Page 16 of Right Where I Belong

“And I suppose seeing me doesn’t help,” Aisha said with a grimace. “Sometimes, I still feel she wishes I had died instead of him.”

Diya dropped her fork on the plate. “Don’t you dare say that. I won’t have you spiraling down that rabbit hole ever again.”

There was a time before Aisha had met Rithwik, when she had firmly believed it, and it had affected her in the worst possible way.

“I don’t think she wishes that,” Sabrina said firmly. “She’s just never been able to get over losing him. It has nothing to do with you, I promise. She’s fine mostly.”

“You side with her too much,” Aisha said. “She’s my mother, and I know how difficult and harsh she can be. Yet you never speak an ill word about her.”

“She’s old.”

“That doesn’t justify her behavior,” Aisha said. “She barely respects you. She bosses over Ahaan and you all the time. It’s like she has replaced Ajay with Ahaan. She’s obsessed with him. That’s not healthy for him or you.”

“I agree with Aisha,” Diya added.

“I wish she’d simply accept my offer and come stay with me, at least on the weekends…” Aisha’s eyes saddened. “I wish she showed a hint of affection to my children.”

Unfortunately, that was true. Radha didn’t dote on Aisha’s kids as much as she did on Ahaan, and no matter how many times Sabrina had pointed this out, the older woman refused to change.

Diya clasped Aisha’s hand. “Hey, it’s okay. Rithwik’s parents more than make up for it.”

“I agree,” Sabrina concurred.

“Still, I just wish she’d get over Ajay.” Aisha looked at Sabrina. “You need to step out of her shadow. Both of you.”

“There is nothing you and I can do to change the situation. I do put my foot down where I can.” Sabrina tipped her head at Maya. “Her being here is a clear example of that. Ahaan wanted a pet, and I was more than happy to adopt one for him. Ma opposed it, but in the end, I didn’t give her a choice. I have to do what’s best for my son.”

“It’s not nearly enough and you know it,” Aisha countered. “You both need time away from her.”

“Which is why we’re here,” Diya said. “We wanted to talk to you.”

“Okay…” Sabrina alternated her gaze from Aisha to Diya. “What’s up?”

Aisha began, “Do you remember talking about this course that helped professionals like you expand their range of desserts and their knowledge of the wine and food business in general?”

Sabrina frowned, completely taken aback by the question. She vaguely remembered having this discussion with Aisha several months ago.

“Yes, that was a while ago…” she replied. “Why are we talking about it?”

“Because you got through!” Aisha said excitedly.

“What?” Sabrina rocked back. “What do you mean, got through? I never applied for it.”

“You didn’t,” Aisha tipped a finger between Diya and herself, “We did, on your behalf.”

“W…what?”

Aisha placed her phone in front of Sabrina. “It’s true. See for yourself.”

Sabrina took the phone, her hands shaking as she read the email. The Culinary Institute of Singapore was the top academy in the world for professional culinary education. The selection process was brutal—only the absolute best made it through. They chose their students solely based on their resumes. The academy’s graduates didn’t just land jobs at Michelin-starred restaurants; they eventually built empires of their own, earning stars for the kitchens they led. And now, to see an email from them confirming she’d gotten into their coveted Masters in Food Business Program was… Good God, she’d actually been selected.

Out of thousands of applicants, she’d made it into one of the most prestigious culinary courses in the world. Her friends had applied on her behalf, believing in her more than she did herself. She was shocked, delighted, overwhelmed, and grateful at having bagged such a rare opportunity. But a part of her was frozen in place.

How could she leave? Her son needed her. Her mother-in-law depended on her. The course meant she’d be away for weeks in Singapore, multiple times in the year, not to mention the financial burden it would bring. All these reasons were why she’d never applied in the first place. Her throat worked, but nothing came out of her mouth. It was too much to process.

At Sabrina’s lack of response, Aisha arched a brow. Sabrina pushed the phone back to her, shaking her head.

Aisha raised a hand. “You’re going. Don’t even think of rejecting such a prestigious offer.”