The moment they stepped into the house, Aman made a beeline for the fridge, his movements quick and practiced like a seasoned scavenger. With an exaggerated flourish, he yanked the door open, only to be met with… emptiness. No cookies, no pastries, nothing to satisfy his ever-hungry soul.
A deep silence followed, then a sharp intake of breath.
"Unbelievable!" Aman spun around, his face contorted in mock betrayal. "You—! You've been baking, and yet there's nothing for your poor, starving brother?!"
Bani suppressed a smirk, enjoying his dramatics.
Their father, who had just settled into a chair, chuckled at the scene. "Maybe she didn't bake today," he offered, though they all knew better.
"No way!" Aman declared, crossing his arms. "She must have hidden them in her secret stash! Mom, tell her to take them out!"
Bani sighed. This was never going to end unless she did something. With a casual flick of her wrist, she summoned a plate of cookies and pastries straight from her magical space, placing them on the dining table as if they had been there all along.
Aman's eyes widened as he stared at the sudden appearance of baked goods. His mouth opened, then closed, then opened again. "See! I knew it! You have a secret stash!"
He turned to their mother, waving his hands dramatically. "Mom, did you see that?! She had them hidden somewhere! This is proof! I demand access to her secret cookie vault!"
Bani laughed, finally sitting down as she picked up a pastry for herself. "Just eat and stop talking."
Aman, still grumbling about unfair treatment, grabbed a handful of cookies, stuffing one into his mouth mid-complaint. But the moment the rich, buttery flavor melted on his tongue, his complaints faded into satisfied chewing.
Their father watched with amusement. "Looks like she shut you up the only way possible."
Aman, now with both cheeks full, simply gave a thumbs-up before reaching for another pastry.
Bani carefully placed a plate of warm cookies in front of her father, their golden-brown edges crisp, their centers soft, oozing with chocolate. The aroma of butter and vanilla filled the air, wrapping them in a cozy warmth. Appa picked up a cookie, his fingers instinctively testing its texture. He took a bite, his brows raising slightly as he chewed.
"They are good," he admitted, his tone measured. "Soft, balanced sweetness, and that slight crunch at the edges… You have improved."
Bani smiled. "That's because I've been learning, Appa. I unlocked a special ability in my space—it allows me to grasp skills instantly and practice them within it. There's even a fully equipped bakery inside. I've been training there every day, perfecting recipes, understanding techniques. These cookies?
Her father looked at her thoughtfully, setting the cookie down. "Learning is important. But knowledge alone is not enough, kanna. You must also understand the business side, the risks, the work that goes into it."
She nodded, already prepared for this conversation. "That's why I want to start small—an online bakery. No need to worry about rent, staff, or setting up a full-fledged storefront. I can manage it on my own, and if it grows, I'll take the next step."