The Echo of First Love

Chapter 9

Meera's POV

I was in the kitchen, humming and swaying as I served dinner with the other helpers. The day had started off rough, but somehow, by evening, everything seemed to have turned around. As I placed another dish on the table, Maa called out, her eyes warm.

"Beta, you should rest. Why do you always want to work in the kitchen?"

"Maa, soon I'll be starting my job and won't have much time to cook like this for you all," I replied, my attention still on serving.

"When do you join your office?" she asked.

"Tomorrow." We continued chatting as everyone gathered around the table. His family, who lived in a mansion closer to the city, joined us too, filling the room with laughter and conversation.

After dinner, I thought of making cupcakes as Angel had asked, her big eyes filled with excitement when she mentioned them. I slipped into the kitchen, gathering ingredients when I felt a presence behind me. Turning, I saw him standing there, hands tucked into his pockets, a faint, hesitant smile on his face.

"Do you need something?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Um...no," he replied, falling silent again. Then, almost nervously, he glanced at the mixing bowl. "What are you making?"

I sighed, my tone sharp. "Don't worry, it's not your favorite, and it's not for you." Just because I felt better didn't mean I'd forgotten the morning's sting.

"Meera... I'm really sorry. I shouldn't have behaved like that earlier," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the floor.

I saw an opening and seized it. "Are you really sorry?" I asked, turning back to face him, my expression guarded.

"Yes, I am," he said, meeting my eyes.

"Alright, I'll forgive you... on one condition," I said, pretending to concentrate on my work.

A flicker of curiosity sparked in his face. "What condition?"

"You have to help me with the cupcakes. Angel wants two or three flavors, and it'll take a while to make," I replied, gesturing to the countertop filled with ingredients.

He looked at the spread, a bit overwhelmed. "But... couldn't you do this tomorrow?"

"No, I'm starting my job tomorrow," I reminded him.

The realization hit him, and he nodded. "Oh, right."

He stepped closer, a grin softening his features. "Alright, ma'am, tell me what to do."

I muttered under my breath, "Oh God, Angel, forgive me if I don't survive this."

He caught my mumble and raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"What?" I replied innocently, handing him the cocoa powder. "Just mix this, please."

We continued working side by side, our hands brushing now and then as we reached for ingredients. I could feel him glancing over, but I kept my focus on the batter, pretending not to notice how close he was.

"Are you always this serious in the kitchen?" he teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Only when I have a stubborn helper," I shot back with a playful glare.

He laughed, shaking his head. "Stubborn? Me? I prefer to think of myself as... determined."

"Determined to ruin my cupcakes, you mean?" I shot back, raising an eyebrow.