Chapter 1
Summers were just around the corner, which meant mango season was near. And mango season meant one thing: the entire Sugandh would soon be filled with the sweet, irresistible aroma of Mom's famous mango desserts, along with our usual, ever-loved bakery treats.
But this summer felt different.
In just a month or two, I would be starting my MBA journey at Nexus University.
The thought sent a strange mix of excitement and nervousness through me. Excited, because I'd finally get to meet new people, make new friends, and step into a bigger world. Nervous, because for the first time, I'd be completely on my own. No familiar faces. No safety net.
Lost in these thoughts, I walked down the stairs and into the bakery, ready to help Mom.
"Gia! Come here and help me already! The customers will start coming any minute!" she called out, a hint of annoyance in her voice as she rushed around the bakery.
Namrata Shastri,my mom. The woman I admire the most. Strong, independent, and the most beautiful person I've ever known, both inside and out.
"Coming, Mom!" I called back, quickly tying my hair into a loose bun as I stepped behind the counter.
The bakery was already coming to life. The soft whirr of the oven, the clinking of trays, and the rich, sweet aroma of freshly baked goods wrapped around me like a warm hug. And beneath it all was that familiar scent, ripe mangoes, waiting to be turned into Mom's magic.
"You're late," she muttered, though I caught the small smile tugging at her lips.
"I was on my way," I said, reaching for an apron.
"Yeah? By the time you got here, I've already finished more than half my work."
I gasped dramatically. "Wow. My own mother insulting me first thing in the morning."
She gave me a look. "First thing in the morning? It's almost eleven."
"Whatever, Mom. The customers are almost here," I grinned, teasingly repeating her words.
She smacked me lightly on the butt, and we began our day.
It was my vacation, so I spent most of my time helping out at the bakery. There were three of us- Mom, me, and her employee-cum-helper, Mala Aunty. She was slightly younger than Mom and had worked as a house help a few months ago. But ever since she joined Sugandh, Mom's workload had eased, and our sales had started blooming.
Our little bakery was doing really well with....
Wait. Did I say three?
How did I forget her?!
Our biggest supporter. My partner in every crime. The official listener of my endless yappa yaps- my best friend, Natashaaa… aka Nats.
Her social media contacts had played a huge part in Sugandh's growth. And obviously, I compensated her fairly…
Lifetime free treats.
Nats and I aren't exactly childhood friends. We met at a tuition class, where studying was honestly the least important thing we did. Our mutual obsession with anime, K-pop, and anything even remotely horror turned us into best friends.
And now?
She's not just my best friend. She's family.
The bell above the bakery door chimed softly.
I turned, and there she was.
"Hey, Gia," she smiled, walking up to me before pulling me into a quick hug. We could only meet on weekends, so even her quiet hugs felt a little tighter than usual.
I hugged her back, grinning. "Missed me?"
"Obviously," she said, rolling her eyes, but I caught the hint of a smile.
"Hey, Natasha beta! How are you?" Mom called out as she came from behind the counter, setting down a tray of freshly made kharis. "Sit, sit. Gia, at least get her some tea and khari."
I smiled to myself. What was with all this formality every time? Nats had literally had sleepovers at our place. But Mom had a soft spot for her. Probably because Nats somehow matched her energy. Honestly, she was like a millennial in Gen Z form.
"Sit, I'll get you some chai and khari," I said, leaning closer to her.
"Freshly baked," I whispered into her ear.
Mom disappeared back into the kitchen, leaving the two of us alone.
For a moment, the only sound between us was the clinking of cups and the soft hum of the oven.
I picked up a tray, pretending to focus on arranging the pastries.
"He got married," I said quietly, not looking at her.
Nats didn't even pause. "Not again, Gia."
I shrugged, still avoiding her gaze. "I just.....found out."
"He is not even worth the brain cells you're wasting thinking about him," she said, leaning back in her chair. "Get over it. It's been, what, six months? And honestly? You and him…" She made a face. "Ugh. I never liked that guy in the first place."
"I know!" I turned to her, a little defensive. "And I have improved, okay? I don't cry over him anymore."
She raised an eyebrow. "Wow. Growth."
I rolled my eyes.
"That's exactly why I prefer staying single," she added casually, picking up a khari. "All my time and energy goes to my one true love my precious I.N."
I let out a small laugh. "Of course. Can't compete with that."
"You know what?" I added, pointing at her. "I'm going to give my time to Bang Chan too."
And just like that, our conversation spiraled as it always did. From K-pop to horror, to politics, to the universe and wild conspiracy theories that made zero sense but somehow felt completely real in the moment.
That's how we've always been.
Lost in conversations. Lost in our own little world.
Somewhere between laughter, random debates, and half-finished tasks, I didn't even realize when the day slipped away… or when the work at the bakery was finally done.
And like always, Nats had been right there- quietly helping, without making a big deal out of it.
My life wasn't perfect, but it was… enough.
I was happy.
Until the incidents started happening in Shivtara...
