A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Annika and Kanika went to shopping

It was a whirlwind week for Annika. Kanika, with seemingly endless nitpicks, had managed to stall every decision. Colors were wrong, flowers weren't perfect, even the food samples faced scrutiny over the most minor details. The constant back-and-forth often left Annika burning the midnight oil to catch up. While the delays were frustrating, they did offer a silver lining - Annika and Shivay hadn't crossed paths. This unintentional distance helped her push down the tide of emotions she felt for him.

Meanwhile, Shivay had retreated behind a wall of overtime. He spent nights in his office cabin, seeking solace in work and avoiding his home. The only times he ventured back were for quick breakfasts and freshening up, just enough to appease his family who wouldn't understand his self-imposed exile. Their unspoken agreement to avoid each other was a fragile peace, but for now, it was all they had.

The engagement loomed just a week away, and Annika had reached her limit. Kanika's relentless nitpicking had stalled progress on every detail. Annika made a decision: if Kanika couldn't finalize things today, Annika would take charge.

As Annika entered the Oberoi mansion, Kanika was already there, playing the part of the eager bride-to-be. In a calculated, loud voice intended for Annika's ears, Kanika lamented to Pinky, "Pinky Mom, if we'd hired a professional planner, everything would be done by now. It's not that Annika isn't capable, but her choices just haven't been up to par."

Pinky, blissfully unaware of Annika's arrival, sighed. "What can I do, beta? No one listens to me in this house. Annika was Dadi's choice, and we couldn't refuse."

"Annika, you're here!" Kanika chirped, surprised.

Pinky jumped, realizing Annika had overheard everything. Annika offered a tight smile, refusing to give Kanika the satisfaction of a reaction. Kanika, clearly aiming to provoke Annika, continued, "You're right, Pinky Mom. Maybe a professional..."

Annika cut her off, her voice steady. "Pinky Aunty, if you don't mind, I have an idea. Since Kanika seems dissatisfied with the samples, why don't I take her directly to the shops? She can choose everything herself, including the vendor. That way, we can finalize everything today and get started on the decorations. Time is of the essence, after all."

Kanika's face drained of color. Finding fault with samples delivered to the mansion was a cakewalk compared to navigating through shops and making decisions. Glancing at Pinky for help, she found none.

"Kanika, Annika's right," Pinky agreed. "Go with her, dear, so we can get things moving."

A triumphant smirk played on Annika's lips as Kanika saw it. "Let's go," Annika said, gesturing towards the door.

To Kanika's further horror, Annika suggested a scooter ride. Cars meant traffic, Annika explained, while a scooter could navigate narrow streets and avoid congestion. Kanika, fuming but unable to protest, climbed onto the back of the scooter. The ride ahead promised to be a delightful payback for Annika's troubles.

The roar of the scooter engine echoed through the bustling streets as Annika weaved through traffic, a determined glint in her eyes. Kanika clung to her back, her designer outfit a stark contrast to the dusty breeze whipping at her face. Every bump in the road sent a jolt through Kanika, a fitting metaphor for the bumpy ride Annika had planned.

Their first stop was a bustling flower market, overflowing with vibrant blooms. Kanika, overwhelmed by the sheer variety, hesitated. Every suggestion she made was met with a polite, "Hmm, interesting choice, but have you considered these lilies? They symbolize…" – and Annika would launch into a detailed explanation about flower meanings, subtly steering Kanika towards less expensive options.

Next came the decorator's haven. Spools of fabric, countless lighting fixtures, and an array of furniture designs bombarded Kanika's senses. Here, Annika employed the "paralysis by analysis" tactic. She presented Kanika with a dizzying array of choices, each with its own pros and cons, effectively drowning out any specific requests Kanika might have had.

Lunch was a strategic affair. Annika, knowing Kanika's penchant for fancy restaurants, suggested a small, hole-in-the-wall joint known for its delicious (and inexpensive) street food. Kanika, wrinkling her nose at the plastic chairs and lack of air conditioning, barely touched her meal. Annika, on the other hand, savored every bite, inwardly celebrating her culinary revenge.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the city, they reached the final stop - a local bakery known for its delectable treats. Kanika, famished and frazzled, perked up at the promise of pastries. Annika, however, had a different plan in mind. She presented Kanika with a selection of bite-sized appetizers and finger foods, perfect for a small gathering like the engagement Shivay insisted on. Kanika, picturing a lavish buffet with towering cakes, balked at the idea.

"But these are so… ordinary," Kanika protested, her voice weak with fatigue.

Annika's smile widened. "Exactly, Kanika. It's an intimate engagement, remember? Besides, with all this customization, you can't possibly complain about the quality."

Exhausted and defeated, Kanika slumped back on the scooter ride home. The once vibrant city streets now blurred into a monotonous landscape. Back at the mansion,  Kanika, stiff and sore from the scooter ride and decision fatigue, stumbled out, muttering about needing a long soak in the bathtub.

Annika, a satisfied smirk plastered on her face, entered the house. Pinky greeted her with a worried expression. "Annika why is Kanika looking like she's about to faint? Why were you so late. You both went in the morning and now are returning in late evening?

Annika, feigning innocence, explained their marathon shopping trip. "We finally finalized everything, Pinky Aunty. But it took longer than expected because Kanika has a very specific taste. Annika then presented a detailed plan based on the "selections" Kanika had made throughout the day. Pinky, relieved to have a finalized plan, readily approved.

As Annika walked out, a satisfied smile played on her lips. The week of "shopping sprees" had not only been a whirlwind for Kanika but had also ensured the engagement would be a low-key affair, a far cry from the grand spectacle Kanika desired.

Back in her own apartment, Annika allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. Kanika had gotten a taste of the effort that went into event planning, a far cry from the comfortable critiques she'd delivered at the mansion. It was a small victory, but for Annika, it was a delicious payback for weeks of frustration.

Over the next few days, Annika orchestrated a whirlwind of activity, transforming the mansion into a tasteful and elegant space for the engagement. Kanika, drained from the shopping spree and resigned to her fate, offered no further objections.