Page 42

ANYA

“When did you learn how to bake?” I ask, genuinely surprised. “You’re already a brilliant chef, but now baking, too?” I raise an eyebrow, patting her lightly on the back.

Siya smiles, her cheeks reddening. “Zeke taught me.” She looks at me, and her eyes sparkle. “I was not feeling good, and I ran into him.” She chuckles. “He was baking a cake for an experiment.” She shakes her head. “I am his taste buddy.” It’s been so long since I have seen her talk about someone else with such enthusiasm. Her smile is so warm, not at all fake, and she looks genuinely happy.

I do not want her to get hurt. It would break my heart to see her crumble again. It took her so much courage to get up on her feet, to come back out into this world. I am so proud of her.

“Siya—” She rushes to the baking oven. My words die in my throat. I watch her silently for a moment, observing the way her movements become a bit hurried and chaotic. It’s clear that she’s trying to avoid the conversation, but I know better than to push her too hard .

So instead, I walk up to stand beside her, observing the cake in the oven. I give her a few moments to compose herself before speaking. “It looks amazing,” I offer, hoping to put her at ease.

“Thank you.” She smiles warmly, her smile bringing bringing one to my face. “Taste it?” She offers me a slice of the chocolate cake.

“Will I ever say no to food?” I smile smugly. She giggles. I take the plate from her hand and savor the rich, velvety cake. As I chew, I can’t help but grin. “This is incredible, Siya!” I exclaim.

“Really?” She frowns.

“I would never lie to you. I love it!” Her cheeks flush with pride.

“Thank you,” she says quietly. My phone pings. I reach out for where it rests on the counter. It’s Daniel.

Daniel:

Will pick you up at 10 AM tomorrow

Can’t wait for you to steal my breath away ??? ?

I gasp. “Oh no!” I look at Siya. My eyes widen and my jaw almost drops to the floor. How the fuck did I forget? Oh god no!

“What is it?” Siya rushes to my side.

“I am going to meet Daniel’s father tomorrow,” I inform her. “And I forgot about it.” I look into her eyes. “I need your help.” Grabbing her hand, I drag her to my room, closing the door behind me.

My heart races. “So, what is wrong?” She raises an eyebrow.

“There are so many things I haven’t figured out. For starters, what should I wear?” I pace around, biting my nails. She chuckles. I glare at her. The audacity .

“Anya.” Siya holds me in place, still smiling. “He likes you.” She shakes her head. “No, he loves you. It will not matter to him if his father likes you or not. Can’t you see it?” My fingers fidget with the chain of my necklace, twisting it in my hands. She is right. He did say so, too, but I do not want his father to not like me.

Back in India, meeting parents is a huge deal. It’s not just a casual dinner. It’s like asking for approval for marriage. It carries so much weight. What if they don’t think I’m good enough? “If he doesn’t like me— what if that changes how Daniel feels about me?” I murmur, running my hands across my face.

Siya furrows her brow. “That’s rude, Anya.” She frowns. “Don’t say that to him. He will be hurt. He does love you. It’s visible on his face, and it means you are doubting his feelings. Don’t do that.” She pushes me onto the bed and folds her hands. “I can understand the anxiousness.” She chuckles softly. “I can understand it better than anyone I would say.” A painful expression passes on her face. I squeeze her hand gently, offering silent support.

“I am definitely not one to give love advice,” she says. I glare at her and she smiles sheepishly, sitting beside me. “But when I see you two—” she inhales deeply.“---I wish to have what you two have one day.” She looks me in the eyes. “And, Anya, you are strong and beautiful. It’s very difficult to not like you.” She rests her head on my shoulder, linking her arm with mine.

“Not as much as you, Siya.” She looks at me, her eyes shining with gratitude. I smile. “I will ask for his suggestion.” I pick up my phone and text him.

What should I wear?

My phone pings almost immediately.

Daniel:

Something comfy

I roll my eyes.

Daniel:

Something easily accessible. ??

I gasp. Siya sniggers beside me. “He has no shame at all.” I laugh, shaking my head.

I send him an eye roll emoji and throw my phone back on the bed. “Okay, so let’s do this,” I say, opening my wardrobe. “I don’t want it to be too casual, but I don’t want to overdo it either. What about this?” I hold up a soft, green, flowing dress with sunflowers all over it.

Siya raises an eyebrow and takes the dress from me, holding it up to my body. She hums softly as she looks at it, a smile spreading across her face. “You will look pretty.” She nods in approval.

“Hair is obviously your department.” I smile sheepishly. “I am going for light makeup,” I explain. She chuckles. “Oh no!” I yell. “I should take something for him, right?” My eyes widen. “I am meeting him for the first time; going empty-handed would look so wrong,” I whine. “He’s ill, so I can’t give him something harmful to his health.” I want to pull my hair out. God, why am I so tense?

“How about flowers then?” She cocks her eyebrow.

“I think I have become stupid.” I facepalm myself. “Yes, obviously, that’s perfect.” I rush to the bed and hug her. “You are a lifesaver.” She hugs me back.

I am one of those lucky people whom Siya is comfortable with. I smile. Every time she hugs me, it feels like an achievement. I really love this woman. She is very important to me.

“I am sure you’ve saved my life more times than I have yours.” She chuckles and I slap her back softly, frowning.

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