Bonus❤ coz I am in a good mood 😀

They both disconnected. Atharva kept pondering as to when was the last time he had ever talked at such length with anyone. Seriously, this girl has some capacity to talk! He kept thinking about her, and while still in her thoughts, changed and slept.

To be continued…

The next couple of days went in a frenzy… in between loads of discussions, arrangements, lengthy talks between the lovebirds, and frequent calls between the two families, days just flew by. It was decided that the gud dhana ceremony would be held at Shahs Residence itself… to be followed by a Gujju daawat at the Rajdhani Restaurant.

The Shahs also were very clear right from the beginning that they are in no hurry for the wedding, as Atharva would be very busy in setting up the new project. Their factory was situated in Tarapur, so there would be frequent traveling for the same; in fact he might have to stay back over there so as to supervise the set up. Hence, they insisted that the marriage would not take place before December at least, considering that Atharva won’t be free enough to be able to give time. The Vermas accepted it readily, understanding the situation.

Meanwhile, Shruti and Nainaa had talked extensively, about where to shop and when would it be convenient. They mutually decided that weekend would be the best. Shruti also agreed, as she thought it would suit Atharva also better, not hindering his office work. He had to travel twice a week to the factory as well, so it would be practically difficult for him to manage. So with a lot of self control, she maintained her calm demeanour and restrained herself from blurting. She took her mother into confidence about the same, so that just in case if she has a conversation with her in-laws, she shouldn’t reveal or else all her planning would go flop. She had to let one person know though, so that she is able to execute her plan. She was behaving like an impatient, exuberant teenager, with lots of secrecy and planning up her sleeve.

Finally, it was Saturday morning. She had preferred a morning train so that she could reach Mumbai by midday. She had her lunch on the way that her mom had packed for her. She got down at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, a railhead in the Kurla suburb of Mumbai. She was feeling invigorated, just by stepping into the city. To avoid waste of time, Shruti had requested Nainaa to meet her up at the Railway station itself, so that they can directly go for shopping; going to her place and then moving out would have involved too much commuting. Besides, she wanted to be free by 8 p.m.

She pinged her mom as well as some one else that she had reached Mumbai. Nainaa was waiting for her on the platform; both hugged each other and moved out towards the parking lot. The driver took her bag and put it in the trunk of the car. Both had short listed a couple of places and headed towards Santacruz.

They first visited a few big showrooms, but Shruti had her heart set on Seasons, situated in Santacruz West, an excellent shopping destination for ladies Formal outfits. After finding the stuff they were getting to see in these showrooms not very appealing, she insisted on going to Seasons. She had seen so many ads about that place, that her mind was stuck. Nainaa gave in, as she knew Shruti wouldn’t even bother to see anywhere else if she has her heart set elsewhere.

They went there, and Shruti just knew that this is the right place. The place was grand, with ample of clothes on display, all exuding a staggering beauty and with a lot of finesse. They were guided towards a counter when they specified their requirement, and were courteously attended to by a salesman. He politely confirmed the range they were looking for and started displaying one masterpiece after the other.

Shruti had that sparkle in her eyes, owing to her love for clothes. She ached to pick up a couple of them, but then concentrated on the purpose at hand. Nainaa discarded a few as either inappropriate for the occasion or not worth it. Finally, they mutually agreed on 5 garments, each out-doing the other in terms of glamour, elegance and opulence.

Nainaa suggested, “Shruti… you better go and try these outfits before you start exploring any more!”
Shruti giggled as she could see that her sister was exasperated and pacified her, “Calm down.. sit back and enjoy the fashion parade about to begin.”

Shruti went in gleefully to begin her meticulous speculation on each outfit that she tried, parading in and out, finding fault with two; one style didn’t suit her and the other outfit’s colour was too dull. After a lot of discussion on the 3 ‘finalists’ that made up to her top preference list, they mutually agreed on one, which both absolutely loved. It was stunning; not loud or gaudy, but at the same time a head turner.

She voiced out loudly, “Will Atharva like it?”
Nainaa looked at her wide eyed and exclaimed, “My goodness! Already bewitched by him!! I am more than eager to meet up your Prince Charming now…” she teased her sibling.
Shruti blushed and tried to change the topic, “Okay then.. shall we freeze on this? I personally feel it’s elegant and just right for the occasion.”

Nainaa suggested her to pick up a couple of more semi formal outfits, as Shruti will need them now. That was thankfully quicker by Shruti’s standards.

Shruti insisted, “Nainaa, you also select something for yourself… mumma had insisted to do so.”
Nainaa liked one trendy style and stated, “I recently got quite a few done and don’t need more.”

They went through the ones to be purchased once more and marched towards the billing counter. Shruti used the credit card given by her father for the shopping spree, and they were finally done for the day.

Nainaa at last heaved a sigh of relief. She mused that her kiddo sis has some capacity to shop and exclaimed, “Whoa! It’s already 6.30 p.m! We will take long to reach your destination, considering the traffic at this hour. Please let us grab a quick cup of coffee and a cookie or something, before we move forward. I am famished!”

They went to a small café, ordered for 2 cold coffees and some choco chip cookies. Shruti visited the washroom and freshened up. She straightened her top, gave a quick brush to her hair, did a touch up with her lipstick, and she was done. They kept all the purchases in the trunk and headed towards a restaurant in Andheri, called Curry Twist.

She called up on a number and said, “Hi.. I hope the plan is on. I have just started from Santacruz…. Should be there in 45 mins I guess…” She was assured from the other end, that all was going smoothly.

Atharva and Shruti had hardly talked during the day, as she had told him yesterday night itself that she will be busy during the day shopping for the outfit. He had of course assumed that she was in Nashik. Though they had texted a couple of times, it was very brief. He had refrained from calling her as she had mentioned that an aunt would be accompanying her.

At 7.30 p.m., he lost his patience and called her up instead of texting. Shruti was overjoyed to see his name flashing, and gestured her sis to keep quiet.
He stated, “I am sure the shops in the city must have had a field day today. Baaki rakha ya nahi kuch?! I wonder how long will you take to shop for the wedding if buying one outfit takes an entire day.”
Shruti giggled at his reaction and said, “You can experience it first hand when I shop for my trousseau.”

He was actually visualising a fussy Shruti, giving a tough time to the salesmen with her specific demands. He himself was a shopaholic, but still with girls it must be an entirely different scenario. He was the kinds to just pick up loads, simply judging from the size, never bothering to try the clothes. And Shruti was exactly the opposite; scrutinising each garment thoroughly, trying it, pondering over the options and end up buying more than what was required.

He said huskily, “I would love to see you trying out and witness the happiness on your face.”
She had a dubious look on her face and queried, “You sure? No one has ever agreed willingly to come on a shopping spree with me, never ever. I have to literally drag them.”
He smirked, “Try me.”
She foolishly grinned, “Okay listen.. am going out for dinner. Will call you once I reach home.”
He conceded, “Well then.. I am also gonna be with my friends after a long time. Krunal and my other friends have been eating my head for a party ever since they came to know about us. So am finally meeting them up at a restaurant near my office.”
She wished him, “That’s great! Have fun! Talk to you later.” And disconnected.

Nainaa simply burst out laughing. She shook her head and commented, “Shruti… you are simply torturing the poor guy. Why don’t you let him know? He has been desperate to meet you.. not fair!”
Shruti retorted, “Everything is fair in love and war.”
Nainaa cooed, “Ooohhhh!!! And this is love? You guys are too quick huh…”

Shruti defended, “No no.. nothing as such. Actually wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine. He had planned to come to Nashik to meet me, but didn’t let me know. I too decided to do the same… thoda tadapne do bichaare ko… he should also realise na… kisse punga liya hai?!”
Nainaa banged her head and said, “Kuch nahi ho saktaa tera… All the best to Atharva.”

Shruti faked anger. “Arey what! Why does everyone pity him? He doesn’t know how lucky he is to have me as his life partner.” Nainaa said cheekily, “Of course… ye lo. We have reached… you go ahead. Abhinav had messaged that he will meet me outside. We will join you two later.”

Shruti teased, “Ye achha hai… mere naam pe bill faadke you also gonna enjoy yourself. Chal theek hai Simran… ja jee le apni zindagi.”
Nainaa laughed and returned, “Same to you Nautanki.” And they both parted ways.

To be continued….

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