Page 10 of Shattered

“How about feeding me now, Mom? I am starving,” I say to Mom. She gives me a kiss on the forehead and rushes off to the kitchen to get the food ready while Dad and I delve into our business talks.

Chapter 5

Kavya

Irritated, I slam my car door shut and head towards the small boutique near my house. Frustration and annoyance swirl through me as I dread the task ahead. The last thing I want to do is attend this party, let alone pick out a dress for it, but I have no choice. After breakfast, while I was spending some time with Nisha, Aunty dragged me into my room, rifled through my clothes and declared that none of them were suitable for tonight’s dinner. I tried to tell her I didn’t care and would wear anything, but she put her foot down, forcing me to go shopping. So here I am, begrudgingly searching for a dress for a dinner I have absolutely zero interest in attending.

My phone buzzes in my hand, and I glance down to see a message from Aunty. I read her text, reminding me not to come home without a dress, with a threat that if I do, she’ll go shopping herself to pick one out—something that’s even more terrifying than attending the party. The mere thought of her choosing something loud and attention-grabbing, especially after her recent lecture about needing to find someone and settle down, is even scarier, making me shudder. I’d much rather pick out my own dress than deal with her manipulative attempts.

Throwing my mobile into my purse, I reach the boutiqueand my eyes are immediately drawn to a dress in the storefront display—a gorgeous,floor-length, navy blue mermaid gown draped on a mannequin. A smile spreads across my face as I take in its understated elegance. It’s simple and classy without being too revealing. Normally, I don’t get excited about picking out clothes, but this dress has me wanting to try it on. With my heart set on the dress and my mind made up to try it on, I step inside and walk past the rows of clothes. I straightaway head to the counter at the back of the store.

“Hi, I am Myra. How can I assist you?” the young boutique owner greets me warmly.

“Hi, Myra. I was wondering if I could try on the navy-blue dress from the display, please?” I say with a smile, pointing towards the window where I spotted the dress.

She nods, returning my smile. “Of course, you can. That’s the latest addition to our collection,and I am proud to say it’s my design. In fact, that’s the only piece we have.”

“God, I hope it fits me. I need a dress right away, and I doubt I have time for alterations,” I exclaim, suddenly feeling deflated as the excitement of seeing the dress fades away, replaced by the worry of what if it doesn’t fit me.

Stepping around the counter, Myra gives me a thorough once-over. “It’s a size small, but I am confident it’ll fit you just right,” she reassures me. “And if it does need any alterations, I can have them done within an hour, tops.”

“That’s great,” I sigh with relief,a smile returning to my face.

She then walks up to the display and carefully removes the dress before bringing it to me. Up close, it’s even more breathtaking with its slimline, sleeveless design and tapered waistline that gathers to one side.It’s the perfect blend of sophistication and modesty.

“Why don’t you try it on?”she suggests, gesturing toward the changing room.

I nod, taking the dress as I slip into the small changing room in the corner.

My stomach somersaults as I remove my jeans and t-shirt and cautiously slip into the gown, silently hoping it fits me perfectly. With a deep breath, I look into the full-length mirror before me. Relief and excitement flood over me; it seems like my search is over without having to spend hourshunting for the right dress. Satisfied, I step out to show Myra.

“I told you it would fit you just right. You look beautiful in this,” Myra says warmly as she steps closer, examining the dress on me. “No alterations needed.”

I release a breath that I didn’t know I was holding. God, I never knew picking out a dress could be so stressful.

“Thank you, I’ll take this. Can you please bill it?” I say, smiling at her.

“Of course, why don’t you change while I get the bill ready,” she suggests as she heads behind the counter. I nod and walk back to the changing room to slipback into my clothes.When I come out, I hand her the dress, and she neatly packs it for me. After paying for the dress, I take the bag from her and make my way to my car, excited with my find.

As I pull the car out of the parking lot and head back home, I am lost in my thoughts, feeling anxious about how the dinner will unfold. When I stop at the red light, Isuddenlyrealise I’ve taken a wrong turnand driven further away from home. Cursing under my breath, Iquickly make aU-turn as soon as the signal turns green. Just then,a coffee shop tucked away in the corner catches my eye.“I could definitely use a cup of coffee to calm my nerves,”I murmur to myself as I park the car in front of the coffee shop.

Stepping into the coffee shop,I join the queue and let my eyes wander over the vintage decor, taking in the high wooden bar stool tables and the plush couches in the corner, giving it a cosy feel.Just as I am soaking it all in, my eyes suddenly collide with the intense stare of a stranger standing beside me. He’s undeniably handsome, dressed sharply in a black shirt and blue jeans. His dark hair and deep brown eyesform a striking contrast, and the intensity with which he’s staring at me sends a shiver down my spine. Quickly, I avert my gaze, pretending to study the menu, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling.

To my luck, the line moves quickly and it’s my turn to order. I hastily opt for a to-go caramel frappe with cream,eager to escapethe awkwardness. After placing my order, I step into a corner to wait for my order, making sure to avoidglancing in the stranger’s direction. But fate seems to have other plans as he unexpectedly joins me, waiting for his order as well. Hisproximitymakes me uneasy, and the scent of his cologne only adds to my discomfort. Desperate to distract myself, I pull out my phone and pretend to be engrossed in it.

A few minutes later, I hear my order number called out, along with his.He walks up to the counter alongside me, but I am too focused on grabbing my drink and getting out of there.Nervously, I grab my cup, eager to make a quick exit, but in my rush, disaster strikes.I fumble, knocking his drink to the floor and spilling mine all over his immaculate suit.

“Damn it,” he mutters as he brushes his hands over hisnow-stainedsuit. My heart races in my chest, anxiety swirling within me at my stupid clumsiness.

“I... I... I am so sorry,” I stammer as I lift my eyes to his,fully expecting to see annoyance. But to my surprise,a smile slowly spreads across his face. God, this man is really weird.

“It’s okay,” he says in his baritone, sexy voice.

Ignoring the butterfliesfluttering in my stomach at the sound of his voice,I gather my nerves and offer. “Let me buy you another drink.”

He tilts his head to the side. “You’ve ruined my suit as well? What about that?”

I blink at him, feeling utterly embarrassed. “I am really sorry. I’ll pay for the dry cleaning.”

---