Chapter 3

Inaaya fastened Vanilla's leash saying, "We are going for a walk. Now, I know you are not in habit of leash, but you have to listen to me. Understand?"

She barked. Kissing top of head, Inaaya was leaving her room, when she bumped into a girl. She wore black and white pajama shorts, with a white slip. She had her raven black hair tied in a high ponytail. Her eyes were a reflection of her mother's while the oval face resembled the father. She had nothing in common with Inaaya, which is why people never believed that they could be sisters. She gave a death stare to Inaaya, "Can't you see where you are going?"

Inaaya smiled, "Good morning Zara"

She raised her brows, "Well, it is not good anymore for me"

Vanilla came to sniff Zara but she screamed, "Get that thing away from me"

Inaaya took Vanilla in her arms but she had started barking. Zara clenched her fists, "You stay away from me and keep your filthy creature away from my room. Am I clear?"

Inaaya nodded, rushing downstairs. Getting out of the house, she placed Vanilla on pavement. She started walking down the street. She knew Zara would be mad if she came back. She knew Zara would never accept her. Why did she agree when Grandpa asked her to come, why was she stupid, she wondered.

Zara and Inaaya were sisters with Zara being one year older. She was called the most beautiful kid of the family and Inaaya agreed with it. Zara was her friend and took care of her until she turned eight. She became distant. She started hating Inaaya. Inaaya didn't remember the reason but after the accident, it was evident that Zara never wanted to see her little sister and Inaaya was scared of her sister. Only two people knew the truth about the accident, one of them being her sister.

Taking a deep breath, Inaaya noticed that they have come far from house. She glanced at Vanilla who was busy sniffing grass. She said, "Baby, you want to go home? Are you tired?"

Vanilla looked up and sat. Inaaya went on her knees stroking Vanilla's ears, "Vanilla, she didn't mean it. She was angry with me. She is not a bad person. She is...She is just. Well, if you want to eat your favorite omelet, we have to go home."

Vanilla jumped on her licking her face. She laughed as they walked back home. Vanilla was the only reason she could survive days in that house. Grandfather had asked Inaaya to stay here for one week after which she could come home. She smiled at Vanilla who was walking faster than her.

When they reached the house, she noticed Ayaan sitting on his front porch. His face lighten up when he saw her. He waved at her before coming to them. Picking up Vanilla, he asked, "How are you?"

She replied, "I am good, but you don't look so good. Is something wrong? Did your mom kick you out?"

"Do I look like someone who was kicked out?"

She shrugged and gave a small smile. He scoffed, "Well, I will be after today, I think"

She thought about asking him more but felt not to intrude in a stranger's life. She was about to bid goodbye when he spoke, "Umm...do you know how to make cookies?"

She looked at him in confusion, "Cookies? Yeah, why?"

He replied coming closer, "See, my mother does this charity thing and she makes all the cookies and chocolates for the kids all by herself. But this time, she asked for my help and I don't know how to do it"

She smiled thinking about the small charity events that her grandmother also used to organize and would ask Inaaya to help every time. Her heart wanted to be part of good work so she suggested, "I can help. I used make home-made cookies for Granny's charity too. Do you want me to help?"

He nodded with a big smile. She didn't know why his smile gave her butterflies and a blush crept on her cheeks. Taking, Vanilla from him, she continued, "But first this little monster needs food. If she hungry for long hours, she starts attacking"

He laughed, "Okay, so I'll tell mom that you will help. She will be thrilled. See you in an hour?"

"Sure" she answered before walking to her house.

*****

Inaaya rang the doorbell of house, which looked similar to her house. The wooden front porch with a white front door. The front garden was lush green with rose bushes creating a boundary. She turned around to see Ayaan standing at the door. His lips curved in smile, "I thought you forgot"

He stepped aside gesturing her to come in. She replied, "No, I didn't"

He rubbed his palms together saying, "Come on then. Kitchen's this way"

She followed him in kitchen and found a middle-aged woman dressed in a sundress and her light auburn hair tied in a bun with small strands escaping and falling on her forehead. She was beautiful woman who had some resemblance with Ayaan. She was lanky with oval face, pointed nose and black eyes. She were pushed hair back and a big smile was directed at Inaaya, "Hey Inaaya"

Inaaya nodded, "Hello Mrs. Kapoor. I thought maybe I can help you"

She shook her head, "No, I have everything under control. I am done with cookies, just have to make some cupcakes"

Ayaan objected, "But you were freaking out a minute ago"

Mrs. Kapoor shushed him. Inaaya laughed, "Well then, you can tell me how are you making the cupcakes. I would really like to learn something new"

Mrs. Kapoor nodded, "Yeah sure"

Ayaan watched them from the other side of the room. They were laughing and joking as first set of lemon cupcakes were being baked. Inaaya looked over at Ayaan from corner of her eyes and saw him texting someone. Mrs. Kapoor said, "Don't worry about him. He says he'll help in baking but he just stands there and does his nothing"

Ayaan responded, "I can hear you"

"Good then get other stuff. Put the boxes from garage in the car" she ordered him. He shoved his phone in pocket and went out.

After two hours, Mrs. Kapoor came out with cupcakes and cookies boxes. She handed them to Ayaan. When the last slot was kept in car, Inaaya told Mrs. Kapoor, "I hope kids like these. I must take leave now"

Mrs. Kapoor held her hand, "No, no you are coming with us. Ayu, tell her that she is coming"

Ayaan was putting the last box in the car. He bumped his head and cried, "Mom, why did you call me that?"

Inaaya laughed, "No, I don't want to intrude."

Mrs. Kapoor laughed, "Sweetie, you made all those things. I was just sitting in the kitchen. You have to come"

Ayaan shrugged, "If you want to, you can"

Mrs. Kapoor clapped her hands, "Perfect, now you go get changed from these flour-coated clothes and meet us in like 15 minutes"

She gave a laugh, "Okay"

When Inaaya left, Mrs. Kapoor turned to her son saying, "Why can't you date her? She is so nice"

He rolled his eyes, "Mom, we are getting late"