HORIZON 1.1

Part-25

"I'm surprised to find you in my kitchen," Anaya, the owner of the dancing academy, exclaimed upon seeing Shiva preparing food in her kitchen. "Sometimes I regret giving you the keys to my apartment."

Moving closer to Shiva, she asked, "What are you cooking? And why?"

"Nothing special, just trying to make something that you like," Shiva replied, busy mixing ingredients into a burning pan. "Liya is here to help me," he added, patting Anaya's soul, referring to the cat sitting next to the stove, eagerly waiting for its share.

As Anaya drew closer to Shiva and inhaled the aroma of the cooking meal, she remarked, "It smells good. The last time I saw you cooking was many years ago on our first date together."

"It's just ingredients," Shiva replied, trying to contain his joy. "Everything is identical, all originating from particles."

"You're cooking at my place; that's what I'm saying. Is everything alright?" Anaya asked, turning Shiva's face to look at her.

"Yes," Shiva replied, avoiding eye contact with Anaya.

"I'm happy to see you happy. You've finally shaved," Anaya said, waving her hand on Shiva's face.

"Yes, I attended a function."

"So, you're socializing now. Who is he, or should I say she, that I'm not aware of?"

"He works for the police. I attended his daughter's naming ceremony, where I was chosen to be her godfather."

"That was noble."

"I was also invited to the birth center for her synchronization. She is brilliant, passing her mental exam at the age of 7."

"At seven, quite impressive."

"I was thinking." Shiva paused and took a deep breath.

"What?" Anaya asked, leaning in closer to Shiva, trying to read his mind.

"Today, I dropped her off at her school tour, and I was thinking about what you said earlier," Shiva hesitatedly said.

"Could you please be more specific?" Anaya asked, their breaths almost touching.

"Having a kid, I believe you are right. We should have talked about this earlier." As Shiva was about to finish his sentence, Anaya embraced him tightly and began kissing him.
Shiva followed suit.

"Should I submit an application?" Anaya struggled to catch her breath.

Shiva remained silent, lost in his thoughts.

"I'm sorry. We shouldn't rush." Anaya moved away, as if she had just read Shiva's mind.

"No, I just..." Shiva was cut off by the sound of the doorbell, diverting their attention. "Who could that be at this hour?"

"Let me go check. You keep working on the meal. It feels like a date with you." Anaya planted a kiss on Shiva's forehead. "Just be careful not to burn it."
She dipped her finger into the dish and let Shiva taste it with her finger, then sensually tasted the same finger herself. She winked, smiled, and walked towards the door.

"Why are the police at my doorstep?" Anaya asked, seeing three police officers waiting outside.

"You must be Anaya. I am Macc. We are looking for Mr. Shiva," Macc introduced himself.

"Police are here looking for you," Anaya called out to Shiva.

"What's going on, Macc?" Shiva asked as he approached them.

"I apologize for the interruption, but you need to come with us immediately," Macc stated.

"Where to?" Shiva inquired.