Paid ₹18,495 to a stationery vendor in Bangalore, order never delivered, refund now being processed. What should I do if it doesn’t arrive?

I’m looking for some legal advice regarding a stationery/book vendor in Bangalore, Karnataka.

On 18 August, I paid ₹18,495 via UPI for books and stationery that I was purchasing for a school donation. The vendor initially promised delivery within a few days, but the delivery kept getting delayed despite multiple follow-ups.

Eventually, I asked for a full refund. The vendor agreed and said the refund would be processed. I was told that I should wait 3 working days for the refund to be credited.

I have now also received an email from the vendor stating that my refund is being processed. However, the email is from a Gmail address ending in @gmail.com, rather than an official company-domain email.

The business itself appears to be a legitimate, easily verifiable business. The owner's name and company name can be found on Google, and the business appears prominently when searching for the company in Bangalore. All my communication has also been through the phone/WhatsApp number listed on the business's Google Maps listing.

I have all the relevant evidence, including:

UPI payment proof and transaction details

Quotation/order details

Complete WhatsApp conversation

Proof that the vendor acknowledged the payment/order

Email regarding the refund

Recorded phone call regarding the refund

I haven't received the goods, and I'm currently waiting for the refund.

My question is: should I simply wait the 3 working days as requested? If the refund doesn't arrive after that, what should be my next step? Should I approach the National Consumer Helpline, my bank/UPI provider, Cyber Crime, or file a consumer complaint?

I’m not calling this a scam at this stage. I just want to understand my legal options and make sure I handle this properly if the refund doesn't come through.