Closer than we knew

Chapter 3

Sitara pushes the front door open, the familiar scent of cumin and turmeric hitting her nostrils, signalling her mother's presence in the kitchen. She exhales deeply, the stress of day melting away. She drops her bag by the entrance and makes her way towards the kitchen.

"Mom, I'm home," She said while giving her a back hug.

"Long day?" her mom asks, noticing Sitara's tired breath.

"Very," Sitara replies, withdrawing from the hug. "But we're almost done with the moot court preparation. Just a few final touches left."

"That's good," her mom says, "You seem less stressed about this one than you usually are. Who's your partner this time?" she asked curiously.

Sitara lets out a small laugh. "Well you won't believe it?"

Her mother raises an eyebrow, curiousity getting her, "Who is it?"

Before Sitara can respond, they hear front door open again.

"Dad's home!" Sitara says excitedly as she rushes out of the kitchen to greet her father.

"Hello, Dad!" Sitara immediately hugs him. Her dad smiles and responds while caressing her hair, "Ahh, my baby girl is back."

They move toward the living room, and soon Sitara's mom joins them with a glass of water. Her father gives her mom a warm smile as he takes the water, saying, "Thank you, Begum Sahiba."

Her father then asks, "How's the moot court preparation going, beta? Everything sorted?"

"Almost done, Dad," Sitara says taking a seat beside her dad, "Just a few final touches left, and we should be good. We're presenting in a few days. The competition is in Hyderabad so we will be going with our professors for three days."

His eyes filled with pride as he glances at her. "That's great! Do you need any help? I can look over your notes if you want."

Sitara chuckles and shakes her head. "Thanks dad, but I think we're good for now. If I need anything, I'll definitely ask."

Her father nods, giving her an encouraging smile. "Alright. My little girl is ready to be a lawyer already huh! I am so proud of you."

Her mother sits in front of her and asks again, "You still haven't told me about your partner. I am curious now."

Sitara answers holding back a smile. "Well, its Salar."

Her mother and father looked at each other amazed. "Salar?" they both said at same time.

Sitara laughs and respond,  "Yes, Salar. That Salar"

Her mother leans against the Sofa, a smile playing on her lips. "The Salar you've been ranting about since your first year? The one who always out-debated you, outsmarted you, and made your life difficult?"

Sitara nods at every question her mom asks, "Yeah, that Salar."

Her father chuckles, "Well, this is interesting. How's it going working with him?"

Sitara shrugs, "Honestly? It's not as bad as I thought it would be. When principal sir first announced that we both will be participating together, I was shocked but now when I am actually working with him, its not that difficult. He's... less competitive. More cooperative, I guess." She says with a smile on her face.

Her mother smirks knowingly. "That's actually unbelievable. You praising him." She laughs.

"Momm!" Sitara almost yells in her defence.

"I still remember those nights you came home fuming about him, and now you're working together." Her mother replies.

Sitara sighs. "Yeah, I know. I never thought I'd say this, but he's actually been helpful. He's smart and intelligent, and yeah he's a great partner."