Chapter 26: Chapter 26

*Anitha Pov*

“So, he was here again today?” Keerthi asked after passing the new contract for a brand and this will be a major one for me in India.

“How do you know that?” I asked looking away from the contract and she searched on her phone before showing a picture of me waving at Prathap who is getting inside his car in the early morning.

I shook my head before concentrating back as the headline is not a bad one and even encouraging our couple and there is no need to worry about it.

“You both changed the tactic and decided for him to shift here instead of you shifting to his place?” she asked not leaving the topic.

“No! He has his restaurant to look after and is busy more during the weekends. How can he stay here and go there every day?” I asked her frowning but didn’t glance at her.

“Then why is he staying here every night for the past week?” I sighed realizing she found out that part too.

We didn’t get clocked until today morning and I thought she just know about the first day and today.

“He is not shifting to this room.” I said looking up but she gave a disbelief look.

“He is really not shifting to this room.” I stressed it again but looks like she is not ready to believe it.

“Whenever he is free, he will come here and that’s all. If I have time, then I will go there.” I mumbled as it is not a big deal if she knows about it.

“Looks like he is free for a whole week until now even though yesterday was Sunday.” She mumbled and it looks like she is teasing.

“We are just getting to know each other.” I shrugged and she glanced at the bed where the sheets are still crumbled before smirking.

“God! When did you become so nosy?” I asked while trying to not look shy with the way she is teasing.

“It’s my job to be nosy about you.” She shrugged and I glared at her before finishing to read the contract and calmly signed it.

It is already checked by Vikranth and even she cross-checked it and I need not worry about it anymore. She left after taking the signed contract to submit it but not before reminding me about the evening’s shoot.

I sighed leaning back and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds before unlocking my phone to check the article and immediately took a screenshot of the picture before sending it to him.

‘We are caught!’ I smiled while waiting for his reply and he replied within two minutes saying, ‘Did you get in trouble?’

“No! But they are encouraging us.’ I replied with a heart symbol and felt giddy to even message with him like this.

I thought I will like him in a normal way and will not feel these butterflies after a certain time but it is not reducing and increasing.

I am not complaining about these flutters but enjoying them and somehow we ended up chatting for an hour before he excused himself saying he needs to check in the kitchen.

I smiled closing my eyes and realized I am lying down on the couch and I don’t remember when I changed my posture in the first place.

I checked the time and ordered a light lunch before getting ready so that I will not let Keerthi wait for me.

However, when I reached downstairs I found her arguing with Manoj but went silent when they saw me but I clearly heard her saying he shouldn’t say anything right now.

“What happened?” I asked her frowning but she shook her head smiling while he sighed.

I continued to stare at them in intervals while they stayed silent and are not even chatting like usual. I felt worried but then realized they are older than me and I am sure they will handle it and will share with me when they want to.

However, I can’t stop thinking about it as they were like a family for more than a year, and worrying about them is natural.

****

“What happened?” Prathap asked playing with my fingers while I am leaning on his shoulder on my bed at present as he with an absent look.

“Even I want to know what happened but I can’t unless they voice it out.” I replied before explaining the issue and he smiled pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“I am sure they will manage and will tell you when they are ready.” He assured me and I chuckled at his way of consoling.

“Of course! My Prat is always right.” I said nodding while he frowned at my words.

“Prat?” he asked and I tried to stop myself from laughing after seeing his reaction.

“My nickname for you.” I explained with a serious tone and he gave a shocked look.

“It sounds like a brat. Are you cursing me?” he asked shaking his head and added saying I need to change it.

“My dear Prat! See how sweet it sounds?” I pointed out and he glared at me while I continued to repeat his nickname causing him to cover my mouth with his hand.

“We didn’t go on our first date until now.” He suddenly pointed out and I finally stopped before pushing his hand away.

“Yeah! You promised me that we will go on our first date when if I watch you cooking and it’s been so long.” I said frowning while he shook his head.

“I reminded you and not the other way around.” He said and I stopped giving him a complaining look.

“Tomorrow?” he added and I smiled but that slipped when I realized I will be going for outdoor shooting for four days.

“The next day of that will be Saturday and then Sunday. I guess we need to plan for next Monday.” He mumbled and I shook my head.

“I have a brand shooting. And again I need to go towards the outskirts of the city.” I explained and he sighed frowning.

“Are you upset because of my schedule?” I asked biting my lip and he immediately glanced at me.

“Of course not! This is your profession and I respect that. If I don’t then I don’t deserve to be in this relationship.” He pointed out and I stared at him feeling touched with those words.

“This is really your first relationship?” I asked with a doubtful look.

“Of course! I am lacking in normal thinking like I had to search online to find what will be good places for the first date and even the gifts I can give. But it turned out you like anything I do on my own and shouldn’t listen to all other… sources.” He replied adding other sources instead of her name.

I felt guilty for making him be this restricted but I am shameful to feel happy about it too. Maybe this is what I need until our relationship becomes stable and not get hit by anything even the small matter.

“Let’s go! We can go somewhere right this moment.” Saying that he got down and extended his hand for me to hold it.

“Where? I need to get ready.” I asked pointing my nightwear and he took his hand back before scratching his head.

“Come back! Let’s go when we want to and even if it takes months for us to have that first date.” I said patting on the bed and he sighed before getting back and pulled me into his arms.

“Anyway, we are having our date every day. We had dinner together even today and let’s not forget how I forced you to watch a movie two days back.” I pointed out.

“I watched it only because you said it is your favorite. But I found you opening the movie links of that actor Laksh. Why?” he asked with a frown covering his face and I pinched his cheeks smiling when he is still not over that as he commented again on my recent picture with the crew saying he is excited to join us soon.

“I am learning his working style. I have more scenes with him than the actor who is playing a hero role. So, I am getting ready to not waste time and match my pace with his.” I explained and he slowly nodded.

“I wish he is not that personal all the time.” He mumbled and I nodded.

“I will let him know the moment I feel uncomfortable. Now, talking about the movies, do you want to watch a new one? It is really good.” I said glancing at my laptop on the table and shifted to get down but he pulled me back.

“I am not at all interested in the movie right now.” Saying that he pressed his lips over mine and trailed them down.

“Let’s have a date!” he whispered near my ear before giving it a peck and I smiled circling my hands around him while remembering to adjust the bedsheets after he leaves before Keerthi teases me again.

****

“What do you mean she will take a break for a few months after next month?” I asked looking at Manoj as he is being cryptic about his words.

After two weeks, they both finally reached me saying they have something important to say and I took a deep breath to listen.

“I am pregnant, Anny!” Keerthi stated and I stared at her in surprise.

I remember her saying that Manoj has some medical issues and that’s the reason for them to not have children even though she is in her mid-thirties.

Now she is pregnant? After coming over the shock, I rushed towards her before hugging her saying, “Congratulations!”

“Thank you!” she whispered hugging me back.

“But the doctor said she needs to be careful and not take any strain.” Manoj mumbled from her side and I immediately took a step back to make her sit on the couch which she did smiling.

“I am fine!” she assured me and then glanced at Manoj.

“I am asking her to take a break from her work. Is it wrong?” he asked and I shook my head instantly but paused realizing what is he saying.

Does she have to take a break? Then… I shook my head realizing it will be selfish of me to feel bad to have her take a rest and not work for me.

“Okay! We will talk to Mr. Vikranth and let him appoint someone as a manager for a short period until you can come to work.” I said smiling.

“I can work for one more month.” She mumbled frowning and but she doesn’t look confident about it.

“You are important and your baby is important. If you want to keep working because of your desire, then you can train the new manager from home or be involved in between but if it is for me then don’t do it.” I said frowning and she stared at me before glancing at Manoj.

“He will continue to be your bodyguard and driver. Always stay in contact and ask me whatever you want regarding any decision or any kind of help.” She said after a few minutes.

“Sure! But only if he listens to me when I send him back home and not stay back. He needs to be a part of care towards you.” I said folding my hands and they both reluctantly nodded and I smiled brightly.

“Oh my god! I am going to be an Aunt.” I mumbled and covered my mouth finally letting the excitement sweep me away.

“Yes! You will be a godmother too.” Her words just made me wish the baby is born today instead of waiting for four months.

I can’t believe I was not able to find this until they told me. She is like nearly five months and I didn’t even ask her why she was wearing loose clothes all these days and also why is she putting up a bit of weight.

“I guess I am really dumb in these matters.” I mumbled voicing out and shook my head when she gave a questioning look.

*****

“Kanika! She is pregnant and she told me I will be a godmother.” I said calling her the moment they left.

“When you have kids, I will be their godmother too. Oh god! I am excited.” I added smiling widely while wishing to shout to everyone.

“She is busy in the kitchen.” I stiffened hearing Vikranth’s voice and covered my mouth in shock.

Oh no! Keerthi is supposed to inform him tomorrow and he just found it out from me. I took a deep breath to control my panic.

“Okay! Mr. Vikranth, Keerthi will talk to you about it and don’t let her know…” I trailed off and he sighed.

“Don’t worry! I didn’t pick this phone as your agency CEO.” He said and I paused hearing those words.

“Then you picked this as my friend’s husband?” I asked and he paused hearing that.

“I can think you as my friend’s husband while talking to you instead of as a CEO?” I continued taking a chance.

“At the workplace, I will be a CEO.” He replied and I smiled hearing that.

“Okay! Then right now you are my friend’s husband. Vikranth, tell Kanika to call me when she is free.” Saying that I cut the call and burst out laughing.

Okay! I am taking too much joy from everything I guess. I thought getting ready within a few minutes and stepped out of the hotel.

I want to share the two news with Prathap right now and that too directly. With that excitement, I got a cab and reached the restaurant.

When I waved at Deepak, he immediately paused but I ignored him to reach the cabin and opened the door saying, “Mr. Vikranth… actually, Vikranth just asked me to treat him as Kanika’s husband and not…”

I trailed off finding Shrishti sitting with him and their expressions froze mainly because of my words.

“I am sorry! I forgot to knock.” I said remembering that I just opened it and they still stared at me.

She turned around to stare at the table with her back facing me after a second paused and he stared at her expression before looking at me saying, “Can you wait in my flat?”

“I need to go somewhere else. I just stopped on the way.” Saying that I took a step towards the door while waiting for him to stop me.

When he didn’t say anything, I walked out and reached to the entrance of the restaurant, and to my so-called luck, I found a cab immediately when I real sense I was waiting for him to just stop me at least now even though it is not an immediate reaction.

Will it be wrong to blame him when I told him that I need to be somewhere else? But still, I want him to ignore it and stop me even though it is a bit childish from my part.

When the cab pressed the horn for the second time as I just stood there, I finally shifted to get inside and gave him the hotel address.

After reaching my room, I walked directly to my bed before falling on it. I guess even after these few days, I am still sensitive about her. I wish I was not but I am really affected by just her presence near him. I really don’t want to be this sensitive and also possessive.