The beginning

Chapter 13

Thank you to everyone who's been waiting (patiently or impatiently) for this to be completed. Those of you who've messaged me know that life has been really hectic these past few weeks. It's been everything and the kitchen sink going on here.

This is the second to last chapter of this story. I plan to write one more just to wrap things up, but no more than that. I've begun work on that one, but finishing it will depend on my workload, which will be getting quite busy again in the next couple of days. You have been warned. 😜

Thanks once again for encouraging me to write. This one's for all of you.
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When Deepika woke it was morning. She was covered with a light blanket and there was a pillow underneath her head. Her father was sitting in a chair opposite her and reading the newspaper. 

"Good morning," she mumbled. 

"Good morning," he replied. 

She sat up rubbing her eyes and looked at the clock on the wall. It showed the time was nearly ten. She looked, then looked again and bolted upright. "Pa! Why didn't you wake me?" 

"You looked really worn out, so I thought I'd let you sleep in a bit," he replied. "Kanna, I know how hard you've been working. Recovery days are an important part of a routine," he said. 

She smiled as she coiled her hair into a bun and secured it with a hairclip that she'd set on the coffee table last night. "Did you and Ma have something to eat?" she asked. 

"Yes," he said. 

"I knew you were really tired when you slept through Bharti making chutney for the dosas, so I didn't even bother trying to wake you," her mother said as she came out of the guest room drying her hair. "What's the plan for lunch?" she asked. 

Deepika folded her blanket. "I was thinking of making Mangalore style fish curry, pomfret fry, rice, chapatis, and I was hoping you'd make saagu," Deepika replied. 

"Sure, I'll make it," her mother said. "Shall I make rasam as well?" she asked. 

Deepika smiled and hugged her. "You're the best, Ma! I've missed your rasam," she said. 

Deepika showered quickly and ate a dosa sitting on the kitchen counter chatting with her mother as she prepared the masala for the curry. When she was done they worked side by side to make the main dishes while Bharti made the chapatis and rice. 

"What about dessert?" her mother asked once the curries were bubbling on the stove. 

"Oh no, I forgot! I was going to make brownies last night!" Deepika exclaimed. 

"Brownies with all this?" her mother asked, slightly puzzled. 

"Well, yeah, Ranveer loves them," she replied, slightly sheepish. 

"Well, you still have time, it's only twelve thirty," her mother said. 

"Yeah," Deepika said and began to take out the necessary ingredients. She'd just about mixed the batter when the doorbell rang. Deepika looked at the clock again. It was 12.50. "He's always late, and the one day where I'm not ready he's got to be early," she muttered under her breath as she walked to open the door. She hadn't even had a bath yet. 

She opened the door and Ranveer stood there shuffling from side to side, a bouquet of cheerful red daisies in his hands. Deepika took one look at his nervous face and had to control her laughter. He was dressed in a button-down shirt and jeans, hair neatly combed, beard and moustache brushed and trimmed, and he looked like he'd just showered. He'd clearly made an effort and he looked good. "Ehhem, invite the poor man in, Deepika," her mother said from behind her and Deepika jumped and blushed.