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Hello My Gummy Bears🧸

Hope you all are amazing.

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Adwitya's POV

The moment we stepped through the doors of Mehra House, the atmosphere shifted. Everyone was gathered in the living room, their faces etched with worry as they looked at us.

Before I could even offer a reassuring smile, Satyanshi, still visibly shaken, blurted out the story of the mall incident. She recounted the falling ladder, the near-miss, and the mysterious man who had saved me, her voice trembling slightly. The room filled with a collective gasp, and the worry on everyone's faces intensified.

"Are you okay, bachaa?" Maa and Chachi asked in unison, their voices laced with anxiety.

"Are you hurt somewhere?" Papa questioned, his brow furrowed, his eyes searching mine with a father's unwavering concern. "Please tell us, bachaa," Chachu insisted, his eyes scanning me for any sign of injury, his voice firm but gentle.

"I should call the doctor to check on you," Bhai said, his voice laced with urgency, turning me around to inspect me for wounds, his hands gently probing for any sign of pain.

The sheer intensity of their concern was overwhelming. Even the younger members of the family, wore worried expressions, their eyes wide with concern. I took a deep breath, trying to calm their fears, to reassure them that I was truly fine. "I'm fine," I reassured them, my voice firm and clear. "Kuch nii hua mujhe, aap sab tension nii lo." (Nothing happened to me, you all don't need to worry.)

Their shoulders relaxed, and the tension in the room eased, replaced by a collective sigh of relief. I managed a weak smile, grateful for their unwavering love and care, for the warmth of their concern that enveloped me like a comforting blanket.

I retreated to my room, seeking the solitude to process the events of the day. But the image of the man with the green eyes lingered in my mind, refusing to fade. His deep gaze, the soothing timbre of his voice, the protective aura that surrounded him – it all swirled together, creating a confusing yet captivating picture. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had experienced.

The night was restless. I tossed and turned, unable to find solace in sleep. The lingering feeling, everything – it was all too much to process.

The next morning, Anshi arrived at the House before anyone else. Her eyes, still carrying a hint of worry. I was sipping tea in the kitchen. As soon as she came near me, 'Are you really okay?' she asked, her voice laced with concern. I smiled reassuringly. 'Perfectly fine, Anshi. Just a little shaken, that's all.' The physical bruises were minimal, but the memory of the near-miss still sent a shiver down my spine.

With that confirmation, Anshi's usual bubbly energy returned. 'Good!' she exclaimed, grabbing my arm. 'Because I've decided we're going to rectify yesterday's disaster with a proper shopping spree! No more crowds, no more accidents. Just us, and lots of beautiful things.'

I laughed, the tension from the previous day finally easing. 'Anshi, you're incorrigible!' But a spark of excitement danced in my eyes. 'Alright, lead the way. But this time, let's stick to the quieter boutiques, shall we?' Anshi nodded enthusiastically, already picturing the perfect outfits we would find. 'Absolutely! And maybe we can even find that dress you were eyeing before...'

Stepping into the morning sunlight, I tried to push the lingering unease to the back of my mind. Anshi's enthusiasm was infectious, and the prospect of a day spent browsing beautiful fabrics and trying on elegant designs was undeniably appealing. I decided to focus on the present, on the joy of spending time with my friend.

We started with a charming little boutique tucked away on a quiet side street. The air was filled with the soft rustle of silk and the gentle murmur of conversation. I found myself drawn to a delicate shawl, its intricate embroidery reminiscent of the patterns I'd seen in my grandmother's old saris. As I ran my fingers over the soft fabric, I felt a momentary sense of peace.

Anshi, meanwhile, was busy pulling dresses off the racks, her eyes sparkling with excitement. 'Try this one!' she declared, thrusting a vibrant blue attire into my hands. 'It'll look stunning on you!'

I smiled, accepting the dress. In the fitting room, I looked at my reflection. The blue fabric complemented my skin tone, and the simple, elegant design was surprisingly flattering. As I looked into the mirror, I thought about the man with the green eyes. It was a momentary thought, and I pushed it away.

We spent the next few hours drifting from boutique to boutique, indulging in the simple pleasure of shopping. Anshi's infectious energy helped me momentarily forget my anxieties. "Look at these earrings. Itya!" Anshi said, holding up a pair of delicate, kundan earrings. "They would be perfect with that dress you just tried on!"

"Oh, they are lovely!" I replied, admiring the craftsmanship. "And look at this scarf!" I pointed to a silk scarf with a vibrant floral pattern. "It would add a pop of color to any outfit."

We laughed as Anshi tried on a flamboyant hat with a large feather, and I teased her about how she can even have her fun under this hat and no one would notice, iykwim. We discussed our favorite books, our dreams for the future, and the latest gossip from our circle of friends. The day felt like a welcome escape, a chance to simply enjoy the moment.

As we paused for a late lunch at a charming cafe, I felt a sense of contentment wash over me. "This was exactly what I needed," I said, sipping my tea. "Thank you, Anshi."

"Anytime, Itya," she replied, her eyes twinkling. "That's what friends are for. Now, let's go find you the perfect pair of shoes to match that Attire!"

As we continued our shopping spree, I felt lighter, more at ease. The lingering unease from the previous day had faded into the background, replaced by the warmth of friendship and the joy of a perfect shopping day."

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Love Aaviah💖