𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒐𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒓𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝑹𝒊𝒅𝒆

PART-21

"I'm telling you for the nth time, she will not come," a frustrated, medium-pitched voice whispered from behind the brown iron door.

"Stop being so judgmental. She will come," another voice, higher and sharper, retorted in a hushed but irritated tone.

"You bet?"

"Yes."

"Done, then. You'll pay for all the food we eat if you lose."

"Done. But if you lose, you'll buy all the tickets. For all three of us."

"That time will never come."

"We'll see."

"Whatever. First, ring the bell."

DING DONG! DING DONG!

As the door opened, both girls composed themselves, hands clasped together in respect.

Navya's eyes sparkled as she chirped, "Namaste, Uncle!" Her smile stretched wide.

Nidhi stood beside her, smiling politely.

Raghav's face creased into a warm smile as he nodded. "Namaste, namaste."

"We are Ira's friends – Navya and Nidhi! Today is the first of January, and we're going to visit Nalanda Khandar! Could we take Ira along with us?" Navya's hands fluttered animatedly as she introduced herself and Nidhi.

Nidhi's eyes darted toward her, awkward at her friend's enthusiasm.

Raghav nodded. "Come inside, beta. Ira is having lunch."

"Thank you, Uncle!" Navya said brightly, dragging Nidhi inside.

"Slow down, Navya!" Nidhi chided in a whisper.

Main hoon ek udta robot... Doraemon~

Ira's voice, mimicking a childish tone from the TV, drifted through the veranda, making Navya and Nidhi exchange amused glances.

Nidhi leaned closer, whispering, "She speaks."

Navya shot her a sidelong glance, eyes narrowing.

Rolling her eyes, Nidhi muttered, "Okay, okay, sorry."

Navya mirrored the gesture before flashing her usual charming smile and rapping her knuckles against the door. "Ira?!"

Getting no response, she knocked again, louder. "Ira?!"

The wooden door creaked open, revealing Vaidehi, a colander clutched firmly in her hand.

"Namaste, Aunty! I'm Navya, and she's Nidhi! We live three streets away! We're Ira's friends from the typing class! We're going to visit Nalanda Khandar. Could Ira come with us?"

Vaidehi's mouth fell open slightly as she blinked rapidly, processing the request. "Ira! Your friends have come," she called out warmly.

She stepped aside, revealing a glimpse of the house’s interior. "Come inside, beta."

Both girls removed their footwear as Vaidehi escorted them in. The scent of spices and cooking oil wafted through the air.

"Did you both have lunch?" Vaidehi asked. "Take a seat inside. I'll bring some gulab jamun."

Smiling politely, Nidhi parted her lips to answer—

"Of course, Aunty! I love sweets!" Navya clapped excitedly.

Nidhi eyed her sternly, only to get a wide grin in return.

"Hey, h-hi!" Ira stood at the doorway, her warm smile illuminating her face as she greeted them. The empty plate and bowl in her hand clinked softly as she shifted her weight, her fingers drumming a gentle rhythm on the plate's rim. Her brown, damp hair cascaded down her back in tangled locks, framing her warm complexion. The black woolen pyjamas and shirt seemed to absorb the light around her, making her skin glow.