The blooming Magnolia

Chapter : 3

Anika saw two women, probably in their mid 20s entering the cafe. The women, one of them a bit taller than the other approached their table. Anika took a quick glance at the two. One of them, the taller one was clad in a black embroidered long skirt and a white spaghetti top with a mustard yellow bandhani dupatta wrapped around her neck in the form of a scarf while the other, the shorter one was in denim shorts and a casual tee. Anika was already impressed by their clothing style. Anika missed wearing shorts. There was a time when she enjoyed exposing her perfect long legs back in the college days making the boys drool. But the pregnancy...! She had gained around 12 kilos when Ahana was inside her and now she had stretch marks in the areas where she never knew stretch marks could exist in the first place.

Pregnancy is not as dreamy as it is shown in the TV commercials or maybe it requires one to be filthy rich to look like a goddess like the famous pregnant actresses look in those huge baby bumps. But now that Anika has grown up a bit, she finally gets some time to take care of herself. So she makes sure to eat healthy and the morning jog is a must.

Anika came back from her thoughts hearing the voice of the taller woman who asked politely,

"Ritwik Verma?"

Ritwik turned back and stood up to greet them.

"Yes. Hello, Miss Rao."

"Call me Kritika." She said as she shook hands with him.

Anika stood up to greet them too.

"Hello Kritika , this is Anika Tripathi."

"Oh yes, Anika. It's nice meeting you.This is my friend , Shruti."

"Hello Shruti." Anika and Ritwik asked them to have a seat.

"Hey, Ritwik and Anika I hope you're doing fine." Shruti said.

"So, shall we start?" Anika asked as she took out a brochure from her bag and a notebook.

"Let us order something first. I am dying of hunger right now.What would you like to have?" Ritwik said.

Hunger? He just had three rotis, Anika thought.

"Actually I am hungry too. Let's order some breakfast. What do you say?" Shruti asked.

"I don't mind. The english breakfast platter here is good." Ritwik said.

"And coffee anyone?" Ritwik asked, to which both the women nodded.

RItwik called the waiter and listed the food they wanted to eat.

Anika told the waiter, "Bhaiya,green tea for me and just a plain sandwich without mayo."

Ritwik smirked at her choice.

"Green tea? Weight loss huh?" Shruti asked jokingly.

Anika blushed and nodded her head.

"Oh not at all. I love having green tea." She hated green tea. Caffeine was her thing. But it is not a great option when you're trying to lose weight.

The waiter left with the orders.

"Okay, when is the wedding?" Anika asked, ready with her notepad.

"Oh it's June 28." Kritka informed apologetically.

"Oh shit, that's only two months to go!." Ritwik said.

"How can we do it in such a short time?" Anika asked Ritwik.

"Oh, please Anika, don't refuse. Already three planners have refused to plan it. My friend gave me your number and said Knotty Tales might be our last hope. Please." Kritika said.