Twists Twirls Perils & Pearls

32. Home alone

Abhedya was planning to skip college that day. He was late and there was nothing important lined up. He took out his books and started studying. Examinations were close then there was a quiz after that and a project for the police to be done. It struck him that the police had told them to make a software but had still not provided with the data.
He called up Swarnima who rejected his call and sent a message 'in class. Can't talk'
Abhedya replied 'talk asap' (as soon as possible)
Swarnima called back in two minutes and in a worried tone asked, "hi! Are you okay? What happened?"

"Relax! Why are you panting? Wait! You left your class in the middle?" Abhedya questioned her.

"Obviously! You said you wanted to talk asap. So I thought it was urgent." Swarnima replied in an obvious tone.

Abhedya just enjoyed her concern and said, "important yes... Umm you have any clue as to why the police has still not sent us the data for the software ?"

"Ummm.. where are you now?" Swarnima asked him.

"I am at home. Got up late. Why?" Abhedya asked her.

"Okay... can you come to my place before 4? Will tell you." Swarnima answered him.

"What is it? Is there something you know that I don't? Fine! I will come at 2 and make those parathas for me." Abhedya told her with authority.

"Okay. See you then and please don't use the elevator.bye! ." Swarnima hung the phone.

She left the college early. She had to make the parathas but before that she needed the grocery. She reached her home and quickly changed to a simple khadi kurti and pants. She kneaded the dough, boiled potatoes, grated cottage cheese, made mint chutney, raita(a variety of curd).
She was exhausted but if exhaustion meant Abhedya's happiness she could climb the Everest with stopping.
The doorbell rang and Swarnima opened the door. Abhedya saw her and all the things his father told him appeared in front of his eyes. The face of his chachu, his masi, little Swarnima and her brother. His expression changed from normal to a sorry one.

"You have to move on in life." Swarnima could read his expressions.

Abhedya checked himself and came inside. Was his face so readable?
He sniffed and ran to the kitchen. Swarnima followed him and said, "sit! I will serve."

"I'l help too. Where are the plates? Oh! there..." Abhedya took two plates and kept them on dining table.

Swarnima came with a tray with raita, chutney and pickle. It was then Abhedya saw Swarnima completely. She was dressed simple as usual but looked so cute. She was so unlike the girls he used to hang around with.
'Abhey? How can you even dare to compare Nim with those butterflies of yours?' Abhedya's heart scolded him.
Swarnima served him and he loved what was on his plate. It was a complete platter. He took first bite and exclaimed, "it's so spicy!"

"Sorry! I didn't check. You can have this one. I made this for me. It's not spicy." Swarnima forwarded her plate.
Abhedya took a bite of her lunch and asked, "you have this? It's totally bland! How can you even eat it?"
He started eating from his own when Swarnima stopped him and said, "why are you eating these when it's spicy? Wait! I will make new ones for you."
Abhedya had a current running not because Swarnima was holding his hand but because she was looking so adorable with that scared and apologetic and sorry and concerned expression. He smiled and disclosed, "you know what, you are mad! I was just joking. This is very tasty."

Swarnima relaxed and had her lunch quietly. She so wanted to hit Abhedya for scaring her like that but she did not. She could not. She didn't have that authority.
Yet!

"So, tell me why is your food so bland?" Abhedya questioned her.

"Excess of salt, spices, oil affects your fitness. So I avoid it." Swarnima answered him.