05

Entering the elevator, they reached the second floor and stepped out. Varahi looked around, noting the entire floor was dedicated to electronic items, from handheld devices to household appliances and gym equipment.

“Let’s get to the Apple store first,” Avyaan said, moving to the left.

“Hello, Sir and Mam, how can I help you?” a staff member asked as they entered.

“I wanted to see the Apple Watch Series 2,” Avyaan replied.

“Yes, sir, please come,” the staff said, guiding them.

After explaining the features, the staff concluded, “So, sir, that’s all about this.”

“What are the band color choices?” Avyaan asked.

“Sir, there are quite a lot of varieties,” the staff replied. Avyaan nodded, turning to Varahi, who was busy looking at the watches.

“Hmm? Which one do you like?” he asked, stepping back to give her space.

“Something other than blue and black,” Varahi said. Avyaan nodded, and the staff went to pack the watch.

“Do you know his fit?”

“Yes, I’ve already told him about that,” Avyaan said, pulling out his phone.

“How much does it cost?” Varahi asked, having been distracted earlier.

“Nothing much, just around 90-95k,” Avyaan said, unbothered.

“It’s not just,” Varahi argued, looking at him in disbelief.

Avyaan met her gaze. “It is, trust me, Misses. Moreover, I’m rich and could buy you ten watches right now, or more things in this store,” he said, his eyes mischievous.

“I don’t want any of your watches,” Varahi retorted, meeting his challenging gaze.

“Not like I’m buying you any,” Avyaan said, returning to his phone.

“Of course, you never did,” Varahi whispered to herself, but he heard her.

“You were saying we’d just visit the store and check other things, but we bought the watch,” Varahi said as they walked.

“Yes, but he needed it. Come, let’s get something for Massi and Trisha.”

“What have you decided to buy for your Massi?” Varahi asked, emphasizing “your.”

“Let’s get to the next floor first,” Avyaan replied.

The elevator opened, and Varahi nearly bumped into a girl engrossed in her phone.

“Oh, sorry,” the girl said. Varahi nodded and stepped out, leaving the girl feeling ignored.

“Excuse me, you were supposed to apologize too, not just show attitude,” the girl called out.

“And why should I apologize?” Varahi asked, crossing her arms.

“Because you bumped into me.”

“I bumped into you? It was you,” Varahi said politely, as onlookers watched.

“Excuse me, can you stop arguing with my wife and accept it was your fault?” Avyaan said, stepping in.

“How am I at fault, Mr. Singhania?” the girl asked, her tone shifting as she recognized him. Varahi looked shocked, while Avyaan smirked.

“Bumping into people while on your phone,” he said.

“But—” the girl began.

“There’s a thing called common sense, which you seem to lack,” Varahi added, staring her down.

“Excuse me?” the girl exclaimed.

“Why don’t you two handle this like adults? Let’s not part with bitterness. Now, apologize,” Avyaan said. “Both of you.”

“Why wou—” Varahi started, but Avyaan cut her off with a look. Both girls muttered insincere apologies.

“Mr. Singhania, can I have a picture with you? My brother really follows you,” the girl asked.

“Yeah, sure. My wife will click it,” Avyaan said.

Varahi reluctantly took the phone and snapped the photo.

“Why would you ask me to apologize when it was her fault?” Varahi said, her mood soured.

“That was childish of both of you, and the common sense comment wasn’t necessary,” Avyaan said, holding back a smile at her irritation.

“She was dumb, it was her fault.”

“But you were rude.”

“Why are you taking her side?” Varahi stopped, exasperated.

“I’m not taking anyone’s side,” Avyaan said flatly.

“Then why are you fighting?”

“You’re fighting, Varahi, not me. You always fight,” Avyaan said, unsure why she was so cranky.

“Okay, I admit I might’ve been a little rude, but that doesn’t mean I always fight,” Varahi said, acknowledging her part.

“Seriously? A little?” Avyaan raised his brows.

“Yes, a little, and I don’t fight,” Varahi said, feeling offended.

“Tumhe pata nahi hai par tum karti ho,” Avyaan muttered as they entered the jewelry shop, hoping she didn’t hear. (You don’t know, but you do.)

“Okay, sir, I’ll get these packed,” the staff said after they chose jewelry for the Singhania ladies.

“Hm, how about we get to the cosmetics shop, buy Trisha’s things, and head back?” Avyaan asked Varahi, who was distracted but turned when he spoke.

“Or you want to eat something?” he added patiently.

“Yes, we can grab something. You must be hungry too,” Varahi said, knowing he often skipped meals.

“Hmm, let’s finish shopping fast. I’m getting a headache,” Avyaan said.

After paying for the jewelry, they entered the cosmetic store.

“Hello, Mam and Sir, how can I help you?” a lady staff asked.

Varahi stepped forward, calling someone. “Trisha, send me the final list,” she said, gesturing for the staff to wait. Avyaan looked around the shop, noting its division between Indian accessories and other makeup brands.

“Umm, first liquid blush… and lip gloss…” Varahi said, moving from counter to counter while Avyaan followed, his headache worsening.

“Thank you for visiting,” the counter lady said, handing Varahi the bill, which Avyaan paid.

“Finally,” Avyaan said as they parked in front of a restaurant.

After ordering, they sat face-to-face, waiting.

“Why don’t you eat anything on meeting days?” Varahi asked, noticing him on his phone.

“It’s hectic to find time, especially these past few months with back-to-back meetings,” Avyaan said, setting his phone aside.

“Varahi, I’m leaving for Lucknow tomorrow night and will be back the day after, probably morning,” he said, looking at her.

“Glad you told me face-to-face this time,” Varahi said with a sigh, sipping water.

Avyaan’s lips parted, but he said nothing, feeling guilty for usually informing her through messages.

“Anyways, is this your favorite restaurant?” Varahi asked, changing the topic.

“Yes, the other one is quite far,” Avyaan said as the waiter brought their food.

“Honey chili potatoes are nice,” Varahi said, taking another piece.

“Hm, it’s one of Yuvi’s favorites,” Avyaan said, trying some.

After paying, they left the restaurant, drove back to the Singhania Mansion, and ended their unplanned date.