Rajveer's face fell. He had brought a saree for Sarangi with so much excitement so she could be in the spotlight. Now, with a disturbed mood, he was about to leave when Vairagya called him into his cabin.
"You called me, sir...?" Rajveer asked.
"Yes, this cheque—" Vairagya started but paused, noticing Rajveer looked like he was about to cry.
"What happened, Raj...?" Vairagya asked.
"Nothing, sir... just tell me what to do with this cheque..." Rajveer replied.
"So I guess you never really considered me a friend...?" Vairagya asked gently.
"No, no... it's not that. I was just a little upset," Rajveer said.
"Tell me what's bothering you... who knows, maybe I can help," Vairagya said with a smile.
"You probably can't solve it, but as a friend, I still want to share it with you, Vairagya..." Rajveer rarely called him by his name.
Vairagya smiled and nodded. Rajveer pulled up a chair next to him and poured his heart out — including his suspicions about Shikha and the many angry words he had uttered. At home, or in front of his sister, he couldn't express himself like this, but sharing everything with Vairagya made him feel lighter.
"Well, I actually have a solution to your problem... bring your sister to the parking lot in ten minutes," Vairagya said, rising from his chair.
"Where are you going, Vairagya?" Rajveer asked.
"To solve your problem, Raj. For the first time, my friend has shared a heartfelt desire with me. If I can't fulfill it, what kind of friend would I be?"
"But sir..." Rajveer began, but Vairagya had already walked away.
Rajveer reached the parking lot with Sarangi, where Vairagya was already waiting. His expensive car gleamed even in the night's darkness.
"Sir...?" Rajveer called out to him.
"Raj, in half an hour, your sister will return to you safe and sound. So go ahead and focus on your work," Vairagya said calmly.
"But sir...?" Rajveer still had questions swirling in his mind.
"You don't trust me?" Vairagya asked with a light smile.
"It's not that, sir... it's just that the function is about to start. Please come back soon," Rajveer expressed his concern.
"Don't worry," Vairagya assured him.
He smiled and opened the back door of the car for Sarangi. She looked at Rajveer.
Rajveer simply blinked, signaling her to go. Sarangi slowly got into the car. Vairagya took the driver's seat while Rajveer took a deep breath and walked back inside. A sense of calm had begun to settle in his heart.
"Where are we going?" Sarangi asked, still sounding nervous.
Vairagya didn't reply. He kept driving while texting someone on his phone.
Sarangi tried to peek at his phone, but Vairagya cleverly kept it out of her sight.
"Please tell me...?" she asked again, slightly irritated now.
Suddenly, Vairagya stopped the car and got out. "See for yourself," he said, opening the door for Sarangi.
She stepped out and found herself standing in front of a grand mall, its magnificence shining even in the night. The dazzling lights and glamour made it obvious that it was a place only the city's wealthiest frequented.
"Why did you bring me here...? I don't have enough money for a place like this," Sarangi asked anxiously, fearing he might ask her to pay like he had that morning.
"Did I ask you for money?" Vairagya said, walking ahead.
"But if I don't pay, who will...? Raj...? No, please ask him not to. He and Dad have already spent so much on my wedding," Sarangi expressed her concern.
"Just be quiet for a while," Vairagya scolded.
"But..." Sarangi tried to speak again.
"Quiet. Absolutely quiet." Vairagya placed his finger on her lips. Sarangi froze for a moment, her eyes wide in surprise, her heartbeat racing. Vairagya's closeness stirred feelings within her she hadn't fully understood—fluttering butterflies in her stomach, a strange warmth tickling her heart.
Vairagya walked toward the mall's grand entrance. When he realized Sarangi hadn't followed, he turned around.
Sarangi still stood there frozen, her eyes filled with a thousand questions. Vairagya smacked his forehead and said, "Miss... I asked you to shut your mouth, not your feet!"
Sarangi snapped back to reality.
She nodded silently and followed Vairagya inside the mall.
Within moments, they were inside a luxurious showroom adorned with exquisite designer dresses. Vairagya walked up to the manager and asked, "Is the dress ready?"
"Yes, sir," the designer replied politely.
"She's the bride. Please get her ready beautifully," Vairagya said, gesturing toward Sarangi. Then he walked over to the waiting area, filled with plush sofas and magazines.
The designer gave Sarangi a reassuring smile and motioned her to follow. Still a bit confused, she walked in silently.
A little while later, Sarangi emerged dressed in a stunning magenta and purple gown, looking nothing short of an angel. Her hair was styled in a bun, with a few loose strands gently brushing her neck and cheeks. Her eyes sparkled with a new glow, and the light makeup only enhanced her natural beauty.
To be continued...