A Symphony Of Silence And Storm

Rings that caught eye

Annika's wandering gaze landed on a pair of rings nestled within a velvet-lined display case. Unlike the more traditional designs surrounding them, these rings held a captivating simplicity. They weren't adorned with extravagant gemstones, but rather possessed a subtle elegance that drew her in.

Intrigued, she  approached the display. A gentle smile curved her lips as she examined the rings in detail. "Excuse me," Annika began, her voice soft yet laced with a hint of curiosity, "could I see those rings on display over there?"

The staff member's smile widened as she readily retrieved the velvet box containing the captivating pair. "Absolutely, ma'am. Excellent choice," she complimented, her gaze flitting between Annika and the rings. "These are quite unique."

She continues" This stunning set symbolizes the everlasting bond between the sun and the moon. The larger ring, crafted from polished platinum, features a band intricately detailed with swirling sun rays. A single, fiery diamond, reminiscent of the sun's brilliance, sits proudly at its center."

She carefully placed the ring in Annika's hand. "The smaller ring," she continued, "is crafted from shimmering white gold, its band adorned with delicate crescent moons and tiny twinkling diamonds. It represents the moon's ethereal beauty, forever linked to the sun."

Annika turned the rings over in her hand, mesmerized by the intricate details. The symbolism was undeniable: the sun, strong and vibrant, representing the man, and the moon, serene and ethereal, representing the woman. Together, they formed a harmonious balance, a captivating dance of light and dark and whispered of a love that complemented and balanced each other.

Intrigued, Annika turned the box over, searching for any identifying inscriptions. There, etched onto the underside, was a simple yet evocative phrase: "Sun and Moon, Forever Bound."

Shivay's gaze darted towards Annika as he noticed her lingering by a particular display. "Annika, let's go," he called out, his voice laced with impatience.

Annika, captivated by the beauty of the "Sun and Moon" rings, barely registered his words. Leaning in towards the staff member, she whispered, "I have to go now, but I'll be back to buy them. Please keep them safe for me until then." With a lingering look, she reluctantly returned the rings to the box.

As Annika and Shivay exited the store, Ramesh Kaka, inquired about Annika's words. The saleswoman, relayed Annika's promise to return. Ramesh Kaka scoffed. "A mere event planner? She couldn't afford a single thing in this shop, let alone that ring. No need to hold it for her. Sell it to the next interested customer."

The saleswoman nodded, her earlier enthusiasm replaced by disdain. "Why waste time with someone who can't afford it?" she muttered, placing the rings back on display.

Outside, a tense debate unfolded between Shivay and Annika. Annika insisted on going alone, arguing that she could handle the jewelry. Shivay, concerned about her safety with such valuables, countered that he'd take her home.

"No one knows about the jewelry except us and the shop staff," Annika countered. "Besides, it's well-hidden in this bag – it doesn't look expensive from the outside."

Their bickering reached a stalemate. In a bid to settle the dispute, Annika suggested flipping a coin. Heads, Shivay drops her off. Tails, she takes a cab. Shivay watched with bated breath as Annika tossed the coin. To his dismay, it landed on tails.

"One more time!" he pleaded, desperate to avoid leaving her alone.

Annika, however, was firm. Time was of the essence, and with a defeated sigh, Shivay conceded. But as Annika walked away, a thought struck him. He darted back into the shop, exchanged a few words with Ramesh Kaka, then emerged and headed straight for his office.

Annika arrived at the Oberoi Mansion to find Kanika already there, lounging with Pinky. Pinky beckoned Annika to her room, with Kanika trailing behind.

Upon entering, Pinky requested to see the jewelry. Annika retrieved the boxes and laid them out for inspection. Pinky and Kanika scrutinized each piece, ensuring Annika had chosen correctly.

"Wow, Pinky Mom, they're beautiful!" Kanika gushed. "I definitely picked the best designs!" She then held up the rings, directing her comment towards Annika. "Our rings are perfect, Mom. They clearly show we're a couple, no need to announce it to the world, right Annika?"

Annika could only manage a small nod, her mind preoccupied.

"Pinky Aunty, where's Kavya?" she inquired about her assistant.

"She's sorting flowers in your designated room," Pinky replied, her eyes glued to the sparkling jewelry.

Annika headed there to find Kavya looking stressed. "What's wrong, Kavya?" she asked kindly.

Kavya sighed in relief at Annika's arrival. "Mam, when can we leave? Pinky Aunty has given me a lot of extra tasks, some unrelated to the event."

"Don't worry," Annika assured her, "we'll leave after the flowers are done."

Half an hour later, they finally bid farewell to the Oberoi Mansion. Alone in her room, Annika contemplated the rings. A soft murmur escaped her lips, "Why did I say I'd buy it? I'm like the moon shining alone... but who is the sun in my life?"

Shaking off the melancholy, she decided to focus on getting a good night's sleep – the final preparations for the engagement loomed.

Meanwhile, Shivay returned to his room, tossing his coat onto a table. A faint clinking sound caught his ear. He traced the noise to the coat pocket, where he found the ring box.

Taking it out and opening it, he discovered the same rings Annika had admired. He pondered why he had purchased them, for whom? His engagement was just two days away, yet here he held the very rings Annika desired.

After Annika's departure, he'd returned to the shop. Without explanation, he requested Ramesh Kaka pack the rings Annika had been drawn to. Ramesh Kaka, unquestioning, complied. Shivay hadn't bothered to open the box at the shop, consumed by an inexplicable urge.

After Annika's departure, he'd returned to the shop. Without explanation, he requested Ramesh Kaka to pack the rings Annika had been drawn to. Ramesh Kaka, unquestioning, complied. Shivay hadn't bothered to open the box at the shop, consumed by an inexplicable urge.

Now, as he finally did, the beauty of the rings mesmerized him. He also noticed an inscription on the inner box lid: "Our love is eternal like sun and moon."

A sudden knock at the door startled him. He swiftly closed the box, tucked it away in a locker, and called out, "Come in." It was Pinky.

Pinky entered. "Shivay, tomorrow you can go to the office late," she announced. "Mummyji's guru is visiting after a long time, and it would make her very happy to see you upon arrival."

"Okay, Mom," he replied curtly, his mind still swirling with questions about the rings and his impulsive purchase. Pinky, oblivious to his turmoil, retreated, leaving Shivay to wrestle with his thoughts and freshen up for the evening.