A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Shopping

A week had crawled by since Kanika's unwelcome arrival at the Oberoi mansion.  Pinky's announcement that Kanika would be staying for ten days to "bond" with the family had been met with stunned silence.  Unable to voice their disapproval in light of Shivay's reluctant acceptance, the family had attempted, halfheartedly, to welcome Kanika.

Efforts to integrate Kanika had proven futile. Jahanvi's attempt at a bonding session had resulted in a near-hangover, courtesy of Kanika's "special" drink. Dadi's stories went in one ear and out the other, met with only polite but vacant stares. Even Rudra's playful invitation to join a cooking session was met with a dismissive scoff about such tasks being beneath her.

Despite the palpable tension, Kanika put on a show for Pinky. She busied herself with activities that gave the illusion of effort, but the charade was as transparent as tissue paper. Shivay, adhering to his promise, started returning home earlier. However, his presence was a mere formality – physically there, mentally miles away.

Despite the whirlwind of event planning, news from the Oberoi mansion trickled through to Annika. Rudra, ever the gossip, had messaged her about Pinky's decision to have Kanika stay for ten days. Annika, ever the diplomat, had advised him to try and bond with Kanika.

Annika had recently convinced herself that she and Shivay were simply friends, nothing more. With that logic, staying away from the mansion while Kanika resided there seemed like the most sensible option. It would allow Shivay the chance to focus on his soon-to-be wife.

However, a nagging jealousy, an unwelcome guest, had begun to worm its way into Annika's thoughts. She couldn't explain the sharp pang that accompanied the image of Shivay and Kanika spending time together. Pushing aside these confusing emotions, Annika decided to focus on what she could control – her event planning.

It was the penultimate day of Kanika's stay at the Oberoi mansion. Despite valiant efforts from the family, bonding with Kanika proved impossible. However, they all maintained a facade of acceptance in front of Pinky, hoping to deter her from similar pronouncements in the future.

Shivay returned home to find his mother and Kanika in the living room. As had become a routine in the past few days, Kanika reached for his bag the moment he entered. The first time she'd done this to impress Pinky, Shivay was taken aback and refused. But seeing Pinky silently endorsing the gesture the next day, he'd reluctantly surrendered his bag. Since then, he'd resigned himself to this daily ritual.

"Shivay," Pinky called out, snapping him out of his phone-induced daze. "I heard tomorrow's the Shekhawats' wedding anniversary."

Shivay offered a curt nod in response.

"Why don't you take a leave tomorrow and take Kanika shopping? It's her last day here, after all."

Shivay bristled. "Mom, why does she need me? She can shop by herself. And what does that have to do with the Shekawats'  anniversary?"

Pinky's smile faltered slightly. "Well, you and Kanika are going to the party together, as a couple. You should wear matching outfits."

Shivay's jaw clenched, but he held back a retort. "Fine," he muttered, retreating to his room. "Just one more day," he muttered to himself. "Just one more day of Kanika." The thought was the only solace he could find.

The next day, resigned to his fate, Shivay took Kanika to the mall to pick out outfits for the Shekhawats' party. He'd offered her a blank check, a desperate attempt to appease his mother and shorten the shopping trip. Kanika, her ego inflated by his surrender, saw an opportunity to indulge. Designer labels and a mountain of shopping bags became her mission, each purchase a declaration of her supposed victory.

Shivay, adrift in a sea of sequins and stilettos, found himself drawn to a mannequin showcasing a stunning maxi dress with a daring slit. He couldn't help but picture Annika twirling in it, the fabric cascading around her.

Suddenly, Kanika's voice shattered his reverie. "Shivay, I found the perfect matching outfit for us!" she declared.

Shivay offered a curt nod, his mind still lingering on the dream of Annika in the dress. As they reached the counter, Shivay was taken aback by the mountain of shopping bags piled high. Without a word, he paid the hefty bill.

Back at the mansion, Shivay retrieved his clothes from the servant who carried in their numerous shopping bags. He simply instructed Kanika to be ready by seven, the weight of the day leaving him with little to say.

Kanika wasted no time upon reaching her room. Her first order of business was to flaunt her shopping spree on social media, uploading a picture of the overflowing shopping bags with the caption "My fiancé spoiling me!"  Next, she contacted a renowned makeup artist, requesting their services at the Oberoi mansion.

An hour later, the makeup artist and their team arrived, transforming Kanika into what they envisioned as the party's showstopper. However, Kanika had a change of heart. Initially, she'd intended to wear the matching outfit she'd picked out with Shivay. But now, she craved something bolder. Discarding the decent matching outfit, she opted for a daring red dress that clashed spectacularly with Shivay's blue tuxedo. As a feeble attempt to salvage a semblance of coordination, she added a blue belt.

At precisely 7 pm, Shivay reached the living room, ready to depart. While waiting for Kanika, Om and Rudra, surprisingly dressed for the party, arrived.

"Om, Rudra, you're coming along too?" Shivay inquired, surprised.

"Absolutely, Bhaiya," Rudra chirped. "The invitation was for the whole family, after all. Plus, it's my cheat day, so you know I'm going to feast! And," he added with a mischievous grin, "I'm also looking forward to meeting someone."

Shivay's eyebrows shot up, and he exchanged a questioning glance with Om.

"Don't look at me," Om replied defensively, raising his hands in mock surrender. "He guilt-tripped me into joining him, and I had no choice but to oblige."

Just then, Kanika entered the room, striking a pose and asking, "Shivay, how do I look?"

Shivay offered a terse "Nice," eager to get the evening over with. "Let's go. Om and Rudra, feel free to join us. No need for separate cars."

Kanika's jaw dropped. She'd envisioned spending quality time alone with Shivay, but her plans were dashed by the unexpected presence of Om and Rudra. With a silent grumble and a hurried pace, she followed them out, fearing they'd leave her behind if she dawdled.