"How long?" His voice fell into her ears. Anika bit her lower lip pretending she didn't hear. The car came to a halt at the signal and he turned to face her. "Anika, it was awkward. I get that. But you haven't spoken a word to me. It's no big deal!" He was irked that she didn't talk to him. Not even a 'hi'. She was simply nodding and not even meeting his eyes. She turned to him with wide as saucepan eyes. Did he just say no big deal?

"I meant —" he stuttered as she gave him the wide-eyed look. "Look, Anika, what I meant is — that we are getting married. At one point or another, we have to be comfortable with each other. I won't judge you. So, awkward things happen. But it's better we laugh it out and go easy rather than choosing silence." The horns from the vehicles behind the care they were in, made him add no more to that. He ignited the engine moving ahead. 

Anika was thoughtful. She was hyper-aware that he meant the same thing that his mother said. While on the other hand, he made sense to her. She had to get comfortable with him like she was with her mother, perhaps even more. She was going to spend the entire life she had ahead with him. If she wasn't comfortable with him, her life would be rendered uncomfortable. "Okay"! She finally uttered.

He smiled. "By the way that was a sexy show!" Anika's cheeks turned to heated furnaces. Yet again, her eyelids moving away, widening her eyes. She heard him chuckle. Audacity! 

"Anika, you are as red as a beetroot." He commented which only resulted in more heat pooling on her cheeks.

"Focus on driving!" She muttered when she felt his gaze on him. She caught a glimpse of him through the corner of her eyes. He was grinning while she grimaced.

When the car came to a halt at the designer boutique, Anika was finally relieved. Now she could get out of the small constricted place. However, before she could move a limb he shifted closer snapping the seatbelt that had kept him in place. Anika parted her lips feeling suddenly warm at his proximity. 

His fingers traced the seatbelt across her body steadily making away downwards to the buckle. "You should learn to own up compliments. By the way, you look even better when you blush." His voice was husky. Somehow, Anika felt her insides growing mushy at that. "And — no more acting like a stranger around me. Warm-up to me Anika." His voice was suddenly gentle. He released the seat belt gently. His fingers then tenderly tucking her hair behind her ear. "I promise, to never be the reason for your disappointment or sorrow." He concluded that by placing a kiss on her cheek. 

Anika was breathless. She quickly got out of the car still not over the moment. She felt his hand slip into hers. "This way.." he guided her into the building. The entire time Anika was only physically there. Mentally and emotionally she was still inside the car, with him so close to her. She could still feel the warmth of his proximity. 

"Anika, this is Viren Chandani," Shivaay spoke introducing her to the designer.

"And you're to-be-Mrs.SSO." the guy spoke giving her a sweet smile. "I must say, lucky girl." He grinned. Anika plastered a smile. "I can't wait to show you both the brand new wedding collection." The guy spoke leading them into another room. Anika couldn't help but look around. Every piece was unique and beautiful, although with a lot of glimmering. 

Pieces after pieces that the designer showed them left Anika spellbound. The dresses were like the ones those models wore at fashion shows and in magazines. "This one — I think will suit your complexion." The designer spoke revealing a deep red lehenga with golden zari work. She felt Shivaay's gaze on her. "It's beautiful!" She reacted cordially while her eyes rested on Shivaay's.

He looked observantly before stepping closer placing his hand on her waist. "You want to say something?" He whispered into her ears, his face literally into her hair. "Yeah!" Anika managed to mutter. 

"Viren, ahh, I think there's a lot of good stuff to choose from. We will need a few minutes." Shivaay spoke. While Anika was only aware of his hand on her waist. "Of course. Take your time, we are always here to help." He gently pressed his hand against her waist leading her forward. "Spill," He whispered. Anika was utterly focusing on the feel of his hand at her waist, she barely remembered what she had to speak. 

Oh yes! "Umm, the wedding outfit, mumma.. will take care of, I mean..." His hand shifted slightly as they took slow steps. Anika was receptive to even the slightest shift of his fingers. He looked at her observantly waiting for her to complete. "Uhh, Mumma always wanted to be the one to choose my wedding dress." Anika somehow managed to complete.

"No problem Anika. I don't think mom would have a problem with that. However, umm, there's some old family jewelry you'll be required to have on during the ceremony. So, we will select dresses for other rituals." He smiled. There her heart began to melt again. 

"You know what let me show you that list that mom sent me." He spoke digging in his pockets to get his phone out. His left hand finally left her waist. Anika breathed in relaxation. "Here see this, Haldi- yellow, Mehendi - green, Ring Ceremony- royal blue, The marriage day- should be red with gold and reception is surprise by Daadi."

"Woah. This is pretty detailed." Anika commented and he smiled placing his hand back on her back. "Of course."

"Can we please pick something light? I will be buried inside the dress otherwise." Anika spoke trying not to focus on his hand. 

"Well, since the two of us have the privilege to choose...I suppose we can take benefit out of it." He winked at her grinning.

Anika flushed and her lips gradually formed into an upward curve. "There you blush again!" He muttered walking ahead. "How's that green dress..." he asked pointing to a knee-length frock. Anika looked up at him. "I thought it was supposed to be Indian."

"Nah. Since everything will happen by the beach we decided to keep haldi and mehendi more like a beach party. Your mom didn't tell you?"

"I didn't listen perhaps, she keeps talking about it, twenty-four hours. Even in sleep." Anika giggled. "It's hard to pay attention to everything." Shivaay laughed, "try it on!"

Anika stepped ahead finally loosing the contact from his body. She picked up the dress he had pointed at. "No way. This is a tube top, I am not wearing that." She declared glancing through other dresses.

"Why not?" He asked standing behind her. Anika's grip on the hanger got tighter. Weirdly, she was becoming very aware of his closeness. 

"It's pretty uncomfortable," she said aloud 'and scary' — what if it decided to run down my frame —she completed in her mind.

He leaned over her shoulder making no contact whatsoever. "Maybe on our honeymoon then?" His whisper was husky. Anika's jaw dropped and she turned slightly to stare at him. Deciding otherwise she walked ahead. She could hear his faint chuckle. As naturally as ever lips formed into a smile. A wide smile. 

"It looks nice." He commented approaching her with slow steps. "But this will look better." He spoke handing her the dress in his hand. She held it up. The material had an amazing feel to it. It was a unique dress. The exotic style gave away its cost. She glanced at him. "I know you earning is equivalent of printing notes but this is too much." She commented in a hushed whisper.

"Come on, let me spoil you!" He blinked his eyes adorably. His smiles were contagious perhaps, cause Anika found herself smiling. 

* * *

Anika stepped out of the room dressed in the light summer yellow legenga paired with an ivory-colored blouse that had drooping sleeves. She had placed the dupatta over one shoulder and slanted it, so as to cover the slight plunge in the neck from revealing too much. However, the designer's intern came up to her and undid the dupatta putting it straight on, one side. Revealing everything Anika had tried to conceal. She simply tried to be oblivious to the fact that her cleavage was very much visible and so was most of her abdomen. 

"Wow!" Shivay uttered stepping forward so that he could have a clear view.

"That looks stunning!" The designer commented. "Is it uncomfortable anywhere?" Viren asked. Anika nodded in a no. After the previous seven, this one seemed to fit her perfectly. "Could you turn for us?" Anika took a deep breath and did as she was told. There was a drop-shaped opening at the back of the blouse. Anika felt weird knowing that Shivaay was seeing it too. 

"Wonderful then. Shall we zero on this?" The designer asked turning from Anika to Shivaay.

"It's her call!" Shivaay spoke smiling at her warmly. Anika smiled basking in the warmth of his smile. "I like it!"

* * *

"I am not going shopping for another year!" Anika declared hungrily eating from her plate. They had literally spent more than three hours in that boutique and bought only three dresses.

Shivaay chuckled. "Wasn't that bad! And ...we have to visit another designer store for your ring ceremony dress." He added.

"No way!" Anika argued. More shopping would be equivalent to a night in lockup.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Shivaay argued.

"No!"

"Anika there is no option." He shrugged eating.

"You can go alone."

"Why are you so against shopping?"

"It's a sheer waste of time, effort, money and energy!"

"Fine, we will go tomorrow." He suggested.

An idea struck Anika and she agreed. It had been a while since she pretended to be sick. She smiled mentally proud of herself. 

* * *

Anika walked in rather nervously. It was late in the afternoon and they were at the Oberoi Mansion's dance rehearsal room. They had taken a nice relaxing break at a fish spa. Anika's another first. She was totally against the idea of having fish nibble at her feet. She had almost literally dragged him away, however, as always he had pleaded her to give a try. It was weird initially but Anika got used to it. 

Yet again, Shivaay's hand was at her back leading her into the room."Shall we?" he asked looking at her and she nodded.

"I shall get rid of my sandals," Anika spoke walking aside.

Once she came back the choreographer greeted her. "Anika, I think you should practice with heels on. Whatever you plan to wear on that day maybe." The choreographer suggested and Anika stared at her in dread. 

"She hasn't decided what she's going to wear yet. Maybe once she does we will start practicing with heels." Shivaay intervened coming to her rescue. Anika gave him a million-dollar smile jogging to stand beside him to do the drill of entering the stage. "Thanks!" She mumbled. "Anytime!" He whispered back. 

The dance proceeded. Anika was impressed at his discipline during the dance. Taking a little inspiration she tried to get the sequence right with full concentration. After half an hour they were doing quite okay. They at least remembered the steps and the sequence. They were dancing close when their eyes met. Strangely the conversation had died between them and there was relative silence. 

"Guys! Music is over!" The choreographer clapped to get their attention, grinning. 

"They need to get a room!" Omkara muttered playfully. He had joined a few minutes back and was quite impressed to see their soaring chemistry.

"Hi, Omkara!" Anika greeted finding an escape from their sudden embarrassing moment.

"Hi!" Shivaay greeted pretending as though nothing happened. However, that moment did make him awkward too, especially his brother's comment. 

"Hi, lovebirds. I just witnessed some sparks, so thank you!" He exclaimed in a teasing tone. Anika blushed looking away while Shivaay tried concealing his grin muttering a "Shut up Om!"

"Now that the two of you are done. Maybe I can get to my rehearsal." Omkara spoke giving the choreographer his playful smile.

Shivaay shook his head. "Carry on. Anyway, I have to discuss a few things with Anika." Suddenly all eyes stared at him. 

"Of course. Only discuss!" Omkara teased. Deepika laughed heartily while a blushing Anika walked over to where she had left her sandals. After which she walked out. Shivaay gave Omkara a look before walking out to catch up with his bride-to-be.

And here is the update for this week! (Was a little caught  up today.) Now a little feedback I would want, cause I am a little perplexed about this story.

What are your expectations from this story? What do you think you are going to see here?

Also, don't forget to let me know your thoughts on this chapter and vote!

-Anami♡