Italian Mafia Man's Indian Beauty

Chapter-3 Their Second Encounter

Ojasvi retreated to her room, her mind swirling with thoughts of the man who had made her heart race. As she went through her chores, she did so in a daze, barely aware of her surroundings. She slipped into her dress without checking if it was on right, braided one side of her hair while leaving the other loose, and ended up adding too much salt to her cooking.

When dinner time arrived, Ojasvi and Avantika sat down to eat. Ojasvi dug into her meal, seemingly oblivious to the taste, while Avantika grimaced as she took a bite, her face contorting at the overly salted food. Noticing her friend lost in her thoughts and eating without a care, Avantika frowned and playfully smacked Ojasvi on the forehead, pulling her back to reality.

"What's going on with you, you silly girl? (Em ayindi ee pichi daana neeku?)" Avantika asked in their native tongue, leaving Ojasvi momentarily puzzled. Though Ojasvi's parents hailed from Andhra Pradesh, she had grown up in the state, as her family had moved to Hyderabad for work. Avantika's family were not only close friends but also neighbors, which brought relief to both sets of parents knowing their daughters would be together.

At home, Ojasvi and Avantika primarily spoke Telugu. They often bickered over trivial matters like food and movies, but these playful arguments only strengthened their friendship. Avantika was always quick to defend Ojasvi against any unkind remarks about her appearance, while she herself faced criticism for her weight, which she brushed off as if it didn't matter. Both girls shared a similar outlook on people, choosing to focus on their bond rather than the opinions of others.

"I'm perfectly fine! Why are you asking me like that? (Naku em ayindhi? Nenu bagane unna. Nuvvu Endhuku ala aduguthunnav?)" Ojasvi retorted, causing Avantika to roll her eyes in annoyance.

"Because you dumped an entire container of salt into the food! You're acting like it's the best thing ever. Were you even paying attention while cooking dinner?(Endhuku ante salt dabba mottam indhulo posi nuvvu curry chala bagundhi annattu tintunnav. Ekkada pettav nee brain?)" Avantika shot back, giving her friend a fierce look, which made Ojasvi respond with a guilty grin.

"Just shut your mouth; I don't need a close-up of your teeth. It's really irritating,(Amma thalli, Noru moosthava please. Nee close up add chudalekapothunna)," Avantika added, shooting another glare at her friend.

"I'm really sorry, Avu. I had my mind on something else,(Sorry Avu, Em anukoku. Nenu edo alochisthu cook chesanu)," Ojasvi said, flashing a charming smile that warmed Avantika's heart. The sincerity in her voice was palpable, but it did little to mask the chaos that had unfolded in the kitchen.

"I need the full story. What had you so lost in thought that you accidentally seasoned the dinner with salt? Who's the person occupying your mind? And Mai, have you looked in the mirror lately? You resemble a half-baked ghost, and that dress is on backward! It's definitely a guy who turned you into this in just one day. Who is he?" Avantika's sharp wit was on full display; she sensed something was off with her best friend, who was acting a bit unhinged.

Ojasvi's cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she fidgeted with the hem of her dress, her eyes darting away.

"There's no one like that. I'm just feeling anxious,(Ala em ledu. Edo tension lo undi ala chesanu)" she admitted, nervously nibbling on her fingernails. The admission hung in the air, heavy with unspoken thoughts and feelings. Avantika couldn't help but smile at her friend's flustered state; it was a mix of endearing and concerning.

"What's going on? Spill it! ( Em ayyindhi? Cheppave babu)" Avantika encouraged, her curiosity piqued. She leaned in closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief, prompting Ojasvi to recount the entire morning's mishap. Ojasvi hesitated, but the warmth of Avantika's presence coaxed the story out of her.