TRUE LOVE NEVER GIVES UP

Chapter-84: Shopping and Celebration

The next day dawned with bright anticipation as everyone gathered, dressed and ready for a full day of engagement shopping. Cabir, as usual, was in a playful mood, especially keen on keeping Manik away from Nandini. He pulled everyone aside, whispering, “Alright, team. Today’s mission is clear—Operation Keep-Mr.-Hopeless-Romantic-Away-From-His-Girl. We can’t make it too easy on him, can we?”

Nandini overheard the plan, and a giggle escaped her, which she quickly hid behind a hand. She knew this was going to be interesting.

They arrived at the mall, and everyone scattered to different sections, with Cabir keeping a close watch to make sure Manik was always at a distance. Anytime Manik tried to subtly inch toward Nandini, Cabir or someone else would swoop in to lead her to another rack or pull him away with some fabricated excuse.

“Seriously, Cabir?” Manik muttered with a frown after yet another failed attempt to catch up with her. “What, do you have a radar on me or something?”

Cabir just grinned, slapping a hand on Manik’s shoulder. “Come on, jija ji. You’re supposed to be patient, no? The bride needs her space!” he teased, winking.

Manik groaned, clearly exasperated, as Dhruv and Abhimanyu joined in on the laughter. “Patience isn’t exactly my strong suit, you know,” Manik muttered, glaring at them with mock annoyance.

A few steps away, Nandini caught a glimpse of him looking utterly dejected, his shoulders slouched. She bit her lip, trying not to laugh, enjoying the sight of him sulking like a schoolboy who’d just been denied his favorite treat.

Meanwhile, Navya, on her own mission, was buried in a sea of dresses, looking both determined and frustrated. “I just don’t know what to pick! There are too many options, and none of them seem right!” she huffed, tossing one dress back on the rack.

Nandini was about to go over when she paused, an idea lighting up her eyes. She turned to Soha with a soft smile. “Hey, Soha, Navya looks like she could use a hand. Could you help her out?”

Soha glanced over, her eyes widening slightly at the suggestion, then nodded with a faint smile. “Yeah, sure,” she said, walking over to Navya, her steps careful.

Navya noticed her approaching and tensed slightly, but kept her gaze focused on the dresses, her frustration evident. Soha, sensing her hesitation, gave her a gentle smile. “Mind if I help you pick something? I was actually eyeing that color for you earlier,” she said, holding up a soft lavender dress that shimmered subtly under the lights.

Navya glanced at it, her expression softening. “Really? You think this will look good on me?”

“I know it will,” Soha replied, her voice sincere. Navya hesitated for a beat, then took the dress, a shy smile forming as they continued browsing together. Soon, the two of them were chatting, sharing suggestions and even laughing over a few questionable fashion choices.

Nandini watched the scene from a distance, her heart warming. She’d always hoped for her two sisters to get along, and this small moment felt like a step in the right direction.

Meanwhile, Mukti and Alya were by her side, helping her pick her own dress. “Oh, Nandini, try this one!” Alya said, holding up a deep crimson gown with intricate silver embroidery along the neckline. “I think Manik will completely lose it if he sees you in this.”

Nandini laughed, glancing at the dress. “You think so?”

“Oh, absolutely!” Mukti chimed in, winking. “Trust me, his jaw will be on the floor.”

Nandini felt her cheeks warm as she took the dress, nodding shyly. “Alright, let’s give it a try then.”

Over on the other side, Dhruv and Abhimanyu were attempting to help Manik pick a suit, but Manik’s eyes kept wandering over to the other side of the store, trying to catch glimpses of Nandini amidst the racks.