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Shivani loved hearing the way Lincoln spoke about how he could be romantic in his sleep. It was adorable to see the love one of of her best friends was lucky to have in her life and she hoped it stayed that way. “Hmm—okay so I think one of the main issue there is just ensuring at the front of it—it’s only about the quality time you’re spending together. I think if you use funds to make it happen it won’t bother her, but it’s more the lavish gifts and experiences that might annoy her. Like say you’re splurging on a private jet or something to take her somewhere for a fancy thing. Does that make sense?” She added before giving him a small shrug. If he was sure his feelings were genuine and she knew Hazal’s were as well—there was nothing that could stop the two of them from making this work out. Shivani had been present of course when Lincoln had been with his former partner and so she knew the experiences slightly that they’d shared but from what she knew of him—his entire demeanour this time around was so different that it gave her a lot of hope for the two of them to make it work. “But you know—as long as the feelings are real, you both are going to be fine. Just remember to communicate and be respectful of one another, you know?”
Lincoln was pretty sure he could remember Shivani mentioning a friendship with Hazal at some point in the past. But considering he hated the woman at that time, he didn't really consume the information like he could've. Now, however, he just wanted to know as much information as he could get. The more, the better, in his opinion. He wanted to love her the best way he could. "That I can do." he assured, "I could do that in my sleep." Being romantic wasn't an issue for him, by any means. He just knew it could borderline into a materialistic issue and he didn't quite want that. "So, how too much is like.. spoiling someone... with things that equal quality time together. But would take wealth to accomplish?" He had no idea if his question made much sense, but there was a worry behind that front. He nodded, "I believe the feelings are real." How could they not be? He was already doing above and beyond things fo her, and Hazal wasn't the type to fake interest in anyone she wasn't. "Be genuine..." He trailed off, nodding his head slowly. "Right. I could do that in my sleep too." It was just difficult for him as he remembered the kind of relationship he had with his ex fiance. Where the more outrageous, the better.
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“You looked…decent with hair but I don’t know that I can imagine you with hair now,” she told him with a smile before knowing there were a few ways in which she desperately missed his hair. But she could not be mentioning that right now with his mother present. “There you go, what your mom said,” she grinned at him as his mother provided them with a better cover up instead.
She felt him squeeze her hand and smiled happily as he said the few months timeline sounded reasonable to him. The truth was—she wasn’t as afraid of commitment with Axel as she thought she might be. He was someone who was the closest to her, even more so than her siblings and her parents so maybe it wouldn’t be so scary to have him in her life in a more meaningful way.
She loved the idea of bringing pieces of her culture to their Sunday brunches, both with samosas and then even with some sweets to really allow the Hughes family to really understand parts of her life.
By the time his mother moved away, Shivani could not help but near her man before grinning at his responsive words to her suggestion. He was always game for anything to do with her and she loved it. “Just what I love to hear,” she smiled as he kissed her a little deeper which caused her to actually need to catch her breath by the time they broke apart.
Shivani couldn’t deny just how good it felt to have him looking at her like this, the way he was staring at her as if he couldn’t believe she was actually real. It had her smiling even as she stared back up at him even feeling him tuck her hair behind her ear. “I think that goes both ways babe,” she reminded him with a quick kiss to his nose before she pulled back, her hand cupping his slightly stubbly cheek.
“I want to do Christmas with both our families at your place this year…is that okay? And oh—Diwali’s coming up and I know Halloween is on the same day, but will you come the next day and spend some time with me. I want to teach you my little traditions if you’re game?” Of course he got to see some of the things she did during the festival season but sharing all of the home traditions was more meaningful because she hoped to continue them together from this year forward.
Axel watched them both team up against him, shaking his head at their antics. "You both wound me. I looked good with hair," he protested, though secretly pleased to see his mother and Shivani bonding over teasing him.
"The bald look makes you look distinguished," his mother insisted, making him roll his eyes dramatically.
In response to Shivani's proposal of a slow-paced relationship for a couple of months, he gently squeezed her hand. "A few months sounds reasonable," he said, though inside he knew he'd already made up his mind about their future. Eight years of friendship had built a foundation stronger than most relationships. The mention of her cultural traditions caught his attention. His expression softened as she explained about sweetening mouths when joining families. The gesture touched something deep inside him—this merging of their worlds felt right. His mom’s excited planning for Sunday brunches only reinforced that feeling.
When mom stepped away and Shivani leaned in with that suggestive comment about other ways to sweeten their mouths, he grinned. "I'm always game for anything with you," he murmured, meeting her kiss—kissing her more thoroughly.
The past few weeks with her had shown him what he'd been missing all these years. Each small moment—her laughter at his expense, the way she fit so naturally into his family, even her teasing—made him more certain that this was exactly where they belonged. As their lips parted, he studied her face, memorizing every detail. Despite his carefully laid plans for Wilmington, she made him question everything he thought he knew about revenge and moving forward. But those were thoughts for another time. Right now, he just wanted to savor this moment with her. He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and whispered, “You make me happy, you know that? You’re the best thing that could ever happen to me.”
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closed for @sofiafuentes location: fright fest
Shivani hadn’t been planning on working during fright fest this year but when they’d called her last minute to fill in for one of the street performers, she couldn’t help but say yes. She loved performing in any way and while she would enjoy the fest with Axel as well–she figured one day of work would be fun. She was decked out in her costume and as soon as some poor unsuspecting person who just happened to be one of her closest friends, came along, she went into character. “I need to–be set FREEEE..” she stood from the rocking chair she’d kept on the sidewalk and made her way over to them, waiting to see if they’d run screaming or wait for her to say something more. "Sofia my dear....set me freeeeee."
#threads | shivani rao#shivani | sofia | 02#sofiafuentes#event | fright fest#because I feel the need to repurpose this starter so I'm making it known that it's a repurpose
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Truly when Shivani woke up this morning, she hadn’t a clue that she was going to be told that her friend was actually an heiress. That news really did stun her, enough that she might be inclined on googling her later just to better understand the life and the world Kimberly came from. But for now—this woman in front of her had changed and she was still someone that Shivani regarded as a friend. She nodded as the other spoke about being overly independent and how these reminders helped her. “Well—you know you’ve always got me here to remind you,” she replied with a smile before hearing the other speak about her fears which had her honestly feeling bad because she didn’t expect her friend to be feeling this way. “No—I mean you said it’s been a couple years right? If there were repercussions of any type, they’d have happened, don’t you think?” She nodded as Kimberly spoke about being in a better place now that she was here in Wilmington and hoped that it was how it lasted for the other girl.
When she admitted the development in her and Axel’s relationship, the flush on her cheeks was too be expected as the other cooed in her excitement. Sharing things like this with someone she regarded as a friend was so nice and she appreciated Kimberly’s words so much. “Thank you babe, and yes—I’m so happy, he just—he’s always been incredible as a friend and even now, I just—I don’t know how I got so lucky, if I’m being honest,” Shivani admitted these words cautiously as if she’d sound ungrateful because that was truly the last thing she felt. When Kimberly warned about him treating her right, she couldn’t help the soft chuckle before nodding, “you and Ariya both are so quick to threaten…but come on, he’s been my friend for all these years, he’s not going to hurt me.” Shivani said with a laugh, knowing full well that she could easily get over attached to him; even more than she currently was and that he definitely had the potential to break her heart.
“Will do.” replied Kimberly with a gracious smile. The confirmation that she had the support from Shivani was definitely needed as she didn’t feel quite alone in all this. It was truly a blessing to have built a support system in a place she’d never been before. “These reminders help, since sometimes I forget…But I guess being overly independent comes with a price.” she admitted with a sigh. At Shivani’s question, right off the bat she knew the answer, “I guess I have this fear that such good is temporary…I mean, I ran away and who knows if there are or what the repercussions are to what I did…” Pausing, she then tried to find the right words and shrugged in defeat, “I’m not 100% certain with what I want, but I do feel as if I’m in a far better place in life than I was two years ago.”
Nodding in understanding, she sipped on her smoothie and listened attentively as Shivani spoke about her development on her relationship with Axel. “Oh my goodness, an adorable slow burn.” she cooed out in excitement. “Ugh, I love this for you. As long as you’re happy, I support you every step of the way, but alsooooo…” Her voice trailed off as she wagged a finger, “He better treat you right or else…”
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As Shivani continued to stare down at the ring in her hands, she had no idea what it meant. She truly wasn’t sure he’d ever be proposing to her in this way. That wasn’t something he’d do—and not like this. Instead this ring meant something else and yet she couldn’t help but search his gaze to any hint of what it meant. The fact that this was something he’d bought especially for her, along with the countless other ways he spoiler her almost on a daily basis didn’t sit well with her. He treated her like a princess and so often Shivani lay awake at night, unsure of if she truly deserved it or not. How had she gotten this lucky with this man in her life? Why had he fallen into her path the way he did—all those years ago?
When he spoke about wanting to get her something special, she felt him take her hand and released a breath she didn’t know she had been holding onto as he spoke about this being a promise that he’d be in this with her, that he was hers and she found her eyes slightly filling with tears. He was giving her a promise ring. Axel Hughes was promising her that he was hers. How could she not positively melt as he bent down to scratch her adorable dog who was just like her—thriving in his attention. His words had her letting out a soft chuckle as she wiped her tears away, “well even if you hadn’t gotten me this ring, I’d still let you hold my hand.” Shivani told him with a chuckle before feeling him take the box from her hands and pulling the stunning ring from the box. It was seriously blinding in the best way. “Absolutely,” she replied with a soft exhale, her hand in his. “As if the answer could really be anything other than yes,” she added while watching him slide that ring onto her finger. Of course it fit perfectly—this was Axel Hughes, was there anything the man did that wasn’t perfectly immaculate?
Axel’s His heart thundered against his ribs as she kissed him, making him feel like some nervous teenager instead of the successful businessman he was. His composed facade was shattered as she finally found the ring hidden in the bouquet roses. Sweat beaded along his brow. Standing there watching her, he felt more vulnerable than he had in years. The tiny box in her hands held more meaning than just jewelry—it represented him choosing a future different from the dark path he'd been on. God, he needed to get it together. He didn't know why he felt so nervous. It wasn't like he was proposing marriage right this minute. He couldn't even imagine what he would feel like when that day happened. Hopefully not this bad. "I wanted to give you something special," he said, reaching out to take her hand. "A promise that no matter what happens, I'm in this with you. After everything we've been through… you've shown me there's more to life than revenge. You make me want to be better."
He bent down to scratch Rolo behind the ears, buying himself a moment to collect his thoughts. Looking back up at her, he gave a small smile. "Plus, I figured if I got you something shiny, you might let me hold your hand during the haunted house instead of using it to punch the actors." Standing up straight, he took the ring box from her hands and removed the topaz ring. The stone caught the autumn light, sending orange sparkles dancing across their faces. "So, what do you say? Want to wear my promise?" He waited, studying her expression while trying to keep his breathing steady. The moment stretched between them, filled with possibility and the hint of forever. His fingers trembled slightly as he held the ring, ready to slide it onto her finger if she said yes.
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It was still so surreal to tell others about Axel in this way. Not because she didn’t know how others would react or that she didn’t care. But more so because it was still so new and she didn’t know how to even properly articulate it. He was truly her other half in every way even as a friend that now—as someone she was truly with—she felt like he fulfilled her in ways she couldn’t even put into words. “It has been…a whirlwind,” she admitted to Nina with a chuckle before smiling back at the other woman and nodding, glad that she understood Shivani’s fear of being too happy. The question had her chuckling softly because there was so much she could share that she liked about him but at the end of it, it was the fact that he was someone she just knew, someone she could trust and someone she could depend on. “He’s just—we’ve known each other now for about eight, almost nine years so…with him, I know what I’m getting you know? There are no surprises.” At least she prayed there wouldn't be any more surprises after his whole wanting to destroy Wilmington thing. But that thought had to be pushed from her mind, instead she looked back at Nina with a smile. "But what about you? Any fun plans for the holiday season at all? Are you going to be heading to Fright Fest?"
As Shivani mentioned Axel, Nina’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Oh wow, that’s awesome!" It seemed like everyone around her was finding their person or someone promising enough to be that for them. Nina had been so enthralled in her world of ballet that she hardly gave anytime to dating anyone besides a soccer player for two years and a businessman. Both served their purposes, but they weren't anyone she envisioned spending the rest of her life with. "I’m really happy for you! And I totally understand the fear of being too happy...” Reality could quickly humble you at a moment's notice. It was wise to be a bit pragmatic when it came to certain things in life. "So... what is it about him that you like so much?"
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Hazal’s excitement was so infectious that Shivani couldn’t help but smiling widely at the other’s enthusiasm about her relationship. It was so precious to see someone who’d been there through the ups and downs share this happiness with her. “Thank you babe!” She said with a smile before nodding as she spoke about Lincoln. Shivani knew the other man since she’d come to town and while they were friends and fellow doggie parents, she also had gotten the chance to really see him as a person and he was clearly looking so much happier now with Hazal that it made her so excited for the pair of them. “You love him, awww that’s so cute Haz and to think you hated him so much just a few months ago,” she teased happily before letting out a laugh at the barrage of questions. “Oh gosh, I mean—we made it official a few days post the blackout actually, it just kind of happened. He’d gotten hurt and despite not talking to each other…I had to check on him,” she admitted softly before shrugging, “honestly…I don’t think either of us asked each other anything, it was just kind of assumed that we were together now—weird right?”
At Shivani's news, a smile spread across her face, briefly she forgot about her troubles. "That's amazing! I'm so happy for you both!" she squealed, reaching across to squeeze her friend's hand. She was genuinely excited for her friend—finally, some good news! "And you're right about Lincoln," she admitted, fidgeting with her coffee cup. "He's been incredible through all this. I guess I just need to get out of my own head sometimes. I love him. Talk about surprising." She found herself admitting. Deep down, she knew the police were doing their best, especially with everything else happening in Wilmington lately. "Now tell me everything about how it happened with Axel! I want all the details—when did you make it official? Did he ask you? Did you ask him? I need to know." The conversation shift helped ease some of her anxiety. She focused on her friend's happiness, grateful for the distraction from her own situation.
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Shivani couldn’t help but laugh as his mother agreed with her about the bald look suiting him. Somehow it gave him an edge that she couldn’t quite explain. Of course there were some disadvantages of course to not having a head full of hair to grab onto—but she dealt with it.
Of course this thought process was enough to have her cheeks flaming as she made sure to return back to the conversation about having a proper family brunch every Sunday. Including Sasha would be great as it would give the girls some more time to get to know each other even a little better if they were going to be in one another’s life for a long time now—which was certainly the thought Shivani was having now.
She felt his fingers on her palm and couldn’t help the smile before chuckling and nodding at him, because really in some ways eight years was a long time and while they hadn’t been romantic for the last eight years—they knew each other better than so many other couples did and that’s what gave them a boost almost. “I’m not saying I want to date forever or something, just for a few months at least?” She said softly before turning to face Erica as she spoke about eight years of them dancing around one another and chuckling softly. She was right in that sense of course.
“Absolutely! I’d love to bring them and something new as well…a dessert. In our—in my culture, whenever someone becomes part of another family, either officially or even like this—they sweeten their mouths with something tasty so I’ll bring that as well,” she murmured with a happy smile on her face as she glanced back at the man seated next to her. Of course by then Erica was out of sight and earshot which had her leaning into him once more. “I mean—we can always sweeten our mouths another way too if you’re game?” She asked with a raised eyebrow before giving him a laugh and leaning in to kiss him soundly.
"I'm hot as hell and you know it," he said, watching Shivani and his mom share a look. The photo album sat open between them, displaying his younger self with a full head of hair.
His mom snorted, patting Shivani's knee. "She's right, dear. The bald look suits you better."
"Et tu, mother?" He shook his head, pretending to be wounded. The sight of them ganging up on him made him grin despite himself.
When his mom suggested bringing back their old traditions and including Sasha, he noticed Shivani's eyes light up at the idea. The thought of merging their lives like this, having these small moments with family, it meant everything to him.
"Why wait?" he said, responding to Shivani's comment about taking things slow. His fingers traced patterns on her palm as he spoke. "Eight years is long enough, don't you think?"
His mom perked up at this, closing the photo album. "Eight years of you two dancing around each other. I watched you both pretend there was nothing there." She stood up, collecting their empty teacups. "And now you're finally together. My prayers have been answered."
"Mom…" he started, but she cut him off.
"Don't 'mom' me. I get to be excited about this." She pointed at them both. "Now, about those traditions—I'm thinking Sunday brunches. And Shivani, you're required to bring those amazing samosas you made last time."
He studied her face. The idea of building something permanent with her made his chest tight in the best way. Maybe it was too soon to talk about next chapters, but he'd already wasted enough time pretending they were just friends. About damn time he tell her how he truly felt, and if she wasn't ready...well, then he'd slow his roll. Until then, he fully planned on seeing where this could take them.
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Shivani had been dressed in her fall boots with a cute dress and tights underneath to help with the chilly air if it got colder than it was when the doorbell rang. Rolo of course barked instantly in excitement as he made his way there before Shivi could. As she pulled open the door she spotted her favourite face in the world and smiled brightly before leaning in to kiss him before he even said anything. She had missed him. She always missed him. It was truly ridiculous but she couldn’t even complain about it because she loved him so much. She took the bouquet of exquisite red roses from him, about to keep them on the little table in the hallway when something bright stuck out at her. His words about VIP passes evaporated as she pulled the velvet box from the middle of the flowers and kept staring at the brilliant topaz ring nestled inside. “I—Axel, what—“ her face was already smiling because she could not believe he was presenting her with such a stunning ring, just like that? With no words or no preamble…the confession of love had been so filled with conversation and this was so—sudden, but she was just desperate to hear what he was thinking. “What’s going on babe?” she asked softly, Rolo running between them for some attention while the two of them stood facing one another.
closed starter @shivanixrao
location: Outside shivani's place
Damn, his palms were sweaty. Axel removed his hands from the bouquet—one by one—and run it on his pants. Once done, he rocked back and forth on her doorway, holding the bouquet of red roses like they held the meaning of life. An opened small velvet box holding the topaz ring sat right in the middle, practically screaming for attention. The autumn breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and pumpkin spice from the neighbor's house. He smoothed his shirt, and jabbed the doorbell before he chickened out.
"This is ridiculous," he mumbled, fixing the flowers again. The promise ring had been burning a hole in his pocket for weeks now. After everything they'd been through—her discovering his plans, their long talks, and finally reaching an understanding—Axel knew this was the right step. Not marriage, not yet, but a promise for their future. He heard footsteps inside and stood up straighter. When the door opened, she knocked the air right out of him. Of course, she was gorgeous. He handed her the bouquet, watching her face like a hawk for any sign she spotted the ring hiding in the roses. "Ready for some haunted houses?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady while his stomach did somersaults. "I got us VIP passes to skip the lines."
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closed for @junebughastings location: fright fest
Shivani hadn't been planning on working during fright fest this year but when they'd called her last minute to fill in for one of the street performers, she couldn't help but say yes. She loved performing in any way and while she would enjoy the fest with Axel as well--she figured one day of work would be fun. She was decked out in her costume and as soon as some poor unsuspecting person came along, she went into character. "I need to--be set FREEEE.." she stood from the rocking chair she'd kept on the sidewalk and made her way over to them, waiting to see if they'd run screaming or wait for her to say something more.
#threads | shivani rao#shivani | june | 01#junebughastings#event | fright fest#( lmk if this works bb! )#( idk what this is but pls take it lol )
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closed for @alcrayildiz location: alara's home during fright fest
Shivani had thought Alara had perhaps forgotten about making her a halloween costume and yet when the other had called her over to come see it, Shivani had been blown away. She hadn't expected her friend to do something so caring and sweet for her but was there quickly and currently waiting for the other to bring it out. "Hurry, I'm way too impatient for your own good Alara...let me see what you did!" She was so lucky really to have a friend like Alara in her life and would never tire from saying it over and over. "And then tell me what you're dressing up in as well because c'mon..I'm not that selfish that I only came over for my costume."
#threads | shivani rao#shivani | alara | 02#alcrayildiz#event | fright fest#( lmk if this works bb! )
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“It wasn’t the blind game, I think…we were both just very wary of ruining the friendship we have. If I lost him as a friend…” Shivani shook her head, not even wanting to think about the way her life would go if that happened. Sure they were only dating now and she knew there was a chance for anything to happen in the future but she was going to force herself to not think negatively. It was good to be able to share all this with Ariya and see her friend’s growth as well from the first time they’d spoken about her rendezvous with Pearce to now. “Hey—don’t do that, like you said—if he accepts you for who you are and you do the same with him, that means something Ari…this is something really special, I can see it in your eyes,” she reassured her friend before chuckling at her words and shaking her head. “You and your need to insert a witty comment,” she rolled her eyes at her once more before shaking her head. “He didn’t need to grovel really, and nah—I think that moment was just so emotionally charged for both of us that post the ‘i love yous’ we weren’t really thinking about adding labels and such,” she told her friend before nodding at her and sighing, “believe me—it was somewhat painful for me too, especially since now I understand better why it just never worked with anyone else. He just—understands me in a way I can’t explain.”
Listening to Shivi talk about making up with Axel had her smiling. Truly, she was happy for them both. “You both really were playing the blind game. It’s wild!” Not that she was any better. After she slept with Pearce, she really thought he was going to tell her that he wanted to be friends. Surprise… Surprise… She sipped on some iced tea. Talking to her friend made her think about her own love life. Who’d have guessed she’d end up here? In a real relationship, saying ‘I love you’ and meaning it? Weird. “I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. For him to realize I’m not as put together as I pretend to be. But he just... accepts me. Flaws and all. He probably has been dropped one too many times as a child. That’s all I got.” She chuckled, clearly joking. “ A brow arched, “So, no groveling? No dramatic ‘be my girlfriend’ speech? I’m a little disappointed. I was hoping for some prime entertainment,” she joked, her eyes bright. “But seriously, I’m glad you two finally sorted things out. It was getting painful watching you dance around each other.”
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She honestly didn’t think anything had really changed between Kimberly and herself with this big revelation. If anything, it was more of a tidbit to keep in the back of her mind as something to note about her friend but it didn’t define her in any way. “Of course it counts and please Kimmie, if you ever just—need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out.” She knew the other had other friends and could easily go to them but she still wanted to remind her that she could be there for her too. “Just know that you’re allowed to take your own time to figure this out and see how things go…please know that.”
“I think it will, is there any reason you think it won’t?” Given the life Shivani had led till now she couldn’t think of a reason why the other was apprehensive and it made her curious of course but still she couldn’t help but smile at her friend and nod. “I feel the exact same way babe,” she told her with a happy smile before divulging her news. The reaction from Kimberly had her gushing just as much before she hugged her back and let out a soft laugh, “well you know we’ve been friends for ages and I guess we’ve always had something there but both of us were just too chicken to really do anything about it,” she admitted before continuing, “but since the blackout really…I went to go see him after he got a little hurt, and we’ve just been more open and honest and that’s led us here.”
“Thank you so much Shivi.” Kimberly was grateful to have had this conversation and see the outcome working out for the both of them. She also came to learn the importance of her new found friendships and how much she valued the time and effort they had put into it. “I know…” she replied in a soft tone. “It’s a work in progress I guess…I mean, as long as I don’t give up it counts for something right?” She then paused and smiled at a thought that crossed her mind, “Plus I have a wonderful support system that is looking out and keeping me in check.”
Most people wouldn’t be as receptive as Shivani, especially when money is involved and considered a privilege and luxury. While she agreed with the saying that it does buy happiness, she would like to add a disclaimer to it that it always comes with a price. She’d seen it all and paid her dues that she decided to take matters into her own hands hence why she chose to move and live here. “I appreciate your understanding as always. I just hope this works out in the end…And if anything, I’m glad I got to cross paths with you and got to know you.” As Shivani spoke about how she was doing, Kimmie’s features lit up with content and excitement as she found out about her relationship status. “Awww babe!! Congratulations, I’m so happy for you!!” She couldn’t help but hug the dancer before pulling away and asking, “Spill the deets! How long has this been?”
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It made her curious to know what that even looked like because she wondered if she’d missed it entirely herself or if somewhere she did the same with him when she was in her ‘crushing’ phase. It was nice to hear this from Amos though because it gave her an insight she may not have ever had otherwise. “Thanks Amos,” she smiled before letting out a soft laugh. “I guess that’s just the kind of thing I gravitate towards, being friends with someone before getting involved so I know what I’m essentially signing myself up for,” she chuckled, referencing to the relationship that had existed between them. But while she’d cared deeply for Amos, this bond that they’d created now—one of pure friendship was definitely more meaningful to her and she appreciated it more than she could admit.
Listening to him speak about how he felt now that he was a father was honestly so sweet. She had met with Celeste before and now that she knew the two were related, she could easily see some of her traits being similar to Amos as well and it was truly heartwarming in the best way. “I love that so much Amos, and c’mon—she’s so young I’m sure you have all the time in the world to make sure she’ll be happy and truly just—be the best version of herself that she could be.” Kids had always made Shivi happy and feel all fuzzy inside, a feeling that she hadn’t really ever been able to articulate into words. “Somewhere being a dad—just suits you, you know what I mean? I haven’t seen the two of you together of course, but there are these subtle little changes in your behaviour that just—show and it’s really nice to be able to witness.”
"Nah, it's not like that. But a man looks at a woman a certain way, where you can just tell he cares about her as more than just a friend. He stands up straighter, he watches her. It's not about letting other men she's unavailable, it's about her noticing him." Amos said with a small shrug. Such a thing worked for same sex relationships. When he was married, Amos had been happy. Happier than he ever thought he would be and then things just...fizzled out. A part of him always wondered if he would ever find that same feeling again. "I think if you both put in the work, it'll work, Shivi." He said easily, not wanting her to overthink her new relationship. Amos had never been friends with someone and then fell for them, he wondered how that was; how intricate it was to move into a relationship after being close for so long. No one that knew him that well had ever stayed, so it was a foreign concept to him. "It's been okay. I like being a dad, you know? It's strange but it's something that makes me really happy. Sometimes I look at her and I see so much of myself in her, it's scary. I want her to be better than I am. To be truly happy, you know?"
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It was encouraging for Shivani to see how dedicated of an instructor Nina was. She truly thrived in this environment and Shivi could see how much it meant to her to have students who truly enjoyed the classes. “You’re doing an amazing job,” Shivani told her with reassurance, hoping the other knew what an irreplaceable facet she was to the studio. As the other spoke about what was going on now in her life she found herself nodding along and resonating with it even if she didn’t come right out and say it. Shivani too had been almost thrown for a loss when her accident had occurred but finding the studio truly had saved her in a lot of ways. “I understand that,” she nodded with a smile before reaching over and squeezing the other’s hand. “Just take your time, you will figure it out of course..” Shivani smiled when the other tossed the conversation back in her direction before shrugging. “I’ve been doing okay—of course the current happenings around the city are a little unnerving but I’m trying to focus on the good things like…I’m not sure if you’ve noticed him popping around the place a bit more, but Axel and I finally got together after dancing around each other for years,” she said with a laugh before shrugging. “I’m happy but almost—afraid to be too happy, you know?”
Nina beamed at Shivani, her heart warmed by the enthusiasm radiating from the studio owner. The energy in the dance studio was palpable, with the rhythmic sound of young dancers practicing in the background. When Shivani mentioned the feedback from the students, Nina felt a wave of relief. “That’s so encouraging to hear! I’ve been trying to create a positive atmosphere in my classes, and knowing that the kids enjoy it means everything to me.” She took a sip from her own water bottle, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Shiv.
Nina shifted her focus as she thought for a moment. "Hmm...I guess I'm just trying to figure out what I want to do with my life now." Dance had practically been her entire world and now that she was no longer dancing in that capacity, the former prima didn't know what next steps were. "Family is family." More complicated than anything else. There were a lot of dynamics she had been far removed from living in France. Culture and community shock was an understatement. "I’d love to hear how you’ve been doing amidst all the hustle.”
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“A bit slow? I was pretty much crushing on you from the moment you’d saved me from that guy’s wrath at the coffee shop,” Shivani told him with a chuckle before shaking her head. “Maybe I have a bit of a saviour complex.” But of course the words from his mother had her chuckling out loud and she couldn’t help but smile at the way they both spoke with one another.
That was definitely something she missed by being far from her own family. Her mother and her had a somewhat similar relationship but when they spent too much time together, some of those feelings of anger did surface so this was for the best—for her to visit periodically instead.
Shivani scoffed at his question before attempting to flex her barely there biceps, “I can try okay—you’re strong but dance made me strong too,” she grinned at him before nodding. That was truly what she was looking forward to the most, hearing this embarrassing childhood stories of Axel.
When she told her that she could call her Erica, Shivani nodded—knowing that it would be too difficult for her to be able to do that. She’d been raised in an Indian household where any adult older than you was either called by Mrs. or Ms. or by adding Aunty to their name. “I’ll try but…it’ll be a bit hard for me,” she admitted with a smile.
When Axel spoke about reviving some of their old traditions, she found herself eager with the idea. “I love that—we can have Sash join as well and make it a proper affair,” she grinned at them both before hearing his words and letting out a laugh before she shook her head, feeling her cheeks growing pink, “oh yeah? You already thinking about that next chapter? We’ve barely begun dating…” But the truth was—they’d known each other for eight years and at this point there was probably nothing that would be a surprise to either of them. So was it rushing things—not really.
Axel caught the eye roll, and pursed his lips to stop himself from smiling. Obviously, he'd been the dense one here for not realizing he hadn't been the only one pining.
"Hey, don’t give me that look. I’m smart, but when it comes to feelings, I’m a bit slow.” There was no point in sugarcoating that.
“Can’t say I disagree there,” mom interjected and if he wasn’t afraid she would smack him, he’d have rolled his eyes, but he knew better.
His gaze softened as he watched Shivi interact with his mom. It felt good seeing them together like this. They were always comfortable and at ease with each other. But now things were different. He and Shivi were dating. When his girlfriend mentioned dragging him over if needed, he chuckled.
"As if you'd have to drag me. And are you even strong enough to do that?” He teased, “I'm always up for visiting Mom, especially if it means embarrassing childhood stories for you to hear."
He peered at his mom, noting how her eyes lit up at the prospect of more visits. Guilt gnawed at him—he should have been around more often. No use in regrets now. He’d just do better now.
“You’re going to get sick of seeing us, I can promise you that.”
Mom waved a hand at him. "I think I can handle it. It'll be nice to have some life in this old house again.” She turned to Shivi, “You don’t have to keep calling me Mrs. Hughes, darling. Erica will do.”
"Maybe we can even revive some old traditions," he suggested. "Like our Sunday brunches? What do you think, babe?" He turned to Shivani, curious about her thoughts. They were in uncharted territory, mixing their lives like this. "And Mom," he added with a smile, "don't worry. I’ll marry her first before we have babies. One day, she’ll call you mom instead of Mrs. Hughes.”
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