Attraction Is The Easy Part | ✓

Chapter 26 : Growing Fondness

Anika was very self-conscious as she made her way to the dining table. Firstly, the tunic was sleeveless and short. Secondly, she had paired it with a pair of jeggings that appeared like second skin. Shivaay looked up at her as she pulled the chair beside his. Anika passed him a smile making herself comfortable on the chair. Her eyes glanced on his forearm on the table. She remembered the Gauri's so-called golden rule, "Touch- Caress-Kiss-Smile and look him in the eye" She mentally discarded the rule helping herself to the breakfast laid out on the table.

Shivaay was slightly out of place. She looked gorgeous in that outfit. He noticed that she also had make up on. Off late he barely saw any make up on her face. Then there was her new perfume perhaps. Damn, it wasn't her usual. It had a rose scent.

He turned to Gauri who asked him if he slept well.

"Of course, I slept well."

"Obviously," she muttered under her breath only for him to hear giving him a teasing smile. Shivaay simply looked at his plate. How were she and Anika even friends? Anika was nothing like Gauri. Anika was shy and reserved when it came to a few things while Gauri was unapologetically cheeky!

"Jiju is taking us out today..." he heard Gauri answer to Pinky. When did that happen? He turned to her with a raised eyebrow.

"Anika is ready so am I. Rudra said he has college!"

Anika was coming. Okay maybe it wasn't a bad idea. He turned to Rudra, "you're going to college on a Saturday?"

"Yeah, we have classes on alternate Saturdays!" Rudra answered stuffing the toast into his mouth while Shivaay's gaze lingered on him suspiciously. He raised a brow questioning him in silence, Rudra simply shrugged his shoulders putting up a face that said -nothing-.

Anika didn't want to go out but Gauri forced her too. Gauri took the back seat while Anika sat in front. Shivaay was taking a driver along but Gauri chided him asking him to drive.

"Gauri, don't tell me we're shopping?" Anika scowled at Gauri with narrowed eyes.

"You need lingerie!"

"Have you lost it?" Anika whispered, looking at her in disbelief.

"No. You seriously need some, "Before Gauri could say anything more Shivaay appeared after parking the car. He never did shopping malls but well, there was lot of things he didn't do until Anika came into his wife.

"What happened?" He asked when the two women just stared at him.

"We were deciding which way to go, Gauri smiled.

Shivaay looked around, "Do you guys want to shop?"

"You know I hate shopping!" Anika muttered, "Gauri wants to perhaps!"

"Yeah, why not!" Gauri replied sparing a glance Anika's way.

They started walking around. Gauri walked slightly faster so she was ahead of them. She pretended to be engrossed checking out the stores.

"God, these malls spend so much on the lighting. I mean it's broad daylight and they have such a nice skylight."

Shivaay's lips curved up, "Just don't get all critical, will you? It's been a long time since you and me are actually out together!"

Anika smiled, "you don't get time these days!"

"Hey, that's not true. In fact, this entire week I was at home, you were the one who was busy." He spoke as his hand brushed against hers as they walked.