It had been about 4 days since a to-do list had been set to prepare me for my Mega Date with Harry. We now had a list of places we would go to in New York City. All we were left with were the dress and the parlour. 

Today, we were supposed to go to Chris's boutique, Bend The Trend. I really hoped that I would find something, well, ME. Chris assured me he had some amazing stuff in mind that he had designed himself and would suit my complexion and physique well. 

As promised, Ashley and Arthur did accompany me to the boutique and so, with a sigh, I let myself be pulled inside the well-decorated, air-conditioned showroom, by these two crazy people, who had a smile plastered on their faces permanently, not as big as mine though.

To say that Chris had amazing taste is an understatement. The entire place was shining, with bright golden and silver lights. There were different sections for each type of clothing, footwear, accessories etc. 

"Welcome, ladies and you too, love," Chris greeted us girls with a hug and Arthy with a kiss. "Let's go straight to the dress section, shall we? I have a couple of dresses that I think you might like."

"Umm, Chris, please listen first. I appreciate what you're doing for me, but I want something not very expensive yet attractive."

"Absolutely, Aaru," Chris responded while walking us down towards the Gown section, "there are two gowns that I'm sure you are gonna fall in love with once you look at them. They are reasonably cheap and pretty attractive."

And true to his words, two workers, who Chris had called for, held two of the most gorgeous gowns I had ever laid my eyes on. "Woah!" I exclaimed. 

[A/N: I, obviously, do not own any of these dresses or designs, nor does the photography credit belong to me. All credit to whoever made these marvels. Also, I really liked these 2, if any of my wonderful readers prefer some other dresses/gowns, please imagine them here. Thanks ❤]

I was totally awestruck, and my jaw was actually hitting the floor. I couldn't remove my eyes off them. The silence around me showed that even my best friends were broken. 

The silence was interrupted by Arthur. "I think you broke her, babe," he fake whispered. 

I gave him the finger, and cleared my throat. "Chris, this is... Wow... Umm, they are just... Uhh, can I try them out, please?" 

"Oh, sure. Absolutely. Go ahead. Beatrice here will lead you to the changing rooms."

"Please follow me, Ma'am," the girl I realised was Beatrice guided me down the corridor. 

"Don't take too long," that was Ash. I rolled my eyes at her childish antics.

And God help me. I felt like a queen. I looked like a queen. And that very moment I knew that I had to buy them. Well, one of them, because under no circumstance would I be able to afford them both. So, after changing out of the one I had on, I walked out to see five pairs of expectant eyes, (im)patiently waiting for me to say the word. 

"They are perfect. But," I quickly interrupted their cheers of joy. "But, I'm gonna buy just one." I was faced by a series of groans. "Don't be so disappointed, guys. I did say I was gonna go cheap. And just one of these two dresses is gonna cost me all the fortune. Now, Harry mentioned last night that he was wearing something yellow, so I was thing I would buy this one," and I pointed out the yellow dress, which made me look like I was Belle from Beauty and the Beast. 

"Well then. Looks like you have made your mind. So, lets proceed to the shoes section, and then the accessories."

"Wait, what? Shoes and accessories? That was definitely not on my list."

"It was, sweetheart," Artz said, "you simply just didn't look at it properly, it seems. So, just keep shut," "and follow us," Ash finished. 

Helpless, I followed them with a sigh. I was certain by now that I would go bankrupt in one day. 

There stood 4 pairs of shoes, waiting for me. 

[A/N: Again, I, obviously, do not own any of these, nor does the photography credit belong to me. All credit to whoever made these marvels. Also, I really liked these, if any of my wonderful readers prefer some other shoes, please imagine them here. Thanks ❤]

I was, yet again, amazed. And it seemed the red pair just immediately pulled me towards them. 

"This is the one," I declared, and at that moment it seemed like goingbankrupt was worth it, because I would dress up for the guy I have loved for so long and fantasised so much about forever, and the whole world was about to see me. 

"Cool. Next stop: Bags."

And, again, one purse just stood out, and of all the designer bags, that one seemed to attract me, but before I could grab it, it was already in Ashley's hand.

"I know, Ru, this is it. I mean, it is so cute and beautiful, and also matches with your heals. So, shall we head to the billing counter?"

"We shall, Ash. But can I just hold it for once before I proceed to billing?" and she handed it to me. 

[A/N: Once again, I, obviously, do not own this, nor does the photography credit belong to me. All credit to whoever made these marvels. Also, I really liked these 2, if any of my wonderful readers prefer some other purse, please imagine them here. Thanks ❤]

So, with a smile on my face, I proceeded to pay for all the purchases, not ready to face the huge amount which I would have to pay. But I was in for a surprise. I only had to pay for the gown, and as Chris said, "The heals and purse has already been paid for in advance. In fact the person who paid for it all will get some money back from us."

"Who paid for me?"

"I did." Vikram. My brother had paid for my purchases. "I thought that just organising your tour was not enough to make it up to you. So, I asked Chris to take an advance payment. Hope you had a good shopping?"

"I-I did. But, you shouldn't have—" "You are all grown up, working and going on dates with your celebrity crush, I know, but you're still my little sister, who used to pee on my bed and giggle." 

"Eww, Viks. Gross! And shut up. Fine, do whatever you want," I said with an eye roll. 

Soon, we were done paying. Vikram, who had drove straight from his band practice for their next gig at the restaurant, drove me back home, dropped off my stuff and went to spend the night at Ash's. Arthur had stayed back with Chris. 

Putting all of my new things away, I took a long bath to clean myself (with Covid and all) and sat with my phone, playing Stranger Things on Netflix. While Eleven dumped Mike's ass, I started texting, yes texting, Harry.

Haz ❤😍: Yes, another 5 days
Good night sleep tight! 
❤️

Today

ME: Hey, Haz
Bought the perfect dress for the show
Can't wait anymore
4 days to go...
Damn tired...
Gonna watch some Netflix and go to sleep...
Will talk in the morning, ok?
Byee! 
❤

️

________________________________________________________________________________

A/N

Heyy, folks...
Hope you liked the chapter. As I already said, none of the dresses, shoes or bags are mine... Also, you can choose anything to wear, this was just something I would like my version of Aarushi (i.e. me myself 🤭😉)  
The next chapter will be another chapter of anticipation, and then the Mega Meet, I promise!
Do vote and comment... I love the way you guys are supporting me... Means the world to me! 
Lots of love... Will cya guys in the next chapter, which will be uploaded not very soon, since my studies have began after a break. I will try my best, though.
Byeee... Xx
A. ❤