When I Met Him Again

Aanya saw Aryan turn his head away the moment their eyes met. She sighed internally, Oh, so now he's avoiding me? Fine. Even I won't care.

She walked to the car and sat beside him without saying a word. Aryan glanced sideways but remained silent. She mirrored his silence.

The drive was quiet, too quiet.

Bored, Aanya plugged in her earphones and began listening to songs. Now and then, both stole side glances at each other but quickly turned away when their eyes accidentally met.

They reached home.

Devika aunty (Aryan's mother) was waiting. "Beta, did you complain to the principal?"

Aryan just gave a tired, polite, "Hi,"to his mom and walked past without a glance. Aanya noticed this and turned her face as well.

Aanya quietly replied, "Aunty, I didn't let them get suspended. Rhea apologised and I told the principal not to suspend them."

Devika aunty smiled warmly. "You're such a good girl, beta. Even after what they did, you chose kindness."

Aanya gave a small, shy smile.

---

At Night – Dinner Table

Aryan was already seated and eating. Aanya walked in and, seeing him, turned her face away and pretended not to notice him.

They both began eating.

Aryan broke the silence. "Mom, my business client is coming tomorrow evening."

Devika aunty lit up. "Really? Then I should prepare something special!"

Aryan shook his head. "No need. Let's just order food. You don't have to tire yourself."

"Oh come on, Aryan. If they wanted restaurant food, they would've invited you outside. They're coming to our home. I'll manage. Prerna will help too."

Aanya spoke up. "Aunty, I can help too. I know how to cook."

Aryan glanced at her.

"You do?" Devika aunty looked surprised.

"Yes, I used to cook a lot at home."

"Wonderful! Then tomorrow you and Prerna help me."

Aanya smiled... until she saw Aryan watching her. She immediately dropped the smile.

---

Later That Night – Aanya's Room

Her phone rang. It was her mother. She picked it up.

"Mom? Is everything okay? Why are you calling so late?"

Her mother's voice was calm. "I'm fine, beta. How are you?"

"I'm okay... but why didn't you tell me Papa wasn't well?"

"Who told you that?"

"That doesn't matter. You should've told me. I'm your daughter. Why does everyone know things before I do?"

Her mother sighed. "Your Papa is fine now. I'll update you next time, okay?"

"Where is he now?"

"He's sleeping."

Aanya stood up and walking slowly down the hallway.

After a moment, her mother changed the subject. "Anyway… how's everyone there?"

Aunty and Prerna are doing well... even Mr. Aryan is..."

She stopped mid-sentence.

Because he was right there.

Aryan had just stepped out of his room — and froze the moment he saw her.

She froze too.

Her mother's voice on the phone: "Mr. Aryan? Call him brother!"

Aanya stammered, "Mom... I'll call you back."

She hung up, eyes still on Aryan.

He asked softly, "How is your father?"

Without looking at him, she replied, "He's fine." Then quickly walked past him.

---

Next Morning

Aanya went to the kitchen, greeting Devika aunty. "Good morning, Aunty."

"Good morning, beta. Would you like breakfast?"

"Yes..." She looked around. "Where's everyone?"

"Prerna's in her room. Aryan left early for work."

"Work? But the guests are coming today, right? Will Mr Aryan be back in time?"

"Yes, he will return by evening."

Devika aunty added, "By the way, you don't have to keep calling him Mr. Aryan. You can call him brother like Prerna does."

Aanya froze, gave a fake smile, and changed the topic. "Aunty, why don't you hire a cook?"

"What's the need? Just the four of us, right? Prerna helps too. And now, even you're helping."

Aanya smiled.

Devika added, "Though after Prerna's marriage, I'll be left alone."

"Wait, Prerna's marriage is fixed?" Aanya asked.

"Not yet, but we're looking. And after her, even Aryan should settle down. Then my daughter-in-law can help me."

Aanya's heart skipped a beat.

---

Evening – Kitchen

Aanya, Prerna, and Devika aunty were busy cooking.

"Prerna, go get ready," Devika said. "They'll be here soon."

"Yes, Mom. But bhai still hasn't come."

"He'll be here. You get ready."

Aanya was making carrot halwa, paneer curry, and roti.

"Beta, you've helped so much. Go get ready too," aunty insisted.

Aanya smiled. "You go first, aunty. I'll manage the kitchen."

Then devika said, "Ok then I will get ready".

Aryan entered quietly and saw her cooking alone. He paused, watching her — a soft smile on his face. Something in his gaze softened.

Aanya noticed him and almost dropped the spoon. "Mr. Aryan! You're back?"

He nodded silently.

Aanya said, "Aunty is getting ready."

He turned and walked away.

---

Evening – The Guests Arrive

Mr. Raichand arrived with his wife, daughter, and son. Aryan and his mother welcomed them warmly.

Mr. Raichand shook Aryan's hand. "Come on Aryan, don't be so formal. Just call me uncle."

Everyone laughed.

Devika aunty smiled. "You can call me Devika ji."

"Then you call me Aravind ji," Mr. Raichand replied with a grin.

Devika asked the daughter, "What's your name, beta?"

"Ankitha, aunty."

"And mine is Dev," the son added.

Mr. Raichand chuckled, "Devika ji, just like you — one daughter and one son."

Everyone smiled.

Just then, Aanya entered,

All eyes turned to her.

"The food is ready," she announced.

Aryan glanced at Aanya.

To be continued...

---

End Of Chapter 14