Priya and Nishi both glanced towards the source of the voice, their expressions confused.
Priya’s eyes widened as she gazed at the lady standing there.
Her heart began pounding wildly.
“Why is she here? What’s going to happen now?” Numerous questions raced through her mind.
Nishi observed Priya’s pale expression and then turned to the lady, feeling equally perplexed.
“Aunty Daisy,” Priya whispered, feeling terrified for her safety, wondering if Priyank would also be with her.
Daisy, who had come with Priyank for an outing today, had a sudden craving for something sweet when she spotted the cafe.
Although Priyank had wanted to accompany her, she insisted on taking a solitary walk.
He reluctantly agreed after some initial resistance.
As Daisy approached, Priya’s anxiety intensified. She couldn’t shake off the fear of encountering Priyank, unsure of what his presence might entail.
Nishi, sensing Priya’s unease, placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, silently offering support.
“What are you doing here, Priya? How are your feet? How are you?” Daisy bombarded Priya with questions, her mind filled with these inquiries ever since Priya had left.
Unable to contact Priya and fearing Priyank’s notice, Daisy had been living with a constant sense of worry.
“I’m fine, aunty. My wounds have healed,” Priya replied, her breath heavy with emotion. The unexpected encounter with Daisy stirred up a whirlwind of regret within her.
She realised now the consequences of breaking promises, like the one she had made to Mary. It had led her to this uncomfortable situation.
It wasn’t that she harboured any ill will towards Daisy, but Priya knew she couldn’t afford to get close to anyone connected to Priyank.
“I’m glad you’re doing better,” Daisy said with a warm smile as she settled beside Priya. Despite sensing Priya’s discomfort, Daisy felt compelled to initiate a conversation.
It had been nearly a week since Priya’s departure, and Daisy couldn’t shake off the desire to connect with her. She knew it might seem selfish or futile, but she couldn’t abandon Priyank, even if Priya had chosen to leave.
Observing Priyank’s silent yet calculating demeanour, Daisy understood her son well. She feared he might resort to manipulation to achieve his goals, as he often did.
Nishi glanced around, trying to make sense of the situation unfolding before her.
The tension in the air was palpable, with Priya clearly uncomfortable despite her polite demeanour. Nishi realised she couldn’t intervene, as Priya’s familiarity with Daisy indicated a deeper connection, leaving her feeling helpless.
“Who is this young lady?” Daisy inquired, her eyes filled with curiosity as she glanced at Nishi.
“She’s my friend, aunty. We were just here for lunch, but we’ve finished and need to head back,” Priya responded quickly, rising from her seat.
Nishi sat in confusion, watching Priya’s hurried movements and tense posture, sensing her friend’s unease.
Despite her inner turmoil, Priya attempted to compose herself, forcing a smile towards Daisy. She didn’t want to reveal her apprehension or the fear that prevented her from engaging in conversation with Daisy.
“Oh, am I disturbing you both?” Daisy interjected, her voice tinged with concern.
“No, aunty, you’re not. It’s just…” Priya trailed off, unsure of how to express her discomfort.
“I understand, but I hope you won’t be angry with me, Priya. I never wanted things to happen this way,” Daisy apologised, her tone filled with regret.
Priya struggled to accept Daisy’s words, still feeling resentment towards her. Despite Daisy’s claims, Priya couldn’t comprehend how a mother could fail to prevent her son’s actions.
Before, Priya had considered the possibility that Daisy was afraid of Priyank, but witnessing her that day when she held back Priyank now only fueled her anger. If Daisy had intervened sooner, perhaps Priya wouldn’t have endured the pain and injuries inflicted by Priyank.
No justification could justify Daisy’s inaction in Priya’s eyes.
Nishi also rose from her seat, torn between her curiosity about the situation and her determination to support her visibly shaken friend.
“You don’t have to apologise, Aunty. I just need to go,” Priya managed a strained smile as she gripped Nishi’s hand tightly.
“Yes, she’s right, Aunty. We have a packed schedule,” Nishi chimed in, attempting to ease the tension.
“But your plate and cup are still half-filled. You should eat first. Food is more important than anything,” Daisy insisted, her concern evident in her voice.
“I appreciate your concern, Aunty, but we really must be on our way,” Priya insisted, her voice wavering slightly.
Nishi nodded in agreement, giving Priya’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll make sure to eat something on the way, Aunty. Thank you for your hospitality.”
“You both should take this with you. I can pay for it. You’re like daughters to me,” Daisy insisted, halting both Priya and Nishi in their tracks.
She signalled the waiter and instructed him to pack everything, so the girls could take the food with them.
Daisy empathised with Priya’s behaviour. After all, how could she expect Priya to feel comfortable around her when she was the mother of the kidnapper? It was only natural for Priya to be on edge.
But Daisy couldn’t shake the sadness that washed over her. It wasn’t her fault, yet Priya’s fear towards her stung deeply. She genuinely cared for Priya, and there was no denying that fact.
Nishi wanted to protest, but Priya squeezed her hand, silently urging her to let it go. It was better to just accept Daisy’s gesture than prolong the awkwardness.
Although the cafeteria wasn’t crowded, Nishi and Priya couldn’t escape the curious stares of the few patrons present. Reluctantly, they returned to their seats.
“So, how’s college going, sweetheart?” Daisy inquired sweetly.
“Not bad,” Priya responded curtly, offering a brief reply devoid of her usual verbosity.
Daisy found Priya’s abrupt response odd. Normally, Priya would chatter on, filling the silence with unnecessary words. Now, it seemed like Priya had grown accustomed to this behaviour, which only added to Daisy’s unease.
“I missed you so much, Priya,” Daisy confessed, her voice tinged with sadness as she poured her heart out.
“I did miss you too, Aunty. Your pasta was amazing,” Priya replied, her words slipping out before she could stop herself.
Instantly, Priya regretted her response, realising she hadn’t intended to engage in conversation.
But she couldn’t hold back her words, and that was her biggest struggle of all.
‘Shit.’