The Traps of Black Swan

Three years ago, Aaron had bought something or the other thing for everyone when the day was nearing to return to the country after his studies. He had no experience in shopping for girls and Ariel had demanded a dress when he thought to pick a jewel or wristwatch for her.

She wanted him to learn it slowly for his Cupcake, so she made a video call to him, taught him how to pick dresses but when he returned to the country, she wasn't there to wear the dress.

In the afternoon, Aarvi had thought she might remind Ariel to the Rivas family members, which might make them sad, so she insisted on not wearing Ariel's dress. But Connor had coaxed her to use any of it.

Connor hadn't said anything to her, looking at Shawn excited and happy, she was glad he liked it and she didn't hurt his emotions.

Shawn took Aarvi to Ariel's walk-in wardrobe where everything was the same. It was obvious they weren't ready to let go of it easily. If they could keep everything the same in the room, Aarvi couldn't even imagine how Aaron had to convince himself and his family to give her the heart of Ariel.

Thinking of it, Aaron was an intern three years ago, 'How did he operate on me?' She thought. Aaron never let her think of the past so she never got a chance to ask anything.

Shawn took a few seconds to locate where the dress was, before handing it to Aarvi. She saw a dress in three-piece on her hands. It was no extravagant dress as she had expected Ariel to like and Aaron to give.

It was too simple, the baby pink halter neck crop top was hand knitted in high-quality wool that gave a rich soft feel on her fingers. The circular high waist skort was plain white. Her eyes fixed on the shrug, a loose-fitting, half-sleeved floral cover-up. It was long in the back and no buttons in the front. It had the colors of lavender, shades of pink, and green.

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It was a typical girly style dress. It had been three years since Aarvi had walked away from that look. In her friend's words, she will look gullible and harmless in it.

She glanced at Shawn, she wanted to turn down because imagining herself in it made her feel weak and helpless Ava Kelly. But the hopeful look on his face created a lump in her throat, hard to reject his negligible wish.

The excitement of Shawn thinking of Ariel shrunk and laughed awkwardly. For a moment he had forgotten, Aarvi still needs time to walk out of her darkness.

He thought to joke as his brother has no taste in choosing a dress for girls, Aaron's voice sounded, "Shawn…"

Both turned to the door and Aaron cued Shawn to give them a moment. However before he could leave, Aarvi tugged Shawn's hand. "I will wear it."

No, she didn't decide it for Aaron. She wasn't wearing it for Aaron either but Shawn. She decided because she wanted to define her emotions and mood but not the dress. If the dress would make her look innocent, she didn't care. What she feels should be in her control, not what she wears, not the color of the dress.

Aaron was surprised, and also Shawn. The excitement swelled back, Shawn pinched cheeks, "Then we will be downstairs."

He was running out, but paused at the door, "Yeah, you can use anything that's here. Nobody will mind it, they will be happier instead." He knew his parents would love to see her using them instead of throwing them away one day.

Aarvi smiled in resignation as she nodded her head, "Then I will loot your sis wardrobe."

Shawn waved his hand as he went out, "You are welcome." She was welcomed to rob there.

Aaron made sure Aarvi was fine instead of forcing herself for Shawn. He was thinking to let her change but she beckoned him with her finger.

Curious about her action, he had just taken two steps, she reached his arms, "What did you bring for me?" Since Aaron had brought gifts to all, she was sure he wouldn't have forgotten her so there was anticipation in her eyes.

Of course, he didn't forget her. He was returning to complete his internship at Rivas Hospitals because he wanted to reach his Cupcake sooner. "You want it?" 

Aarvi vigorously nodded. So he took her to his room and left her in front of the mirror.

He pulled a small drawer and grabbed a brocade box that had been lying in the same place for three years. In no time, a tiny, sparkling snowflake rested between her collarbone. The pale grayish-white metallic thin chain adorned her neck.

Aarvi liked it "It's beautiful." The design suited her style and it made her look more delicate. Aaron smiled. But, "Do I like Snowflakes?" She knew he wouldn't just pick up something for her without a reason.

Aaron was aware she didn't remember their complete past yet so he just smiled in response without burdening her memories, "You like it, that's all it matters."

Standing on her toes, she kissed his cheek. She liked her day. The reveal of her name, lunch with Aaron, no more secret with Rivas family, their unconditional support, engagement, and her first stay with them. And most importantly, the man in front of her.

Her day felt fulfilling.

"Are you waiting for me to change your dress?" Aaron teased looking at her smitten smile.

Aarvi left him and quickly ran out. Even imagining it was enough to make her face flushed like cooked shrimp.

----

Shawn had already told everyone that Aarvi was trying on the dress Aaron had bought for Ariel. None were dissatisfied, but they were neither crazily excited as Shawn who was missing his sister terribly nor as eager as Aaron who repeatedly looked at the stairs.

Shea, who knew everyone would be in the home, didn't go to the guest house where she stays. She dashed inside and froze in front of the stairs without going inside.

If the look of Aarvi in black brings out admiration and fear, Shea adored the lady who alighted the stairs with a pleasant smile to greet her. Aarvi looked so innocent and too young to believe. Her milky fair skin almost looked baby pink with her top making her look like a doll, specially created.

She recalled whatever Aaron had told her and looked at Aarvi. "Aarvi, you look just like Cupcake Brother Aaron used to describe." She blurted out excitedly.

Aarvi paused for a second, she accepted the fact that each one who was around Aaron knew about her.

Shea bit her tongue and slapped her hands on her lips. She had forgotten she shouldn't say Cupcake. She turned to the right, towards the living hall in search of Aaron. Anyhow, his eyes weren't on her. 

Shea: "..."

'Brother Aaron, couldn't you see me panicking to death?' She thought and turned to Aarvi. Seeing her cool hearing after hearing Cupcake, Shea realized Aarvi probably remembers that part.

Shawn skipped ahead and went around Aarvi once, "Brother Aaron's Cupcake is always cute."

He held her shoulders and pushed her inside. Thankfully, none exaggerated like Shawn so Aarvi didn't feel awkward other than hearing Aaron flirt with her managing his straight face.

….

After dinner, and some conversation with all, Aaron and Shawn sat with the other three men to discuss the engagement and birthday party. They had only one day, so Jordan let Aaron decide if he wanted to invite anybody else or needed some changes.

Megan and Shea took Aarvi upstairs to the entertainment room. They wanted to show her the video presentation they had prepared to play at the party.

The video started with a young man named Jordan Rivas who had just started working as a doctor. He was aspiring and looked energetic. 

As the pictures continued, Aarvi saw Jordan's wife, she was beautiful. Then the pictures of the couple with young Karsen and Connor continued with daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

"GiggleMug, that's Aaron and he is Shawn," Megan pointed out for Aarvi when she had already guessed due to their age gap. They were cute kids, she liked little Aaron's smiles more.

At one point, the mobile in Aarvi's hand slipped when the picture of Jordan appeared with his teenage grandchildren.

The forgotten memories started to flood in and overlap very aggressively, her gaze blurred, a fierce pain struck her head. Aarvi shrieked, holding her head.