Aaji's Recipe for the Heart

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Dhruvin walked into his home, still grinning like a fool. His mind replayed every moment with Aashna: the way she had hesitated before accepting his jacket, the small cracks in her wall of defense when she finally acknowledged his concern. He couldn't remember the last time he'd felt so content, so satisfied with a day.

But as the thought of her crept in again, a slight wave of concern hit him. Aashna hadn’t looked after herself, and that bothered him. She’d seemed so... distant. It had been a relief when she allowed him to help her, but it didn’t take away from the fact that she’d clearly been running on empty. Her refusal to take her dabba today—it was a small thing, but it spoke volumes. She was too focused on something else. He couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he was going to make sure she didn’t push herself too hard.

He kicked off his shoes and walked toward the living room, where his Aaji and Aajoba were sitting on the couch, engrossed in their favorite serial. A smile spread across his face as he joined them, sinking into the chair beside them.

"Aree, Dhruvin! Tu aalas!" Aaji said, her face lighting up with delight. "Kuthe hotas? Aaj bhi time nahi hai humare liye?" (Where were you? You don’t have time for us today?)

Dhruvin chuckled. "Aaji, I was just out with friends," he said nonchalantly, trying to hide the fact that he had been thinking more about Aashna than he had about anything else.

Aaji’s sharp eyes noticed the smile playing on his lips. "What happened? Why do you look so happy today?  What happened in the meeting?" Her voice was laced with curiosity. "Kya baat hai, kuch special hua?" (What’s going on? Did something special happen?)

Dhruvin tried to play it cool, but his excitement betrayed him. He found himself telling her everything: from the elevator incident to walking her to the station, his concern over her health, and how she was so difficult to read. He even mentioned how she hadn’t eaten anything all day.

Aaji listened carefully, her eyes twinkling as she processed the information. "Toh yeh matlab hain ki aashna ko kuch ho gaya?" (So, this means something is happening with Aashna?) She raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile forming on her lips.

Dhruvin sighed, scratching his head. "Aaji, she doesn’t take care of herself, and I can’t help but worry. She’s too stubborn to admit when she needs help." He paused, glancing over at his Aaji with pleading eyes. "Can you make those dry fruits laddoos? She might like them, and maybe if I have some with me, I can make sure she eats something when she gets too busy."

Aaji’s eyes softened at the request. She patted his hand affectionately. "Of course, I will make them." She glanced at Aajoba with a playful smile. "Seems like our grandson is finally falling in love." (Seems like our grandson is finally falling in love.)

Aajoba, always the joker, chuckled. "Oh, ho! The lad is in love, and he doesn't even know it yet!"

Dhruvin couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. "Aaji, Aajoba, enough, please," he said, embarrassed, though his heart swelled at their teasing.

Later that evening, after a warm dinner with his grandparents, Dhruvin sat in front of his laptop, fingers hovering over the keyboard. He tried typing an email to Aashna, but each attempt felt off. He wanted to keep it light, playful, but his words kept falling short. After deleting a couple of drafts, he sighed and rubbed his eyes. He wasn’t sure how to make it sound... natural.

He opened a new email draft and began typing:

Email Draft 1:

Subject: About today

"Hey Aashna,

Thanks for the email. I’m glad I could help, even though you didn’t want it. You’re tough, but don’t forget to take care of yourself, okay?

Anyway, I hope you don’t mind me bringing the laddoos next time I see you.

Take care,

Dhruvin"

He stared at it for a moment before deleting it. It didn’t feel right.

Email Draft 2:

Subject: Not sure if I should send this...

"Hi Aashna,

I know you probably don’t need me checking up on you, but... well, I’ll do it anyway. Just want to make sure you’re okay. I mean, I know you can take care of yourself, but still.

Take care,

Dhruvin"

He deleted that one too. It felt too formal, too detached. What was the right thing to say? How could he make it sound like he cared, but without being too overwhelming?

As he sat there, frustrated, his phone buzzed. He picked it up, seeing Aashna’s name flash on the screen. A message from her. His heart skipped a beat.

Hey Dhruvin,

Thanks for today. I don’t usually let people help me, but you did, and I guess I’ll acknowledge that.

That’s all.

— Aashna

The message was short, curt, but it made him feel something. She had acknowledged him. That was enough for now.

Dhruvin chuckled softly to himself, shaking his head in amusement. He replied immediately, his fingers flying over the keys.

Subject: “Tere thanks ke liye, kuch khaas karna padega!”

"Hey Aashna,

Thanks for today? That’s it? A little more gratitude wouldn’t hurt, you know? But don’t worry, I’ll let it slide. Since you thanked me, I’m gonna take it as my victory lap today. But next time, make sure you’re a little more vocal about your appreciation, alright?

By the way, I made sure you didn’t go hungry today, so when I drop by again, I expect a proper thank you (and maybe a coffee?).

Don’t keep me waiting. 😉

Dhruvin"

❤️❤️❤️

Author’s Note

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