, by the way." She crooned before she left them to themselves.
"She's right." He said, holding Annika's left hand which was resting on the table.
"Of course, I make us look cute. " She stated and he rolled his eyes.
"Oh my God! Wait Shivaay, let me take another of you! I'll put it on my story!" Annika cried elatedly, as she got her phone again and snapped a picture of her husband. Without thinking twice, he posed for her, wine glass in hand and a radiant colgate-like smile plastered on his face.
"By the way what's your story?"
"Oh ho Shivaay. You don't know? Rudra ne mujhe bataya. He made me an account on instagram! And you can post pictures, or see others pictures and even a story which is sort of like an instant thing. So now see, added to story means everyone I have would see it, and know that this happened now, at this time. See that's the good thing. You don't even have to actually post it. And then it goes away after 24 hours."
"Really Rudra. You're breeding another Tia. " he muttered.
"I heard that. And trust me, I'm NOTHING like Tia baby." She mimicked.
"Okay okay sorry. And stop saying that. Let me see then, how this works. " He said as she showed him his way around the app on her phone.
"See, look Rudra has replied to my story saying 'have fun Bhabhi! Looks like you guys are missing my punch'." Annika laughed loudly.
"Idiot." Shivaay sighed.
"Wait! Hold on, who is Rohit? And why did he comment "looking good A on that picture of yourself you posted?"
"Rohit, my friend." She shrugged nonchalantly and sipped her wine.
"Excuse me, I think you forgot to mention him."
"Remember during our fake memory loss drama, I used his name because I actually do know someone named Rohit. Stupid!" She rolled her eyes.
"Well then wifey, lets add another picture to your story." He said annoyed as he gestured her to come in a bit for a selfie.
It was a selfie of the both of them, Annika sipping on her wine with one hand, Shivaay holding her other hand in his, their rings shining, both smiling, Annika grinning slightly as she knew Shivaay was trying to make his claim on her clear.
He smirked devilishly as he tapped on her phone, possibly a caption she thought.
When he gave it back to her, she checked what caption he had posted with the picture.
"Date-night with the Mr."
She shook her head at him and rest her phone down.
"To Mr. Possessive Singh Oberoi?" She raised her glass, blushing.
"To Mrs. Blush Singh Oberoi." He winked and clinked his glass with hers.
Dinner had arrived and both got busy munching down on the scrumptious meal. They exchanged other experiences they had prior to meeting each other. Whether it was in school or college or some business deal Shivaay had bagged.
To anyone who observed them, they were the most typical couple in love, basking in each other's company and some pretty damn good food and wine. What more was there to life?
Chapter 4
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Until we meet again, lots of ishqbaaz to you all, and feel free to check out of some other stories written by yours truly:
Helium (Your Love Lifts Me Up) Shivika TS
We Made It (One Year Anniversary) Shivika TS
Zimmedari? Shivika TS
Sajna Tere Bina Shivika OS
Oye Oye Shivika OS
Late Nights With mr. & Mrs. SSO Shivika OS
