Siya Kapoor is a psychiatrist used to untangling others' minds, but when it comes to her own heart, she's got a wall up. That is, until she's caught in a whirlwind with not one, but two of India's rising cricket stars: Shubman Gill, her magnetic, lo...
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17. Goodbye Amritsar.
"Aunty, shall I help you?" Siya asked Mrs. Sharma, stepping into the bustling kitchen.
"No, I’m fine, beta. Guests don’t work," Mrs. Sharma replied with a warm smile.
"I would be happy to help, Aunty. Besides, you have so much to do," Siya insisted.
Mrs. Sharma chuckled, "You’re very sweet, Siya, but really, it’s no trouble at all."
"Aunty, please. I insist," Siya said, her tone earnest.
Mrs. Sharma looked at her for a moment before relenting, "Alright, if you insist." Siya smiled and immediately started to help, kneading the dough for the Amritsari kulchas. As she worked, Mrs. Sharma watched her with an approving look.
"You know, Siya, not everyone offers to help like this. You’re a rare one," Mrs. Sharma remarked.
Siya blushed slightly, "I just like being useful, Aunty. And I enjoy cooking."
Mrs. Sharma nodded, "Well, you’re doing a great job. The dough looks perfect."
"Thank you! I’ve always wanted to learn how to make authentic Amritsari kulchas," Siya said, her hands moving rhythmically as she kneaded the dough.
"By the end of today, you’ll be an expert," Mrs. Sharma promised with a wink.
"Actually, Abhi likes them a lot," Mrs. Sharma said, preparing the paneer bhurji. "Paneer bhurji and kulcha with pyaaz imli chutney—his absolute favorite."
Siya smiled, "I can see why. They smell amazing!"
Mrs. Sharma chuckled, "You know, Abhishek has always been a big foodie. When he was little, we had to hide food from him. Once, when he was about seven, I made a big batch of paneer bhurji for a family gathering. I stepped out of the kitchen for a few minutes, and when I came back, the bhurji was gone."
Siya laughed, "Oh no! Did Abhishek eat it all?"
Mrs. Sharma nodded, laughing as well. "Yes! We found him under the dining table with the bowl, happily munching away. He had bhurji all over his face. Komal found him first and started yelling, 'Mummy, Abhi's eaten all the bhurji!' It was chaos."
Siya giggled, "That’s adorable! And very typical of a little foodie."
Mrs. Sharma smiled fondly, "He’s always had a big appetite, especially for paneer dishes. Even now, whenever I make paneer bhurji and kulcha, he turns into that same little boy, excited and impatient."
Siya stirred the dough thoughtfully, "It's nice to know some things never change."
"Indeed," Mrs. Sharma agreed. "Cooking for Abhi has always been a joy, especially when I see that same childlike happiness on his face. And Komal, poor thing, used to get so annoyed because she had to share her favorite dishes with him."
