A long chapter ahead. Hopefully it compensate my delay. Happy reading!!♥️
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Annika giggled as Shivaay, Om and Rudra smeared Arnav with haldi and water who groaned throwing some towards them making all of them turn yellow.
"I will see you guys when your turn will come", he muttered wiping haldi off his face. She looked at Malika who was laughing beside her and then looked towards Gauri and Bhavya who winked.
It was mid afternoon when Malika and Arnav's haldi ceremony was been held. The wedding was next day so it was decided to keep the day simple so that bride and groom could have some relaxation. Getting the opportunity, men and ladies decided to have their respective simple bachelorette parties.
"Now now, Malika it's your turn", as soon as Annika said this, Gauri and Bhavya turned down a bucket full of rose, water and haldi on her head drenching her completely. Malika looked at the blinking with gaped mouth. Annika took a handful and rubbed it on her face.
"Happy haldi to you, Mal", all three screamed together making Malika melt and chuckles opening her arms and took all three of them in a hug. They squeezed each other and the cameraman seized the moment in a picture.
Later, girls applied haldi to Arnav and boys to Malika. At last, all of them posed together for a picture.
"Annika.. Hey", Shivaay called her out as he saw her going with the girls to freshen up being drench because of hugging Malika. She stopped asking other two to go ahead.
"Yeah?", she turned towards him. He held her arm smiling as some of relative's of Malika were passing by.
"We're leaving to meet your dad after lunch", he said making her eyes widen and she pulled him away to little distance.
"Don't say it so openly na, what if someone would have heard?", she frowned lightly.
"Annika stop it, when our relationship is not a secret then why me meeting your parents should be a secret!", he frowned in distaste. He was hating the way she was being all reluctant and hesitant over him meeting her parents.
"I am not hiding it Shivaay", she sighed holding his palm, "it's just I don't want Jhanvi aunty or uncle or dadi or anyone to overhear it instead of me saying myself. I want to clear dad's meet with you first then I promise, we'll make him meet your family. Trust me, I would love to see all of them bonding", she tried to explain him.
"Fine", he muttered and pulled her closer hugging her to his body. She sighed hugging him back.
"Shivaay.. A girl has dream to see her family and her future family bonding together and I have the same dream. I am just little scared but I am taking the first step right? Just let me be in my pace. Please?", she asked looking up at him.
"Fine, sorry. I was being little pushy. I understand but you also know it, I am with you in whatever happens. I can even fight for us, you know right?", he gently palmed her cheek. She nodded softly.
"I know and trust me, even I can. Just have faith and trust on me", she gulped keeping her hand on his hand which was resting on her cheek.
"I trust you most", he kissed her forehead making her smile and wrapped arms around his body hugging him. He pecked her hair smiling softly.
"Let's have lunch now, I am starving", she spoke breaking the moment making him chuckle.
"Get changed then let's feed this tummy", he said holding her hand and both left for the buffet counter arranged for lunch.
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Annika sighed as she wore a pendant around her neck. After changing her clothes, they had lunch and it was evening which meant they have to leave to meet her father. She was nervous but at the same time, she was excited to meet her father after months. She just hoped everything go well and her dad approve their love.
"Relax Annie, you know dad, he will definitely like Shivaay. Just stay positive", she muttered to herself and turned to see Shivaay wearing his shoes.
"Done baby?", he asked after tying his laces and turned towards her. She nodded. He looked at her hands which were fiddling with each other.
"We'll be fine, love", he held her hands and kissed them. She sighed smiling softly.
"Okay, let's do it", she nodded and he leaned in kissing her forehead softly. Holding hands, they walked out of the room to meet with Malika.
"Where are you going? Did you forgot Annika? We're keeping a small bachelorette party in my room!", Malika said confused.
"Relax Mal, I will be back in an hour or so. It's just 4 in evening now", Annika held her arm.
"But where are you going?", Malika asked again.
"She forgot to buy sometime for tomorrow's look of hers so we're going to buy it", Shivaay interrupted.
"Really Annika? Your boyfriend is a fashion designer, so is me and Arnav, we'll prepare it na. We have entire night. And if it's something of jewelry, Bhavya is there", Malika held her hand. She didn't wanted her friend to roam around for a particular thing when they can get it for her.
Annika felt bad for hiding about the meet from her. In the short time, these people have become an important part of her life and she was feeling guilty for keeping them in dark but then, she has made up her mind to make them meet her father soon.
"It's fine Malika. You should rest and pamper yourself. It's your big day tomorrow and we'll back in a hour. Till then, relax and we'll have an amazing bachelorette tonight", Annika assured her making her sigh.
"Fine but come soon. I am so excited for tomorrow", Malika squealed giggling making other two smile being happy for their friends.
"And so our us", Shivaay said patting her shoulder. She smiled and left the couple going back to her room.
They went outside and he opened the door for her, after making her sit inside he took his seat and started the car. He saw her praying to god and chuckled.
"Relax baby, your father won't eat me", he chuckled joking making her scrunch.
"You'll be first man who is not anxious of meeting his girlfriend's father. People go terrified thinking about it", Annika commented huffing leaning back to her seat.
"Well love, your boyfriend is one of the kind, accept it", he winked at her making her shake head chuckling. He smiled holding her hand from other hand.
"And please relax now. Didn't you say, your dad is very supportive, broad-minded and cool. I haven't done anything wrong with his daughter, why would he reject me?", he pressed her palm.
"Honestly, I don't see any reason for dad to reject you. Heck! No parent would reject a man like you for their daughter but just, nervousness is there", she sighed holding his hand firmly.
"I will impress your dad and in future, even woo your mom. Don't worry", he said confidently making her giggle on the words he used and smiled.
"Haven't Gauri and Bhavya met your dad?", he asked taking the turn as instructed by navigation.
"Nope, unfortunately. It's not like I have tried to hide him from them. They have talked him on call but whenever he would come to Mumbai to meet me, they'll be out for some outdoor photoshoots or fashion events and same when I get to go Goa", she replied making him nod humming.
"But I have decided, after you I will make our friends meet him and then the family", she said ahead making him look at her and smile widely.
"I am so proud of you baby that you're trying to overcome your fear", he leaned and pecked her temple gently making her smile and feel a boost of confidence inside. Having him beside, she is ready to face anything now.
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Shivaay parked the car as they reached to her favourite park in her hometown. They came out wearing glasses just for safety and walked inside the park holding hands. She heard him sighing making her look at him.
"You're fine?", she asked pressing his palm.
"Yeah. I am all good, just I hope the park don't get crowded. I want to get over these glasses", he complained making her chuckle.
"Don't worry. I will take you to a place where you can take off your glasses", she held his hand and took him towards her favourite place. He smiled as a gazebo came to their site and she turned towards him.
"Dad used to bring me in this park, once it was raining heavily and we're in middle of park, so that I don't get drenched, he brought me to this gazebo. From that day, this place became my favourite in entire park", Annika explained him walking inside the gazebo. He followed her smiling on her words.
"He loves you a lot, it seems", he said entwining their fingers.
"Of course he does. I am his little princess", she smiled proudly.
"And I will make sure to keep his princess like a queen", he said holding her hands. She smiled looking at him rubbing his hand gently.
Both were lost in each other when they heard someone clearing their throat. Annika looked aside and her eyes widen.
"Dad??!", she exclaimed seeing her father standing behind Shivaay with arms crossed against chest. Hearing Annika, Shivaay got alert and turned back.
"You?", he exclaimed seeing the familiar face from the other day making Annika confused.
"One second. Your voice is sounding familiar, just like last night it also did", Annika's father, Joseph said confused.
"Wait, you both know each other?", Annika asked confused.
"Baby remember, yesterday when I went to order for the wedding cake, I went to his bakery. Also the cupcakes were of his", Shivaay cleared making her eyes widen.
"That's why they're tasting so familiar. Oh my God! You met him yesterday!!", Annika said surprised.
"So the woman you're talking on the call yesterday, your girlfriend, is my daughter Annika?", the couple turned towards him who asked confused.
Annika smiled widely and went to him hugging him tightly. He smiled hugging her daughter after so many days.
"I missed you dad", she whispered hugging him tightly.
"I missed you too tweety, never do this again", he kissed her hair hugging him protectively. She shook her head immediately.
Shivaay kept looking at them as they hugged each other for good amount of time. He smiled softly seeing a different happy smile on her face. As they parted, Joseph took Annika in a side hug and looked towards Shivaay.
"Young man, you didn't replied by previous question", he said making Shivaay straighten up. He won't deny but he was little nervous now but he chose to not show it.
"Of course sir, it was Annika because she is my only girlfriend", he said proudly but looking lovingly at Annika. She smiled softly.
"Let me formally introduce myself then. Myself Joseph D'souza, a baker and proud father of Annika", he said forwarding his hand and pressing her shoulder gently from other arm, who smiled at him.
"Shivaay Singh Oberoi, sir. A fashion designer and a proud and lucky man to be boyfriend of Annika", he shook hand with Joseph's who raised his eyebrow. Annika looked at her boyfriend with widen eyes and smiled lowering her eyes.
"Impressive lines I see", Joseph commented.
"It's the truth sir, I am very proud of whatever Annika does. She changed my perspectives towards actors and their lifestyle", Shivaay replied with same confidence and politeness.
"So I heard, you love my daughter and she loves you. Are you sure about her?", the father asked.
"I have never been as sure as I am about Annika. She is the best thing happened to me recently and I want to cherish her entire life", he smiled as he saw her cheeks turning pink.
"Dad, he made me feel the happiness where I can be myself around him. He never judges me and loves and care about me so much", Annika said pressing her father's arm. Joseph hummed and looked towards Shivaay who was standing looking at her softly.
"What about your family? Does they know about my daughter and you dating? Have they accepted her?", he asked seriously.
"Sir, the moment Annika became my girlfriend, I told my parents about her because I was that sure regarding her. They have accepted her as their own child and love her like one. They accept our relationship happily", he replied.
"Then didn't you felt like meeting her parents?", he raised eyebrows.
"Dad it's not-", she got interrupted by Shivaay.
"I was ready to meet you since always but Annika needed sometime and I respect her pace and decisions because in our society, telling about your boyfriend to your family is a big step for a girl. I am glad she finally took it", he smiled at her at last. She sighed, smiling softly.
"Dad", she looked towards him leaving his arm and slowly held his palm, "he knows everything about me. From my conflicts with mom to my ups and downs in career. He never forces me for anything or try to make me do the things he want. He always respects my decision", she said proudly at last.
Joseph smiled softly and patted her head lovingly. He turned towards Shivaay and went to him who felt little nervous but kept a calm face.
"My daughter has faced a lot in her past, personally and professionally. I have seen her smiling with her friends or in success of her hard work. If you give her the same happiness, I have no objection with you guys", he said bringing a wide smile on Annika's face.
"Thank you so much sir, for accepting me and our relationship", Shivaay said being genuinely thankful.
"You don't need to thank me. I saw the way you were talking to your girlfriend that is, my daughter yesterday, your smile while she was talking explained how much you love her. Just make sure, you never hurt her else you'll face the worst side of me", Joseph said patting his shoulder with warning at last.
"Not a chance sir, I just want her to be happy", Shivaay replied making him nod and turn towards Annika who was smiling widely.
She hugged her father tightly throwing arms around his waist as he opened his arms. He chuckled wrapping arms around her and kissed her forehead.
"You're happy with him right?", he asked still having the father's concern.
"Very happy dad, genuinely", she whispered softly hugging him. He hummed patting her back.
"So you know her mom and her problems?", he asked turning his face towards Shivaay. He nodded.
"Yes sir, Annika told me she is not fond of the profession, Annika has chosen. But I hope in future, she'll accept me", he said softly.
"I hope so too but you guys have my acceptance now. If you guys love each other, respect each other, who am I to come between this love", he said making her smile and kiss his cheek.
"You're my first love, dad", she chuckled making him chuckle and look at Shivaay who is smiling at Annika.
"And Shivaay, you can me uncle now. Sir sounds very formal from my future son-in-law's mouth", he said making Shivaay smile and nodded.
"Dad!!", she exclaimed in disbelief.
"What? He is your boyfriend which means, he'll be your future husband too so my son-in-law right! Right Shivaay?", he teased turning head towards Shivaay at last who nodded.
"Still dad, abhi se?", she rolled her widen eyes blushing.
"Annika, even mom calls you her future daughter-in-law sometimes, why can't me then?", he teased along making her look at him in disbelief.
"That's an injustice tweety. Shivaay, you're my son-in-law, don't worry", Joseph winked at Shivaay who grinned. She looked at them in disbelief. She couldn't believe her father and boyfriend were in one team now.
"So bad you guys. Teaming up", she pouted making both men chuckle. Joseph gently pulled her cheek.
"Um, you guys must have quite things to catch up. You can talk if you want. I will wait in the car", Shivaay said smiling softly.
"It's fine son, you can be here. After all you'll be the family soon", Joseph smiled sitting on the bench there patting beside for Annika and him. He felt happy to be accepted by his girlfriend's father completely.
"Dad..umm, how is she?", Annika asked looking down at her fingers after both of them sat down on either sides of her father.
"Your mom is fine, Tweety. It's not like she doesn't miss you. Sometimes, she prepares your favourite dishes but her stubbornness. I hope one day she understand that our daughter is so happy, successful and we should be proud of her", he said kissing her forehead making her look up at him with tears and hugged him immediately.
"Shh tweety, you know I hate your tears right?", he consoled her kissing her temple. She sniffed nodding.
"And if you're worrying that maybe she'll not accept your relationship then I am there, my child. Even after her opposing I was with you in your career choice, then I will be there in this huge step of your life too", he assured caressing her hair.
"Thank you dad", she smiled softly finding confident boosted inside her. Her father and love was by her side, she knew she'll be able to face her mother in some days.
They sat there for sometime where Joseph told Shivaay about Annika's childhood memories and he laughed imagining how adorable his girl was. Annika smiled seeing her father and boyfriend bonding so well and sent a quick prayer to god.
"Shivaay, I think we should leave", she said looking at her wrist watch, it was almost 6 and she knew if they won't be back in sometime, Malika will start calling them and she won't be able to hide then.
"Oh yeah! Uncle, it's our friend's wedding tomorrow, little party is kept tonight so, if you allow we'll leave then", Shivaay asked.
"Of course son, it's okay", he patted his shoulder and got up along with other two.
"When are we meeting again, tweety?", he asked palming her cheeks. Her face fell thinking she'll meet him after days now.
"Dad, day after tomorrow we're leaving for Mumbai, Shivaay has an upcoming fashion event and I also have some ad shoots. But we'll meet very soon, I promise", she held his hands on her cheeks.
"Don't ignore my calls now", he said sighing and held her close to his chest. She wrapped arms around him.
"I will never do it again dad, I promise", she said assuring him. He parted from him and turned towards Shivaay.
"Take care of my daughter, I am trusting you with a piece of my heart", he said making him smile softly.
"Don't worry uncle, I will take care of her and won't give a single chance to complain", Shivaay said confidently. He nodded and hugged him, patting his back gently. Shivaay grinned and hugged him back.
Bidding a goodbye to her father, both left from the park with calm heart and happy faces. She turned towards him as they got inside the car.
"Shivaay", she called while he was wearing his seatbelt. He looked up raising eyebrows in question.
"I love you", she leaned in and cupped his cheeks. He smiled and dropped a kiss between her eyebrows.
"I love you too pumpkin", he whispered softly and leaned down pecking her lips softly. She smiled widely hearing pumpkin after a long while.
"Let's go, now relax and be happy. We won our first step", he said holding her hand. She nodded happily. He smiled and they drove back to resort.
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Thank you so much for your votes and comments on the previous chapter. Keep reading, voting and commenting your views. They means a lot to me♥️
Sorry for the delay but first I was stuck in exams and then I caught fever but now I am fine so you won't wait long for next update😊
Finally, Shivaay met Annika's father and it was a success, hopefully he'll have it when he'll meet her mother too😁
Anyways, hope you like the chapter. Do tell me how it was😁
Precap: wedding; back to normal life
Love,
K♥️