Chapter 22
After the moment with her dad in the garden, Manisha headed back into the house, feeling rather emotional.
The sound of the TV murmured from the living room, and she knew her mom had returned.
She found her sitting on the couch, absorbed in the Indian news channel, as usual.
Without a word, Manisha walked over and threw her arms around her.
“What’s this?” her mom asked, her voice warm with surprise as she hugged her back.
“A big hug for you, Mom,” Manisha said, holding on a little longer than usual.
“You should go to the temple more often,” her mom suggested lightly, as she pulled away, settling back into the couch.
“I should,” Manisha agreed, smiling softly. “But right now, I think I’m going to head up to my room for a bit.”
“Okay, beta.” Her mom didn’t look up, already engrossed in the latest headlines.
Manisha nodded and made her way upstairs, the familiar rhythm of her house providing some comfort.
But the conversation with her dad had her mind reeling.
It felt as though her thoughts were being tugged in a hundred different directions—the Khannas, the temple, her parents’ sacrifices, her law career, the future—it all felt so overwhelming.
As she reached her bedroom, her phone pinged. The familiar notification appeared—an email from Sunil. She sat down on the edge of her bed, her heart lifting just a little. An email from Sunil was exactly what she needed right now.
On behalf of men, I’m sorry you had to sit through that. Just know that any self-respecting guy would never behave like such an idiot, especially in front of someone as genuine as you. You deserve better.
Sadly, no aloo parathas for me, just lots of coffee and chai. The day got away from me. And the thumb is…resting—I chickened out. But no rush, right?
She typed a response to him:
I do deserve better! Maybe next time I can have you on standby to save me from having to deal with that again. Or at least remind me that I’m worthy of more. Better yet, I’m hopeful there won’t be a next time, and my next date will be with my ride or die.
No rush—only when you’re ready.
The last thing she wanted was to pressure Sunil into anything. The world didn’t need another apprehensive, uncommitted man playing the field.
If only she had the luxury of taking her time, too…Her thoughts whirled back to Dr. Rocky stressing how urgent her situation was. It was baffling how these past few years had just passed her by—so much time spent studying, working long hours, and for what?
Her phone lit up again.
Good for you! I really admire your optimism, Isha.
And it’s clear that you’re truly ready to find someone, settle down and build a meaningful relationship.
I wish I was there, but I think my previous relationship is still holding me back.
I have a feeling you understand how hard it can be to allow yourself to trust new people when someone you thought would always be by your side betrays you.
I hope this doesn’t come off as insincere, but I’m proud of you for getting to that place.
Manisha was deeply touched by Sunil’s words. Her heart ached for him and the hurt that he was still working through.
That means a lot, Sunil. I have total faith that, when the time is right, your person will show up to help heal your heart.
Honestly, I’m not without my own scars. Sometimes, it feels like just yesterday I was shutting out the world.
Have you ever been to Henriette’s? They have the best cheesecake in town, and an incredible collection of books lining the walls.
I would sit there for hours getting lost in story after story, devouring slice after slice. It’s the ultimate pick-me-up.
Manisha could’ve gone for a slice at this very moment after the weird day she just had, but the rich, spiced aroma of butter chicken and fresh garlic naan wafted under the door. Her dad must’ve started making dinner, and there was nothing more comforting than that.
No way! My parents went there all the time back in the day. It used to be their go-to date spot, and I’d get jealous because they’d usually leave me behind at home. God, I haven’t been there in ages. Thanks for the throwback, Isha!
Manisha smiled softly. Now that she thought about it, Henriette’s would make the perfect date spot. Maybe she’d ask Deena to arrange for her next batch of Curry and Cupid meetings to be held there.
Suddenly, her mom’s voice echoed through the house.
“Isha! Beta, your father needs help with dinner!”