Sai

Suraj (Chapter-7)

"This much water is enough Apoorva. The gravy loses its thick texture if you add too much and the main ingredient wont' be able to absorb the flavor of the spices" I guide my assistant chef Apoorva as I prepare my special Chutney to serve with Biryani. Apoorva joined me six months back and he is a quick learner. I am teaching him to cook some more difficult dishes so that he gets some much-needed experience in handling complex dishes.

"Suraj, you forgot to add chili powder!", Atharva, another chef exclaims drawing my attention to the pinch bowl still kept untouched to the side. Shit! I was about to put the Chutney out for serving.

I quickly thank Atharva for reminding me and start mixing the chilli powder to the Chutney. How could you! My brain buzzes against my skull. I have been distracted too much lately. I need to go to the ring to clear my head. Tonight! Tonight, I will go.

Truth is, it's been two days since aaji announced "the invitation" and I still haven't' been able to devise a plan to contact Sai and apologize. True, I know her home address, but I can't' just go there unannounced. Last time was different but I don't have an excuse for a delivery now.

I need to apologize to Sai. I think the buzzing in my head will stop if I just see her. Also, with everything that happened between us, I know for a fact that she won't come on the weekend even at the probable implication of my family considering her rude. She doesn't' seem like someone who would give a fuck about people pleasing, especially those she hardly even knows. I can't' have that. For some reason, I don't' want Aaji or Aayi to perceive her as someone she isn't'. I can't choose now. I will just go to her apartment tomorrow.

With this thought in mind, a calmness comes over me and my being fills with instant excitement...

Easy there heart, you need to know your place! I really need to go to the ring tonight...I groan in frustration.

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"Suraj! You have got to come out and see this" Rajat exclaims from the door of the pantry where I was just taking an inventory check.

"What now Rajat? You just took a break for fuck's sake."

"I don't' want a break idiot, Sai is here with some people."

I was shocked hearing this. Yes, we had some misunderstandings the last time she was here but there was no need to involve people in this. "Why would she bring goons..." I mutter as I get out of the pantry in hurry.

"Goons?? What are you talking about?" Rajat asks.

"You just said she brought people" I snap.

"You really are a nutjob" Rajat mock gasps.

"I meant she has some people with her, and they just took a table for dining."

I pause in my tracks to see Rajat laughing at me. "You could have just started with that!"

"Oh! So, I was wrong here!! You know, for a level-headed person, your IQ really plummets when it comes to this girl."

I give Rajat a middle-finger despite secretly acknowledging the truth. I make my way out front with Rajat still snickering behind me as we walk.

I pause mid-track as I spot Sai deep in conversation with a girl sitting beside her. There are eight more people around them, some in conversations of their own and some listening to what Sai is saying to the girl.

She is in a black kurta with jeans. Her hair is loosely tied, and black curls frame her face. She has earrings on, minimal makeup and a small black bindi adorns her forehead. She looks beautiful.