She smiled, feeling a warmth that had little to do with the food. She had done well. Not just with the chapatis, but with herself. With this family. With the magical space that had come into her life, reminding her, each day, of the beauty in simplicity and the strength in small moments.
As they finished their breakfast in silence, Bani realized something: the space she had kept hidden, the gift she had found, wasn't just hers alone. It was something they could share, in time. And that thought, more than anything, filled her heart with hope.
But she couldn't risk revealing it just yet—not without proof. She needed the crops to mature so she could show her father and brother what she had been nurturing.
Just one week. Then, she could tell them everything.
Bani wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, a small smile tugging at her lips. Her family would see. She would make sure of it. But for now, she would wait.
Aman looked up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What's on your mind, sis? You've been awfully quiet today."
Bani smiled and shook her head. "Just thinking about things. You know, life."
"Well, don't overthink it," her father said, offering a reassuring glance. "We'll get through this, one step at a time."
Bani nodded, though her mind raced with possibilities. Just a week. Then, everything would change.
Bani couldn't risk revealing the truth—not yet. Not without proof. She needed the crops to mature, something tangible to show her father and brother.
Just one more week. Then, everything would change.
That morning, as her father and brother headed toward their struggling vegetarian hotel, Bani lingered at home, chatting with her mother. The weight of the family's financial troubles loomed over them like a restless storm cloud, but today, there was an odd sense of calm in the air.
After some time, she decided to visit the hotel herself. It had been a while since she last stepped inside, and perhaps, in some small way, she could help.
The moment she entered, a wave of nostalgia washed over her—the scent of spices, the gentle hum of conversation, the clatter of utensils. The hotel was modest but carried a quiet charm, the kind that made strangers feel at home.
She studied the menu, her mind spinning with possibilities. Vegetarian hotels were common, but for theirs to survive, it needed something special. Something memorable.
And then it struck her—a seasonal thali. A curated platter of dishes crafted from the freshest market produce, changing with the rhythm of the seasons. A celebration of local flavors, sustainable farming, and farm-to-table freshness.
She smiled at the thought. Yes, the road ahead was uncertain, but sometimes, even the smallest changes could turn the tide.
Time inside the magical space flowed differently—faster, gentler, almost alive. Each passing day deepened Bani's connection with the land, making her feel as though it responded to her emotions and intentions.
And then, she discovered something even more extraordinary.