A Step To You

Twelve

Yukti's pove

"Iski ma ki ganga mayiya !"

I shouted as the oil splattered from the pan.

I am frying potatos.

Yes. I tried to cook the rajma but sadly, I lost all the enthusiasm and I felt like I want to eat burgers. But since I don't have MacDonald right now, I resorted to potato. Atleast potato fries are related to French fries too.

"Be good to me, dear Alu!" I said as I try to stir the potatoes, the pan at arm's length, and I'm holding the tip of the spatula.

I flinched as the oil splatter again, but as I try to reach for the pan's handle, I heard something from the living room. I stopped and looked over my shoulder. Is Aunt Arachana here already ?

I was about to step towards the door when the pan caught fire.

"Oh my gosh!" I shouted as I almost stumble backwards, I took the pitcher of water on the table and was about to splash it all on the pan when a hand gripped my left arm.

"Don't, or the fire will get bigger."

I stared at Gulki who took a rug from the cabinet and soaked it in water before putting it over the burning pan. Then she turned off the stove. The pan smoked, but the fire was already put out.

I bit my lower lip and gripped the spatula tightly. She looked at me with a little frown on her forehead. "Sorry," I murmured, staring on the floor.

"Were you hurt?"

I looked at her so fast I felt my neck crack. "Huh?"

"What were you doing, letting the stove burn like that?"

Is she angry? Well, I almost burn the kitchen. If it was my mom, I might have been told off.

"I was just..." I stared down on the floor again. I don't know how to explain myself.

I felt her walk to the kitchen sink, then I heard the water splash. She's rinsing the burnt pan.

My stomach gave a loud rumble. I'm so hungry. But I can't even face Gulki. I'm so ashamed of myself, for burning their kitchen....

"So you did grocery shopping?"

I looked at her again. How did she...know?

Gulki is checking the fridge. She might have seen the rajmas.

"Yes. I was planning to cook for dinner but... uhm, I felt like I should not bother." I put the spatula on the sink. "Besides, I'm the only one to eat so cooking much food would be a waste."

I saw Gulki took out the tupperware containing the rajmas. "Why? Aren't you going to give me some?"

I stood there gaping at Gulki. (・o・) Like, oh my gosh. I can't believe that we're having this casual conversation, as if we're so close...

She gave me a glance then proceeded to putting the casserole on the stove. She started preparing.

"You're going to cook?" I asked in surprise, approaching her. I stood beside her, watching her chop the potatoes. I can hear the rajmas boiling on the pot beside us.

She nodded. "I haven't eaten yet."

"Really? But Santu said..." I stopped talking. Gulki frowned at me again.

"I thought you were going with your boyfriend?" She turned away to put the vegetables into the pot.

"Boyfriend? I don't have a boyfriend!" Just where did she get that idea?!?!