Ravaging Bonds✔️

C H A P T E R 11

Vivaan and Simran wandered through the bustling mall for over an hour, weaving between vibrant storefronts. The colorful lights reflected off the glass displays, creating an atmosphere of excitement around them. As they walked, Vivaan kept stealing glances at Simran, noticing her admiring various items without saying much. Finally, as they passed by a luxurious boutique, he turned to her with a warm smile.

"Simran, do you want anything? We've been window shopping for a while. Let me get something for you."

Simran, ever polite and thoughtful, hesitated and shook her head, her eyes darting away from his. "No, bhaiya, it's fine. I'm happy just looking. Let's not buy anything. Window shopping is enough."

Vivaan narrowed his eyes playfully, reading the small tug of discomfort behind her smile. He knew she was holding back. "Window shopping isn't fun unless you actually get something," he said with a gentle but teasing tone. "Come on, don't hesitate. Let me do something for you today."

Simran smiled at the affection in his words but still protested. "Really, Bhaiya, it's okay." Her voice trailed off as something caught her attention.

Her eyes landed on a stunning dress displayed in the shop window. It was a pastel color dress more like a frock. It looked elegant and damn gorgeous. But the moment her gaze shifted to the price tag, her heart sank. She knew it was too expensive.

Vivaan noticed the fleeting look of longing in her eyes. Without another word, and despite her weak protests, he grabbed her hand gently but firmly, guiding her towards the shop.

"Bhaiya, no!" Simran squeaked in protest, but Vivaan just chuckled, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I saw you looking at that dress. Don't even try to deny it." His voice was soft but unwavering. "You deserve it, and I want to get it for you."

Simran's cheeks flushed with a mix of embarrassment and gratitude, but she knew there was no arguing with him now. They entered the store, and within minutes, the shop assistant had the dress packed and ready.

Simran's lips quivered into a smile, and she softly muttered, "Thank you, Bhaiya." Her voice was filled with sincerity, and Vivaan reached over, gently patting her head like a caring older brother.

"You're welcome, kiddo," he teased, ruffling her hair affectionately before pulling his hand away with a fond smile.

Afterward, they strolled to the ice cream parlor, where Vivaan insisted on treating her to her favorite flavor, chocolate. As they both held their cones, walking side by side through the park outside the mall, the air was calm, and the sun had begun to dip behind the trees, casting a golden glow on their path.

When Simran slowed down, savoring the last bits of her ice cream, Vivaan noticed a bit of it had smudged on her chin. With a chuckle, he reached out, wiping it away gently with his thumb.

"You're such a kid sometimes," he said, but the affection in his tone was unmistakable. Simran laughed softly, feeling cared for in a way only Vivaan could provide.

As they continued walking, Vivaan looked down at her, his expression softening even more. "Aryan is not that bad." Simran was startled by the sudden declaration. She looked at him and found him looking at distant.

"I know." Simran softly muttered. Although she doesn't knows what Aryan is capable of but till now he has only shown streaks of his madness not enough to hurt her physically at least.

"He is closed off. He doesn't expresses much to me or ayansh. The only person he expresses to is siya. Even arushi bickers with him. He was not pampered. Like we tried to pamper him but he declined every form of affections from us. He only smiled fully in front of siya." Vivaan paused a bit and looked at her. "But these days I have noticed those small smiles of him when he is around you. He seems a bit happy and expressive."