FATE UNWRAPS

Chapter 5

Author's pov

Ita entered her washroom to get ready for an exciting day ahead. She had been looking forward to this vacation in Norvane for a long time, and was eager to explore the city's diverse landscapes. With its pure and untouched nature, Norvane offered a plethora of awesome places to travel and enjoy, from majestic mountains to rolling plains, serene seas, and even a vast desert. The unique blend of natural wonders and local beauty was what drew Ita to this enchanting destination.

As she finished getting ready, Ita took a glance at herself in the mirror, admiring her outfit - a comfortable pair of long, wide-leg trousers paired with a stylish crop top, and her trusty slipper-cum-sandals on her feet. "Gosh, I need to hurry!" she exclaimed, feeling a rush of excitement. "I want to make the most out of my day in Norvane!" She grabbed her bag, slung it over her shoulder, and headed out the door.

With a spring in her step, Ita strolled through the charming streets of Norvane, her senses alive with the sights, sounds, and aromas of the vibrant city. Her first priority was to indulge in the local cuisine, so she made her way to a eatery serving traditional Norvanian dishes. Savoring the flavors and textures, she delighted in the unique taste experience. Next, she set out to explore the various shops that caught her eye - a colorful boutique here, an artisanal craft store there, and a mysterious antique shop that beckoned her to enter. With curiosity guiding her, Ita wandered from one fascinating shop to another.

"God, there's so much to do here, I can't even comprehend it all!" Ita exclaimed to herself, feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelm. "Wish I was here with my friends," she added wistfully, imagining the fun they would have together. But then a new thought struck her - "Wait, I must take some gifts for them from here!" With this idea in mind, Ita set off on a mission to shop from store to store, carefully selecting items that fit each of her friends' unique tastes and interests. As she thought about their happy faces when they received their gifts, a wide smile spread across her own face, and she couldn't wait to see their reactions.

Exhaustion was starting to set in, and Ita thought about heading back to her accommodation, but then her gaze fell upon an isolated shop. She walked towards it, only to discover that it was a store that specialized in bracelets. A wave of nostalgia washed over her as she remembered the precious bracelet she had lost at the airport, and she couldn't help but sigh. However, as she began to browse the shop's collection, which ranged from classic vintage to rare modern designs, her sorrow turned to excitement. "Oh, my bracelet, my love," she muttered to herself, her eyes widening with wonder. Ita had always had a fascination with adorning her wrist with beautiful pieces.

Behind the counter, the old woman's face lit up with a warm smile as she approached Ita. "Dear, did you find any piece that caught your eye?" she asked, her voice gentle and kind. Ita's eyes sparkled as she replied, "Oh, grandma, all of your collection is really pretty, I wish I could take them all!" She giggled, "But these eight pieces, I would especially love to take them home with me." The old woman's smile grew even wider as she nodded, pleased with Ita's enthusiasm. The selected bracelets were a diverse bunch - some were stone-studded, others were threaded with intricate patterns, and a few were chain-like, with delicate links that shimmered in the light. The old woman began to carefully wrap each piece, her hands moving with a precision that spoke of years of experience. "You have an excellent eye for beauty, young one," she said, her eyes twinkling with approval.

Ita shyly thanked the old woman, who continued to share her story. "You know, dear, not many people come to my shop. Only a few, and that's very rare. Most of these pieces are handmade with rare accessories. My grandson and granddaughter help me, but it's hard to reach customers." The old woman's eyes clouded with a hint of sadness, but Ita's next words lifted her spirits. "Grandma!! I will come to meet you again someday. I'm here on vacation for a long time. And I'll help you make an online website. I'm sure people around the globe would love to have these beautiful pieces." The old woman's face lit up with surprise and delight. Ita promised to talk to her grandkids about it, and the old woman's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thank you, child. You've given me hope."

Granny's words flowed like a warm embrace, "You have a beautiful and pure heart, just like your face." Ita's eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing with a gentle blush. Granny's eyes twinkled with mirth as she laughed, "What, you're very pretty, a classic beauty. Don't tell me you don't have a boyfriend?" Ita's surprise turned to playful defensiveness, "Grandma, I do have friends, but no boyfriend!" Granny's laughter grew louder, "Ah, You're too lovely to be single for long. Mark my words, someone special will come along soon." Ita's heart swelled with gratitude for the kind words.

Laughter and warmth filled the air as Ita bid farewell, "I must get going, Grandma, it will turn dark soon. Bye!! I wish you always keep smiling." Granny's face glowed with a radiant smile, "Remember, you're always welcome here. Keep your promise, come back and visit me soon!" She wrapped Ita in a warm hug, her eyes shining with affection. As Ita stepped out into the fading light, she felt a sense of joy and connection, knowing she'd found a special friend in this charming shop and its lovely owner.

After a brief rest, an idea struck Ita, and she thought, "I should go to the hotel bar downstairs." She got ready, changing into an elegant, knee-length, A cut dress. She added a touch of glamour with her earrings, the newly bought bracelet, and a pair of heels that made her feel confident and chic. With a final glance in the mirror, she headed downstairs to the bar.

As she approached the bar entrance, something unexpected caught her attention, and her breath caught in her throat. Ita's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt like she was in a trance. Coming back to reality, she quickly analyzed her surroundings, and her panic grew. "No shit!!" she muttered slowly, her voice barely audible.

To be continued..