Chahat sat cross-legged on the soft bed in Tia's room, feeling warm in the cozy night suit tia given her. It was far more comfortable than the stiff jeans she had worn all day. The room was dimly lit, the night breeze drifting in through the slightly open window, carrying the faint scent of wet earth. The events of the day had been overwhelming yet fulfilling.
Tia entered the room with two cups of warm milk, handing one to Chahat before settling beside her.
"You know," Tia started, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "I can't believe we're actually doing this. A shop of our own!" Her voice was filled with excitement and a hint of nervousness.
Chahat smiled, taking a sip of the milk. "It's crazy, isn't it? Just a few days ago, we were talking about how we wanted to be independent. And now, here we are, planning something real."
At that moment, Prachi walked in, her arms crossed. "And you two better not mess it up," she teased, before plopping onto the bed. "I'm going to help you decorate the shop. It needs to look inviting, something that catches people's attention. First impressions matter."
Tia's eyes lit up. "Really? You'll help?"
"Of course! I can't let my friends open a dull, boring shop. We need lights, a beautiful signboard, maybe some small indoor plants—oh, and a theme! What kind of vibe are we going for?"
Chahat tapped her chin, considering the question. "Something cozy but modern. A place where people feel like they want to sit and chat for hours."
Tia nodded in agreement. "Yes! A place that feels like home but with a touch of elegance."
Prachi grinned. "Perfect! Leave it to me. You two focus on setting up everything else."
The excitement in the air was undeniable. Tia felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. None of this would be possible without her parents' support. The next morning, she decided to have a serious talk with her mother.
As Tia stood in the living room, she nervously played with the hem of her kurti. "Maa," she began, her voice steady but hopeful, "I need your help. I want to invest in our shop."
Her mother looked up from her cup of tea, raising an eyebrow. "Shop?"
Tia quickly explained everything—the plan, their savings, their vision. Her mother listened attentively, her expression unreadable.
After a long pause, she sighed. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"
Tia nodded eagerly. "Yes, Maa. We want to make this work."
A small smile crept onto her mother's lips. "Alright. I'll transfer you one lakh. That, along with your savings, should give you a good start."
Tia's heart swelled with joy. "Thank you, Maa!" She hugged her tightly, feeling immense relief and happiness.
Later that evening, as they sat together, her father joined them. He had heard about the investment and the profit-sharing plan.
"So, five portions, huh?" he mused, stroking his chin. "That's a good plan. But I'd suggest one extra portion—set it aside for daily shop expenses and repairs. It's always good to be prepared."
Chahat, who had been listening intently, nodded in agreement. "That makes sense. Unexpected expenses always come up."
Tia's father smiled. "I must say, I'm proud of you all. Seeing youngsters take responsibility, work towards something meaningful—it gives us older folks more willpower to work harder."