A soft blanket hugged my body as I lay lazily on my stomach in bed. A tub of chocolate ice cream sat in front of me, right next to my laptop, while I shoveled another cold, sweet spoonful of ice cream into my mouth.

It's Sunday. No work today. Thank god, because I can't even walk properly, and my ever-so-caring boss always refused to approve leaves. It seems like he's got some personal grudge against me.

Well, not anymore.

I take another spoonful of my favourite ice cream and let my fingers fly across the laptop keys.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Come in."

"Ishu!!"

Oh my god, seems like my chaotic partner just stormed in.

"Omg, Raha. What a surprise!" I sat up in bed as she rushed toward me for a hug.

Raha Clifford—physiotherapist for the women's cricket team, and the unidentical twin of Ina. But if souls could be cloned, she'd be mine.

"When did you come back? Wait... weren't you in Sri Lanka with the team for the tournament?" I asked, blinking in shock.

"I resigned," she said simply, plopping down beside me on the bed.

"What?! Raha, you loved that job, and it paid you well too. Why would you resign?" I exclaimed.

"Because she wanted to experience the thrill of being unemployed," Ina chimed in with a teasing tone, walking in with a tray of coffee for all three of us.

Raha rolled her eyes playfully. "I had my reasons, Ina. Yes, I loved the job, and yes, the money was great, but I was always traveling. I barely had time for you both, or for mom and dad's birthdays and anniversaries. I have this new lavish apartment I don't even live in. The job itself didn't feel worth it anymore." She grabbed her coffee from the tray.

"She's not wrong, Ina. It's her life. She gets to choose what matters most to her," I said, reaching for my own cup as Ina set the tray between us on the bed.

"I'm not against her decision, but mom and dad are definitely not happy about it," Ina said, settling into the chair across from us.

"My dear sister, they'll calm down. Once I get another job, everything will be fine. Until then, chill." Raha grinned, that signature calm confidence in her voice.

Raha is a very calm and cool type of personality. She can handle any situation patiently, without any stress.

"So, my pretty lady Ishu," Raha turned to me with a mischievous glint in her eye, "what are you up to, hmm?"

"What? Me?" I asked, frowning in confusion in my mid-sip of the coffee.

"Ina told me someone dropped you off at the door last night because you sprained your ankle..." Raha's smirk mirrored Ina's perfectly as their eyes look predatory.

"Who was it, huh? Spill!" Raha nudged me.

"You guys won't believe it. Even I still don't." I said slowly, sipping from my cup like I wasn't dropping a bomb.

"Kon tha? Ranveer Singh ya Ranbir Kapoor?" Raha and Ina giggled in unison.

"It was Sarthak Singh."

Raha choked on her coffee. "WHO!? If you'd said Ranveer, I might've believed it. But Sarthak Singh? As in the cricket god himself? You're kidding."

"Told you it's unbelievable. But yeah, it was him." I replied coolly.

"Ishu, stop stretching this and spill the damn tea!" Ina squealed.

I told them everything from the start, from how I failed to persuade him for the interview to how I sprained my ankle, and he had to come by chance to drop me home.

Though I didn't tell them about the accidental kiss. I know what happened wasn't even a kiss. That's what I'm trying to convince myself. Our lips just met for a second or two. It was just a mistake. Right?

"Don't you think this sounds like a rom-com movie?" Raha grinned, clapped her hands. "The heroine meets the hero in the most unexpected way. The heroine hurts her ankle, and the hero drops her home and that's when they fall for each other."

"Sarthak is so hot," Ina chimed in, eyes sparkling. "And our Ishika is drop-dead gorgeous. Ugh, they'd look so good together-I'm shipping them so hard."

"Take my money and count me in!" Raha high-fived her sister.

"Sorry to burst your delusional bubble, girls," I sighed, spinning my laptop toward them. "That was the first and last time I met Sarthak Singh. He refused the interview, and now Goyal's gonna fire me. That's why I'm resigning before he kicks me out."

"Ishu, don't be impulsive," Ina said quickly, her voice gentle. "You still have five days. Breathe, okay? You haven't even read your first news segment yet. Things could still work out."

"Ina's right," Raha added. "You've worked so hard to get here. You can't give up before you've even started. Think about all the things you've dreamed of."

They were right. There was so much I still wanted to achieve. When other kids played in the park, I used to stand in front of Mom's vanity mirror, pretending to read the news like a real anchor.

I stared at the blinking cursor on the screen, then slowly pressed backspace, deleting the resignation letter word by word. Then I shut the laptop with a quiet click.

"You're right. I should fight for my dreams."

"That's our girl," Ina smiled, proud.

"Since I resigned, and Ishu un-resigned-I say we should party tonight!" Raha grinned.

"Oh hell yes!" Ina cheered.

"It's been ages since we had a proper girl's night," I laughed. "Let's do it."

We three were in the middle of planning our girls night when the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Wait, let me see who it is," Ina said, getting up from her seat and placing her empty coffee cup back on the tray.

She stepped out of my room to check, and moments later, I saw my older brother walk in, worry etched all over his face.

"Ishaan bhai!? Aap yahan?"

"Are you fine? Show me your ankle, is it paining? Ina told me you hurt your ankle at work." He blabbered as his eyes fell on my ankle.

I glanced sharply at Ina. She gave me one of those tiny, innocent smiles like she didn't just sell me out.

"Why did you tell him, Ina?" I asked her silently, speaking the universal language of girls—eye contact. You know how it is. We're born fluent.

She looked back at me, unfazed, her eyes answering loudly and clearly.
"Because you wouldn't go to the hospital unless someone threatened or dragged you there, and only Ishaan bhai can handle a stubborn brat like you."

And of course, she sealed her silent roast with that smug little slay smile curling on her lips.

"Oh my god Ishika your ankle has turned blueish. Get ready, we're going to the hospital to see a doctor," he said firmly, his concern loud and clear.

"Oh hello there, Raha. It's been a while since I saw you. When did you come back?" he asked, spotting her beside me.

"I just came today and surprised both of them. It's really nice seeing you after so long too, Ishaan bhai," she replied, giving him a quick side hug.

As always, my brother looked effortlessly put together in a navy blue polo shirt with a crisp collar and black pants.

I've told him so many times that he should try modeling. He's got the looks, the sculpted muscle body, and that 6'3 height.

But no-he always shrugs it off, saying he'd rather be in a kitchen cooking than posing in front of a camera. What a waste of perfection.

"What are you staring at, hmm? Get ready, we've got an appointment with the doctor in forty minutes," he reminded me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Bhai, you know I hate doctors and anything even related to hospitals. I'm not going anywhere," I groaned, pulling the blanket over me and curling up like a cocoon.

"I know, but I'm not letting you mess up your ankle just because you hate check-ups. Now get up," he said, tugging the covers off me.

"You're coming with me, and that's final. Get ready in five minutes, I am waiting for you in the living room." He said his last words before he snatched the blanket off me, and turned to Raha again.

"Raha, did you have your breakfast?" Ishaan bhai asked, raising a brow.

"I had coffee," Raha replied casually.

He sighed dramatically. "Why do you girls always think coffee counts as breakfast? Come on, I'll make you an avocado toast—or even better, my special paneer paratha."

"I was on a diet," Raha grinned, "but who cares when I get to eat the yummiest paneer paratha ever?"

"That's more like it," he said, clapping his hands. "Let's go to the kitchen. I'll make you girls the best parathas. And you," he pointed at me, "better get ready or I'm telling mom. You know she won't take this lightly."

He smirked devilishly and walked out with a grin, Raha and Ina following behind.

Enko to mai baad mein dekh lungi.

Does he really think that he can threaten me with mom? That it'll work? Seriously?

Okay, it might work.

Because if mom finds out I was even scratched, she'll panic as if I am admitted in ICU and immediately suggest that I move in with my brother for the "better care."

With a groan, I pushed myself out of bed and limped toward the wardrobe. The pain had dulled a bit—maybe thanks to the pain relief spray.

I pulled out the first outfit I could find: light blue jeans, a yellow oversized shirt with white stripes, and a white tank top underneath. Simple and decent.

After combing my hair and applying some lip balm and sunscreen, I grabbed my off white purse and limped out toward the kitchen.

There they were—Raha and Ina—perched at the kitchen counter, laughing and talking with Ishaan bhai, while having their parathas.

"Looks like our stubborn kiddo is finally ready," Raha teased, trying to hide her smile.

"Mujhe pata hai ye tum tino ki mili bhagat hai," I muttered as I hobbled toward them.

Ishaan bhai jogged over to help me onto the kitchen stool. "Ishu, you have to see a doctor. Be mature for once, okay? Now open your mouth."

He fed me a bite of the warm, flavorful paratha.

"Fine," I mumbled between chews, "but bhai… doctors make me anxious."

He softened, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "That's why I'm coming with you, my little sister."

He fed me another piece of paratha, then bent down and helped me slip on my white Crocs since shoes were a no-go with my ankle.

Soon, we were off to the doctor in my brother's car.

"Bhai… what if the doctor gives me an injection?" I asked, anxiety bubbling in my voice. "You know I'm terrified of injections."

"Ishu, calm down," he said, glancing over to comfort me—barely watching the road.

That's when I saw it. A tiny kitten right in the middle of the road, just seconds away from getting crushed.

"BHAI, STOP THE CAR! THERE'S A KITTEN OVER THERE!" I screamed.

His eyes snapped forward, and he slammed on the brakes with a screech.

I pushed the door open and limped out fast towards the kitten, and my heart racing.

The kitten was licking its paw, completely unbothered. But when it saw me hobbling toward it, it looked up and meowed in the softest, tiniest sound.

"Hey, baby are you okay?" I whispered, crouching with effort and gently patting its head. The kitten meowed again, sweetly.

Ishaan bhai walked over, letting out a breath. "Thank god it's safe. That scared the hell out of me."

"Look at him, bhai," I said, lifting the kitten into my arms. "He's so small and his eyes! They're green. So pretty.”

"Gorgeous indeed," he murmured, gently stroking the kitten's head, smiling softly.

"Bhai can I keep him? Please?" I gave him my best puppy eyes. Even the kitten joined in, meowing sweetly and staring up at him with those hypnotic green eyes.

He raised a brow. "Ishu, you can barely take care of yourself. How will you manage a kitten?"

"I will take care of myself. And this kitten too, I promise!" I argued, clutching the kitten closer. "Where would he go otherwise? What if next time it’s not our car but someone else's? He won't survive out there."

He looked at my pouty face, then at the tiny ball of fluff snuggling in my arms.

"Fine. Keep him. But promise me, you come to the doctor with me. No whining."

"Deal! Anything for this little baby," I grinned, kissing the kitten's head.

"Even injections?" he teased, laughing as he helped me and the kitten back into the car.

"Nope." I winced at the thought, making him laugh even harder as he buckled in and started driving again.

"So do you have a name for him?" He asked, keeping his eyes on the road this time.

"A name?" I looked down at the kitten curled in my lap, his warm little body nestled perfectly.

"I think I do."

"Oh? What is it?"

"Mishri," I said with a soft smile. "It means sweet… just like him. And his voice."

"That's a perfect name," Ishaan bhai nodded. "Welcome to the Kholi family, Mishri."

The kitten meowed at his voice.

"Seems like he loved it," he chuckled.

"I hope he does."

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈

The sun had already gone down by the time I finally got home with Mishri. Raha and Ina were absolutely smitten with him—they couldn't stop playing or fussing over him.

I went to see the doctor earlier today. Thankfully, nothing's broken. Thank God. He said my ankle was just overstretched due to sudden pressure.

He gave me a few medicines, suggested some light exercises, and told me I should be fine in two to three days. Honestly, I was just relieved he didn’t bring up an injection.

After the appointment, Ishaan bhai and I took Mishri to the vet for a check-up. He's healthy and doing just fine.

Then we went to the pet shop to get Mishri's food, supplements, toys, and a few treats which, to be honest, were hella expensive. I was all set to pay for everything with my savings, but Ishaan bhai stopped me.

He told me not to use my savings and that he'd pay because of course my brother is the Richie rich.

I refused at first because Mishri was my responsibility after all, and I wanted to be the one to take care of everything.

But he just smiled and said, "Now Mishri is mine too. I get to pamper my little sister and her cat."

So, he paid for everything and dropped both of us home.

"Since we've got another reason to celebrate—Mishri—let's raise a toast to everything. CHEERS!" I grinned, and we clinked our glasses of fruit punch together before taking a sip.

"Let's dance!" Raha suggested, already swaying to the imaginary beat.

"Raha, our landlord lives literally downstairs. Agar unko pata chala na, toh seedha road pe aa jaayenge," Ina warned with a serious face.

"So what?" Raha rolled her eyes with flair. "We've got my flat. You two can stay there anytime—free of cost. I seriously don't get it why you're still stuck in this tiny, barely-maintained apartment. My place is in a well maintained society with top-notch security, and best of all, I'd be your hot landlady with zero rent and zero rules. What more do you need, huh?"

"This place is close to our office, that's why," I said, practical as ever. "If we move to your apartment, we'd waste hours in traffic, and cabs."

"She's right," Ina added, nodding in agreement.

Just then, I heard my phone ringing from the bedroom. "You two carry on, I think someone's calling me."

I limped into my room and spotted the phone buzzing on the nightstand. By the time I reached for it, the call had already been declined.

Sighing, I sat down beside Mishri, who was curled up and fast asleep on my bed. The number on my screen was unknown. Should I call back? Could be a spam.

"Ishu! Come we are play cards!" Raha called from the living room.

"Coming!" I shouted back and set my phone down again. But it rang once more from the same unknown number.

Curious now, I picked it up. "Hello? Ishika speaking. Who is this?"

At first, it was silence from the other side. Then a deep, familiar voice spoke.

"Hey. This is Sarthak. Sarthak Singh."

My eyes widened. What the hell?! How did he get my number?

"Oh. Yes, Mr. Sarthak. How can I help you?" I tried to sound calm, but inside I was spiraling.

"You mentioned an interview the other day," he said. "I'm interested."

"YOU WHAT?!" I almost shouted, which startled my poor Mishri awake beside me. Damn it. I took a deep breath to claim myself down. "I mean, what did you just say?"

"I said I'm interested in the interview. I'm free this week. Please coordinate with my manager and schedule it."

"Oh—of course! Thank you so much for accepting the interview, Mr. Sarthak," I said, biting down my giddiness.

"Anything for Ms. Ishika," he said in a low and smooth voice.

"Um… what?" My heart skipped.

"Nothing," he said quickly. "It's late. Good night, Ms. Ishika."

"Good night. I'll reach out to your manager soon." I ended the call, my heart still racing.

I rushed into the living room. "GUYS!!"

"Jesus, Ishu! You scared us!" Raha said, clutching her chest. "Why are you screaming like that?"

"Guess who just called me?"

"Mr. Goyal?, Ina guessed.

"Nope."

"Ugh, tell us already!" Raha groaned.

"Sarthak Singh," I said, nearly breathless. "He just called me. And he said YES to the interview!"

Their eyes widened and they both screamed before hugging me tightly.

Mishri waddled over and hugged my legs adorably.

"Aww, even Mishri’s excited for you," Raha cooed.

"He's definitely my lucky charm from now on," I said, lifting Mishri into my arms and nuzzling him with a smile.

Now, all I can do is pray the interview goes smoothly. Because let's be real—when does my life ever play by the rules?

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈