SHE SAW ME

SURPRISE

Hello everyone 😊

Hope you all are enjoying the story so far.

Happy Reading 🤗❤️

___________________________________

August 2021, Kullu

The kitchen in Kullu was bathed in the soft light of a late afternoon sun, casting a warm glow over the room. The pleasant weather outside was a gentle reminder of how serene life could be in the hills. The cool breeze drifted in through the open windows, carrying the scents of freshly chopped vegetables and simmering spices. Kahini moved around the kitchen with a casual grace, her hands deftly chopping and stirring as she chatted on a video call with her best friend, Prashant.

"So, is it true? She is moving here?" Prashant asked, his face filling the screen with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Not really," Kahini replied, her focus on the pan in front of her. She stirred the curry with a practiced hand. "But she's getting lots of good offers in Mumbai. AJ is even offering her a house if she signs with his agency."

"So, is she considering it?" Prashant inquired, leaning in closer to the screen, his eyebrows raised in anticipation.

"No, Prashant, you're forgetting she has two kids whose lives are back home. She can't just pack up and move here because she's getting good work," Kahini explained, her voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and affection. "And besides, she's not just some singer; she is THE SANAM MEHRU. It's not that easy."

"That's true. But does she even want to?" Prashant asked with a knowing look, his gaze softening as he considered Kahini's situation.

"We haven't talked about it," Kahini confessed, her eyes lowering as she took a moment to wipe her hands on a towel. "I mean, I know she wants to settle here with me at some point in her life, but right now, I don't know if it's the right time."

"I feel you should talk to her, K," Prashant advised gently, his concern evident. "I mean, you guys have been in love forever now. And now that her kids have also accepted you wholeheartedly, Saiba is almost 17—she'll be off to college soon. I think it's the right time for you both to think about your future. How long will you live in pieces?" His voice carried a hint of worry, reflecting the depth of his concern for his best friend's happiness.

Prashant had seen Kahini's longing for love and companionship over the years, and now that she had found it, he wanted her to embrace it fully.

"You're forgetting we can't be out with our relationship like ever," Kahini countered, her tone laced with uncertainty.

"Who's asking you to? You live in part of Kullu, no one knows about. It's not like the media is going to reach there," Prashant replied, trying to lighten the mood.

Kahini paused, her brow furrowing as she contemplated the future. Is this the right time for them to take such a step? is she ready for it? is Sanam ready? What about the kids—Saiba, Azam? And Faraz? The questions swirled in her mind, each one a testament to the complexities of her situation.

Noticing Kahini's lost expression, Prashant decided to shift the conversation. "Anyway, what's the plan for the birthday? Just two days to go, birthday girl," he said with a cheery tone.

"Girl? Woman, I'll be 33 now, not a girl anymore," Kahini laughed, her eyes brightening as she leaned against the counter, the weight of her thoughts momentarily lifting.

"Oh, please. What is age? It's nothing," Prashant said with a playful roll of his eyes.

"Yeah, right?" Kahini chuckled, shaking her head with a grin.