Chapter 22

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Do you really think it's a good idea?" I asked again, my nerves creeping into my voice as I paced around the kitchen

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Do you really think it's a good idea?" I asked again, my nerves creeping into my voice as I paced around the kitchen.

"Trust me, he'll love it." Di's voice was so confident, it almost made me feel foolish for doubting myself. Almost.

I sighed, leaning against the counter. "I don't know... I mean, I've never done something like this before. What if I mess up? I'll never be able to show my face again. It's just too risky, Di." The thought alone made my stomach churn.

"Tu bas start kar. Agar accha nahi hua, toh mat dena. Simple." She popped a cherry into her mouth with a lazy smile I could practically hear through the phone, as if everything was so easy for her.
( Just start. If it doesn’t turn out well, don’t give it )

I hesitated, my eyes scanning the bowl of cookie dough in front of me. "Fine," I said after a long pause, surrendering to her suggestion. "Theek hai."
( Alright )

Trying to distract myself from the brewing anxiety, I quickly changed the topic. "Btw, how's Ritika? I haven't seen her around you much lately."

Di chuckled softly. "Oh, she rented her own apartment recently. She wanted more space, you know? But we still meet at work every day." Her tone brightened as she spoke, clearly happy for her friend.

"Oh, I see. Well, good for her," I replied, pushing down the nagging sense of unease that still clung to me. "Alright then, bye Di. Take care." I ended the call and stared at the dough for a moment before shaking off my doubts.

Geeta Aunty was busy chopping vegetables on the kitchen island as I resumed baking, my fingers kneading the dough with precision.

"Yeh 15 minutes baad nikaal lena," I instructed her as I slid the tray of cookies into the oven, wiping my flour-covered hands on a towel.
( Take this out after 15 minutes )

"Theek hai, beta," she responded, busy chopping vegetables for lunch.
( Alright, beta )

Just then, my phone started buzzing on the counter. I wiped my hands and picked it up, seeing Dadi flash on the screen.

"Hello, Dadi."

"Kashvi beta... Akshit ka accident ho gaya..."
( Akshit had an accident )

My breath hitched.

"Kya?"
( What? )

°°°°°°

"How did this happen?" I asked, my voice thick with worry, as my eyes were drawn to Akshit's leg, already encased in a plaster cast.

Abhi, standing beside me, barely spared the cast a glance as he muttered, "It's not that serious."

"Abhi, aise nahi bolte. Dekho itni lagi hai mere bacche ko," Dadi said from her spot on the cabin couch.
( Don't say that right now. Look how badly my child is hurt? )

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