Day we met

Chapter 17-Step ahead

Saakshi: Hi ....Have you reached?

Ric: Yes & you?

Saakshi: I've reached .... What are you doing?

Ric: Nothing .... You?

Saakshi: Preparing dinner for my Dad.

Ric: You're preparing dinner?

Saakshi felt a twinge of surprise at Ric's reaction. It was not uncommon for her to cook for her father, especially since it was just the two of them living together now. She didn't expect anyone to question this routine.

Saakshi: What's wrong with it?

Ric: Simply... that's elders' work, right? Then why are you preparing? I'm just wondering.

Saakshi: Only me and my dad stay in my house.

Ric's understanding shifted upon learning this. He realized there was more to Saakshi's situation than he initially assumed.

Ric: Your mom?

Saakshi: She's deceased.

Ric: Sorry about that.

Saakshi appreciated Ric's sympathy, even though it was a sensitive topic for her

Saakshi: It's ok.

Ric: Good night.

Saakshi: Good night.

After the exchange, Saakshi set her phone aside, her mind briefly lingering on Ric's question about preparing dinner.

The next morning, Saakshi, Aadhya, and Dia gathered at their usual spot to work on their assignment.

"Dia, I think you're doing it wrong," Aadhya pointed out an error in their work.

"This is correct, Aadhya. There's nothing wrong about it," Dia defended her approach.

"Yes, it's correct. Where did you leave your brain?" Saakshi chimed in, scoffing playfully.

"Maybe it's thinking about Kiara and Aaron," Dia teased, knowing the topic had been on Saakshi's mind recently.

"Oh, my stupid brain! How could I forget about it?" Saakshi joined in the laughter with Dia.

"Enough... please stop it," Aadhya interjected, her face flushed with embarrassment at the teasing.

After completing their assignments, they began their walk back home. Dia suddenly felt a sense of unease, as if someone was watching them. She glanced around but didn't see anyone suspicious.

"Is something wrong?" Aadhya asked, noticing Dia's sudden change in demeanor. Dia wasn't one to easily get unsettled, so her concern hinted at something potentially serious.

"I felt like someone was watching us," Dia admitted, a tinge of fear creeping into her voice. The thought sent a shiver down her spine.

Without wasting a second, they hurried back to their respective homes, the unease lingering in Dia's mind as they parted ways for the day.

Aadhya's phone chimed with a call from Aaron.

"How's the day, my sweetheart?" Aaron's voice greeted her warmly.

"Tiring. I'm exhausted," Aadhya replied wearily.

"Shall we go on a date tomorrow?" Aaron proposed.

"No, I can't. I haven't told them about us," Aadhya hesitated.

"How long are you going to keep this from them?" Aaron's tone turned serious.

"Why don't you tell them about us?" Aadhya countered.