CHAPTER 3

Ashika got down at the railway station. She was home.

"Ashu!"

She heard a voice call out to her. She already knew who it was even before turning around.

It was her parents. She ran up to them happily and hugged them as tightly as if her life depended on it. Her parents hugged her back, refusing to let go. People around began staring and murmuring, but the small family was unbothered. They never gave a damn about what others thought.

"Did I keep you guys waiting?" Ashika asked, her face flushed.

"Not too long. We've been here for about half an hour," her mother replied.

"That's long."

"I would never keep my princess waiting," Ashika's father said, gently caressing her head.

"Come on, let's get going," her mother said, reaching for the bag beside Ashika.

"Oh no, don't even think about it. I'm not letting my two babies carry the bags," her father said, grabbing them before either Ashika or her mother could.

"Oh, just stop it. People are staring," her mother muttered, flustered.

"Since when did my big baby start worrying about others, huh?" her father teased, making her mother blush deeper than any shade of red.

Ashika stood there grinning, watching her parents banter. She silently wished to find someone who would pamper her just like her father did her mother.

Kanha, how will my guy be? Will he be like Baba? Oh, I wish I was in a relationship right now. My guy could be taking notes on how to treat his partner from my Baba.

Little did she know, the universe was already conspiring to bring her the man of her dreams.

"Okay, that's enough for now. You guys are making me feel jealous. You really know how to get under my skin," Ashika pouted.

"See? You made my baby feel left out," her mother said, scolding her husband playfully before wrapping her arms around Ashika.

"Aww, I'm sorry sweetie. Let's go now. Your mother made your favorite for lunch today."

"Is it bhindi, Ma?"

"Yes, just the way you like it. I'm going to feed you well. Look how thin you've become!"

Ashika squealed in delight. Okra was her all-time favorite.

The family walked out of the station, chatting happily. On the drive home, Ashika filled her parents in on everything that had happened the previous day.

Once home, she dropped her bags in her room while her parents began setting the table with dishes her mother had specially prepared.

Their house was a simple abode, built with love and care. A small garden flourished in front, blooming with a variety of flowers. Ashika's room upstairs was decorated with paintings and photos from her childhood. Her parents had made sure to capture every special moment of her life and frame it. The walls were painted lavender—her favorite color. Stuffed toys lined the shelves and bed, each one a memory. Her father never failed to bring her a new one whenever a fair came to town, even though she stayed away most of the time.

"Ashu, come on now, or the food will get cold," her mother called out, setting the last dish on the table.

"Coming, Ma!"

After a quick bath, Ashika ran downstairs.

"Ashu, here," her father said, passing her a bowl of fried mushrooms.

"Ma, why did you make so many dishes?" Ashika asked, frowning slightly—but her heart was overflowing with gratitude for the love being showered on her.

"If I don't pamper my daughter with her favorites, who else will?" her mother said with a smile, brushing off her concern. She knew well that daughters often said the opposite of what they truly felt. She had once been a daughter too—raised in a big family where affection was rare. But she had always craved love and attention from her parents. She wasn't about to let history repeat itself.

Ashika happily savored every bite, her parents nudging her for second helpings. By the time she was done, she was absolutely stuffed.

"Ashu, how about some ice cream now?" her father offered.

"Baba, no more! I'm full," she said, letting out a tiny burp.

"That's my girl," her mother chuckled, satisfied.

She got up to clear the table.

"Ma, I'll do the dishes," Ashika said quickly, gathering up the plates before her mother could protest.

It was late afternoon by the time she finished. Her parents were sitting on the couch, relaxing in the cool room while the heat raged outside.

Ashika joined them, and they began planning their evening.

By dusk, the trio headed out to the theatre to catch a new movie. Afterward, they went to a restaurant for dinner.

It was a perfect day. Ashika felt full—not just with food, but with warmth.

That felt so good. I'm so happy right now. I know, Kanha, that you always give me the best. But still, I crave love… I want to meet my one. When will I? How will I?', she wondered, while making her bed.

"Good night, Ashu," her parents called out from their room.

Ashika smiled, stealing a glance toward their door.

"Thank you, Kanha, for blessing me with such an amazing family, they understand my feelings without me having to say a word."She walked to the balcony, gazing up at the moon.

I think my man must be looking at the moon too. I hope I find him soon. I feel like I need someone to rely on.

With that thought, she walked back into her room, shut the balcony door behind her, and made up her mind to start applying for jobs the next day. She got into bed and dozed off peacefully.