20. SHOPPING.
The drive was quiet, the car humming softly as the city slipped past. When they stopped, Aarvi blinked up at the mall in front of them. Its tall glass facade gleamed under the sunlight, reflecting the city like a mirror.
The moment they entered, cool air washed over her, carrying the faint scent of expensive perfume.
Aarvi’s gaze shifted around, her steps unconsciously slowing. The place screamed expensive, the kind of store she’d only seen from the outside, never dared to step in.
Meanwhile, Vivan walked ahead casually, hands in his pockets, as though nothing about this was unusual.
Her throat went dry as a quiet thought passed through her mind.
So this… this is the kind of life he’s used to.
She lowered her gaze quickly, but one thought lingered in her chest.
This is his world… and I’ve only just stepped into it.
---
A little while later, she stepped out of the trial room in a simple pastel kurti and jeans. Her fingers twisted nervously at the hem as she walked out.
Vivan looked up from his phone, his lips twitching faintly. “Wow. You look… normal.”
Her eyes widened. “Normal?”
“Yeah,” he smirked. “Like a college girl who sneaked out of her hostel.”
Aarvi gasped softly, offended from his words. “That’s not-”
“Relax, Mrs. Singhania,” he teased, leaning back in the chair. “I didn’t say it’s bad. It actually suits you. Makes you look your age.”
She turned embarrassed instantly, muttering under her breath before disappearing back inside.
The next time she came out, it was in a deep maroon dress that fell just below her knees. She hesitated at the doorway, tugging at the sleeves nervously.
Vivan’s phone stilled in his hand. His eyes flickered up then back down, as if pretending not to notice. But the slight pause gave him away.
When she finally walked closer, his lips curved lazily. “Careful, Aarvi. If you walk out in that, people might forget I’m standing next to you.”
Her jaw dropped, and her heart skipped wildly. “Y-you’re teasing me…”
He shrugged, Furrowing his brows, innocently. “Am I?”
Her blush only deepened, and she darted back into the trial room, leaving Vivan chuckling under his breath.
She closed the trial room door behind her, pressing her hand over her racing heart.
But then Kiara’s face flashed in her mind. Her chest sank. His heart belongs to her. I can’t forget that.
Still, as she touched the hem of the dress, she allowed herself the tiniest smile. Even if it’s just for a moment… it feels nice. And maybe that’s enough.
Out in the chair, Vivan leaned back, his grip tightened on the phone in his hand. The image of Aarvi stepping out in that maroon dress refused to leave his mind. He could still see the way she fidgeted nervously, the way her eyes sought his reaction even when she tried to hide it.
He clenched his jaw, scolding himself. Don’t forget, Vivan. She’s not supposed to matter. She’s just… here because of circumstances. Kiara is the one you love. Not her.
After spending hours in the boutique she completed her shopping now Vivan was at the counter, card in hand, while Aarvi stood by the side. Her gaze drifted over the bustling mall, the families laughing, kids tugging at balloons, couples walking arm in arm.
But then her eyes went on a figure in the distance. Aarvi blinked, leaning a little forward as curiosity stirred inside her.
“Let’s go,” Vivan’s voice broke her thoughts as he slipped the receipt into his wallet.
“Ah, I… I’m feeling hungry,” she stammered, words trembling out before she even thought. “C-can we eat something?”
He gave her a amused look. “You actually asked instead of saying you’re not hungry? Impressive.” he said genuinely amused. Still, he nodded. “Fine. Let’s eat.”
Aarvi shot him an irritated glare, which only made Vivan frown, his eyes gleaming with mischief as if daring her to get even angrier. She huffed and shrugged, trying to hide her irritation, yet couldn’t help but realize exactly what he was doing.
He walked toward the exit, but Aarvi’s voice stopped him again.
“Here. I want to eat here. In the mall.”
His brows furrowed. “Here? Why?”
She quickly shook her head. “Just… it’s been long since I’ve eaten at a food court. Please” She pleaded.
Confusion flickered in his eyes, but he shrugged. “Your wish.”
They found a spot in the food court and placed their order. As they waited, Aarvi shifted in her chair, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her pallu.
“I’ll just go to the washroom,” she murmured suddenly, rising before he could question further.
Vivan leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly, but he let her go.
Aarvi walked fastly, her heartbeat increasing with each step she took. She wasn’t going to the washroom. She was following that glimpse, that refused to let her sit still.
And when she finally turned the corner, her steps faltered.
Her breath hitched.
There, just a few feet away, stood the person she least expected to see. Not alone. No. They were with someone. And far, far too close.
Aarvi’s stomach dropped. She pressed a trembling hand against the wall, eyes wide, every nerve in her body screaming at the sight.