“Mine was the best though.” Daniel grins widely. I shake my head and narrow my eyes at him.
“I am glad to hear that, Soph.” I throw my arms around Siya and Sophia. “Do you want to eat something?” I look back at Daniel. “I am very hungry,” I whine.
He sniggers. “Fine, I’ll treat you guys,” he says, ruffling my hair.
“Oh, I’m going to make sure you regret that,” Soph smirks. “I’m about to order half the menu.” She laughs wickedly, and I swat her arm.
“Don’t sweat it, Firecracker,” he says with a grin, glancing at me. “I’ve been saving up for moments like this. Buying dinner for your friends is worth it.”
“He’s at it again,” Soph sighs dramatically.
I chuckle. I love being around these people.My people.
∞∞∞
32
ANYA
I give the room a quick glance over to make sure everything is in its place, even tidying up a few things that are out of their usual spot. It’s not that I’m a clean freak, but I like to keep my stuff organized, especially in my own space. With everything in order, I shut the cupboard door and turn back to take a quick glance before I answer the video chat.
“Hi.” I wave at my parents as their cheery faces fill the screen. My parents smile back at me, their faces lit up by the glow of their laptop screen.
“Hi,beta,” my mom exclaims, her voice cheerful as always.
“Where’s your brother?” Papa frowns and leans in closer to the screen.
My mother pushes him back and scowls. “Your eyesight is fine. He hasn’t joined in yet.” I giggle.
“Where is he though?” Papa asks, ignoring my mother.How bold.
“He has a group assignment. He is out with them right now. He will join as soon as it’s over.” I smile softly. It must have been so difficult for them to send both of us here. They are very protective of us, and I don’t think I haveever stepped out of my house for this long alone, even in India. I did my undergrad in Delhi. I pick up my coffee mug, taking a sip.
“So, Anya, how is that project partner we were talking about?” my mother suddenly asks, making me choke, I cough, furiously rubbing my chest. She has no filter at all.
“Maa!”I yell. My eyes widen as I look between them.
“What? I am just curious.”Maasmirks as she scrutinizes me.
“What partner?” Papa asks, leaning forward again. His eyes narrow, and he looks back and forth, studying me andMaa.
I chuckle forcedly. “I don’t know what she is talking—” I begin, but my mother interrupts me.
“She has been paired with this guy for a project and we were talking once about him, and the way—” Maa laughs.“---her face turned red. She was in such a hurry to see him. I am telling you, something is going on,”Maaexplains.
I gasped.Is she mad?I can’t believe my ears. “Maa!” I protest, feeling my cheeks heat up.
“A guy?” Papa’s eyebrows furrow.Oh no, I think I want to die right now, please.
“So what?” Maa continues. “She is in college. It is absolutely fine for her to have a boyfriend.” She scoffs. “You should remember. We were in college, too when you asked me out,” she says, dismissing Papa.
“That’s not the point,” he mutters. “We were different.”
“Oh, please.” My mom snorts. “I do not think I have to remind you of our college days.” She smiles slyly. My dad’s face turns red, and he looks at me for help, but I just grin. I won’t interfere in this. I lean back in my chair and take a sip of my coffee, enjoying the show.
“Anyways, you do seem happier.”Maabeams as she turns to face me through the screen. “There has to be a reason.” She cocks her eyebrows.
I feel like a deer caught in headlights. I’m trying to looknatural, but my heart is racing a mile a minute. “Happier?” I say, trying my best to sound casual. “I…uh…yeah…I guess I am. But that doesn’t matter—” I blurt out.
