Dreams Unfold

CHAPTER 2

*Next day*

After breakfast, Siddharth wiped his hands and looked over at Sanvi, who was still finishing her last bite of toast. He leaned against the counter, his expression turning serious-but with a familiar hint of playfulness.

"Alright, Sanvi, you need to get all your documents in order today. No slacking off. I'll help you when I get back from work, but I need you to have everything ready by then, okay?" he said, sounding a little like a strict parent.

Sanvi, still chewing her toast, rolled her eyes. "Yes, bhaiya. I know. I'm not a kid anymore."

Siddharth raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by her casual tone. "Well, you act like one sometimes. Especially when it comes to responsibility. You better not leave anything for the last minute."

Sanvi crossed her arms, pretending to be offended. "Excuse me! I'm perfectly capable of being responsible."

"Oh yeah? Like how you forgot to submit your biology assignment on time last year?" Siddharth shot back with a teasing smirk.

"That was *one* time!" she protested, pointing her fork at him. "And I still got an A!"

Siddharth chuckled, shaking his head. "Right. Just make sure you have everything ready before I get home. And don't forget to have lunch on time. I'll call you to check."

Sanvi groaned dramatically, throwing her head back. "You're always checking on me! I'm not going to starve if you don't call every day, you know."

"Yeah, and I don't trust you not to survive on chips and cold drinks if I don't," he teased.

"Ugh, not this again," she muttered, rolling her eyes. Then she straightened up, giving him a stern look. "And *you* better not get late today."

Siddharth looked at her, surprised. "Why? What's with the sudden deadline?"

Sanvi crossed her arms, her voice dramatic and full of mock seriousness. "Because if you're late, I'm not talking to you. I'm serious, bhaiya. You've been coming home late all week, and I'm done waiting around like a housewife."

Siddharth burst out laughing at her exaggerated tone. "You? Not talk to me? Please. You love me too much for that."

Sanvi tilted her chin up defiantly. "Try me."

Siddharth grinned, amused by her attempt to be tough. "Okay, deal. But if I'm late and you still talk to me, that means you owe me something."

Sanvi raised an eyebrow, suspicious. "Like what?"

"Hmm... how about you clean your room for a whole week without me having to nag you?" Siddharth suggested, his eyes twinkling.

Sanvi gasped, horrified at the idea. "Clean my room for a *whole* week? That's practically torture!"

Siddharth shrugged, smirking. "Then I guess you better hope I'm on time."

Sanvi huffed, shaking her head. "Fine. But if you're late, I'm giving you the silent treatment for an entire day. And I'm serious this time!"

Siddharth chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Alright, deal. But don't miss me too much when I'm not talking to you."

Sanvi swatted his hand away, smiling despite herself. "Just don't be late!"

Siddharth grabbed his bag and headed toward the door. "I won't. And remember, have lunch on time. I'll call to check."

Sanvi waved him off dramatically. "Yeah, yeah. Go to work, Mr. Overprotective."

As Siddharth left, he turned back with a playful smile. "Bye, kiddo. See you later. Don't forget, or you'll owe me."

Sanvi crossed her arms, watching him leave. "You better be on time!" she called out after him, her voice still carrying a hint of her dramatic tone.