(Arshi & Rishbala) OS: Bun in the Oven

She is the apple of their eyes. At the age of 17, she is already a beautiful young woman. She inherited looks and brain from her mama but she has her daddy's anger and attitude. She is a bright, fiery star, can't be touched but admired from afar. Though she likes to point out that she is almost an adult, she will always be a little girl for her mama, daddy, mima and Superstar. Yes the girl is none other than beloved Tara also known as babyta and little star. She is indeed one lucky girl to have two sets of loving parents.

On one such beautiful day, the almost grown up princess is playing chase with her younger siblings and cousins. Her mima and Superstar live next door with their ever growing brood of 3 boys and one on the way. With her own two rambunctious younger brothers, she hopes it's a girl. So her daddy and Superstar can focus their overprotective tendencies on her and she can get a little space. Tara loves her daddy and Superstar but they make dating a nightmare. All her friends are dating but let her even hang out or even chat with a boy. They are all up in arms.

Tara tired of playing and being chased around by the boys, puts a halt to the game.

Tara (breathing hard): Alright you little monsters! Enough! I am tired.

The boys (in a chorus): Awww! Di...!

Tara (puts hands on hips and scowls): What (nasally voice) awww Di? You little devils have been chasing after me with your toy swords. (Jumping, pretending to hold a sword and growls like a pirate) Yarrgh...! Saavy I got me a fine piece of muslin. Yarrgh! (Normal voice) Now be quiet and sit down!

The boys (replies glumly): Yes Di...

Tara (biting her fingers, just like her mama): I am hungry.

The boys (pipe up in chorus): We are hungry too Di!

Tara nods her head and marches towards the family room to walk through the kitchen.

The boys quietly follow. They know their Di. She will probably forget about bringing their snacks and finish all the food herself. Their dad/chacha is always bemoaning that Tara also inherited her mama's insatiable appetite. Arnav likes to joke that once Khushi and Tara are done eating, the rest can fight over the remaining s****s.

Slowing her march, she stops near her mima and gives her a hug.

Tara: Mima...I am going to the kitchen to look for snack (pointing at the boys) for this lot here. Do you want something...juice, cookies?

Madhu caresses Tara's cheeks with affection. It still amazes Madhu that her babyta is no longer girl but on the cusp of adulthood.

Madhu (pats her swollen stomach): Babyta...you know your mima's cravings so well. I want some juice and something sweet...please.

The boys gave up following their Di and just started fighting with each other with their swords. Tara just shakes her head at her unruly brothers and starts toward the kitchen. But her daddy and Superstar stop her.

Arnav (affecting a hurt voice): Princess...what about your daddy?

RK (also pretending to be hurt): Yes...my little starlight...how can you forget your Superstar?

Khushi (reprimands the men): Chup! Don't bother my baby.

Madhu: Yeah...and neither one of you are pregnant so go get your own refreshments.

Khushi (stands up): Madhu you forget...our Patidevs here are only happy when we cater to them. (To Tara) I'll help you in the kitchen baby. Nargis is out running errands so she can't help you in the kitchen.

Tara (walks to Khushi and forces her to sit back down): Uff...mama! I am not a child any more. Believe it or not...I can move my way around the kitchen. (Speaks to Arnav and RK) Daddy...Superstar...I don't have to ask you two. Daddy...you always drink black coffee no sugar. Superstar you want tea with dollop of milk and lots of sugar. Because you like to lick off the sugar at the bottom once you drink the tea. (To Khushi) And you my dearest mama like to drink masala chai. Ok? Now my order is complete...I am going to the kitchen.