“I still don’t get why you’re taking this outdoor order yourself,” she grumbles, sounding exasperated. I can almost picture her standing behind the café counter, hands on her hips, shaking her head. “We could just send the staff. You don’t need to go.”
I let out a slow breath, zipping the suitcase. “Mili, I need to.”
She snorts. “That’s not an answer.”
I scan the room to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything important. My laptop is already packed, chargers coiled neatly inside my bag. Everything looks to be okay. I grab my watch from the nightstand and fasten it around my wrist, trying to sound more convincing.
“It’s a huge corporate order. A business conference in Chikmagalur. We can’t afford any mistakes here.”
“Since when do we personally babysit orders?” Mili shoots back. “Our staff is trained for this.”
I hesitate, pressing my lips together. She’s right. Normally, I wouldn’t. But this isn’t about the order. It’s about getting away, even if it’s just for two days. Away from Aditya, away from his memories, away from seeing him everywhere I turn.
I can’t say that to Mili, though.
“This one’s different,” I say instead. “High-profile clients means potential long-term business. It’s important.”
Mili hums, clearly unconvinced. “Right. And that’s the only reason?”
I tighten my grip on my phone. “Yes.”
Silence stretches on the line for a second too long, but I don’t give her the chance to push further. I change the subject.
“Get the order ready. I’ll be at the café in an hour to pick it up.”
She sighs dramatically. “Fine, but I’m still not convinced, nor am I happy with this.”
“You don’t have to be,” I say, wearing my jacket. “Just make sure everything’s packed perfectly—coffee stations, assorted pastries, the customised meal boxes for the executives. No last-minute chaos.”
“Yeah, yeah, perfectionist mode on. Anything else, boss?” she teases.
I smirk, grabbing my car keys from the side table. “Just be ready when I get there,” I say and hang up before she can pry any further.
Two days away. It’s not much, but for now, it’ll have to be enough.
I barely have time to breathe before my room door swings open. Mom steps inside, her gaze immediately falling on my suitcase. I don’t miss the way her brows knit together, concern flickering across her face.
She folds her arms and stands in front of me. “So you are really going?”
I sigh. “Mom, please. Not you too.”
Her gaze drops to the suitcase again. “You’ve never taken an outdoor order before.” Her voice is calm, but I know her well enough to hear the unspoken question layered beneath it.Why now?
I force a casual shrug, trying to sound convincing. “I need to get some outdoor experience… some business exposure. It’s important.”
Her eyes meet mine, sharp, perceptive. “Is that what you’re telling yourself?”
I glance away, pretending to adjust the zipper of my bag. “Because it’s true. And also, it’s a big client. A business conference. I need to be there personally.”
She exhales, stepping closer, her eyes searching my face as if trying to read the thoughts I won’t say out loud. “Running away won’t fix anything.”
I sit on the edge of my bed. “I’m not running, Mom.”
She comes closer and sits beside me. “I don’t know what’s going on between you and Aditya, but after hearing his conversation the other day…” She trails off, shaking her head. “I think I shouldn’t have argued with him about the choice his parents made for him.”
That catches me off guard. My head snaps to her. “What?”
She takes my hand in hers, her expression softer now. “I like him. I always have. I was hoping for someone like him for you.”
