Shadows of control

33. Her challenge.

Author's pov:

Sophia and Ansh walked into the mall. It was a fancy mall. As they walked, people were staring at Ansh. Sophia thought they were scared because Ansh was a mafia as well as a famous business tycoon. Those people would have never imagined that he would come to this mall casually with his wife.

She dragged Ansh to the men's clothing store.
"Let's get you a new look,"
she said, grinning.
Ansh just rolled his eyes and followed her.

Sophia started picking out crazy clothes. A bright green suit, a pair of bell-bottom jeans with a weird shirt, and a velvet jacket with funny patterns. Ansh couldn't believe his eyes.

Sophia picked out a pair of dark-wash jeans, a comfortable yet stylish t-shirt, and a jacket. She also picked out a pair of comfortable sneakers. Ansh looked at the outfit and said,
"Seriously Amore? this?
Ansh raised his eyebrows in amusement.
"I can't wear this stuff. I'm a mafia not a college going teenager"

Sophia rolled her eyes.
"Oh, come on. You'll look hot and a little fun won't kill you, would it?"

"Fine,"
Ansh grumbled,
"But if I look ridiculous, you're paying."
He warned her.

"Deal"
Sophia grinned

Ansh stepped out of the changing room, a transformation had taken place. He was looking handsome mostly like a college play boy.

Sophia's eyes widened in surprise. She leaned in and kissed him on the cheek.
"That's my boy,"
she said, her voice filled with pride.

A strange sensation fluttered in Ansh's chest. It was a feeling he hadn't experienced in a long time a sense of lightness, of pure joy.

Then they headed towards their next stop Ansh was totally unknown to what's coming next Sofia had already explained the plan to the driver and he was following her order.

Their car pulled up to the amusement park. As they stepped out, Sophia grabbed Ansh's hand and dragged him towards the roller coaster the tickets were already booked.

"Hey, slow down!"
Ansh protested.

The roller coaster lurched forward, climbing higher and higher. Sophia started screaming at the top of her lungs . Ansh, surprised by her sudden fear.
If she was so scared, why did she rush him to ride it?

"If you were so scared, why did you drag me here?" Ansh teased, a smirk playing on his lips

"I don't know, I just wanted to ride it,"
Sophia replied, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"Anshhhhhh! Fuck this! Fuck this roller coaster! Stop it! I'm freaking out!"
Sophia screamed, her voice filled with terror.

Ansh chuckled seeing her condition but still he was worrying for her that she may faint.

"Calm down, just close your eyes,"
Ansh said, his voice steady and reassuring.
"It'll be over soon."

Finally, the roller coaster screeched to a halt, and Sophia stumbled off, still a bit dizzy. Ansh steadied her, a mischievous glint in his eye.
"Well, that was... exciting"
he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

They found a quiet bench to catch their breath. Sophia, "I feel like I've just survived a war!"

Ansh couldn't help but smile.
"Still you want to continue?"

"Of course!"
Sophia replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Ansh was shocked ,she was afraid of the rides but at the same time she wanted to ride them.

Ansh and Sofia spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the amusement park. They rode the Ferris wheel, the merry-go-round, and even the haunted house, which sent shivers down Sophia's spine but a chuckle from Ansh. With each ride, Sophia's fear seemed to diminish, replaced by a sense of adventure and excitement. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the park, they sat on a bench, hand in hand.

"I never thought I'd enjoy this,"
Sophia admitted, a smile playing on her lips.
"Thanks for pushing me, Ansh."

"So, finally we're done with the challenge"
Ansh said, a smirk playing on his lips.
"I think I've won,

"Amore, you don't know what a real challenge looks like,"

"Next time, learn from me"

"Who the fuck told you this was the challenge?"
Sophia scoffed, amused.

Ansh was taken aback.
"So what's the challenge?"

"Huh, sit in the car,"
Sophia commanded

Ansh followed her.

"Don't fucking test me, Sofia. I'm getting curious now" Ansh warned, a hint of annoyance in his voice.

"Few more minutes won't cause anything"
Sofia replied.

Their car stopped in front of a café. It was already booked. They both stepped in and took their seats.

Sofia took his hands in hers and started,
"I know Ansh, there are some grudges between you and Kiara, but I think you both must end it now. She's your sister, and your other sister is getting married soon. Wouldn't you want her to be together with you before Naira's wedding?"

Ansh sighed,
"You think I don't think about all this? Of course, I do. My heart burns for her, but she won't let this fight end until she marries that bastard. And I'm not letting that happen, not in this life."

Sofia replied firmly.
"But if she loves him that much, that she's fighting with her family, there must be something really strong between them. If you want, you can end this, Ansh. She can't stay like this her whole life."

"So you want me to let my sister marry off that man, who's our rival? This is the mafia world, Sofia. Women are treated here like slaves. I can't risk my sister's life."

"I don't know, Ansh. I want you and Kiara together before Naira's wedding. That's my challenge,"
Sofia said, her voice firm.

Ansh sighed, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Alright, Sofia. Consider it a challenge."