BEYOND UNFINISHED✔️

Chapter 3. A Note to the Devil

Song: Got a little Crush on you - Emmi, Wildflower.

Anaya's POV

I reached home quite late. I just hoped mom hadn't waited up—it was past her usual bedtime. I thanked Abhi's driver for the drop-off and quietly made my way inside.

The living room lights were off. As expected, mom had already gone to bed. She was always punctual with her routine. I wish I could be that disciplined.

Dropping my phone and bag on the bed, I headed straight for a shower. Ten minutes later, when I stepped out in my nightwear, I noticed my phone blinking. Probably some notification. But I was too hungry to check it right then. Food came first.

I made my way to the kitchen, rubbing my growling stomach. As soon as I stepped in, I noticed a covered bowl on the counter with a note stuck to it.

Don't just drink coffee. Eat your dinner—I made it for you.
Love,
Mom.

A smile tugged at my lips. Her love always found the simplest ways to show up. I lifted the lid—my eyes lit up. Her famous pasta! My favorite. I quickly set it in the microwave and began preparing my Bournvita milk. Yeah, I know—Bournvita over coffee. Guilty as charged.

Once the food was ready, I jumped onto the counter like a kid (yes, I know, childish—but try being hungry). Mom calls me a monkey. She's not wrong.

Just as I took the first bite, my phone rang. The name on the screen nearly gave me a heart attack.

I picked up.

"Are you out of your fucking mind or what? Didn't I clearly tell you to call me once you got home? I've been blowing up your phone like a lunatic, and you just ignored every single message?"

I held the phone away from my ear and waited.

"Will you speak or just keep wasting my time?"

I opened my mouth to reply, but he interrupted again.

"Forget it. Open the door. I'm outside."

What the—

I jumped off the counter and ran to the door. There he stood, my childhood best friend—Abhi—with a grumpy look stamped across his face.

I stepped aside and let him in, shutting the door behind him.

"Can I speak now?" I asked quietly.

He nodded, still refusing to meet my eyes.

Clearing my throat, I said, "Sorry. I forgot. I was just really hungry when I got in. I didn't think to check my phone." I gave him my best puppy face—the one that usually worked like magic.

He sighed, shaking his head, then walked straight to the kitchen. I followed.

"Are you hungry, Abhi?" I asked, already knowing the answer. He came straight from practice—of course he hadn't eaten.

He scowled. "Is that even a question? I'm starving. Thanks to someone."

"Okay okay, I'm sorry! Let's just eat together, yeah?"

He nodded, finally softening, then reached out to cup my face. "Don't ever do that again. I was worried."

Moments later, we were in my room with a bowl of pasta and two cups of Bournvita. I placed everything on the small table in the balcony and sat, while Abhi freshened up in the bathroom.

This—this had been our thing since childhood. Sharing food, space, clothes... everything. Then Aashi happened. I smiled as the memory crept in.

We met her in college, even though we weren't in the same department. It was... unforgettable.