Love Rivals: The Day I Saw Your Tears

21. Never Asked, Never Told

Dad looked at me with a playful smirk and said, "Sarah, you should learn a thing or two from this boy. He even knows how to cook!"

Ryan, never missing a chance to tease, grinned and asked, "Wait, Sarah, don’t tell me you can’t cook?"

Dad chuckled and shook his head. "Oh, she can cook alright -- cook up a mess! She’s more skilled at wasting time watching those pointless dramas."

Ryan laughed softly, trying to come to my defense. "Uncle, maybe she’s just been busy with her online work. She probably doesn’t have time for all that."

Dad looked at Ryan, surprised. "Online work?"

Sensing the conversation veering into dangerous territory, I quickly grabbed Ryan’s hand and flashed a polite smile. "Dad, I think Ryan would really enjoy some kheer. Let me take care of him for a bit," I said, making my escape before Dad could dig any deeper.

I took him to the kitchen and handed him a bowl of kheer. "This is a new side of you, Sarah. Everyone thought you'd turn out to be just a typical housewife." He said while stirring his kheer.

I was lost in my own thoughts, but managed to ask, "When did you learn to cook? I always knew about your parents, but I assumed you’d have servants at home."

He laughed heartily, clearly enjoying my surprise. "Oh, it wasn’t quite like that," he said with a grin.

I felt a pang of guilt and said, "So, you’ve been cooking for yourself since school?"

"Not exactly," he replied with a chuckle. "I ordered in and had meals at Vicky’s quite often. It was only around 12th grade that I really started cooking on my own."

I frowned slightly and asked, "But you never told me about this."

He shrugged playfully and said, "Well, you never asked."

His phone buzzed, and he quickly silenced it. "I should head out now," he said, glancing at me. Before leaving, he leaned in closer and added with sincerity, "I had a really great time. I swear."

As I watched him walk away, my friends approached me.

Krystal, looking a bit annoyed, said, "You completely forgot about us!"

I sighed and tried to explain. "It’s not like that. He’s been there for me in awkward situations before, just like today. I was just helping him out."

Shruti added with a hint of frustration, "We didn’t even get to take any pictures because we were waiting for you."

I attempted to reintegrate into the lively atmosphere of the function, but his departure left me feeling oddly detached. The bright and festive environment seemed to dim, and I couldn’t shake the lingering sense of loneliness. My heart felt unsettled, and I struggled to understand the unfamiliar ache.

_________________________________

I took a few days off from the café, trying to focus on learning to cook. However, each attempt ended with the food turning into ashes.

Shriya came in, taking one look at the smoke-filled kitchen. "Cooking clearly isn’t your thing," she said with a teasing grin. "Maybe it’s time to just give up."

I frowned and replied, "Ryan knows how to cook. I have to learn too."

Her interest piqued, she asked, "Ryan? Oh, the guy you used to compete with?"

I nodded, confirming her guess.

She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Well, if you want to keep up with him, you should really hit the books hard. You know he's a doctor now. To surpass him, you need a strong career yourself."

I fell silent, lost in thought as her words echoed in my mind. The shrill whistle of the pressure cooker brought me back to the present.

Shriya, with a smirk, called out loudly, "Maa, Sarah’s about to turn the kitchen into a disaster zone today!" Then she walked away, leaving me to grapple with the smoke.

After a week away, I finally returned to the café. Amreesh looked up from his phone and said, "Finally, you’re here! We’ve been pretty busy lately."

I glanced around at the festive decorations and asked, "Is there a special occasion?"

He nodded and explained, "One of your classmates is celebrating her birthday today. We’re hosting her party here tonight, and you’re invited too."

I suddenly remembered, "Oh, I completely forgot it’s Rima’s birthday today." Without wasting a moment, I pulled out my phone and sent her a birthday wish.