Shopping

Commercial Street unfolded before Vikram and Aditiya, a vibrant tapestry of shops and stalls brimming with an array of goods. The lively chatter of eager shoppers blended with the eclectic mix of street vendors, creating an atmosphere of bustling excitement.

As they strolled through the market, the duo explored a myriad of stores, each offering unique treasures. Vikram's eyes danced with curiosity as he discovered an enormous store where computers were being assembled and laptops were on display. Laptops were rare in India during this time, and they came with a hefty price tag. They were bulky and slow, a far cry from the sleek machines of the present.

"Hello, sir! Welcome to Ramu Computers," the salesperson greeted Vikram as he approached the counter.

Vikram, intrigued by the prospect of a new laptop, inquired, "Which is the best laptop you have in the store right now, sir?"

The salesperson listed the available brands, "Sir, we have HP, Toshiba, ThinkPad, Dell, and Apple."

Vikram, with a specific interest in ThinkPad, asked, "Which ThinkPad model do you have?"

The salesperson paused for a moment before responding, "Wait a minute. We have the ThinkPad T20. The ThinkPad series is popular among programmers and IT professionals, and they often purchase from us."

Curious about the specifications, Vikram inquired further, "What is the price of the ThinkPad T20?"

The salesperson revealed, "₹1,56,000, sir. We also offer loan options for your convenience." As he spoke the last sentence, a creepy grin crossed his face, making Vikram slightly uneasy about the potential financial implications of such a purchase.

"Okay, thank you, but I won't be getting anything right now. Will there be any discounts in the store soon?" Vikram asked the salesperson with a hopeful look.

The salesperson responded, "Yes, there will be a sale within a week for the monsoon season, the sale will end after two months." A hint of disappointment crossed the salesperson's face, realizing he might miss out on an incentive again.

Satisfied with the information, Vikram left the store with a contented smile, already looking forward to the upcoming sale.

Vikram assisted Aditiya in choosing clothes for his parents and siblings, then proceeded to the ladies' section, walking towards the mannequin, he looked at the elegant green beige kurta with vibrant floral and paisley embroidery for his sister. Despite the absence of a discount, he decided to purchase the dress for 2300 rupees, leaving the momentarily surprised salesperson. "Ok, pack it for me, get me a large size for this dress," As Vikram requested, He was intrigued by the mannequin beside it and inquired about the lavender one. The salesperson described it as a lavender kurta with intricate golden threadwork, radiating elegance. The round neckline and the contrasting palazzo added a contemporary touch to its sophistication. Priced at 2500 rupees, Vikram decided to purchase it in a large size, instructing the salesperson to bill both dresses together.

As Vikram strolled toward the watch section, he encountered a limited edition Casio watch on display. Being a watch collector before his rebirth, he closely inspected the piece and recognized it was a first copy. Priced at 2000 rupees, he asked the salesperson to pack it as well. While waiting for the receipt, Aditiya approached, expressing surprise at Vikram's purchases. Aware of Vikram's family's financial status, Aditiya questioned, "Vikram, you seem to have a lot of money?"

Vikram, caught off guard by it, quickly altered his expression and replied, "Well, I've been doing a part-time job, so I thought to spend on my family. I usually never give them anything." The response carried a blend of truth and false, leaving Aditiya intrigued.

At the cash counter, Vikram and Aditiya settled their payment before proceeding to the pickup counter, where they collected their bags. Exiting the store with handfuls of shopping bags, they exchanged goodbyes amidst the bustling street, still filled with shoppers.

As Vikram and Aditiya parted ways, Vikram hailed a rickshaw to reach home a few kilometers away. Lost in his thoughts during the ride, he reflected on his past and the tragic accident that claimed his family. His heart raced with anticipation and anxiety, lost in a daze.

"Brother, we have arrived," the rickshaw driver called out, snapping Vikram out of his reverie. Paying the fare, he observed the four-story apartment building, showing signs of age. As elevators were a rarity in India because of high operation and maintenance costs, Vikram climbed the stairs to the third floor, struggling to catch his breath.

Realizing the need to improve his fitness, he arrived at his apartment door. The surge of emotions hit him, as he hadn't informed his parents about his weekend visit.

The doorbell rang, and from inside the apartment, a melodic and warm, mature voice called out, "Aisha, open the door. It must be the milkman."

"Okay, Mom," responded Aisha energetically as she swung open the door.

Author's Note:

Dear readers, your support and engagement mean the world to me. As we dive deeper into Vikram's journey, I'd love to hear your thoughts and ideas for the upcoming chapters. Your creativity and input can add exciting twists and turns to the narrative. Don't hesitate to share your suggestions, and let's make this story even more captivating together! Thank you for being a part of this adventure. 📖💡

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