• Second Chances •

37. Stay

"Hey, Bri!" Priya warmly greeted Brinda.

"Hey, Pri!" Brinda got up and hugged Priya. "We all were waiting for you only to come back from the institute. Actually, there is a fashion exhibition that we have been invited to. We all are going. Join us. Please."

Priya glanced back and saw all the Kapoor ladies sitting on the couch. They all were regally dressed. She was aware of how out of the place she would look in such a setting. But Brinda looked expectant. And then, if Ram could try and fit in with her family, it was only befitting that she tried to do the same.

"Yes, Priya. Join us!" smiled Nandini gracefully. "Let's shop for you too."

Priya nodded and gave in. "Okay."

The fashion exhibition turned out to be exactly how Priya had imagined it as. It felt pretentious, very extravagant and too much. Priya knew that she was embarrassingly underdressed. Even the employees and attendants were far more dressed and better turned out than her. But she glanced at Brinda. She didn't care. Priya saw no shame on her face as they scanned the stalls together.

Neither did she see any emotion on Nandini or Shivina's faces. They were so engrossed in their own shopping that Priya didn't exist for them at all. It was fine with Priya. She didn't like the limelight anyway.

Watching Brinda look at a few exorbitantly priced clothes, Priya told her that she was going to walk around a little. Brinda nodded and encouraged her to go and take a look.

As Priya strolled, her eyes stopped at a stall that was housing various bags and wallets. She didn't know why but she felt like she could find something for Ram there. She entered the stall and was warmly greeted by an elderly gentleman. He politely asked her what she wanted to see.

"Maybe wallets?" Priya said doubtfully.

"Not a problem, Ma'am!" replied the man and then proceeded to patiently lay out all the wallets he had.

After a few minutes, Priya ended up liking a decently priced wallet. It was stylish and would go well with Ram's vibrant personality. It was still priced at twenty-two thousand but she was willing to make that big purchase for Ram.

"I like this one..." Priya mumbled. "Can I pay with a debit card?"

The man nodded. "Of course, you can."

Smiling, Priya handed him the card. He took it graciously and set it aside. "Excellent choice. Let me pack this wallet for you first. But before that, I will engrave initials for you. It's on the house."

"Oh..." Priya mouthed.

"So what should I engrave?" asked the man.

"Uhm, can you write RK?" offered Priya.

The man's eyes went wide in surprise. He jumped, "RK? RK as in Ram Kapoor or Rohit Khilnani?"

Priya smiled. Of course, everyone knew her husband. Looking at him, she answered, "Ram Kapoor."

"Oh heavens. You are his wife?" he questioned again.

"Yes..." Priya replied softly. "I am."

"Oh, my my my!" the man crooned. "Beautiful! Ram is our regular customer. He is a kind soul. I am so happy that he found someone equally beautiful. I always wished for him to get married to a good girl. He deserves happiness. I can't believe this! I cannot tell you how happy you have made me."

Suddenly feeling a little awkward by the praise, Priya shifted on her feet and mumbled a quick thank you. But the man then clapped lightly and began to take out a few purses.