Shattered Chains

18.0

"To truly understand ourselves, we must navigate the labyrinth of our emotions, embracing both the light and the shadows."

~ Unknown

─── ⋅ ∙ ∘ ☽ ༓ ☾ ∘ ⋅ ⋅ ───

As the boys entered the bustling mall, they found themselves surrounded by a sea of shoppers, each store boasting its own array of tempting offerings. Haya, Tara and Jasmine eagerly involved in the shopping experience, scanning racks of clothes and shelves of accessories with enthusiasm. However, one person stood apart from the group—Amira.

Amira, lost in her own thoughts, trailed behind the others as they moved from one store to another. The boys noticed her reluctance to participate in the shopping spree. Raiyyan couldn't resist making a teasing remark, "Amira, aren't you interested in anything? This mall has everything you could think of."

"We told her. She isn't even seeing anything!" Haya scoffed. Amira managed a faint smile but remained silent, her eyes wandering aimlessly across the vibrant displays. Ali observed her from a distance, sensing a discomfort that transcended the usual shopping aversion.

Samad, noticing Amira's disengagement, approached her with a warm smile. "Amira, come on! Let's find something nice for you. You can't be left out. You're the one who actually needs new dresses."

"I'm okay, really. I don't need anything," Amira replied, trying to deflect their attention.

Zain, ever perceptive, studied Amira's demeanor and gently prodded, "Amira, are you sure? There's no harm in treating yourself."

"But I do not need anything!"

"Zain, leave her. She's not gonna pick anything. We asked her 10 times or more already," Tara said. She had a handful of dresses.

"Exactly. So we're only picking for her. And Amira dare you deny. Try these on!" Jasmine joined before any of the boys said anything. Amira nodded lightly, knowing arguing would be a waste. Ali was a silent observant. The boys joined in with the girls. Ali and Amira were the only ones not looking. Raiyyan felt like breaking Ali's head after seeing this. The girls took over 4 cabins and tried all on. Haya, Tara and Jasmine showed it to their husbands, while Amira was wearing it for herself.

"Ali, don't you wanna check if Amira needs any help?" Samad reminded him after she did not come for 15 minutes. Ali sighed and stood up, when she came outside with the pile of dresses.

"Found some?" Ali asked her while she nodded no.

"I don't need any. Really," Amira said while keeping them. Ali looked at her.

"Bhai and Bhabhi threw all your old dresses. So quietly pick some or I will!" Ali warned her. Raiyyan palmed his face while Amira nodded lightly. She kept a few dresses. Ali saw that she picked the simple ones, who were cheaper. He took them and kept all of them aside. Amira sighed, thinking he's not taking them. Insisted, he took her arm and went away.

He saw that the girls had already picked almost all kinds of dresses. He took a few more. As Ali observed the selection made for her, he decided to add a touch of vibrancy to her choices. He made his way towards the saree section.

"I can't try on so many dresses. I don't need so many either," Amira, sensing his intentions, attempted to dissuade him, but Ali was determined to bring a burst of colors into her wardrobe. "You won't need to try them either."

Ignoring Amira's protests, Ali started picking sarees in every shade imaginable—vibrant reds, soothing blues, elegant greens, and everything in between. The pile of sarees grew, and Amira found herself caught between laughter and disbelief. The others, watching the spectacle unfold, couldn't help but chuckle at Ali's deed.