5. PROXIMITY

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Shree stood in the middle of the kitchen, contemplating her next move for dinner

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Shree stood in the middle of the kitchen, contemplating her next move for dinner. The small space was filled with the soft clinking of utensils and the slight hum of the refrigerator in the background.

"Kya banau, mujhe to pani bhi dhang se boil karna nhi aata," she murmured to herself in frustration, a frown tugging at her delicate brows as she glanced around for inspiration.

( What should I make, I don't even know how to boil water properly )

"Aur agar kuch unhealthy banaya aur Ananya ko pata chal gaya to karela khilaigi wo mujhe roz," she grumbled, recalling her health-conscious friend's strict food rules. An involuntary shudder ran down her spine at the thought of being force-fed bitter gourd every day.

( And if I make something unhealthy and Ananya gets to know about it then she will feed me bitter gourd everyday

Just as the thought crossed her mind, an idea sparked. She remembered the recipe Kirti had shared with her today - a simple one, but not entirely foolproof.

"Roti banau kya," she mused aloud, weighing her options. "But uske liye sabzi bhi banani padegi," she added with a sigh, glancing skeptically at the uncut vegetables lying in the corner.

( Should I make rotis )

( But I have to prepare something to eat with )

Her eyes suddenly brightened as she recalled something. "Wait, kal Ananya ne khichdi banai thi, wo acchi thi. Wahi banati hu, recipe to mujhe yaad h hi," she said decisively, a newfound determination settling in her gaze as she began to gather the ingredients.

( Wait, Ananya made khichdi yesterday, it was good. I will make the same, and I also remember the recipe )

The kitchen soon turned into a chaotic battlefield - chopped vegetables scattered across the counter, grains and lentils strewn about, and the soft sizzle of the tempering filling the air. After a few trial-and-error moments, she managed to prepare the khichdi and placed it triumphantly on the dining table. She stood back, admiring her handiwork with a satisfied smile.

But as she turned around, her smile faltered. The sight before her was anything but pleasing. The kitchen looked like a storm had hit it - utensils piled up in the sink, flour dusted across the counter, and a spill of lentils near the stove.

"Ab isey kon saaf karega?" Shree muttered under her breath, making a face as she surveyed the mess. A kitchen disaster of epic proportions, she thought wryly.

( Now who will clean this )

Just then, the doorbell rang. Perplexed, she wiped her hands on her apron and went to open it. The moment the door swung open, her expression shifted, a mischievous smile lighting up her features as her eyes landed on her savior.

"Ananya!" she greeted in an unnaturally sweet tone, batting her eyelashes for extra effect.

Ananya, raising an eyebrow, stepped forward cautiously. "Kya kaam h?" she asked suspiciously, eyes narrowing as if sensing a trap.

𝐕𝐎𝐖 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 - A Life long PromiseWhere stories live. Discover now