Anika made her entrance into the Oberoi Mansion, greeted by playful teasing from OmRu about their first night together. A blush crept onto her cheeks, rivaling the color of beetroot.
How would it unfold? Would Shivaay finally cross the line? They’d been in love for a year, yet intimacy had been limited to chaste kisses. She hadn’t actively avoided it; Shivaay always seemed to pull back.
Khushi Bhabhi had urged her to surrender to her husband, to offer her body and soul. “A man who respects his wife will never harm her,” she’d assured Anika.
“You are most welcome into this family, Anika,” Jhanvi said, embracing her warmly. She’d always desired a daughter-in-law who could temper Shivaay’s temper and navigate his anger. Anika, she believed, was perfect, even if it felt strange to think Shivaay had chosen love over arrangement.
“From today, I entrust you with my responsibilities,” she said, guiding Anika towards Shivaay’s room—now theirs.
“Shivaay will arrive soon,” Jhanvi said, then left her alone in the room, decorated for their first night.
Meanwhile, Shivaay and Tej were engaged in a private conversation about the marriage.
“Don’t worry, Papa. This is a six-month arrangement. After that, I’ll divorce her. By then, we’ll have secured the deals with the Singhanias,” Shivaay stated.
“The tension isn’t about the divorce. It’s about you falling for her,” Tej warned. “This girl is capable of hypnotizing with her eyes. You might lose your resolve.” How could he be a father and simultaneously teach his son to break a heart?
“Don’t worry, Papa. If I haven’t fallen in love within a year, six months is nothing.” Shivaay replied.
“You’ve been married now. There are rules to marriage,” Tej said pointedly. “You know what I mean.”
“I understand. I should go now,” Shivaay excused himself, heading towards his room where an innocent soul awaited him.
“Bhaiya, where are you going?” Rudy blocked his path.
“To my room,” Shivaay answered.
“So early? Let’s chat for a bit,” Rudy said, glancing at Om.
“Shivaay, you haven’t spent time with us lately,” Om added.
“We’ll talk tomorrow morning. Let me go now,” Shivaay said.
“You’re so eager to be with Bhabhi. Go, go. And don’t make too much noise—I need my sleep,” OmRu giggled, then darted away before Shivaay could respond.
He entered the room slowly. As Anika sensed his presence, she felt a wave of anticipation wash over her.
He approached the bed, lifting her veil. The mere touch sent a shiver through her.
“I think you should rest. You’ve been exhausted with wedding preparations. Good night,” Shivaay said. The words surprised her, but she welcomed the thought that he cared for her well-being.
“You sleep on the bed. I’ll sleep on the couch,” Shivaay added.
“Why?” she asked, her eyes widening with confusion.
“Unless you have a problem with it,” he offered, making an excuse. Looking into her eyes, he realized Tej was right. They held an intoxicating allure.
“I won’t mind if you sleep on the bed,” she said, removing her jewelry and settling into a relaxed position.
“I love you, Shivaay,” she whispered into his ear.
“Hmm,” was his reply. The lack of reciprocity stung, but she pushed the thought aside.
*Her eyes hold so much love for me. How can I deceive her? It’s so difficult, but I must do this for the Oberois, for Papa. I promise Anika that I will never share intimacy with you because after six months, everything will end—whether it’s this marriage or your love for me,* he thought, and drifted off to sleep.