Destiny that planned their life

3. Kimchi and Conversations

Drishti's POV

"Chikoo, you order for all of us. I'm sure you've done your research on the menu here," Pooja said.

"Sure," I replied, grinning, and started looking at the menu, searching for the dishes I had planned to order yesterday.

I called the waiter and gave him our order, "One serving of Tteokbokki, one Kimchi Jjigae, Jajang Rabokki, and three servings of Bibimbap with chicken. That's all." I smiled at him politely. He returned the smile and walked away.

"I wanted to try the fried chicken too," I whined, looking at Pooja.

"Don't. You won't finish even half of this. If you eat more than three bites from everything you ordered today, then we'll see next time," she said, sounding like a strict mom.

"Uhmm," I nodded obediently.

"That waiter was probably thinking, 'How can this girl be so skinny when she orders almost the entire menu?' But we know how you eat," Laksh joked.

"Right, Lucky! She'll take one or two bites from everything and then say, 'Piku, I'm done. My stomach is full.' She acts like a baby." Pooja teased.

"I do that for you only. I know you both can literally eat the bowls too if it were allowed." I laughed at their faces.

"Oh please, Choti! We can always order more instead of eating the bowls. You don't have to sacrifice your food," Laksh mocked, acting like a strict brother. Pooja nodded in agreement.

"Okay then. Today, I'm eating everything I ordered. That too, alone," I said, looking at both of them with a challenging face.

"We'll see," they both said in unison.

I started scrolling on my phone when Pooja suddenly asked about the politician we were investigating.

"We're doing our best, but his crimes are well hidden. Now he suspects someone is digging into his wrongdoings, so he's even more careful," Laksh explained.

She nodded slightly just as the waiter arrived with our food. We started digging in.

As I was about to take my first bite of Tteokbokki, my phone rang. It was my Amma calling.

"Why is Amma calling me at this time?" I mumbled as I answered the call.

"Yes, Amma?"

"Chikoo, we are all going to Mangalore the day after tomorrow. So, I called to tell you. You should ask for leave. I guess one week would be enough."

Amma is from Mangalore, and most of my Pappa's relatives are there too. Someone from Pappa's family proposed a marriage alliance, so Amma came to Mumbai after marrying Pappa.

"Why so suddenly, Amma? I have so much work pending. I don't think I can come with you now. You three can go. I'll join you once I wrap up my work here."

"Do you need a reason to go to your grandmother's house? I'll speak to Krishna bhai."

"No, no!! That will be too much. We'll talk once I come back home. I haven't even had lunch yet. Okay, Amma...Bye." I hung up the call.

"Why did Amma call?" Pooja enquired.

"She told me to take a week off to go to Mangalore. I have lots of work pending here. I don't think I can go," I explained.

"You told me the MLA suspects someone is following him. I think if you stop for a few days, he'll let his guard down. Don't you think?" Pooja suggested.

"Ohh, right! You're a genius, Pooja." Laksh nodded, clapping his hands.

"That's a really good idea. We need to discuss this with the Chief," I agreed.