Shadow of Desires

Chapter 24-

Aditya, seriously?

-Morning Surprise

Early morning, Aditya and Meher's bedroom. Diya is excited and keeps knocking on their door, eager to start the day.

Diya - knocking continuously
Bhai! Meher! Utho na! (Brother! Meher! Wake up!)

Meher - groaning
Aditya, stop Diya.!

Aditya - smirking
Seems like someone is not interested for shopping.

Diya - If you both don't come out soon, I'm breaking the door!

Meher - Okayyyyy, we're coming!

Aditya and Meher got ready, exchanging light-hearted jokes as they prepare for the day ahead.

Aditya - We'll have to be careful with Diya today, or else she'll make me buy the entire mall.

Meher - giggles
Mujhe toh maza aayega. Anyways, What shopping do you need to do?

Aditya - I'm just going to watch you.

Meher - Oh really? Your credit card bill will be something worth seeing.

Aditya- Your love is the only wealth I cherish; no amount of money could ever hold the same value.
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-Arriving at the Mall

The family arrives at the mall.
It's been two hours and the ladies are just checking out but now, Meher realizes she forgot her extra shoes.

Diya- Meher, you know, you can get anything you want in the mall, but how will you walk without your "extra shoes"?

Meher - Oh no! I forgot my extra shoes. I can't continue walking.

Aditya - playfully
How did you forget, Meher? What should we do now?

Meher - pouting
Ab kya, bas mujhe chod do yahin pe. (What now, just leave me here.)

Aditya - smirking
Koi baat nahi, I'll carry you.
He kneels down in front of her.
Chalo, hop on.

Meher - Aditya, seriously?

Aditya - Tumhe kya lagta hai? Main mazak kar raha hoon? (What do you think? I'm joking?)
He picks her up.

Neelam - Wow Aditya, your romance is something else!

Isha & Diya - Meher, tumhara hero aaj full-on romantic mode mein hai. (Meher, your hero is in full-on romantic mode today.)

Meher - blushing
Bas, tum sab shuru ho gaye. (Enough, you all started.)

Shakuntala & Anjali - Hayee, our kids!

Everyone continues teasing, but there's a lightness in the air as they make their way inside

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Now, the family is exploring different stores. Aditya is spoiling Meher, buying her everything she looks at, much to her amusement. And he gets her new shoes as well.

Meher - looking at a dress
Ye kaisa lag raha hai, Aditya? (How is this looking, Aditya?)

Aditya - Perfect. We'll take it.

Meher - Why are you buying everything?

Aditya - Because you deserve everything.

They continue browsing, and Meher's eyes fall on a stunning diamond necklace. She admires it but doesn't ask for it.

Meher - Aditya, this necklace is so beautiful, right?

Aditya - Yes, it's quite nice.

Meher - Did you like it?

Aditya - Calling the salesman
Please pack that necklace
Salesman heading over to them
Oh, sorry, it's already booked. Someone else bought it.

Meher - Oh, really? It would have been nice if we got it.

Aditya - noticing her disappointment
Don't worry. We'll find something else.

He takes her to the ice cream counter.

Meher - Well, ice cream will cheer me up a bit.

Aditya - That's the spirit.

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-Dinner Time

The family gathers for dinner after a long day of shopping. They're laughing and recounting the day's events.

Arjun - How was the day, Meher?

Meher - Very nice, bhai. I had a lot of fun.

Anjali - And your Aditya completely spoiled you.

Aditya - It's my right, Sasumom! (Mother - in - law)

Arjun - Stay happy, mate.

The conversation continues with everyone enjoying the food and each other's company. The day ends on a cheerful note, with Aditya and Meher feeling closer than ever.

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On the way back home. Meher is still thinking about the necklace. Aditya notices.

Meher - Today was really nice day, but...

Aditya - But what, Meher?

Meher - Nothing.

Aditya - Close your eyes.

Meher - Why?

Aditya - Just do it.

Meher closes her eyes, and Aditya takes out the necklace, placing it in her hands.

Aditya - Ab dekho. (Now look.)

Meher opens her eyes and gasps.

Meher - Aditya, ye toh wahi necklace hai! Tumne... (Aditya, this is the same necklace! You...)

Aditya - Yes, and you thought I would let your desire go off easily?

Meher - Aditya, I- I-

Aditya - You're the most important part of my life, Meher. I always want to keep you happy.

They share a tender moment, and Meher hugs Aditya, feeling deeply loved and cared for.

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Later that night, at home. Meher thanks God for her happiness and heads off to sleep
After a while, she wakes up in the middle of the night, feeling concerned.

Meher - Everything is so perfect, but I don't know why, my heart is restless.

She quietly gets out of bed and makes a phone call.

Meher - Hello? Yes, Aditya has slept. You come now.

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And that's a wrap! 🫶🏻
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