Mahi returned home from the exhibition. Alka and Arvind were waiting at the dining table, their eyes lighting up as soon as she stepped inside.
Arvind’s face brightened instantly.
“Here comes our artist,” he said with a smile.
“Yes, Dad,” Mahi replied softly.
Alka chuckled, "Aaru, your papa doesn’t get a moment’s peace. He spends the whole day waiting for you."
Mahi slipped between them, settling into her seat.
"Dad, what’s Mom saying?" she asked.
"What can I do, beta… the moment you leave home, we start worrying about you," Arvind said with a gentle sigh.
Alka placed a plate in front of Mahi. "So, how was work today, Aaru?"
Mahi exhaled slowly. "Not just good… it was amazing."
"Seems like today was quite special," Arvind remarked.
Mahi smiled faintly. "Of course, Dad… it was my exhibition, your princess’s big day."
Mixing her rice with a spoon, she added, "But… I’m tired. There was quite a lot of work."
"Proud of you, beta," Arvind said, his eyes soft with pride.
"Thanks, Dad," Mahi whispered.
As they continued eating, Arvind suddenly remembered something. "Ah, Mahi… an old friend of mine invited us for a family dinner. It’s been ages since we met. Will you come with us?"
Mahi nodded gently. "Okay, Dad. I’m free tomorrow. Let’s go."
Alka added, "And make sure you get ready properly tomorrow."
Mahi narrowed her eyes playfully. "Mom… it’s just a normal dinner, not an award show."
All three of them laughed together.
After dinner, Mahi went to her room. Sitting on her bed, she picked up her diary but found herself unable to write. Instead, she reached for her phone and made a call.
“Hello?”
“Haan, Aaru speaking…”
“What’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine… but I need them.”
“Alright… I’ll bring them tomorrow. You meet me at your spot.”
“Okay. Good night.”
“Good night.”
The call ended, and worn out from the day, Mahi fell asleep quickly.
The next morning, Mahi got ready and stepped out of the house.
After a while, she met a girl and walked into a café with her.
This was Vanika Shashwat—Mahi’s best friend. Understanding, loyal, and emotionally supportive, she was the only one who knew every shade of Mahi’s heart.
Once seated, Vani slid a few books toward Mahi. She grabbed them instantly, letting out a sigh of relief.
"Thank God… I got these. I don’t know what I would’ve done without them," Mahi said.
Vani studied her carefully. "Why do you even need these books so badly?"
Mahi smiled faintly. "Let’s just say… they help fill the emptiness in my life."
Suppressing a laugh, Vani teased, "Want me to set up a blind date for you? Who knows… maybe you’ll find what you’re looking for."
Mahi looked at her thoughtfully. "Do you really think I can find the one I’m searching for on a blind date?"
"Absolutely," Vani replied without hesitation.
Mahi’s voice softened, but carried seriousness. "Vani… time is fleeting. People enter lives, fill spaces, and then leave… just like a fly in milk. Relationships change like clothes. Finding true love is hard."
Vani’s tone was gentle. "Hard, yes… impossible, no. Love isn’t an exam you can fail. It just… happens. Whether you want it or not. You just need to open your heart once, and love will find its way. We only need to wait for the right time. Love comes to us naturally. And you’re only twenty-three… it’s just the beginning."
Mahi chuckled. "Why are you suddenly talking like a wise old grandma? Forgetting you’re just twenty-three too?"
Vani laughed. "Ever since childhood, I wanted a little sister. My parents never let me have one… so now, I find her in you."
Mahi shook her head. "You’ll never change…"
With a mischievous smile, Vani asked, "By the way… what kind of guy do you want? There must be some requirements."
Mahi counted on her fingers. "Just three things."
"Which?" Vani leaned in.
"First—he must be loyal. Because if he isn’t, it doesn’t matter how handsome or rich he is."
"Okay… second?"
"His voice… it should be soothing. One word, and all my anger and exhaustion should vanish."
Vani rolled her eyes playfully. "Your obsession with voices will never end. And the third?"
"His eyes… they should speak. Without words, they should say everything."
Vani immediately objected. "I cannot approve of this."
Mahi raised an eyebrow. "Why? What’s wrong with that?"
Vani laughed. "What if you drown and die in his eyes?"
Mahi glared. "Shut up…"
Calling a waiter, Mahi placed their coffee orders.
"What are you thinking?" Vani asked.
"Nothing… just that I have to go to a dinner today," Mahi said quietly.
"Where?"
"Dad’s friend… we’re going there."
Vani nodded. "Okay."
Mahi took the last sip of her coffee, unaware that tonight’s dinner would be far more than just a simple family gathering.
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