🎵 Song: Dil Diyan Gallan – Instrumental Version

"Sometimes...

the sweetest memories begin...

with a little flour, a little sugar...

and a neighbor's doorbell."

It was Friday afternoon.

The school day had ended peacefully.

After returning home, Aarohi changed into a comfortable peach-colored cotton kurti and tied her hair into a messy bun.

She placed her school bag on the study table before walking downstairs.

The aroma of freshly brewed tea filled the Sharma house.

Nandini was preparing evening snacks in the kitchen.

Anaya sat at the dining table, busy coloring in her sketchbook.

Aarohi walked into the kitchen.

"Maa?"

Nandini looked up.

"Hmm?"

"I've finished all my homework."

"Good."

"So..."

Aarohi smiled hesitantly.

"...can I bake something today?"

Nandini smiled immediately.

"Of course."

"What are you thinking of making?"

Aarohi thought for a second.

"Chocolate cupcakes."

Anaya's head instantly shot up.

"Cupcakes?!"

She ran into the kitchen.

"Didi!"

"Can I help?"

Aarohi laughed.

"You'll eat all the chocolate before we start."

"I won't!"

"...Maybe just a little."

The sisters burst into laughter.

Soon...

The kitchen became lively.

Bowls, measuring cups, cocoa powder, butter and flour covered the counter.

Aarohi carefully measured every ingredient.

Nandini watched proudly from the side.

"You've improved so much."

Aarohi smiled.

"You taught me."

"I only taught you the basics."

"The decorating is all yours."

Anaya had exactly one job.

"Don't touch the batter."

Five minutes later...

"Didi..."

"What?"

"I accidentally tasted it."

Aarohi folded her arms.

"Accidentally?"

"It fell on my finger."

"You dipped your finger into the bowl."

"...Maybe."

Nandini laughed.

"I expected this."

After almost an hour...

The cupcakes were finally ready.

The delicious aroma of chocolate spread throughout the house.

Aarohi carefully placed them on the cooling rack.

Each cupcake had a smooth swirl of chocolate frosting.

She decorated them with colorful sprinkles and tiny chocolate chips.

Anaya clapped excitedly.

"They're so pretty!"

"They look like bakery cupcakes!"

Aarohi smiled shyly.

"They're not perfect."

"They're perfect."

Nandini corrected.

"You've worked really hard."

Just then...

Rajeev entered the house after work.

The moment he stepped inside...

He stopped.

"What smells so good?"

Anaya proudly pointed toward the kitchen.

"Didi made cupcakes!"

Rajeev walked over.

His eyes widened.

"Wow."

"They look amazing."

Aarohi smiled.

"Want to taste one?"

"I was hoping you'd ask."

He picked up a cupcake.

One bite.

Then another.

Within seconds...

It had disappeared.

Rajeev looked at Aarohi.

"Beta..."

She looked nervous.

"Hmm?"

He smiled warmly.

"These are delicious."

Aarohi's face instantly brightened.

"Really?"

"They're better than the ones I buy from cafés."

She laughed softly.

"I think Papa is exaggerating."

"I'm not."

Nandini nodded in agreement.

"He's right."

After everyone had tasted them...

There were still several cupcakes left.

Aarohi looked at the tray.

"We made too many."

Nandini thought for a moment.

Then smiled.

"You know what?"

"What?"

"Why don't we send some to the Malhotras?"

Aarohi looked up.

"Next door?"

"Hmm."

"They invited us so warmly the other day."

"It would be nice."

Rajeev agreed.

"That's a good idea."

"We haven't properly thanked them yet."

Anaya immediately became excited.

"Yes!"

"Kabir will love them."

She picked up the prettiest cupcake before Aarohi quickly stopped her.

"Not that one!"

Anaya blinked.

"Why?"

Aarohi looked at the tray.

"Because..."

"...that one looks the nicest."

Anaya smiled mischievously.

"Oh..."

"So that's the special one?"

Aarohi frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing."

Anaya giggled.

"Nothing at all."

Nandini noticed the exchange and smiled to herself but chose not to say anything.

She took out a beautiful white bakery box.

"Arrange them nicely."

"We'll send a few over."

Aarohi carefully placed the cupcakes inside the box.

Making sure each one looked perfect.

She didn't even realize...

She had unconsciously placed the prettiest cupcake right in the center.

Nandini quietly noticed.

A small smile appeared on her face.

"My daughter is very particular today."

Once the box was ready...

Nandini closed the lid gently.

"There."

"Perfect."

She handed it to Aarohi.

"Go and give these to Meera."

Aarohi looked slightly surprised.

"Me?"

"Yes."

"They'll be happy."

Aarohi nodded.

"...Okay."

She carefully held the cupcake box with both hands.

Completely unaware...

That a simple visit to the house next door...

was about to create another unforgettable memory.

End of Chapter 19 🧁💙