The silence between Krishnaa and Aashvika was oppressive, a heavy blanket that smothered the air in the car. Neither of them spoke, the tension between them palpable, like an uninvited guest who refused to leave. The stillness was so profound that even the hum of the engine seemed muted, as if the very atmosphere itself was holding its breath.

Krishnaa's eyes remained fixed on the road ahead, her expression unreadable, a mask that concealed her thoughts. Her hands gripped the steering wheel with a quiet intensity, her fingers tense. Aashvika's gaze, on the other hand, was directed out the window, her profile a mask of indifference, a carefully crafted facade that hid her true emotions.

The stillness was shattered by Aashvika's sudden demand: "Let's go to the mall." The words dropped like a stone into a quiet lake, sending ripples through the air. Krishnaa's eyebrow shot up in surprise, her eyes flicking towards Aashvika before returning to the road. The question hung in the air, awaiting clarification.

"GC Mall?" Krishnaa asked, her tone neutral, neither inviting nor discouraging. Her voice was a gentle probe, seeking to understand Aashvika's motivations. Aashvika nodded curtly, her expression unyielding, a fortress that refused to yield its secrets.

Without another word, Krishnaa pulled the steering wheel to the left, changing course towards GC Mall. The silence between them resumed, a palpable force that filled the car. As they drove, Krishnaa's curiosity grew, fermenting like a slow-brewing storm. What was Aashvika's motive for this sudden outing? Was she seeking distraction or something more?

The questions swirled in Krishnaa's mind, but she didn't voice them. Instead, she focused on the road ahead, her eyes tracking the landscape. GC Mall loomed before them, its sleek facade gleaming in the sunlight like a beacon. Krishnaa turned into the parking lot, the sound of gravel crunching beneath the tires.

As they parked, Krishnaa turned to Aashvika, her eyes searching for answers. "What's the plan?" she asked, breaking the silence. Her tone was even, neither inquisitive nor accusing.

Aashvika's response was enigmatic: "You'll see." Her words hung in the air, a promise or a threat, leaving Krishnaa wondering what lay ahead. The mystery deepened, a labyrinth that Krishnaa was compelled to navigate.

Aashvika's demand to visit the mall was more than just a whim. It was a desperate cry for freedom, a longing to break free from the suffocating drama that had been weighing her down. The tension with Krishnaa, the expectations of her in-laws, and the pressures of her marriage had taken a toll on her mental health, leaving her feeling trapped and suffocated.

She craved an escape, a chance to clear her mind and recharge her batteries. And what better way to assert her independence than with her mother-in-law, Nivedita Goenka, by her side? The irony wasn't lost on Aashvika - Nivedita, notorious for her strict rules and traditional values, had always kept her daughter-in-laws on a tight leash.

It was impossible to step outside the house without Nivedita's permission, and even then, it was always under the watchful eye of a family member. But today, Aashvika saw an opportunity. With Krishnaa's willingness to take her to the mall, she could momentarily break free from Nivedita's suffocating grasp.

Aashvika's eyes sparkled with determination as she turned to Krishnaa. "Let's go," she said, her voice firm, her tone brooking no argument. Krishnaa raised an eyebrow but said nothing, sensing the underlying tension.

As they stepped out of the car, Aashvika felt a thrill of excitement coursing through her veins. She knew Nivedita would never approve of this outing, but she was willing to take the risk. For once, Aashvika wanted to be in control, to make her own choices, and to clear her mind without the burden of family expectations.

The cool breeze outside the mall enveloped her like a gentle hug, and Aashvika felt a sense of liberation wash over her. She closed her eyes, letting the stress and anxiety melt away, replaced by a sense of freedom and joy.

She took a deep breath, ready to seize this moment of freedom, no matter how fleeting it might be. Aashvika's heart pounded with anticipation as she gazed at the mall's entrance.

"Let's go inside," Aashvika said, her eyes locked on the automatic doors, her voice barely above a whisper. Krishnaa nodded, and together they stepped into the unknown, leaving their worries and cares behind.

As they disappeared into the crowded corridors of the mall, Aashvika felt a sense of rebirth, a chance to rediscover herself and reclaim her identity. Little did she know, this outing would be more than just a shopping trip - it would be a journey of self-discovery.

As they roamed around the mall, Aashvika's excitement was infectious, radiating like a beacon of joy that drew everyone's attention. She felt like a free bird, unencumbered by the weight of family expectations and societal norms that had held her back for so long. Her feet seemed to dance across the polished floor, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she explored every nook and cranny.

Krishnaa followed closely behind, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity. Aashvika's enthusiasm was contagious, and Krishnaa found herself chuckling at the girl's antics, her reserve slowly melting away. She had never seen Aashvika like this before - carefree and uninhibited.

Aashvika's gaze darted from store to store, drinking in the vibrant colors and enticing displays that seemed to speak directly to her soul. She flitted from one window to the next, her fingers trailing across the glass like a child in a candy store, mesmerized by the treasures within.

Krishnaa's outfit, a sleek black jacket and matching pants, made her look every inch the guard, but Aashvika's response was far from intimidated. "You look like a bodyguard," Aashvika teased, her eyes glinting with mirth, her voice barely above a whisper.

Krishnaa raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips as she took in Aashvika's playful jibe. "Just making sure you're safe," she replied, her voice low and smooth, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

Aashvika giggled, the sound echoing through the mall's corridors like music, drawing smiles from passersby. "I feel safe with you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes shining with gratitude.

Krishnaa's expression softened, her eyes warming with affection as she gazed at Aashvika. She slipped her hands into the pockets of her jacket, her stride relaxed as she continued to follow Aashvika, her movements fluid and effortless.

Together, they wove through the crowds, Aashvika leading the way, Krishnaa watching over her with a quiet intensity that spoke volumes about their bond. The mall's din receded into the background, leaving only the gentle hum of their laughter and the soft rustle of their footsteps.

As they walked, the tension between them dissolved, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and shared joy. Aashvika felt alive, her spirit soaring on the wings of freedom, and Krishnaa was happy to be her wingman, her rock, her safe haven.