Knotted Destiny(ON HOLD TILL APRIL)

19

📌This chapter mostly contains flashback from Purvi's childhood, so might be boring for you. Sorry couldn't add the fun part of the hotel lunch in this chapter 😭🙏🏻

Purvi Ahuja

After waking up, I freshened up, woke Coco, gave him his food and water, and headed downstairs for breakfast before getting ready for work. I’m joining back after a week-long break and since I have an afternoon shift today, there’s really no need to rush.

As I entered the living room, I saw Purab sitting on the sofa, watching Culinary Class Wars—in a suit.

Is he going somewhere? Or coming back from somewhere? Why on earth is he wearing a suit at home?

“Why are you wearing a suit at home?” I asked, walking toward the sofa.

He turned to look at me. “Oh, you’re up! I made your favorite breakfast—wait, I’ll serve it,” he said, already trying to get up, completely ignoring my question.

“I’ll help myself. First, tell me why you’re wearing that at home?” I repeated, pointing at his overly formal attire.

“Oh, this?” he glanced down at himself. “I’m going to the hotel today, so I figured I’d head in with you this morning. When I saw you weren’t up yet, I assumed you had an afternoon shift. I was already dressed and didn’t feel like changing again. So… I was just watching TV.”

“…Why are you going to the hotel?” I asked, something not adding up.

“Well, I’ll be joining there soon. As the CEO,” he muttered like it was no big deal.

“What?!” I stared at him, stunned. When Papa asked him to join one of our hotels in Delhi or literally anywhere else in India last year, he refused point-blank. Said he wanted to stay in London and work at the branch there. Now suddenly he’s here.

“And what about your London branch? Not going back there?” I asked, sarcasm dripping.

“No.”

“Not going back?” I asked again, my voice suddenly softer.

“No.”

“Never?” My voice cracked a little. I hated that it did. Maybe because last time he left… he left me on that hospital bed alone with them.

“Never.”

If things were different, if we were different, I would’ve jumped up and hugged him. Thanked him for staying. For not going back. For finally being here.

But now? I don’t care. I shouldn’t care whether he stays or goes.

“Okay,” I said, getting up and heading toward the kitchen to eat whatever breakfast he’d made—his so-called “my favorite” breakfast. I don’t even have a favorite breakfast. Secretly rolling my eyes, I walked off without another word.

I opened the casserole and the delicious smell of pav bhaji hit my nostrils.

“Purvi, you hungry pig,” I muttered under my breath as I quietly carried the casserole to the dining table. From the corner of my eye, I saw Purab bhai, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.

He knows, of course.

“I’ll heat the pav for you,” he said, already heading towards the kitchen.

I sat down quietly, trying my best not to drool from the mouthwatering aroma wafting through the room.

A small smile crept onto my lips as I found myself drifting back to the peaceful days of our childhood.