The Fast (part 3)

The Fast ( part -3)

 Ananya looked up in surprise. "Will you eat fruit with me?"

 "No," Rahul said, taking off his jacket. "I'm going to make khichdi. How hard can it be? You say I don't have 'skills'—I'll show you I can manage for a day."

 Ananya sat with her arms folded at the dining table. "The pressure cooker is in the bottom cabinet. The lentils and rice are in the pantry. Don't forget to wash them three times."

 The next hour was a new experience for Rahul. The kitchen felt ten degrees hotter than the living room. He couldn't find turmeric; he dropped mustard seeds, and the whistle of the pressure cooker made him jump. He realized he didn't just have to cook; he had to find ingredients, clean up while working, and keep track of time—all of which made him irritable.


 When the food was finally ready, the kitchen was a mess. 

Rahul sat down, exhausted, with a bowl of watery khichdi. He looked at Ananya, who was calmly peeling an orange. "I... I didn't realize that even 'simple' food required so much standing and searching," Rahul admitted softly.

 Ananya came over and wiped a stain of turmeric from his forehead. "It's not just about the cooking, Rahul. It's about the fact that even on your 'holiday,' I usually work for you. Today, I just wanted us both to be off duty."

 Rahul took a bite. It was salty and overcooked, but it tasted like a lesson learned. "Next Sunday," Rahul said, "no one is fasting. And no one is cooking. We're going out for a nice lunch, and then I'll help you tidy up this pantry so I know where the salt is."

 Ananya laughed, and the tension at home finally subsided. Ananya said, "It's better to keep loving each other like this. Help each other."

 Rahul laughed and said, "That's fine. You guys are used to this, but just show me once that you've been in my place, and I'll agree."

 Ananya said, "What do you mean? I don't understand?"

 Rahul laughed and said, "Become Mr. Rahul for a day."

 Ananya said, "Women also work. I wanted to work, but you refused. Okay, I'll be Mr. Rahul for a day. You have a day off tomorrow, but there's one condition."

 Rahul was delighted and said, "I accept your condition, but be Mr. Rahul for a day or half a day. I'm ready to be Ananya for a day, but don't tell anyone."

 Ananya said, "Okay. I'm fasting today."  I will pray to Mahadev to make me Mr. Rahul for a day.

 Rahul laughed and said, "That's impossible." (Story continues)
 - Kaushik Dave