Health

Daisy tried to soothe Priya, unsure of what to say, feeling partly responsible because it’s her son causing pain.
As a mother, she couldn’t help but feel the guilt and pain, especially seeing Priya, who is innocent, suffering.
Watching Priya in pain only intensified Daisy’s own anguish.
“Okay, Aunty,” Priya replied between sobs.
Daisy wiped away Priya’s tears, holding her hand as they walked to the dining table. Daisy seated Priya and herself, asking, “What would you like to eat, sweetheart? I made pasta, your favourite last time.”
Although Daisy didn’t know all of Priya’s preferences, she remembered the pasta Priya loved and the juice she disliked, ensuring she kept both in mind.
Daisy hadn’t prepared any juice, making it easier for Priya to enjoy her meal according to her preferences.
“Thanks, Aunty,” Priya said gratefully as she started eating the pasta, feeling hungry.
Priya eagerly dug into the pasta, savouring each bite and feeling better with every mouthful, the delicious taste soothing her senses.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” Daisy remarked, pleased to see Priya eating and looking better.
“It’s really good, Aunty,” Priya praised, her mouth full as she hurriedly consumed the pasta, momentarily ignoring the discomfort on her lip.
Priya continued to eat, her hunger gradually easing the ache in her stomach. With each bite, she found peace .
Daisy watched with a sense of relief, glad to see Priya finding comfort in the meal she had prepared.
As Priya ate, Daisy sat beside her, offering silent support. She couldn’t shake off the guilt gnawing at her conscience, knowing that her son’s actions had contributed to Priya’s distress. Yet, in this moment, all she could do was be there for Priya, hoping to provide some comfort.
The atmosphere at the dining table was heavy with unspoken emotions.
After finishing her meal, Priya looked up at Daisy with gratitude-filled eyes.
“I totally loved it,” Priya smiled. Food has always been her weakness, so after enjoying such a delicious meal, she couldn’t help but express her appreciation.
“I love pasta too. It’s my go-to comfort food. Seems like we share a common liking for it,” Daisy joked, noticing the full smile on Priya’s lips.
Daisy also noticed the bruise on Priya’s lips, understanding its origin without needing to be told. She wasn’t oblivious; she knew more than anyone else could ever understand.
“That’s brilliant, Aunty. You’re a fabulous cook. What other dishes can you make?” Priya asked.
“I can cook anything. Just tell me what you want, and I’ll make it,” Daisy replied, gently holding Priya’s hand.
“Wow, Aunty, you’re like a superwoman! How do you know how to cook everything?” Priya asked, excitement evident on her face.
“Because Priyank was always a picky eater in childhood, so I had to learn to make different dishes,” Daisy explained.
“Is that so? He forced me to drink juice before. He doesn’t seem like a picky eater,” Priya remarked.
“You forgot to mention the word ‘childhood’ in the sentence,”
Both Priya and Daisy glanced back.
“Good morning, Mom. I see you’re enjoying the new company a lot,” Priyank greeted, taking a seat at the head of the dining table. He looked at Priya, who was wearing his black shirt, and noticed her face drop, the red tint on her cheeks evident.
This was the effect he had on her, something he was grateful for.
Yesterday, he hadn’t slept at all due to work, which is why he woke up before Priya to take a bath. However, when he returned to the room from the bathroom, she wasn’t there. He felt stressed, worrying she might have run away again.
But when he entered the hall, he saw her giggling with his mom, engrossed in conversation. He decided not to disturb them and waited for her to finish eating.
“Mom, are you not going to serve me your famous pasta? And I have to say, you’re going to make her ill if you feed her pasta every time she’s here. Since she’ll be staying here from now on, I think you should make something healthy for her instead of what she likes. Don’t even ask her, because she only likes junk,” Priyank remarked, glancing at Priya, who seemed oddly fixated on her lap.
As much as he wanted to turn her face toward him and catch her gaze, he restrained himself, not wanting to do anything that might make his mother uncomfortable.
“It’s fine. Don’t forget that you were also a picky eater, so she can be picky too,” Daisy retorted, glaring at her son for his comment.
With a visible effort, Daisy managed to bring a smile back to Priya’s face. If Priyank continued to behave like this, it would only make Priya sad, and Daisy couldn’t bear to see tears in Priya’s eyes.
“I was picky because I like healthy things, not junk,” Priyank commented, twirling the pasta on his spoon before taking a bite.
With a subtle sigh of relief, Daisy focused on ensuring Priya felt welcomed and comfortable.
Ignoring Priyank’s comment, Daisy turned her attention back to Priya. “How about something sweet? I can get you some truffle cake we have in the fridge.”
Priya looked up, her eyes brightening at the offer. “That sounds great, Aunty. Thank you,” she replied softly, a hint of gratitude in her voice.
Feeling relieved that Daisy was there with her, Priya appreciated not being alone to endure Priyank’s behaviour. She couldn’t understand why he seemed to have issues with her choices, especially since he was picky himself in childhood. She was grateful for Daisy’s support.
“I don’t think you should feed her something sweet in the morning, Mom. Who eats sweets in the morning anyway? It’s too much,” Priyank tightened his grip on his spoon, masking his anger at how easily his mother was dismissing his words.
“She’s not a kid. She can eat whatever she wants. Focus on your own food, Priyank,” Daisy scolded, asserting her support for Priya.
“Mom, you should consider her health as well. Look at how fragile she is, always fainting at the slightest mishap. It’s not wise to feed her something unhealthy. She can have it, but in moderation. She won’t gain weight from indulging in junk,” Priyank reasoned, attempting to sway his mother’s opinion, though she seemed unbothered.