chapter dedicated toooo momazzz16 angelinaaanthony girliessssss the two of you just have my whole freaking heart! like take it already!!!??? thank you soooo soooo much! you have no idea how bad I smile everytime I read your comments to literally every single lineeee! Love love loooove youuuu bothhhh! thank you so freakin much again babies!!

:kaise dekh kar tumhein, dil ko dil lagaane naa doon?

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𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 O8 : silver heels

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The taxi door swung open with a creak, and he stepped out, eyes scanning the bustling airport terminal. The sky was a dull grey, with a light drizzle beginning to dot the pavement. He reached for the luggage in the trunk, hauling out one suitcase after another with practiced ease. Each thud on the pavement seemed to echo the weight of the moment—a moment he had been preparing for, yet somehow felt entirely unprepared to face.

He looked at his bundle of energy and excitement, the 'little' brother he had pampered and punched his entire childhood as he hopped out of the taxi with a grin. His brother's eyes gleaming with anticipation, the kind of joy that only the prospect of a grand adventure could bring as he quickly moved to help his elder version, grabbing the last of the bags and setting them down beside the others.

"Good luck, little man," he said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of emotion that betrayed his attempt at composure.

The younger one looked at him, still grinning, and puffed out his chest in mock arrogance. "Luck? Please, I'm going to need more than that. I'm a scholarship-winning genius, remember?" He winked his usual playful bravado on full display.

This time the elder brother chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah, fifty percent scholarship, and suddenly you're too good for the rest of us mere mortals, huh?" he teased to which the other simply shrugged and replied, "Never bragged about it though," 

"Suree," He rolled his eyes still not being able to fathom the fact that his little one was now not so little anymore.

The younger brother's smile softened, the bravado giving way to something more genuine. "Thanks bhai. None of this would've been possible without you."

He waved off the gratitude with a dismissive hand, trying to mask how much those words meant to him. "It's all you, brat. You're the one who worked hard for it. I just... made sure you had what you needed."

The younger brother stepped closer, his tone now serious. "No, really. You did more than just make sure I had what I needed... even though I agree I still am the smarter and more lovable one though."

He laughed at his brother's words but couldn't help but feel his throat tighten, emotions he had kept in check for so long threatening to spill over. But he forced a smile, refusing to let the moment turn too heavy. "That's what big brothers are for, right?"

They stood there for a moment, the noise of the airport fading into the background as they locked eyes. Then, without another word, they pulled each other into a hug. It was a firm, brotherly embrace, filled with the kind of unspoken understanding that only years of shared struggles and triumphs could create.

When they finally pulled apart, the younger brother was grinning again, though his eyes were slightly misty. "You'll visit, right? Once I'm settled in?"

"Of course," he replied, ruffling his brother's hair. "And don't forget to call as soon as you land. I want to ensure you didn't forget to follow directions."

The younger one laughed, adjusting his backpack as he glanced toward the terminal entrance. "I'll call, I promise. And I'll even send you pictures so you can see how awesome my dorm is."

"Just don't get too carried away with all the fun. Remember, you're there to study, too."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. You sound like an old man, you know that?"

He laughed, shaking his head. "I'm just trying to make sure you don't forget the important stuff. Now, you remember the route, right? Kolkata to Delhi, then straight to New York. It's a long flight, so make sure you eat something during the layover."

"I got it," the younger brother replied, rolling his eyes playfully. "Eat, call, and don't lose my passport. Anything else, Dad?"

"Just... be safe, okay? And don't forget, home is always here."

The younger brother nodded, his expression sincere. "I could never,"

They hugged again, this time a little tighter, before the younger brother turned toward the terminal. He made it a few steps before pausing, something pulling him back. He turned on his heel, running back to his elder brother, and wrapped his arms around him in a sudden, tight embrace.

"Thanks, bhai. For everything."

His brother's heart swelled, and he returned the hug just as fiercely. "Anytime, kid."

They separated again, this time with a sense of finality. 

The younger brother walked toward the entrance, joining the queue for security. But just as he was about to disappear into the crowd, he turned back, a mischievous grin on his face.

"Pushpa, I hate tears!"

He rolled his eyes, unable to suppress a laugh. "Chal bey!" he replied, waving his brother away.

He stood there for a moment, his heart heavy with the bittersweetness of the goodbye. He was proud—so incredibly proud—but the thought of not seeing his brother every day left a dull ache in his chest. He forced himself to smile, knowing that this was the best thing for his brother, the start of something amazing.

As he turned away from the terminal, ready to head back home, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, the name "Arjun" flashing on the screen. He answered it, barely managing a greeting before a loud voice on the other end burst through.

"We got it, man!" Arjun's excitement was palpable even through the phone.

He frowned, confused. "We what?"

"You did it! We finally got an investor, like okay it's not a done deal but he loved your idea and we already have a meeting scheduled, bhai! All you have to do is just be there, and give the proper proposal! This is your last chance, man! All the fuckin' best!"

His heart skipped a beat, a rush of elation surging through him. "Are you serious!? What? When? How and who on earth is it?"

"Durab Chaudhary!" Arjun exclaimed, his voice almost vibrating with enthusiasm.

He felt his smile falter slightly as he repeated, "You mean the politician?"

"Exactly! The politician!"

He was stunned, caught between the thrill of finally getting a break and the unease that came with the name. Durab Chaudhary was a powerful man, known for his influence and not always for the right reasons. The idea that someone like him was interested in his startup was both exhilarating and terrifying.

"Wow," he managed to say, trying to process the news. "That's... that's huge."

"It is, man! It is!" Arjun continued, practically shouting. "You gotta nail this, okay? This could change everything!"

"I know," he replied, his voice more subdued as his thoughts raced. 

They exchanged a few more words, Arjun's excitement not dimming for a second, before he hung up. He stood there for a moment, not being able to fathom the quick turn of events, staring at the airport entrance where his brother had disappeared minutes earlier and then at the phone in his hand.

"This could change everything."

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"Thank you," 

I smiled taking in the fifth delivery of the day and secretly cursing myself at the same time. 

I shut the door behind me, the echo of the latch clicking into place sounding unusually loud.

As much as I was annoyed I couldn't help but try my best to bite back that inward giddiness away from my face at the weight of the drink in my hand.

I sighed not being sure of whether to smile or hold my head in dismay as I made my way to the kitchen, opening the freezer with a quick flick of my wrist and depositing the cup inside. 

I looked at the poor pretty coke float that had now successfully joined the four others, the very lineup of indulgence, efforts, and impatience that had marked my day so far.

My hands rested on my hips as I stood in front of the freezer, the cold air brushing against my legs.

A long sigh escaped my lips, a mix of frustration and something I couldn't quite put my finger on. 

Pro-tip, do not become a pathological liar, or a storyteller, whatever makes you sleep.

Six hours. It had been six hours since he left. Six hours and the sixth cup of Coke float I had received by now.

Not to mention also a perfect sixth hour of me wandering around the house in a robe, giddy for no apparent reason, as I had officially turned myself into a piece of furniture—permanently lounging on the couch or gossiping with the househelp while she cooked and cleaned. And, let's not forget my endless stalking and surfing through the internet for every scrap of information about tonight's event.

I shook my head, pulling my phone from the pocket of the robe. 

"AGAIN???" I typed, sending the text to my dear husband. The word felt inadequate, a small explosion of emotion in the face of the hours I'd spent in limbo, waiting for a sign of life from him.

First, he wouldn't text me back after that 'The shop is closed down,' and second, he would just not stop sending me drink from every possible place that has ever seen the existence of a freaking Coke float.

What do I do with this man??

I thought to myself as I shook my head.

As much as I found that gesture heartwarming I couldn't help but wonder, the amount of money he had spent on multiple glasses of sugar. Like okay, I do love it but six?? Any sane human would know that even one of those would be more than enough! It's not like we are Elon Musk or something!

I sighed.

Time dragged on until it didn't anymore. One moment I was lost in my reverie, and the next, the clock on the wall informed me it was already 2:45 PM. A startled laugh escaped my lips. 

What did I even do the entire time? Stalked event planners, admired the elegant simplicity of floral arrangements, saw the list of people he was gonna be around, smelled like a stinking rat, stared at my phone all day, waiting for a reply??

God, this is pathetic!

I am pathetic! 

"Ughh!!"

Do you know those moments when you're just randomly sitting idle doing nothing or just lying down around the house like you couldn't care less but the truth is you actually do. You do care how you're stinking, you do care that you are literally rotting in every possible corner of the room, you do care that there are so many things that you could do but the only problem being, that the care in your mind, is not pushing you enough to do something about it. So instead of just lying around, you now lie with a phone in your hand and the 'care' at the very back of your mind.

I'm just trying to make it make sense. 

Letting out a loud curse and forcing myself off the bed. I dragged my feet to the mirror, only to be graced by my sorry state. 

The thought of an "everything-shower" finally appealing my mind, making me jump at the sudden boost of adrenaline. Shampoo, shave, conditioner, body scrub—the works. It was exactly what I needed to clear the haze from my head. 

Once in the shower, I let the warm water wash away the remnants of the morning's lethargy. My mood lifted with each passing minute, as if the steam was clearing more than just my pores.

After what felt like a lifetime—an hour and fourteen minutes, to be precise—I stepped out of the shower, feeling like a completely new person. Clean, refreshed, and finally ready to tackle what's left to stalk.

Just kidding.

I lotioned my skin, the scent of almond and cocoa enveloping me immediatly. With my hair wrapped in a towel, I turned to the closet grabbing my 'hello kitty' printed cotton shorts and a t-shirt.

I am pretty specific and?

I was about to leave when something caught my eye—a particular section of the closet. A particular something on my side of clothing, something new, something unfamiliar— a new addition. I slid the door open and reached for the box that had once been on the bed.

My heart pounded as I pulled it out, the cardboard smooth and cool against my fingers. 

I couldn't help the jitters as I carried it to the bedroom.

What kind of a dress it? What if it doesn't fit me? Did he want me to wear this, if I were to go?

Shushing my train to thoughts I carefully lifted the lid and peeled back the tissue paper. My breath caught as I saw the rich, bottle-green fabric nestled inside. Stones glittered in the soft light, as I took the thing off the box, my heart pounding in my chest while my brows frowned at the awfully long length of it when the realization hit me with a jolt.

Is this—a saree?

A wave of excitement washed over me, followed almost immediately by a pang of anxiety. 

A saree. 

A real, honest-to-goodness saree.

Like the one people actually wear.

Like the one thing I had never worn before?

God, I had never worn a saree before! 

Twenty-six years of living, and I had never once draped myself in those six yards of elegance. And now, of all days, I was expected to figure it out???

I cursed under my breath, my fingers already scrambling for my phone. 

'Okay I got this!' 

A quick search on YouTube brought up countless tutorials, each one more confusing than the last. "This looks easy enough," I muttered, choosing the least complicated video and propping my phone up on the bed.

With the parts of the saree laid out before me—the blouse, the petticoat, the actual saree itself—I began to follow the steps. The blouse came first, bottle green like the rest of the outfit, studded entirely with stones and boasting a thin strap. 

"I'll be doomed if I look fat in this," I mumbled, my heart rate spiking as I considered the possibility. What if it didn't fit? Shehryar couldn't possibly know my exact size now.

I slipped into the blouse, praying silently as I fastened the hooks at the back. To my absolute shock, it fit perfectly. Like it was tailored just for me. Not too tight, nor too loose. 

I turned in front of the mirror, admiring the way it hugged my curves, accentuating my waist. How did he know? I wondered, a mix of amazement and confusion swirling inside me. 

Damn, people make great readymade blouses these days.

It was just, perfect.

I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a little more confident, and yet my fingers trembling slightly as I reached for the petticoat next. Sliding into it, I tried to ignore the nervous fluttering in my stomach as I resumed the tutorial almost immediately hitting a pause after that.

'Heels' she said? 

Running back to the closet, this time in a blouse and a petticoat, my mind already started racing with possibilities. 

The silver heels.

Yes! 

Wait... 

Where did I put them? I remembered buying them a while ago for an occasion that never came. 

Did I leave them back in-no no no no I'm pretty sure I got it here. Hell, I got every single shit pair of footwear I owned. There is no way I missed to get the most expensive one.

The sparkling silver, the delicate strap that wound around the ankle, and the elegant heel height that gave me just the right amount of lift—they were perfect!

However, finding them was another story. 

I rummaged through the rows of shoes, pulling out boxes and peeking inside, only to find the wrong pair each time. A set of black stilettos. No. A pair of nude pumps. No. Some wedge sandals I hadn't worn in years. Definitely not!

I moved to the back of the closet, pulling out every box and lining them up on the floor. My fingers grazed over shoes I'd forgotten I even owned, and I couldn't help but chuckle at some of the styles I used to love. What was I thinking? I mused, holding up a pair of neon-green peep-toes shoes before tossing them aside.

Finally, after what felt like ages, I found them. Tucked away in the corner of the closet, right, I kept them behind because they were expensive and of no use for my routine. I pulled them out, a triumphant smile spreading across my face as I held them up to the light. 

They were even more beautiful than I remembered.

I sat down on the closet floor, slipping them on and admiring the way they shimmered against the soft lighting. I stood up, taking a few tentative steps. They fit perfectly, a little hurtful but perfect. 

But something was missing. Jewelry. I needed something to complete the look, something to add that final touch...

It's not like you're going to the event, wish!

Well... a girl could just get ready!

I moved over to the jewelry section, where I kept all my accessories organized in a small, velvet-lined drawer. Opening one, I saw rows of earrings, rings, and a total of 3 necklaces. 

Okay, 'a row' might be a little exaggeration but whatever.

I reached for a pair of delicate gold hoops but paused. No, not gold. Not giving. It had to be silver or diamonds.

My fingers danced over the options, picking up and discarding pieces until I found exactly what I was looking for. A pair of long, diamond-studded earrings. They weren't real, obviously! But hey! They sparkled like they were! I held them up to my ears, glancing in the mirror and smiling at how they added just the right amount of glamour.

The thing about first or last copies is, that the only time people doubt whether or not it is real is when you are quite literally bankrupt or one knows the kind of stuff you can't afford. 

I've often wondered, would one ever doubt the Ambanis to wear fake jewels or any first copy? Probably not. But the truth is, if they wanted to they actually could wear something way affordable and no one would bat an eye.

Do they... think what I thin-

Wait how on earth did I get to this topic again?

Shaking my head I was about to leave the closet when I thought of something else. A necklace. My hand hovered over the 3 options, but I hesitated. The blouse's neckline was delicate and intricate, and a necklace might be too much. Nah chuck.

Satisfied, I stepped out of the closet and back into the bedroom, feeling a sense of accomplishment. But as soon as I did, I noticed the change in the room. 

Everything had turned dull, and I frowned, looking out the window. It was already getting dark, and not just because it was late in the day. The weather outside was stormy, the sky heavy with dark clouds, and the wind was picking up. Turning on the lights I wasn't surprised at the way the power had obviously cut off. Great.

A sense of urgency washed over me as I quickly took off my heels and ran down the stairs, shutting the balcony doors and windows. The storm was coming fast, and I could already feel the air thick with moisture. Almost as soon as I finished, the rain started pouring, drumming against the glass with a relentless rhythm.

Why is this day so weird?

I shook my head, slightly annoyed that the weather had taken such a turn. 

Of all days, I thought, dragging my feet back upstairs to my room. I was about to shut the windows entirely, but instead just left it slightly ajar, letting a cool breeze filter in along with the little light from the windows and the glass wall. The fresh air was soothing, even as the storm raged outside.

It looked like dawn.

I sat on the edge of the bed, slipping on my heels again and admiring the way they looked with the blouse and petticoat. The outfit was coming together, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. I grabbed my phone, placing it on the dressing table as I stood up, ready to finally tackle the complicated piece of clothing.

Just as I began attempting to drape it, the sound of a door slamming shut echoed through the house, making me freeze. My heart skipped a beat, and I could feel the blood draining from my face. 

What was that? I slowly backed up, pressing my ear against the bedroom door, straining to hear any other noises.

Footsteps. My breath hitched, and panic welled up inside me. 

There's no way Shehryar would be home this early. He has the event tonight, I thought, desperately trying to make sense of it all.

Quickly throwing on a t-shirt over the blouse, I grabbed my phone with trembling hands and immediately dialed Shehryar's number. Just as I was about to lock the bedroom door, it suddenly flew open, making me scream and stumble backward. My heart nearly stopping as I started at the intruder.

"Fuck!" I gasped, quickly throwing a hand to my chest, as relief flooded through me.

"Me?" 

"Huh?" 

"-Huh?"

I frowned. He frowned.  We frowned as we both looked at each other. Him looking at me with a mix of concern and amusement, while I couldn't help but take in the state of him.

There he stood, the man I was married to, drenched from head to toe in what had been his crisp white shirt and pants, now clinging to him like a second skin. The rain had turned the fabric translucent, molding it around him, with water dripping from every edge of his clothes. In one hand, he held a slightly crumpled paper bag with a straw poking through it, while his other hand gripped his phone tightly at his side.

Shehryar's eyes locked onto mine, a type of sight that could touch you through their eyes, as if searching for something as if he could read the fear and panic that was once etched across my face. For a moment, the world seemed to stand still as he took in my expression, silently assuring himself that I was unharmed, assuring me, that it was just him. Then, slowly, he raised the hand holding the bag, and for the first time in my life, I witnessed a full-fledged smile curve his lips—something soft, genuine, warm, something charming, something so utterly disarming. It was a sight I never imagined I would see on a man who always seemed so composed, so controlled.  My heart stilled, then pounded in my chest, loud, clear, as if declaring this moment as one of the most beautiful things it had ever beheld. A sight so unexpected and tender that it felt like time itself had paused to savor it. 

"I found it,"

-•❅•-

How can I look at you and not let my heart fall in love with yours?

-•❅•-

okayyy!!! an update without having to wait for two months!?

I'm trying to improve myself guys! Ik ik too little of shehryar? Well. Sorry about that.

BUT!!!

On a serious note! Idk how many of you got the first part of the chapter, IK it is pretty confusing and I already apologise for the bizzre writing, it's just I tried but well  all I'm saying is it will all eventually fall into place so until then please trust the process? 

love looove looooove you guys!

please please please do comment what you love, like and absolutely hate about this one, your comments just make me the happiest human alive! And... and I'll see you again??

oukie my loves! me lobhhs you all a lottt!!!

acchha chalo byeeee!

xoxo

its sheewholoved!