57. Shiv and Nia

Niharika’s lips curled into a soft smile, one that quickly grew wider as she stood there, her thoughts a swirling mess of emotions. Her heart felt light, almost giddy, as the rain continued to pour around her, drenching her completely. She couldn’t stop the grin spreading across her face, her cheeks hurting from how hard she was smiling. She tilted her head back further, letting the rain kiss her skin, her fingers brushing through her damp hair as she thought, How did this all happen?

She chuckled softly, shaking her head in disbelief. Just weeks ago, Shivaay had been a man she couldn’t even imagine speaking to without fear or hesitation. He had been cold, unapproachable, a storm of authority and power. But now... now he was different. The walls he had so carefully built around himself had started to crack, and she had somehow found her way in. It was almost laughable how unexpected it all was—how two people so different, so distant, had come together in a way that neither of them could have foreseen.

Her hands gripped the balcony railing as her smile softened, her mind replaying every moment that had led to this night. The first time he had shown her a hint of kindness, the way he had protected her without expecting anything in return, the rare moments when his gaze had softened, revealing the man behind the mask. And tonight—the kiss. It was something she never thought would happen, yet it felt so natural, as if it was meant to be.

She whispered to herself, almost shyly, “When did all this start? When did we start?” Her voice was swallowed by the rain, but it didn’t matter. She didn’t need an answer. All she knew was that something had shifted between them, something neither of them could deny any longer.

She leaned against the railing, her heart full of emotions she couldn’t quite name but didn’t want to suppress. It was as though the rain was washing away her fears and doubts, leaving only the truth she couldn’t ignore. She was falling for him—deeply, irrevocably—and as much as it terrified her, it also filled her with a kind of joy she hadn’t known before.

Her smile returned, brighter than ever, as she whispered into the night, “This... this is crazy.” But even as she said it, she couldn’t stop the warmth blooming in her chest. Because crazy or not, it was hers. It was theirs. And she wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Niharika was startled from her thoughts when she heard the faint creak of the door opening behind her. Turning her head, she saw Shivaay stepping into the room, his presence commanding yet oddly comforting. Her heart skipped a beat, the intensity of the moment washing over her as he walked toward the balcony. She tried to steady her breathing, but her chest rose and fell unevenly, her heart pounding so loudly she wondered if he could hear it too.

He stopped at the threshold of the balcony, his sharp eyes observing her quietly. “I thought you went to sleep,” he said, his voice low, carrying an edge of curiosity.

Niharika hesitated for a moment, her gaze meeting his before shifting to the rain pouring around them. “I did,” she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper, “but then it started to rain.” She paused, clutching the railing as if it would anchor her scattered thoughts. A small smile graced her lips as she added, “And I love rain.”

Shivaay stepped closer, his gaze never leaving her face. The air between them felt heavy, charged with unspoken words and emotions. “You could have stayed inside,” he said, his tone calm but laced with something she couldn’t quite place.

“I could have,” she replied, looking up at the sky with a wistful smile, “but rain makes me feel alive. It’s like... it washes everything away. The noise, the chaos, the doubts.” Her words trailed off as her eyes returned to his, and for a moment, the world seemed to still.

Shivaay’s expression softened, a flicker of understanding passing through his eyes. He nodded slightly, as if he knew exactly what she meant, but his silence only heightened the tension between them. Niharika turned back to the rain, hoping it would cool the heat rising in her cheeks, but she couldn’t ignore the way his presence made her pulse race.

Niharika hesitated for a moment, her fingers nervously brushing the railing as she glanced at Shivaay. Summoning all her courage, she finally asked, “Would... umm, would you like to dance with me?” Her voice was soft, almost shy, but it carried a spark of mischief that she hoped would mask her nervousness.

Shivaay blinked, his brow arching in surprise. “What? You and me... dance?” he asked, his tone filled with disbelief. The idea seemed absurd to him. Dancing wasn’t something he did, and certainly not in the rain.

She sighed dramatically, folding her arms and rolling her eyes. “Okay, fine then. Don’t.” She gave him a pointed look, her lips curving into a playful smirk. “Boring man,” she muttered, turning slightly as if to leave.

Shivaay chuckled at her antics, shaking his head. “Boring, am I?” he challenged, his voice low but teasing. Stepping closer to her, he added, “Alright. Play the song.”

Her face lit up with delight as she grabbed her phone, scrolling through her playlist until she found the perfect song. The first notes of Janam Janam began to play, the soulful melody filling the rainy night. Niharika placed the phone on the nearby table, turning to Shivaay with a playful yet nervous smile.

“Okay,” she said, extending her hand to him. “Don’t tell me you’re going to back out now.”

Shivaay smirked and took her hand, his fingers curling around hers as he pulled her closer. “You started this,” he murmured, his voice deep and steady. “Don’t regret it.”

As the rain poured around them, they began to sway to the rhythm of the song. Niharika placed her free hand on his shoulder, her heart fluttering wildly as he rested his other hand lightly on her waist. The rain soaked through their clothes, but neither seemed to notice. They were lost in the moment, their eyes meeting and holding, the music weaving a spell around them.

The dance was slow, intimate, and unpracticed, but it felt perfect. Niharika couldn’t help but smile as he twirled her gently, her laughter ringing softly through the night. When she spun back into his arms, he held her closer, their faces inches apart.

The lyrics of the song seemed to mirror the emotions swirling between them, and as they moved in harmony, the tension in the air softened into something warm and comforting. It was as if the rain, the music, and the moment were conspiring to bring them closer.

By the end of the song, they stopped swaying but didn’t pull apart. The rain continued to fall, but neither of them cared. Shivaay looked down at her, his expression unreadable, while Niharika’s cheeks flushed under his intense gaze.

“Still think I’m boring?” he asked softly, his lips curving into a small smile.

She laughed, her eyes sparkling. “Maybe a little less now,” she teased, her voice light but filled with affection.

He chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re impossible,” he said, but there was no irritation in his tone—only amusement and something deeper.

They stood there for a moment longer, rain cascading around them, before finally stepping back, their hearts fuller than they had been before.

As the rain continued to pour, Shivaay casually glanced at his phone and noticed the time: 11:55 PM. His eyes widened slightly, and without saying a word, he stepped back and turned toward the door.

“Where are you going?” Niharika called out, puzzled by his sudden departure.

“Just a minute,” he said over his shoulder, leaving her standing in the rain.

Niharika frowned, shrugging as she turned back to the balcony. She assumed he had something important to do, but her curiosity lingered. The rain was soothing, but her thoughts kept drifting to his odd behavior.

A few minutes later, Shivaay returned. This time, his hands were behind his back, and there was an unusual softness in his expression.

“Come inside,” he said, his voice quiet but firm.

Niharika hesitated, confused by his tone. “Why?”

“Just come,” he insisted, stepping aside to let her pass.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she stepped into the room, shivering slightly from the cold. As she looked at him, he finally revealed what he had been hiding—a small, perfectly frosted chocolate cake with “Happy Birthday Niharika” written on it in elegant white icing.

Her breath hitched, her eyes widening in surprise. “What...?” she whispered, her voice catching.

“It’s 12:00,” Shivaay said, his lips curling into a rare, genuine smile. “Happy Birthday, Niharika.”

She blinked at him, her emotions swirling. “You remembered?” she asked softly, touched beyond words.

“Of course, I did,” he replied, his tone calm yet warm. “I didn’t want anyone else to interrupt tonight. I wanted it to be just us—your birthday, your moment.”

Niharika felt a lump form in her throat as tears pricked her eyes. No one had ever made her feel so special before. The fact that Shivaay, someone who had once been so distant and aloof, had gone out of his way to plan this... it meant everything to her.

“Cut the cake,” he urged gently, placing it on the small table nearby and handing her a knife.

She smiled through her tears, shaking her head slightly in disbelief. “You’re unbelievable,” she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion.

As she leaned down to cut the cake, Shivaay stepped closer, his presence comforting. She cut a small piece and held it up to him. “You first,” she said with a soft smile.

He leaned forward, taking a bite. Then, without hesitation, he broke off a piece and held it up for her. “Your turn,” he said simply.

Their eyes locked as she took the bite, the sweetness of the cake mirroring the warmth in her heart. The moment felt surreal, intimate, and perfect.

“Thank you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

“For what?” he asked, tilting his head slightly.

“For making me feel... special,” she said, her voice breaking slightly with emotion.

Shivaay’s gaze softened as he looked at her. “You are special, Niharika. Never doubt that,” he said quietly.

The room fell silent except for the faint sound of rain outside, the air between them heavy with unspoken words. This wasn’t just a birthday—it was a memory, a moment that would stay etched in her heart forever.

Niharika looked at him with a playful smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “You know,” she began, tilting her head, “I never thought you—an ice berg—would change like this.” Her tone was teasing, but her words carried a hint of genuine wonder.

Shivaay scratched the back of his head, a sheepish expression crossing his face. “Well,” he said with a small chuckle, “back then, it was like you married Shivaay Singh Ranawat, the CEO and the king of Jaipur.” He paused, his voice softening as he added, “But now... now I’m just Shiv.”

Her eyes widened slightly at his words, her heart fluttering at the honesty in his voice. “Shiv?” she repeated, testing the name on her tongue. A grin spread across her face. “I like it. It’s nice. From now on, I’ll call you Shiv. Okay?”

Shivaay—no, Shiv—looked at her, his expression shifting to something tender. “Alright,” he said, his lips curving into a rare, genuine smile. “But if you’re going to call me Shiv, then I’ll call you Nia.”

“Nia?” she asked, blinking in surprise.

He nodded, his gaze holding hers. “Yes. Short, sweet, and... special. Just like you.”

For a moment, Niharika felt her cheeks flush, a warmth spreading through her chest. She couldn’t help but smile, the rain outside echoing the rhythm of her racing heart.

“Shiv and Nia,” she murmured, her voice soft, almost like she was trying the names out for the first time. “I like it.”

“So do I,” he replied, his voice low, filled with a quiet affection that made the moment feel even more intimate.

And just like that, they created a bond—a shift in their dynamic. From Shivaay and Niharika to Shiv and Nia, the distance between them seemed to melt away, replaced by something new, something deeper.

Shivaay stretched slightly, his gaze lingering on Niharika, who was still smiling softly. He cleared his throat, breaking the comfortable silence between them. "Alright," he said, his voice calm but firm. "It’s late. We should sleep now."

Niharika tilted her head, a playful glint in her eyes. "Oh, so now the king of Jaipur is setting bedtime rules?" she teased, crossing her arms.

Shivaay smirked, leaning slightly against the table. "Well, someone has to be responsible around here," he retorted. "And I doubt you’d volunteer for that role."

She laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Fair enough, Mr. Responsible. But for the record, I’m not that reckless."

He raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a smile. "Right. And yet you’re the one standing out here in the rain instead of resting."

Niharika rolled her eyes but didn’t argue further. Instead, she nodded. "Fine, Shiv. Let’s call it a night." She turned toward the bed, her steps light as she moved.

As she pulled the blanket over herself, she glanced at him one last time. "Good night, Shiv," she said softly, her voice laced with a newfound warmth.

Shivaay looked at her, his heart unexpectedly lighter than it had been in a long time. "Good night, Nia," he replied, his voice steady yet gentle.

Switching off the lights, he lay down on the couch, his mind replaying the events of the night. The rain outside continued its soothing rhythm, lulling them both into a peaceful sleep, their hearts more connected than ever before.

------

The next morning, Niharika stretched lazily, the soft sunlight streaming through the windows waking her gently. She rubbed her eyes and sat up, a small smile lingering on her lips as she recalled the events of the previous night.

Rising from the bed, she walked toward the closet to grab her usual outfit for the day. However, the moment she opened it, she froze.

There, hanging elegantly inside, was a breathtaking golden saree. Its intricate embroidery shimmered in the light, and alongside it was a pair of dazzling diamond earrings and a matching necklace, their brilliance almost blinding. The entire set looked straight out of a royal collection.

Her hand hesitated as she reached for the saree, but then she noticed a small folded note pinned to it. Her heart skipped a beat as she picked it up, unfolding it carefully.

The handwriting was bold and neat, unmistakably his.

"Wear this, please. - Shiv"

Niharika stared at the note, her heart racing. A soft blush crept across her cheeks, and she couldn’t suppress the small smile tugging at her lips.

She ran her fingers over the saree’s smooth fabric, marveling at its beauty. “Why would he...?” she murmured to herself, her mind swimming with questions. But deep down, she already knew the answer.

He wanted her to feel special.

Gathering herself, she took the saree, earrings, and necklace, and made her way to get ready, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Today was going to be different—she could feel it.

Niharika stepped out of the bathroom, her damp hair cascading down her back, droplets of water clinging to her glowing skin. Dressed in the golden saree, she looked nothing short of a goddess. She moved toward the mirror, her hands skillfully applying light makeup, accentuating her natural beauty.

As she adjusted her saree, she reached behind to tie the knot of her blouse but found herself struggling. The intricate strings seemed determined to defy her efforts. She let out a frustrated sigh, her fingers fumbling awkwardly.

Just as she was about to give up, she felt it—two warm hands brushing against her back, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine. Her body tensed, her breath catching in her throat. Slowly, she turned her head to see Shivaay standing behind her, his expression calm yet intense.

“Let me,” he said in a deep, quiet voice, his eyes meeting hers through the mirror.

Before she could respond, he gently took the strings from her hands, his fingers brushing against her skin. Her heart raced as she stood frozen, unable to speak or move. The intimacy of the moment was overwhelming.

Shivaay’s movements were deliberate, his touch firm but careful as he tied the knot securely. When he was done, he let his hands linger briefly on her back, his touch sending sparks coursing through her.

Then, in one smooth motion, he placed his hand on her waist and turned her to face him. Niharika’s breath hitched as she met his intense gaze, her cheeks flushed from a mix of emotions.

Without a word, Shivaay leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her cheek. His lips were warm against her skin, igniting a fire she hadn’t anticipated.

“Perfect," he murmured, his voice low and rich, as his eyes roamed over her..

Niharika's pulse raced, and she struggled to form a coherent thought. "Shiv..." she whispered, barely audible, unsure whether it was a plea, a protest, or simply a surrender.

But Shivaay only smiled, his hand still resting on her waist, holding her close. "You look stunning, Nia," he said softly, his words sending her heart into overdrive.

The air between them was electric, every second charged with an unspoken connection that neither could ignore.

Shivaay gently twirled Niharika around, the golden saree flowing gracefully with her movements. She gasped softly, her cheeks flushed as she looked up at him. His eyes were locked onto hers, filled with a tenderness she hadn’t seen before.

As he leaned in, the world seemed to pause. Niharika’s breath hitched, her heart racing as their faces inched closer. The moment felt perfect, the air heavy with unspoken emotions.

But just as their lips were about to meet, an abrupt, loud knock on the door shattered the atmosphere.

“Bhabhi, open the door!” came Riya’s cheerful voice, followed by Ivaan’s teasing tone. “We know you’re in there! Hurry up, we want to see you!”

Shivaay froze, his jaw tightening as his mood instantly soured. He straightened up, a look of pure irritation crossing his face.

Niharika, on the other hand, bit her lip to stifle a laugh. “I think your siblings have impeccable timing,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, her amusement evident.

Shivaay groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Why do they always show up when they’re least needed?” he muttered under his breath, his annoyance clear.

Niharika gave him a soft, reassuring smile, gently placing a hand on his arm. “It’s okay, Shiv,” she said. “They’re family.”

He huffed but stepped back, reluctantly letting her go. “Fine,” he said, his voice gruff. “But this isn’t over.”

She chuckled softly, shaking her head as she walked toward the door. Taking a deep breath to compose herself, she opened it to reveal Riya and Ivaan, both grinning from ear to ear.

“Bhabhi!” Riya exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she took in Niharika’s appearance. “You look so beautiful!”

Ivaan smirked, leaning against the doorframe. “Looks like bhai’s taste is better than I thought.”

Niharika blushed, but before she could respond, Shivaay appeared behind her, his towering presence making both Riya and Ivaan straighten up.

“What do you two want?” he asked, his tone curt.

Riya giggled, unbothered by his gruff demeanor. “We’re here to take bhabhi downstairs! Everyone’s waiting to see her.”

Ivaan chimed in, “Yeah, bhai. You can have her back later.”

Shivaay narrowed his eyes at them but eventually sighed in defeat. “Fine. But don’t keep her too long,” he said, his tone almost possessive.

As Riya and Ivaan excitedly led Niharika away, she glanced back at Shivaay, her smile soft and full of promise. His irritation melted away as he watched her go, already counting down the moments until they were alone again.

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I have now unpublished that Please Read  part. It felt as if now there is a lightness. Thanks to you all who read that.