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~|AUTHOR'S POV|~
“So how am I supposed to help you, Rajveer?” she asked timidly, sipping her mocha as she avoided making eye contact with him.
“Okay so… uh, sorry, it might sound weird since we barely know each other… but I don’t have anyone else left. So, Raizada ji, you won’t mind helping me, right?” he asked nervously.
She stared at him blankly, making him even more anxious. “Goenka ji, main saaf dil ki bandi hoon aur issliye main aapki madad zaroor karungi,” she said dramatically, finally smiling eye-to-eye.
[Goenka ji, I’m a pure-hearted person, and that’s why I will definitely help you.]
“God, you almost scared me,” he sighed in relief. “Uh, so I had planned to surprise her this weekend… but unfortunately I’m caught up with last-minute meetings, so I won’t be able to make it to Delhi. Can you please give her my message and the gift I prepared? I know I could’ve just mailed her, but the thing is…”
He hesitated, avoiding eye contact as he showed her the picture of the surprise.
“It took me a few days to prepare this by myself… so can you please…” he trailed off again.
She smiled cheekily on hearing him. “You know what, Goenka ji? If someone had given me such a sweet present, I would’ve immediately accepted his proposal. I mean this is a very thoughtful surprise. Don’t worry, I’ll hand it over to her with extra care,” she said softly, her smile warm and comforting as their eyes met.
“Can I ask you something?” she asked politely.
“Yes, why not?” he chimed.
“Did you learn to prepare cookies by yourself or did Aarohi help you?” she asked curiously.
“I learnt it by myself,” he replied, smiling cheekily. “I wanted to keep it a secret from everyone, including Aaro-Paaro, so I battled alone in the kitchen. And… somewhat… I think I’ve succeeded.”
“Honestly, it looks amazing,” she chimed.
“Oh wait. Chef Raizada ji, why don’t you try my creation and give me an honest review?” he suggested.
“Sure, why not,” she replied happily.
They talked for a while longer before leaving the café and heading toward the parking area. The evening breeze was cool, the sky dimming, their footsteps echoing lightly as they walked beside each other.
When they reached her car, Rajveer paused, looking a little shy. “Actually… wait. I, uh, brought something for you too. As I asked you earlier for the review of my chocolate cookies…”
He opened his car door and pulled out a small box—simple, neatly packed, and tied with a ribbon.
“I made these extra while preparing hers,” he said awkwardly, offering it to her. “So, Raizada ji here, have it and give me your reviews. Did I pass the test?”
