Two Of Hearts

Attack

We are back at the park, and the sun has set. The lights adorning the stalls are starting to look brighter. The nostalgia hits me in waves as I take in the hustle bustle. It is like I never went away. 

Sylvia notices me zoning out and just smiles gently.

"It is beautiful," Sylvia says next to me.

"I know."

Before I can speak another word to her, everyone is swarming her. They all want to impress her or be close to her. I can understand why. Hell, it's been a few days, and I cannot help but feel blinded by her. It is better to keep that to myself, though. I have pride.

I walk ahead to take a look at the stalls. The scent and aroma of various foods fill the space, and it makes my stomach grumble. My parents used to win toys for me in these little games at the stalls. I had it all, but little by little, everything got pulled beneath my feet in these few years.

I get muffins from Aunt Helen's stall first because duh, and as I am stuffing my face with it, my eyes catch a snack I have never seen before. It's round, and the girl at the stall is giving a sort of sauce with it. I come near, and my eyes widen upon recognizing Halima.

"Ivy, omg," she makes her way towards me.

"Hi, Halima. I haven't seen you in town for a while now," I say.

"Yeah, I rarely get free time ever since I got married. I have to host so many dinners for my in-laws and relatives. It is very hectic," Halima replies.

"Can I get ... whatever this is?"

"God, you cannot be serious. You have been a childhood friend of mine and don't know pani poori? You disgrace."

"In my defense, my mother wouldn't even let me eat pasta."

At the mention of my parents, she stiffens, not knowing how to react and looks at me with those eyes filled with pity that I despise so much.

"You know what? My treat," she says as she hands me a plate and bowl filled with ... water? Water with spices, I guess.

Yeah, instead of pity, give me free stuff. "How am I supposed to eat this?"

She demonstrates, and I am wide-eyed that I have to put the full thing in my mouth at once instead of biting it little by little.

"If you take small bites, then all of the filling will fall in water. You have to scoop water in the hole and take a big bite."

I try and fail once. The filling breaks in half and splatters the water a little. She laughs, and I feel like she is playing me, but I glance at another person at the next stall eating it the same way.

I am determined now, and I manage to put the whole thing in my mouth with as much speed as I can before it even has a chance to break. I feel triumphant. The flavor bursts into my mouth, and I am loving the filling. It has pieces of potato, beans, onion, and so much more.

"Wooo, go Ivy!" Halima says as she claps.

Just as I put another in my mouth, I see Sylvia looking at me in amusement. I grimace. God, I must look horrible with my mouth full. I turn, and somehow that feels even more embarrassing. Halima apparently sees this and raises her eyebrows at me. I can tell without even looking at her that she wants to know the TEA.

"Uh, it is not like that."

"I didn't say it was. I didn't say anything," Halima says with a grin. I shoot her a fake glare and glance behind. I see Sylvia walking up to me.

"I saw you eating gol gappay, and I couldn't resist."

I am confused, but Halima clarifies as she says, "It's another word for pani poori."