A Secret Rendezvous

Chapter 19

Survival Tips

Fifteen minutes later, Anika and Shivaay were drying themselves with a towel each, trying to get rid of the sand that stuck to them. Shivaay would cough every few seconds, trying to let go of the salty taste.

Right in front of them, Avni was looking at them with concern, blatantly ignoring Aryan, who was trying to get her to talk to him. Shivaay could only wonder what his girlfriend had done to get Avni so pissed that she wouldn't even look at Aryan.

Aryan turned to Anika with a puppy face who blinked her eyes in assurance.

"Can we go back to the hotels? Or maybe the villa. Shivaay and Anika can clean up and then lunch?" Avni suggested, looking at everyone for approval except Aryan.

Aryan sighed. Guess he'd have to suffer for a while.

---

About an hour and a half later, the six of them, along with Isha sat around the centre table, relaxing on the sofas. Their plans of going to the restaurant vanished when Aryan and Avni complained of being too tired. They played their cards of 'about to be married', 'need good rest' and Meera and Anika immediately agreed making Shivaay and Vedant sigh. So much for enjoying the day.

As Avni munched on her food, she grumbled. "Today I lost a challenge because of this stupid Aryan."

While three looked at her with sympathetic smiled, Aryan and Anika exchanged looks.

"It was such a wrong time to say anything! Why would you say that? It didn't even make sense. It was like you wanted us to lose!" Avni whined. Till it struck her. Aryan was stupid on regular basis, yes but why would he randomly say such an impossible thing?

She looked at Anika with narrowed eyes who was very very indulged in her food. She looked at Shivaay next who was just as confused. Finally, Aryan who was muttering to himself.

"Why did you do that?"

Aryan shrugged. "I felt like surprising you."

"Are you mad? I was so confused. Also, I should be the one saying that to you, if it ever happens."

"Of course it will happen." Aryan looked at her eagerly.

Avni closed her eyes shut, trying to reign her temper. "That is not the point right now. Never mind. I had some of my colleagues who have come to meet me and congratulate me. I'll see you guys later."

With that, she got up and walked out of the villa, leaving behind curious eyes looking at Aryan.

"How can you piss off your bride before your wedding?" Meera sighed.

"Hey! I did this because I was offered a deal."

"What deal?" Vedant asked.

"Last night I overheard our families' plans. They won't let me and Avni meet after tomorrow night!"

"Doesn't that usually happen after haldi?"

"Yes well, even the first might happens after marriage na. I and Avni hardly gave them a chance to pity us." Aryan mumbled making everyone roll their eyes.

"So, Anika said if I let her win, she'll help me and Avni meet." Aryan shrugged.

Shivaay looked at Anika who grinned.

"But Aryan, what did you do?"

"Initially I was very scared to, you know, lose. I couldn't leave the rope or anything. Avni knows I am good at tug of war. So I did what struck me at that moment."

Taking his own time, he awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "I told her I was pregnant."

The four others in the room went silent, staring at him like he grew horns.

"It's not my fault okay, I couldn't think of anything. I expected her to not react so that way, I wouldn't be betraying her, but she got super confused and distracted..."

The others gulped, and Vedant lightly smiled looking behind him. Aryan shut his eyes. Why was his bride so sneaky?

Not giving anyone the satisfaction of even reacting, Aryan dashed out of the villa, closely followed by Avni.

"You guys are mad." Shivaay sighed.

Anika raised her imaginary collars, proud of herself.

"I have a busy day now. Taking your leave. I have to meet Avni's and Aryan's moms for a cross check with the rituals." Anika got up and left not before smiling at everyone. She was at the door when Vedany nudged sShuvaay to follow her who gladly did.

Once they were out of the villa, Anika turned to him, slightly amused.

"Well, I would not be seeing you for so many hours now. Had to say goodbye."

Anika smiled. "You should go and enjoy with everyone else. I'll do what I enjoy so much."

Shivaay walked close and wound an arm around her waist. "Do I get a goodbye kiss?"

Anika shrugged. "I don't think so."

Shivaay sighed, resting his forehead against hers. "I don't feel like letting you go."

Anika chuckled and hit his chest lightly. "Stop being so dramatic. I am not going to India or something. Just fifteen minutes from here. I'll be back for dinner, I think."

"Aryan was saying something about a buffet party tonight at the hotel." Shivaay spoke.

"Oh. Should I take a dress with me then?" Anika pulled away, looking at him curiously.

"Nah. I am going to wait for you to come and then we'll go together. I like doing that."

Anika looked at him for a few seconds. There was not one moment that all of it felt surreal.

Unable to keep herself from doing it, she placed a kiss on his cheek, very close his lips. "Hope it helps you wait."

Shivaay grinned widely and then smirked. "I'll have to give you something to survive as well."

Anika's eyes widened but before she knew it, he took her in a searing kiss. Anika was dazed when they parted, her cheeks red and breathing huffed.

She quickly pulled herself away and ran, leaving behind a grinning Shivaay with what anyone would suspect to be a tinge of red on his cheeks.

---

I have been visited by some ghost. 4th update in 14 hours.

Sorry for keeping y'all waiting. Hopefully it doesn't happen again.

BlackManiacx