Adreano's POV :

Iva was waiting for my response. I had to come up with some excuse as quick as I can.

Think Ad think! Think....

"Iva..." I didn't know what I was going to say. Just then something caught my attention. It was the box of cookies wrapped beautifully in a box. It had the shop's logo down at the corner of the box.

"This is not good." I said lifting the box in front of her.

Nice one Ad!

"You mean the wrapping sir?" She took the box from me. "Let me check."

"No it's not the wrapping. It's perfect. I was talking about the cookies, doesn't taste like it used to be. I tasted them and they were not crunchy and there's some problem with the sweetness also.

Her eyes widened. "I am sorry sir. I will check it." She said huskily and started scanning the box.

"Yeah take your time." I said tugging my hands in my pockets. Watching her.

The cookie box was wrapped with a plastic having prints of cakes and biscuits with the shop's logo at the bottom. A little red bow was placed on the top of the box making it look more beautiful.

Iva raised her head, "Sir, have you tasted these cookies?" She asked.

"Yes of course. As I said, they are not good as they used to be previously."

I lied. She makes the best cookies I have ever tasted. But what other excuse I could make at that time? I can't tell her that I just came in the shop, in fact in the kitchen just to see her. I don't know how she'll react to this. She will definitely freak out.

"Are you sure you are talking about these cookies?" Her eyebrows came together. Why she's asking the same thing again?

"Yes. Why?" I asked in confusion.

"Because this box has not been opened yet. The wrapping is untouched. The knot is not even slightly loosened. The box is sealed and it's impossible to eat a cookie without opening the box. So how did you tasted these cookies?" She interrogated. One of her brow raised.

Damn! I am such a.....What should I tell her now? She was staring at me. Waiting for an answer.

"Oh wait, you thought I was talking about these cookies? I wasn't. Remember the last time I came to your shop? The cookies were not properly baked then. I just wanted to make sure if these are good or not." I responded. I really wanted to pat my back.

"Oh, I see. Sorry for the inconvenience sir. But I assure you these cookies will taste like you want it to be." She said. Her face had no expression. It was plain. But while leaving I noticed the balling of her fists.

"Thank you." I said and left the shop.

Iva's POV :

What the hell he thinks of himself? Criticizing my cookies? No one has ever pointed on my art of baking. How dare he? The cookies are not sweet and crunchy. He was saying as if he is an expert. I think he loves to insult me and underestimate me. I just don't understand what I have done to him. I wish he never comes back to this shop. Ruined my day! Spoiled rich fool!!

...~~~~~~~~~....

While I was working, Ana called me. I told her to come to the shop. She arrived after an hour and we both had our favourite Cranberry cookies.

Ana started discussing about the show. She told about the arrangements going on in her fashion school for the show.

"Iva, the are making it so grand. Our seniors told us that we are really lucky. Their show was also grand but not as ours. The stage, the lights, everything is so damn perfect. See I am getting goosebumps thinking of them." She showed her hands.

"Ana, I have to walk on the ramp and after listening about it, I can't tell you where I am getting the goosebumps." I said taking a deep sigh.

Ana started laughing.

Our appointment with Stella was fixed at seven in the evening. So we left the shop early around six.

We reached her office. The loved her office. It was all white. I love white. I could feel the positive vibes coming from it.

There's always a busy day in the shop. Loads of customers, ample orders and the work load is too much. Mr. Smith many times told me that he will be appointing more staff but I requested him not to do so. I get more money because I work more. When the shop closes I do all the cleaning and then head for home. I get paid extra because of it. At first, my Mom, Mr Smith and Ana worry about me alot. They say how can I work so hard all day and do so much chores without getting tired. Even I didn't know from where I get so much energy to work. But from few days I am getting tired a bit. Sometimes in middle of the work I feel like quitting and go for some sleep.

It all started few months after my dad's death. I used to spend the entire day in my room. The curtains spreaded over the windows. I felt good in the dark. I switched off my phone and started avoiding any social contacts. Ana many times tried to meet me but her attempts were in vain.

One day while I was sleeping I heard someone crying. It was my mom. She was muttering something. I didn't know what to do at that moment, so the only better option at that point was not to open my eyes and let her assume that I am still sleeping. Her voice was deep. I tried to hear but couldn't. The only thing I heard of all she said, was that she was going to sell our house. Our house, which my dad bought when he got married to my Mom. Me and Alex have spent our childhood days in this house. It's not just a house, it's our home. A place filled with beautiful memories and my father's soul. He loved this house. What will I answer to him if we sell this house? He will not like it. I was losing my temper. How can Mom even think of selling this house? How can she? The volcano in me was going to burst but it cooled down when I heard her crying even more. She said me sorry, covered me with blanket and left. That day something in me broke. I realized I was being mean. Father's death have left us devastated. My mother is the one suffering the most. In this brutal situation she is handling me and Alex without any complaint. I locked myself in my room but she didn't. I didn't wanted to eat but she always made breakfast, lunch and dinner for us. I was being mean and a bad child but she never scolded. She isn't mean because she is a mother.

That day I woke up, pushed the curtains aside. Opened the windows wide and took a deep breath. I cleaned my room and then bathed. Put on good clothes and ran downstairs for breakfast. Alex already left for school. Mom was making breakfast. She was shocked seeing me at the breakfast table. I looked at her and smiled.

Mom this is our home and I won't let you leave it. It's a place where you and dad started your life. Never think of selling it again.

I noticed the tears in her eyes and the trembling lips which she pursed tightly. I knew she wanted to say many things but she didn't because sometime, it's words can be heard without say them.

From that day I never looked back to my dark room and started working at 'The Ripen Flour'

*****************

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