18. Ring shopping

Anika

It had been one hell of a day.

Varsha bailed about an hour ago because of some work, so it was just me and Mom.

We were on opposite sides when it came to choices. And when I said it was a long day, I meant it. I gathered my hair in a bun and crossed my legs in the car. Normally, I'd be too embarrassed to do this in front of anyone, but my legs were killing me.

Jai reached for something in the backseat and handed me a paper bag. "Have it until then," he said.

"You got me food?" I asked.

"You were hungry," he replied. I need help. He couldn't keep doing these sweet things.

But damn, it was biryani! There was a bowl and a spoon inside, and I dug in. I was starving.

"Thank youuu," I hugged his left hand, the one closer to me. He smiled back.

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"To your favourite ice cream place," he replied.

"You'd drive an hour to take me there?"

"I'd do anything to see the smile on your face," he said, and I melted for real. He was acting like one of those fictional guys from my books.

Then I spilled the beans about what happened in the store.

"You know, a girl barely 21 is getting married. She came in for shopping for her wedding, and I couldn't see her face. She was on the verge of tears all the time."

"Is it even legal?" he asked.

"Legal isn't the issue. She isn't standing up for herself," I said.

"True," he replied. This man and his few words. I should record him next time so I can play it when I miss his voice.

We reached the ice cream place, and we took a seat near a beautiful painting. I'd seen the painting before, but I couldn't remember where. This was a new addition to the place, though.

"This painting..." I said to him, and watching the small smile on his face, I got the reason.

"This is Aunty's painting!" I exclaimed.

The painting depicted a couple facing each other on a mundane day, smiling at each other, radiating pure love.

"Yaaa, it is," he replied.

"I remember the things she made Dad do when she painted this. They spent the whole weekend doing couple stuff because she didn't get motivated to paint this. Dad didn't lift a single call from the office that weekend. It was like watching a romance movie," he said, smiling but his eyes a little sad.

"Awww, that is so cute!" I hoped I find such love.

We had our ice cream, and he told me more about his parents. I'd never get bored of listening to such stories.

"Ani-" he pointed to the corner of my mouth. I wiped it, but he just shook his head.

He came closer and wiped the ice cream and licked it. I had mixed feelings of cringe and aww.

Then I paid the bill despite him protesting. He had to come here because of me, so it was only fair if I paid.

I also needed to sort the amount for the engagement ring. Mom said the groom pays for the rings, but I wanted to buy Jai's ring with my money.

I had savings, and I could easily buy a ring with that amount.

We headed to the store. It looked more like a hotel than a store. Both of our parents were already there, and we joined them.

"Hello, Aunty and Uncle," I bent to touch their feet. I couldn't go hug them like before; after all, they were going to be my in-laws.

"Don't act so differently around us. We're still your friend's parents," Aunty said, smiling, and I smiled back.

When I looked at Jai, he was already staring at me with so much emotion in his eyes. He never let that side of him slip except when he was with his family.

We proceeded to see the rings, and we sat down, Jai to my right and Mom to my left. There were barely any people here. I wondered how expensive this place was, but I had to admit, it looked so good.

"What is your preference, sir, ma'am?" a man asked us.

"Platinum or diamonds," Jai replied. I didn't know he thought about rings. I was happy that he did, though.

"Sure, sir," he replied and went to get our rings.

In the meantime, Mom and Seema aunty were chatting non-stop.

"What do you prefer?" Jai asked me.

"Nothing as such, I just want a ring that I like," I replied. Jai just nodded his head. I really needed to get into this man's head. He processed a lot of things at the same time.

The jeweler came back with a few rings. I expected the price to be high, and with the Singhania's, it was quite expected. They were billionaires. So, I came prepared.

Jai decided on his ring in a couple of minutes. It was a platinum band with a small diamond at the top. It looked so pretty.

I was still looking for mine. He bought many rings at this point, and I felt guilty for not selecting any. I was being very picky today.

Then suddenly, a ring caught my attention. A lady, maybe who worked here, set it near the customer beside us. It was a beautiful ring with a diamond at the top and a few others that surrounded it.

"What is the price of this?" the customer asked.

"10,05,634, ma'am," the lady who works there replied. My jaw dropped. 10 lakhs for a ring? What in the world?? I closed my mouth and acted as if nothing had happened.

Then I selected another ring which matched Jai's. It had a platinum band with full of diamonds. Jai wouldn't let the man tell me the price. Asshole.

"Why the hell are you hiding the price?" I asked Jai.

"Because you won't buy it if you think the price is high," Jai replied. I just rolled my eyes at him. He was right, though. It was who I was. I didn't like spending more money than required on things.

Then the man bought us the bill and asked for our cards. Jai's ring cost around 3 lakhs. I expected as much. And I didn't know how much mine was.

Then we had dinner at the nearest restaurant and discussed the preparations. Day after tomorrow was our engagement, and I was a ball of nerves. I was sure about the person, but my life was going to change.

Then Jai insisted on dropping me home despite me saying that I'd take a cab.

"Thank you," I told him when we reached my place.

He smiled and said, "Be ready at 11 am tomorrow. " He winked.

"Why?" I asked.

"Surprise," he said and kissed my head sideways. I could get addicted to this.

I lay there on his shoulder, hugging his left hand.

"Nervous?" he asked.

"Hmm," I just nodded my head, still not moving.

"There is absolutely no reason for you to feel nervous, Ani. You are gonna be my princess. And I'm the luckiest prince. I will always be there for you," he said.

I nodded and got out of the car.

"I'll leave then, sleep tight," he said and left when I got inside the lift.

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