Love And Crosses ~ Short Stories Collection

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Anokhi hurried down the stairs, dressed in her office attire, her bag slung over her shoulder. As she reached the bottom of the staircase , she saw her mother standing in the kitchen, busy with the breakfast preparations .

“Maa, main office jaa rahi hoon,” Anokhi said, grabbing an apple from the fruit bowl. “Aaj thoda late ho jaungi.”

"Mom, I'm going to the office." "I'll be a little late today."

Mrs. Mehra looked up from her work, . “Arre, Anokhi, zara rukna. Tumhe pata hai na aaj kya hai? Rohan aur Diya ki one-year anniversary hai, aur Aarav ki family bhi aane waali hai. ”

"Hey, Anokhi, wait a minute. You know what today is, right? It's Rohan and Diya's one-year anniversary, and Aarav's family is also coming."

Anokhi paused, frowning slightly. “Haan, Maa, pata hai. Par mujhe abhi office ke liye nikalna hai. Kaafi kaam hai aaj.”

"Yes, Mom, I know. But I need to leave for the office now. I have a lot of work today."

Mrs. Mehra shook her head, looking a bit concerned. “Tumhe jaldi nikalna chahiye. Mujhe tumhe 5 baje se pehle ghar pe chahiye, aur koi bahana nahi chalega."

"You should leave early. I want you home before 5 p.m., and no excuses will be accepted."

Anokhi sighed, realizing that she can't escape with excuses . “Theek hai, Maa. Main jitni jaldi ho sake wapas aa jaungi. Aap chinta mat kar na.”

"Okay, Maa. I'll come back as soon as possible. Don’t worry."

Mrs. Mehra smiled and nodded, giving her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. " Don't be late."

Anokhi waved her hand dismissively but smiled back, already on her way out the door. “Haan, Maa, samajh gayi. Main jaldi aati hoon.”

"Yes, Maa, I understand. I’ll come back soon."

As she stepped out, she glanced at her watch and quickened her pace, mentally preparing for the long day ahead and the evening’s unexpected social obligations.

~~~

By the time Anokhi returned home, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a soft twilight over the city. She quickly made her way to her room, where she had laid out a beautifully light pink embroidered anarkali kurti for the evening.

She changed into the kurti, the soft fabric flowed around her as she twirled slightly in front of the mirror, adjusting the delicate dupatta that draped over her shoulders. The kurti had a rich, light pink base with gold accents, perfect for the special occasion.

Her mother called out from the living room, “Anokhi, tum taiyaar ho gayi? Aarav ki family aane wali hai, aur sab kuch ready hai.”

"Anokhi, are you ready? Aarav's family is coming, and everything is ready."

Anokhi rolled her eyes talking to herself , "Wo aise baat kar rahi hai jaise Aarav ji ki family mujhe dekhne aa rahi hai. Woh actually bhaiya Bhabhi ki anniversary get-together ke liye aa rahe hain."

"She’s talking as if Aarav ji’s family is coming to see me. They’re actually coming for Bhaiya and Bhabhi’s anniversary get-together."

Anokhi replied, her voice coming from the room, “Haan, Maa, main abhi aayi. Thoda time lag raha hai bas ready hone mein .”

"Yes, Mom, I’m coming now. It’s just taking a bit of time to get ready."

As she stepped out of her room, her mother’s face lit up with approval. “Wah, beta! Tum bahut khubsurat lag rahi ho.”