Mission Forensic
Part 2: The Quest for the Perfect Dress
By Milik Ahmed
Three months had woven themselves into the fabric of time, and with each passing day, the bond between Catherine and Edward deepened, as if fate had stitched their paths together. Their camaraderie transcended the mere sharing of lunchboxes; it blossomed into late-night study sessions in the hushed corners of the library, spirited debates over forensic techniques, and the planning of weekend escapades that painted their lives with vibrant hues of adventure.
Their trio was completed by Shawn Elizabeth, a figure who brought an effortless charm to their circle. No, he was not descended from royalty, despite the regal ring of his name. Hailing from Ohio, Shawn carried the warmth of his American roots, tempered by eight years in Delhi, where his father served at the US Embassy. This blend of cultures lent him an almost native fluency in the rhythms of Indian life, making him a bridge between worlds. His quick wit and quiet decency made him indispensable to their group, a third note in their harmonious chord.
Together, Shawn, Catherine, and Edward became a whispered legend within the School of Forensic Science and Research. Their unity, forged in shared quirks and an unspoken understanding, felt like a reunion with long-lost companions from a forgotten childhood. They navigated the labyrinth of university life with a synchronicity that drew envious glances and fond smiles alike.
As another three months slipped through their fingers like grains of sand, they grew ever more entwined with the campus’s pulse. This was no ordinary college experience, steeped in the clichés of hazing rituals or stern professors. Here, the seniors greeted them with camaraderie, and their professors, far from being distant taskmasters, offered guidance with an open hand. It was a haven for fledgling scholars like them, a rare and cherished blessing.
The air buzzed with anticipation as the department’s fresher’s party loomed on the horizon, a celebration they awaited with eager hearts. Catherine and Edward, seized by the occasion’s promise, embarked on a quest to the nearest mall, their sights set on Raymonds. There, amid racks of fabric and mirrors, they deliberated for an hour, sifting through options until they settled on a suit that mirrored their shared taste—elegant yet understated, a reflection of their budding forensic precision.
Yet, the true trial lay in finding a dress to satisfy Catherine’s exacting standards. Two hours of relentless searching through store after store yielded nothing that sparked her approval. Frustration crept into her sighs, and Edward sensed the moment called for a bolder approach.
“Cathie, let’s venture to Safdarjung,” he proposed, his voice tinged with the thrill of possibility. “There’s something extraordinary waiting for us there, I can feel it.”
She hesitated, her brow furrowed with fatigue. “I’m weary, Edward. Safdarjung feels like a journey too far.”
Undeterred, he pressed on, dangling the promise of a meal at her beloved “Oh! Assam,” where the flavors of Assamese cuisine never failed to lift her spirits. “Trust me, Cathie. I have a vision, and I’ll treat you to your favorite thali.”
Her eyes softened, a smile tugging at her lips. With a reluctant nod, she agreed, and thus began their odyssey to Safdarjung’s bustling markets. The narrow lanes teemed with life—vendors hawking vibrant silks, tailors stitching dreams into fabric, and the hum of possibility in every corner. They wandered through a kaleidoscope of colors, Catherine’s discerning eye scanning each offering. At last, in a quaint boutique tucked between spice stalls, she found it: a dress of deep emerald, its delicate embroidery whispering elegance. It was as if the garment had been crafted for her alone.
“This is it,” she declared, her voice alight with triumph. Edward grinned, knowing their quest had been worth every step.
Later, at “Oh! Assam,” they celebrated their victory over steaming plates of fish curry and bamboo shoot delicacies, laughing over the day’s trials. The fresher’s party loomed ever closer, and with their outfits secured, they felt ready to step into the spotlight—not just as students, but as a trio bound by adventure and ambition, ready to unravel the mysteries of both forensics and friendship.
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