A Baker And A Billionaire (Completed)

Chapter 40

It was the next day evening, Ashwin sat on the chair in the hospital corridor, his eyes fixed on the door of his mother's hospital room.

Aisha, sat beside him, her small frame leaning into his.

Their father, sat on a chair across from them, his elbows on his knees, his face buried in his hands.

Ashwin's eyes were fixed on the door, his mind racing with thoughts of his mother's condition. His face was a mask of concern, his jaw clenched, and his eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep.

Ashwin's phone suddenly buzzed to life in his pocket, breaking the silence in the hospital corridor. He hesitated for a moment before pulling it out and glancing at the screen.

Ashwin stepped away from his family, his eyes fixed on the floor.

As he walked, he answered the call, his voice low and cautious. "Hello?"

The voice on the other end was faint, but Ashwin's expression changed, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened intently.

"Pugazh?" Ashwin said, his voice barely above a whisper. "What's going on?"

He paused, listening to the response, his grip on the phone tightening.

"Is everything going well? She didn't get any doubts, right? Make sure not to mention my name or photos ever," Ashwin said, his voice firm and urgent.

As he spoke, he paced back and forth in the hospital corridor.

Pugazh's voice was laced with tension on the other end of the line. "Ashwin, it's neck to neck competition. I don't know who will win. The result will be announced soon."

Ashwin's grip on the phone tightened, his mind racing with possibilities. He had planned and executed everything to perfection, ensuring Sivaangi's participation in the dessert contest without raising any doubts about his involvement. That it was his company.

"What about Sivaangi? How's she doing?" Ashwin asked, his voice low and urgent.

"She's confident, Ashwin. She's done her best, but the competition is fierce." Pugazh replied, his voice hesitant.

Ashwin's eyes narrowed, his mind working overtime. He had to make sure Sivaangi won, no matter what. He couldn't let his father get the upper hand.

"Keep me posted, Pugazh. I need to know the moment the results are announced," Ashwin said, his voice firm.

"Will do, Ashwin. Fingers crossed," Pugazh replied before ending the call.

Ashwin stood still for a moment, his eyes fixed on the floor, his mind racing with thoughts of the contest and his mother's condition. He took a deep breath and turned back to his family, his face a mask of calm determination.

As he approached them, Aisha looked up at him with concern. "Ashwin, what's wrong?"

Ashwin forced a smile. "Nothing, Aisha. Just work stuff. Let's focus on Amma's recovery for now."

But his eyes betrayed his concern, and his father looked up, sensing something was amiss.

Time passed, Ashwin's eyes widened as he read the message from Pugazh.

He couldn't believe it - Sivaangi had tied with another contestant! He felt a mix of emotions: pride that she had made it so far, but also anxiety about the next step.

He quickly called Pugazh to get more information. "What's the next step? What do they have to make to break the tie?" Ashwin asked, his voice urgent.

"They have to create a new dessert, something innovative and original," Pugazh replied.