Isabella's car stopped in front of the mall, and Amraha stepped out while Isabella drove off to park. She left the car just outside and returned shortly. Yet, there was something strange about the two of them—no smile on their faces, no trace of happiness. When Bella came back, they both walked inside the mall together.
"Where should we start?" Amraha asked in a casual tone.
"Let's start with jewelry," Isabella replied. "I already bought my dress from my city, so we'll just match the jewelry with it."
The two of them entered a jewelry store. As soon as Amraha stepped inside, she felt someone's gaze on her. She quickly turned around, but saw nothing. Trying to stay alert, she ignored the feeling and followed Bella inside when she called her.
It was a large jewelry shop, with glass cabins at the front and display pieces inside. They sat down on the chairs and began selecting designs. After some time, Amraha chose a necklace for Isabella—a blue cherry-colored diamond piece. A single diamond sat at the center, with fine delicate lines stretching towards the ends where it fastened. It was truly beautiful.
They bought a few more ornaments before moving on to the next shops. Slowly, they continued with their shopping—bags, clothes, shoes, and other essentials. After finishing most of it, only Amraha's dress was left.
"I'm not taking a dress from here," Amraha said quickly, trying to brush it aside. "I already have plenty of luxury brands at home."
"This is the most famous brand here, Amraha. My dress is also from them. You're the bride's sister—you should buy it from here too. Everyone will be looking at you," Isabella insisted.
Reluctantly, Amraha agreed and went with her. The shop assistants showed them several outfits, but nothing seemed right until finally, one dress caught her attention. It was long, reaching down to her feet, but unlike a wedding gown, it had a simple, flowing round cut. The upper chest was fitted, while the sleeves puffed slightly at the shoulders before tapering down to full length.
"This one is truly beautiful," Isabella said.
"Yes," Amraha nodded softly. "I like it too."
At last, they settled on the dress. With all their shopping done, then they two headed to the cafeteria, where they ordered coffee and treated themselves to ice cream.
"Hahaha… yes, I remember. And then in school, we both got punished," Amraha laughed.
They were still talking when Isabella paused mid-sentence. Three men appeared, walking directly toward their table. As they passed, Amraha glanced at them—and recognized one instantly. It was the same man from the hospital, though the two men with him were different this time.
"So, you had the courage to mess with us? To file a case against us?" the man sneered, pointing a finger at Amraha.
"Listen carefully—if you or that woman go to court, you'll be dead before you even step inside."
"What kind of ignorant people are you?"
Isabella shot back firmly. "If we complain to security right now, you won't ever be able to show your face here again."
Before she could call out, the man standing directly in front of her shoved her hard. Isabella lost her balance, struck the chair, and fell to the ground.
"Bella!" Amraha rushed to her side and quickly helped her up.
"Remember this warning," the man hissed.
"Or you and your entire family will be
finished." With that, the three men walked away.
"Are you alright?" Amraha asked, steadying Isabella.
"Yes… I'm fine. But these men…" Isabella's voice trailed off.
"They're the same ones,"
Amraha whispered, pointing subtly. "The same men who were tormenting that woman."
Isabella sat back in her chair, her face grave but without a hint of anger.
"They don't just harm her," Amraha continued. "They exploit entire villages for their own greed. But now that the case has been filed in court, the police will drag them out, even if they try to hide."
Isabella drew in a deep breath, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she remained silent.
Just then, Amraha lifted her phone to her ear and made a call. After a brief exchange of greetings, her tone turned serious.
"I just wanted to ask about the case… if you've gathered any information, then on which day will we have to appear in court?"
On the other end, the inspector gave her detailed instructions. Amraha listened quietly, thanked him at the end, and disconnected the call.
"What happened?" Isabella leaned closer to ask.
"Let's go home," Amraha replied simply.
They gathered their shopping bags, walked back to the car, and got inside.
Amraha again..still on the call with the police inspector handling their case.
"We went there again today unexpectedly," he said. "From the village, we caught two men, and two from their gang. Interrogation is going on."
"And the court date?" Amraha asked.
"It's set on that day! Once that woman speaks the truth in court, the case will be settled. Either those people will keep the land, or the government will pay them for it. Then they can build their home anywhere they want."
After all amraha said "yes! Ok thank" and cut the call.
Amraha lowered the phone slowly. Isabella was watching her, her face serious. "I'm worried about those women. Don't you think we'll suffer because of this?" she asked quietly.
Amraha met her gaze.
"What can I do now?
I already taken the risk. Whatever happens, I have to face it," she answered without fear.
What is the date of court day? She asked when she started the car..
The day next to your marriage.....
"You should tell your father everything," Isabella insisted.
"No. He won't listen to this—I know him. But yes, I'll tell him about you. I want aunty to come to the wedding."
Is he really not gonna help you?either.....
I think Soo...
"Amraha, don't take it the wrong way, but… he's your father. Still, I know him too. Sometimes I feel he's selfish—he only sees things his way, never from anyone else's side."
At Isabella's words, Amraha fell completely silent.
Soon the car stopped in front of their house.
"Should we tell grandmother everything?" Isabella asked.
"No," Amraha shook her head. "she is upset, since the morning, I don't think Soo, that we share something like that, to her.No need to trouble her."
They entered the house. A servant came forward to take the shopping bags from Isabella going straight to the room. while Amraha went straight to her grandmother. She was sitting outside in the lawn, breathing calmly in the open air.
"Mother!" Amraha called.
"Oh! You both finished shopping? What did you buy? How was it?"
"We bought plenty," Amraha smiled. "We'll show you everything."
I have a good news for you....
Really! What's it?
"I spoke with Bella's mother," grandmother said warmly. "She's arriving tonight by flight."
"Really? Aunty is coming? That's wonderful news!"
"Yes, and there's something else too."
"What is it?"
"She said all her guests are from this city, since she used to live here as well. So the wedding will also take place here. The groom's family has no objection, since Isabella will be leaving abroad anyway after marriage."
"That's amazing!"
Amraha's face lit up with happiness. Her grandmother smiled too, though her eyes seemed lost in thought.
"So that means the wedding will happen from our house, and all the guests will come here?" Amraha asked eagerly.
"I don't know yet. I haven't discussed it with your father. I'll talk to him tonight."
At that, a memory struck Amraha, and she grew thoughtful.
"Mother, what did Dad say to you this morning? Why did he leave without breakfast?"
Grandmother sighed. "He said it would be better if Isabella's mother didn't come. But to me, she was always like Luna, your own mother. I always considered her my daughter. Yet, he never lets go of what happened last time. If this continues, relationships will break apart."
"Don't worry, Mother. I'll speak to Dad tonight. Everything will be fine—you'll see."
Just then, a voice came from behind them.
"Are you both discussing something important?"
They turned around. It is Asahi.
"Dad! You're home early from the office?" Amraha said in surprise.
"Yes, I got a call from Chinhari. She told me Isabella had arrived, and she asked my permission to visit."
"So what did you say?"
"I told her this is his own home. She doesn't need permission to come here whenever she wants."
"Truly?"
"Yes, my child."
"So the wedding… all the guests will gather here?"
"Yes, the wedding will take place from this house."
The joy on Amraha's and grandmother's faces was beyond measure. They were radiant with happiness. After that, Asahi went inside.
"Mother, how did his mood suddenly change?" Amraha asked softly. "Did you say something to Dad this morning?"
"No," she shook her head gently. "I only explained that, just as we have no relatives besides Chinhari, she too has no one besides us. Blood ties cannot be broken so easily."
"So Dad finally understood your words?"
"Perhaps."
"Tomorrow or someday soon, when it's your wedding," grandmother added with a smile, "your aunty's presence will also be very important."
"Mother! Why are you suddenly talking about my wedding?"
"Why not? We'll have to arrange your marriage too, won't we?"
Amraha laughed shyly, hugging her grandmother tightly.
"Yes, but not now, please."
They both smiled, their laughter mingling softly in the evening air.