Mia

" Are you sure this would actually help me?"

"Definitely Ms. Young."

I was standing in the middle of a batting cage right now. The sound of balls hitting the chain-link fence echoes through the empty cage. Karan brought me here straight after lunch because I was in a rather snappy mood today. I yelled at so many people at the meeting and I truly felt horrible. I sounded like those mean bosses you always read or watch about. I blame Aryan for my rather sour mood.

The scenes from yesterday started replaying in my head again. The way his fingers grazed the side of my lips. His touch was so gentle yet so electrifying. I could feel the tiny little butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

He was standing so close to me and I don't know why but I was so tempted to pull him by his collar and crush my lips onto him. I wanted to know how his soft lips felt on me. But unfortunately he walked away and I had to walk back to my room feeling rejected and angry. God what was I thinking?

I could even sleep properly last night because of him. I just kept tossing and turning around in my bed so much that even Shvan and Toffee got annoyed and jumped down from my bed and went to sleep in theirs. I should really keep my distance with Aryan because he was bad for my health.

Karan stepped back, signalling the machine to start and when the ball shot out, I swung my bat and completely missed it.

"Damn it." I cursed.

"Good form." I could see he was trying to suppress his laugh.

I rolled my eyes at him and relaxed my shoulders and waited for the next ball to shoot and when it did I aimed my bat properly and managed to hit and the ball went flying to the fence."

"Well, would you look at that? You actually hit something." Karan clapped his hands.

It actually felt good when I managed to hit the ball. Karan was right, this is just what I needed "This is fun. Let's try it again." I cheerfully told him.

For the next 30 minutes, I kept hitting some balls, missing others. Gradually, I started to relax, my swings becoming more fluid. By the time I was done, I felt better and calmer. My mood felt elevated and I wasn't thinking about my incident with Aryan anymore, or at least it didn't bother me much. Karan and I went back to the office after our batting sessions and I was able to concentrate better.

I was less snappier and more nicer towards everyone and Karan praised me on my excellent behaviour. He was like an older brother I never had and I thank the universe everyday for introducing him into my rather mundane life. He was one of the few people who really understood my emotions. He always listened to what I had to say instead of always misunderstanding me like everyone else. I wish Aryan tried to understand me better as well but one could only dream with him. He is just so full of himself and never tries to hear what I have to say.

Even today, when he reminded me about my appointment, I was about to tell him that I didn't need him to follow me because I am very much capable of going on my own and he didn't have to trouble himself but before I could say anything he just walked away without even hearing out what I had to say. It pissed me off like hell. I thought he wanted us to be friends but right now he was acting so childish for some reason. This is why I never trust anyone. One minute they would say something and then the next minute they would act all different and hurt you.

I was back home by 7.30p.m and when I walked in, the scent of Italian seasoning engulfed me. "Hmm that smells good I wonder what Nina was making." I sauntered into the kitchen and I saw Nina and some of the maids cooking something delicious.

"What's for dinner Nina?" I smiled and sat on one of the stools.

"Lasagna." She gave me a warm smile.

"Wonderful, can I help?" I got all excited. I actually enjoyed cooking in my freetime. My mom and Nina taught me a lot of recipes over the years and I enjoyed making every one of them.

"I already made the red sauce, you can start on the sauteed potatoes. I will get started on the bechamel sauce." Nina instructed me.

"Yes chef."

I removed my jacket and tied the apron on me and started on the potatoes. I laid out my main ingredients first which were the potatoes, olive oil, garlic, fresh rosemary, salt, and pepper. I then placed a large skillet on the stove. I grab a few Russet potatoes and start to scrub them under running water, removing any dirt. I place them on a cutting board and slice them into even halves and then into squares. I take a large bowl and toss the potato slices in, drizzling them with olive oil. I peel a few cloves of garlic, smashing them with the flat side of my knife before mincing them finely. The fresh scent of garlic fills the air. I sprinkled the minced garlic over the potatoes, followed by a generous amount of salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a handful of chopped rosemary. Using my hands, she tosses everything together until the potatoes are well-coated.

I walk over to the stove, turn on the gas and the blue fire illuminated. I pour in some olive oil, watching as it shimmers and spreads across the surface. I gently lay the potato slices in the skillet in a single layer, hearing them sizzle as they hit the pan. I let the potatoes cook, resisting the urge to move them around too much. After a few minutes, I used a spatula to check the undersides, which are now golden brown and crispy. I flip each slice, revealing the perfectly browned surfaces, and let them cook on the other side. The kitchen fills with the mouth-watering aroma of cooking potatoes, garlic, and rosemary.

"Delicious." I hummed as I inhaled the scent of the potatoes. After a few more minutes, I checked the potatoes again, confirming they are tender all the way through with a fork. I turn off the heat and transfer the potatoes to a serving dish, garnishing them with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a touch of colour. I take a moment to admire my work before grabbing a fork and spearing a piece. I blow on it to cool it down, then take a bite. The potatoes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with the perfect blend of garlic, rosemary, and seasoning.

"Perfect." I savoured the taste of the perfectly seasoned potatoes.

"Nina I am done with the potatoes. I am taking it to the dining hall." I yelled as I carried my bowl of potatoes to my dining hall and placed it on my glass table. Nina brought out the lasagna shortly after and my mouth watered at the sight of it. I couldn't wait to dig in.

"Now we wait for Aryan." I felt so annoyed when Nina said that. Why did we even have to wait for him? It's not like he was going to come home anytime soon. Was Nina expecting me to starve myself waiting for him?

"Nina I can't be....." My words were cut short when Aryan came barging into the dining room.

"Smells good, what's for dinner today?" He had a beautiful grin plastered on his face and I gulped at the sight of him. How could one look so gorgeous right after ending a long shift?

"Hello, fiore. How was your day?" He greeted me. Is he for real now? After how he treated me in the morning he thinks he can just walk up to me and smile like nothing happened. I didnt even reply to him. I just glared and walked away from him. My appetite and my mood was ruined. Before I left the dining room, Aryan held onto my wrist and stopped me from leaving.

"What's wrong? Don't you want to have your dinner?"

"Aryan let go on my hand." I told him calmly.

"Are you not feeling well, fiore?" He instantly pulled me closer to him and scanned my face for any signs of illness. He was so close to me and I couldn't help but stare into his light brown eyes. They looked so worried.

"I am fine.... I am just tired." I tore myself out from his grasp and stumbled back a little. Aryan had this pained look etched onto his face. He didn't have a right to feel upset. I guess he managed to figure out that I was upset with his behaviour towards me last night and this morning. He sighed, removed his glasses and briefly closed his eyes.

"Mia I am sorry about how I behaved with you this morning and... last night. I shouldn't have done that. Please forgive me." He sounded so upset when he said that and I almost felt bad but I didn't show it to him.

"I will stay away from you, from now onwards. But please have your dinner, don't show your anger towards the food. I need you to stay healthy." He placed his hand on my shoulder and gave me a small smile.

"Aryan, yesterday you asked if we could be friends or at least be civil with each other. But today, you failed to try. You failed to listen to me. When you reminded me about my appointment today, you didn't even wait to hear what I had to say. I wanted to tell you that it wasn't necessary for you to follow me not because I didn't want you to accompany me but because I understand that you are very busy and you are always so tired and I just felt bad that you always had to follow me to my appointments." I was very disappointed with him.

"Fiore I am so sorry for behaving badly with you today. I didn't mean to at all. I just had a very important day and my mind was all over the place and I took it out on you." He moved closer and removed a strand of hair out from my face. His small gesture caused my heartbeat to increase a little. It was just a simple touch yet it did so many things to me.

"Just promise me you will hear me out before you decide to walk away or assume anything."

"Promise." He gave me an assuring smile.

We both sat down and had our dinner. Aryan placed my plate in front of me and served me.

"This is lasagna and potatoes are so good. Especially the potatoes." He said a mouthful. He moaned in pleasure as he chewed.

" I made the potatoes." I proudly said and he looked at me with mouth open.

"You can cook? This is really delicious by the way. Where did you learn how to cook like this?"

"My mom and Nina, they are both great cooks and I learned everything I can from them and sometimes I also watch some youtube videos." I shrugged it off like it was nothing.

"Then why do you rarely cook?" Aryan questioned me.

"Well I'm busy most of the time and I do come back late frequently and plus I didn't have anyone waiting for me at home for me to show off my cooking skills." I was a little upset when I said the last part out. I really did wish I had someone to love so that I can show off all of my cooking skills to them.

"I want to try all of the dishes you can cook, no matter how late I come home." Aryan grinned at me and I blushed when he said that.

"You want to try all of my cooking?"

"Yes, because that's what best friends do."

"We are not...." He pulled me closer for a hug and I tried hard to get out of his embrace. Boy he has some strong arms.

"I wanted to ask you something fiore." He took a sip of his wine and looked at me nervously.

"Did you get into some stupid trouble and need my help to get out?"

"First of all no, and secondly why would you even assume that I am in some sort of trouble." He sounded offended and I chuckled at him.

"You look like someone who frequently gets into trouble." I admitted. Aryan really did give off that vibe. Like someone who would do something dumb and get into a heap of trouble for it. Right now I am just wondering what that trouble might be.

"I wanted to ask you if you would like to go on a holiday with me to Thailand."

"I'm sorry to say what now?" You want to go to Thailand with me?" Is Aryan truly that lonely and didn't have any friends? Why is he even asking me? I am not his friend....yet.

"Yes. It will be fun and it will be the beginning of our new friendship."

"Aryan we are not exactly friends ... .yet. So why do you want to go on a trip with me?" I was confused on why he even wanted to spend time with me. Not that I don't want to. I actually wanted to give him a chance and get to know him better but I just think it might be awkward.

"We will become better friends in Thailand and plus it will help you to take your mind off things. "Past 3 months must have been hell for you as well." A grim look was present in his face. I guess he felt bad about this whole situation and it must have been hard for him too and plus with me giving him a hard time, he did deserve a break, more than me.

"Fine doctor, we will go to Thailand. But promise me that you will allow me to have fun." I pointed my fingers at him and gave him a stern look.

"I will." He raised both of us hands up and nodded. I felt relieved.

Then that settles it. I am going on a holiday with Aryan to Thailand.