“Okay, okay, let’s stop teasing her. Look at her—she’s all red,” Maa chuckles as we slide into the car. Madhav Uncle lets out a laugh and begins driving.
I stare out the window, trying to calm the butterflies still fluttering in my stomach. My lips are still tingling.
We finally arrive at the jewelry showroom, and as we step inside, I’m hit by the glittering display of gold and diamonds. It’s stunning. Maa calls over the owner, and he brings out the sets she had set aside. I examine each one—elegant, detailed, and expensive-looking. It’s hard to pick just one. Some are simple and delicate, others bold and extravagant. All of them are breathtaking, though.
Maa studies each piece carefully, running her fingers over the intricate patterns. She picks up a necklace with a large sapphire in the center.
“What do you think of this one?” She asks, showing me the necklace.
I lean in, admiring the way the sapphire catches the light. “It’s beautiful,” I tell her honestly. “But they all are.”
Maa laughs softly. “It’s not easy, is it? They all have their own charm.” We keep going through the sets, but none of them seem to feel right.
Then I notice something at the back, almost hidden. A full diamond set—necklace, earrings, and bracelet—all matching.
“Have you seen this one?” I ask, pointing it out.
Maa follows my gaze. Her eyes widen. “Oh my god, I hadn’t even spotted that one! It’s gorgeous!”
“See, I told you. Aren’t you glad you brought me?” I grin as she side-hugs me.
“I definitely am,” she grins, still admiring the set. She tells the owner to pack it, and once she’s done paying, we walk out of the store.
“Do you want to do more shopping?” She asks, turning to me.
I shake my head. Shopping’s never really been my thing. “But if you want to, I’ll come with you,” I offer.
The clouds grumble, and we both glance up at the sky. It looks like it might rain soon. We decide it’s better to head home. As we hurry to the car, laughing at ourselves, a loud bang slices through the air.
It takes a second for my brain to register. A gunshot. Fear grips my heart as Maa grips my head.
“Get down!” Someone yells.
Panic explodes around us. People scream, running in every direction. Chaos takes over, and I shake in fear. “Shivani, hurry!” Maa cries, yanking me toward the car. We duck behind it, trying to make ourselves small. My heart is thudding so loud I can’t hear anything else.
Maa manages to scramble inside the car. I’m just about to follow her when I hear another shot.
“Shivani!” Madhav Uncle yells out.
I whip my head around just in time to see him jump in front of me. And then in the very next second I see him lying on the ground; he’s hit. Blood pools out of his wound, and a horrified gasp escapes me.
The sound of another shot echoes as he lies there clutching his chest. “No!” I drop to my knees beside him, everything inside me unraveling. My body shakes violently, and I reach out to him.
“Uncle, no!” I sob, reaching for him.
His face goes pale but calm. “It’s going to be okay, beta,” he whispers, his voice strained. “You’re going to live a good life. I don’t regret anything… Please, don’t cry. Run… run away…”
“Shivani!” Maa’s voice is shrill, full of terror.
But I can’t move. I’m frozen, my hands stained with blood. His blood.
Suddenly, someone grabs my hand. Rough hands wrap around my arms, yanking me back.
“No! Let go of me!” I scream, struggling, but they’re too strong. I twist, kick, and fight with everything I have. “Leave me!”
But no one hears me. Or no one cares. I see Maa rushing behind these people, and I almost shout at her to go away as they drag me towards a van. I keep screaming at the top of my lungs. I don’t stop as I fight against their tight grip, but they don't leave me.
They shove me inside; I feel a sharp prick in my arm.
