More Than A Miracle

16. Job Interview

Akshita

I finally confessed my feelings to him. I can't believe I did that but I have no regrets either. No regrets whatsoever. He had every right to know what I felt for him and I wanted to confess before I lost the courage to do so.

I woke up to the sound of the phone ringing. I opened my eyes and found myself sleeping in Ashish's arms. I was wrapped in his arms, sitting on his lap on a chair on the balcony. I scrambled to my feet after coming to my senses while he chuckled and picked up his phone. It was close to lunchtime so I went outside to complete my first kitchen ritual (pehli rasoi rasam).

Mamma was already in the kitchen and smiled when she saw me. She explained to me where everything in the kitchen was placed. I started making the sweet dish happily humming a song. The cook made lunch while talking to me and told me about everyone's food choices in general. She was a nice middle-aged lady with almost professional culinary skills. She only makes lunch on some days, mostly mamma is the one who cooks at home. I had a good time with her and sometime later mamma also joined us in the kitchen.

We arranged the table and everyone served for themselves which was another beautiful change for me. Conversation flowed easily on the dining table and I polished my plate to its last remnant which made Ashish happy. After lunch, I went to the kitchen and brought the bowl of the sweet dish. Sighing in nervousness, I served it to everyone and waited for their reaction.

"Akshita, you also sit beta," Papa said smiling and I sat at my previous seat nervously. Ashish was about to give me the bowl but mamma stopped him.

"You both share." She said and Khushi giggled. Ashish shrugged his shoulders in response while I looked down shyly.

"Mmmm, this is so yummy," Khushi commented.

"Really?" I asked looking at her hopefully.

"Yes, it's really tasty. You did wonders. I am impressed." Mamma said and papa agreed with her.

"Here," Ashish said and pushed the spoon to my mouth. I didn't even have the time to react. Ashish laughed at my reaction and wiped the corner of my lips with his fingers. We both looked at each other, clearly invested in the moment, forgetting about the presence of people around us. Khushi cleared her throat in a teasing manner and I turned pink in shyness.

"Khushu, stop it," Papa told her off chuckling and then smiled at me.

"Come here, Akshita." I went to him and he gave me the neg (cash or gift) for my first kitchen ritual.

"Bless you, beta." He said and I was about to touch his feet but he stopped me and gave me blessings. Khushi also got a gift for me which is absolutely unnecessary because she is younger than me and there is no need for it. My heart swelled when I got to know that she purchased the gift from her savings.

As I opened the box, I smiled with tears in my eyes. In the box, there were two customised couple watches with Ashish and my initials on the dials. I showed it to Ashish and he also looked at it with awe.

"Do you guys like it? It was the only thing in my budget. I mean I..." She was speaking but I stopped her by hugging her tightly.

"It is the most precious gift I ever received," I said pulling from the hug. Khushi smiled brightly at my response.

"Thank you so much, Khushu. I really love it. You didn't have to spend so much money on us. You could have asked dad for it, na." Ashish said kissing her forehead.

"But I saved especially for you both. Why would I ask dad for money? Now stop thinking over it and accept it already."

"I am going to wear it everywhere," I said putting it on my wrist and showing it to her. I have never in my life believed that I could feel so much happiness in just one moment. My life has really changed for good. Sure there will be challenges and hurdles in my way because nothing in life comes easy but I am glad that I would have wonderful parents, a sister and a life partner with me to face them with a smile.