No Chill

chapter 7

Ana was hurrying. One moment she was in the living room, the other, in the backyard making all the decorations were secure.

She had been in Jaipur to celebrate Holi several times but there hadn't been so many people invited ever before.

Dev had done his best and now the responsibility sat on her shoulders to not let even one thing out of place.

Ariadne was busy with her work in the room, which she claimed only was going to take about an hour.

Ana had let her, as both of them woke up quite early for preparations for the day. The millers were here with them though she had no idea if they were awake. The Miller kids were arriving today. She had not heard much about the kids but their parents were quite reputed business owners. They were into construction and production of movies.

"Good morning Ana", I turned around to Joe standing at the foot of the stairs. The droplets of water from his hair wet the shoulders of the white kurta he was wearing.

"Bathed and all dressed up, I see", Na retorts

"Morning", Ana said in a way of greeting with a smile.

"Kai is currently in the shower and he told me to tell you that Ash is still not up." Joe says as he moves to the kitchen to get some food in his stomach before the celebration begins.

The Holi celebrations could last up to hours so it's better to get something in your stomach. It is not like people are not allowed to eat in between but mostly no one prefers to pause the fun to eat.

"I'll take care of it. There are fruits on the table, if you want them.", Ana replies as she climbs the stairs toward Ash's room.

She moves fast-paced through the gallery towards Ash's room. As soon as her eyes land on the bed, she notices that it is vacant. She was about to check the bathroom for Ash when suddenly someone puts the Holi colour on her cheeks from behind.

"Happy Holi Ma!", Ash let go and stands there grinning.

"You!, Holi is not yet started.", Ana tries to do the scolding voice but fails miserably, hiding a smile in the process. Ash used to do these Holi pranks when she was younger. This time it brought all the old memories.

"Yada yada, I know it is not time yet. But that was fun! I had to agree to two-foot massages for Kai to get him onto this plan. The only thing I don't get is how Joe agreed." Ash replies half wondering to herself.

"Also, our discussion back home isn't over."  Ana reminds Ash.

At this Ash turns and bolts towards the door because she knew if she stayed for some more time, the discussion very well might have begun.

Ana sighs. It was just the morning, who knows what the day may bring forth.

As she was just retreating from her daughter's room she noticed a small frame. In the frame were four of them at the beach. It was a picture when Ash was nine. She stood confident and grinning like the carefree person she is and Kai was peeking from behind her, a shy smile on his face. Her pale green dress was caught up in the wind, and her hair was in a tight ponytail. Kai had a headband and was wearing shorts.

Ash had wanted a solo picture then but somehow they managed a picture of both of them together.

Hi readers,
I hope you liked this chapter. I know this one was quite short but hope you know enjoyed it.
I'll try to write longer chapters, I think.

Also, what do you think of Ana's pov?

When do you think Aretha Miller kids arriving?

What about Joe?