The late morning sun filtered through the tall buildings surrounding the one of the well known landmarks; Cosmos Complex. Casting soft golden hues on its pristine white walls. The complex had a serene charm, nestled amidst the urban chaos of Goregaon, Mumbai.
Samiksha sat cross legged on her bed, scrolling idly through her phone as soft sunlight filtered through the curtains. Her room, though spacious and organized to perfection, had a lived in feel. A desk stacked with books, a sleek laptop, and architectural sketches dominated one corner, while a small shelf near the bed held trinkets from her college days. The faint scent of coffee lingered, blending with the soft hum of life outside the apartment window.
That's when, Samiksha’s phone buzzed. The screen lit up with Arya’s name. Samiksha smiled as she tapped the green button.
She picked up, her voice tinged with a hint of laziness. “Hello?”
“Sam,” Arya’s voice came through, bright and full of energy, a sharp contrast to her own. “What are you doing right now?”
Samiksha shifted, propping herself up on one elbow. “Trying to decide if it’s worth moving from this spot. Why?”
Arya laughed lightly, her tone conspiratorial.“Because we need to get out. It's been a while and Look, I’ve finally graduated. You’re done with your hard-core Master’s. We have time, Sam. Let’s get out of here. Let’s feel alive again.”
“Freedom,” Samiksha echoed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Sounds like a myth. But go on.”
“I mean it,” Arya said, her voice softening.
Samiksha let Arya’s words settle, the weight of them sinking in. She glanced around her room, the books, the half-finished models, the life she had meticulously built, but now she had achieved her degree, the certificates of her M.Arch as well as other countless courses.
“Okay,” she said, sitting up properly now, back in form. “Where are we going?”
“I was thinking,” Arya began, excitement bubbling in her voice, “Marine Drive. But we’ll take the metro, stop by CST, maybe grab some chai on the way. We’ll make it a day of rediscovery. No plans, just vibes.”
Samiksha snorted. “Rediscovery? Since when did you get so philosophical? You know it is my department.”
“Yeah, yeah I know. But since I realized how much we’ve been missing,” Arya shot back. “Come on, Sam. It’s not just about seeing the city. It’s about feeling it again. The people, the chaos, the moments we’ve lost in the rush of everything.”
“Oh, come on I never mentioned, I won't,” she finally said, a grin breaking across her face.
Arya laughed, triumphant. “Deal. Your rule.”
Samiksha teased. “Fine. I'll give you an hour.”
“Perfect. See you at the Goregaon Metro Station.” Arya said teasing.
As the call ended, Samiksha rose from the bed and wandered toward the window.
A few minutes later, the soft chime of a playlist played from Samiksha’s phone, filling the air as she adjusted her jacket in the mirror. The cropped F1 jacket hugged her shoulders perfectly, complementing the sleek black tank top underneath. Her dark blue skinny jeans felt snug but comfortable, and her white Air Jordans gleamed under the dull light of her room. She fastened her signature black sports watch around her wrist, its weight grounding her. Her hairs a bit flipped at the left side yet with satisfying volume on both sides. The natural glow of her skin and that shiny natural light reflecting on the nose creating a shiny point on the tip of her nose. As all she applies to her skin is a chapstick.
As she slipped her phone into the side pocket of her black backpack, she heard her mother’s voice floating in from the living room.
"Samiksha, don’t forget to lock the door properly when you leave!"
She kept her eyes stern, muttering, “Sure, because I always leave it wide open.”
Samiksha swung the backpack over her shoulder and walked into the living room. Her mother, Deepika, sat cross-legged on the floor near the couch, surrounded by a chaotic sprawl of clothes, cosmetics, and other travel essentials. A floral print short kurti hung loosely over her fitted trousers, her hair tied up in a messy bun. She was methodically folding and arranging items into an oversized uitcase.
“A whole month of Europe trip,” Samiksha said, leaning against the doorframe, her tone casual but tinged with generosity.
Deepika barely glanced up. “Yes. With your Mavshi's (Aunties mom's sisters) and Aaji's (grandma's) ofcourse, Europe isn’t going to see itself. And honestly, it’ll be good for you too, to have some time alone.”
Samiksha smirked faintly. “Right.”
Her mother stopped folding for a moment, her fingers lingering on the edge of a scarf. “You know how things are, Samiksha. I have my life, and you have yours. We’ve always been like this.”
“That’s one way to put it,” Samiksha said, keeping her voice light but feeling the sting of her mother’s words.
Deepika returned to packing, unbothered. “I hope you make good use of the time. Maybe start applying for jobs or—” she waved a hand vaguely, “whatever it is you want to do.”
Samiksha snorted, adjusting the strap of her backpack. “हो, हो Mammi, मी करेन. तुला काळजी करण्याची गरज नाही..”
(Yes, yes mom, I'll do it. Don't need to worry.)
Her mother offered a nonchalant hum in response, her attention already back on deciding between two pairs of sandals.
Samiksha lingered for a second longer, unsure if she wanted to say something more or just leave. But the tension was a familiar one, a well practiced dance between them. With a small sigh, she turned toward the door.
Deepika humed barely in response, while texting on her phone.
As Samiksha stepped out of the 2BHK apartment, the door clicking shut behind her, she felt an odd mix of relief and frustration. It wasn’t that she and her mother hated each other, they just didn’t fit, like two mismatched puzzle pieces forced to share the same frame.
She paused on the landing, adjusting her jacket, the day ahead was hers, free from the constraints of home and history.
Samiksha adjusted her backpack as she descended the final flight of stairs. The soft hum of activity outside the Cosmos Complex began to grow louder, the distant sound of vendors calling out, the occasional honk of a car horn, and the rhythmic thrum of the city waking up. She stepped into the open, squinting briefly against the sharp morning sunlight, the cool air a stark contrast to the warmth brewing in her chest.
The complex’s entrance was alive with energy: a chaiwala stirring a steaming pot, a group of elderly men discussing cricket near the newspaper stall, and a few kids darting around with their backpacks, likely heading to school. Samiksha adjusted her jacket as she approached the gate, her pace brisk but relaxed.
Just as she reached the iron gates, she spotted Arya walking toward her, her figure unmistakable in a flowy yellow kurta paired with white jeans and sneakers. A bright smile lit up Arya’s face, her hands carrying two steaming vada pavs wrapped in newspaper.
“You’re early,” Samiksha said, raising an eyebrow as she reached her. “Weren’t we supposed to meet at the Goregaon Metro Station?”
Arya grinned, holding out one of the vada pavs. “Change of plans. I thought I’d save you from your lonely walk. Plus, who can say no to vada pav for breakfast?”
Samiksha took the offering with a chuckle. “You’re a lifesaver. But you didn’t have to walk all the way here.”
Arya shrugged, her hair bouncing slightly in the breeze. “What can I say? I’m dedicated to my bestie.”
They started walking together, Arya chattering about the morning rush at the vada pav stall and how the vendor almost forgot to add the chutney. Samiksha nodded along, taking a bite of the warm, spicy snack, savoring the familiar flavors.
The city’s morning energy surrounded them as they strolled down the road. The sidewalks were crowded with people rushing to work, students balancing their heavy bags, and hawkers setting up shop. Wall paintings of colorful Mumbai scenes, fisherwomen, old trams, and bustling markets, added bursts of art to the otherwise concrete landscape.
“So,” Arya began, brushing crumbs off her hands, “are we hitting Marine Drive after CST? Or are you planning some other mysterious detour?”
“Marine Drive,” Samiksha confirmed, a small smile playing on her lips. “You know it’s my go-to. Besides, I could use some sea breeze after the chaos of CST.”
Arya nodded enthusiastically. “Good call. You need to loosen up a bit. You’re too serious most of the time. I swear, you’ve aged five years since we graduated.”
“Thanks for the compliment,” Samiksha replied dryly, rolling her eyes. “But I’m plenty fun, thank you very much.”
Arya laughed, a light, musical sound that turned a few heads as they walked.
They reached the Goregaon Metro Station, the platform already buzzing with activity. Samiksha swiped her metro card and gestured for Arya to follow.
As they boarded the train, Arya leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially, “Okay, so here’s the plan: we dominate the CST crowd, grab a second breakfast somewhere, and then chill at Marine Drive like queens. Sound good?”
Samiksha chuckled. “Sounds like a dream. But don’t start there with, we’re taking selfies at CST and everywhere, you own me after boring me out last time.”
Arya made a mock salute. “you're order acknowledged, your Majesty.”
The train began to move, the city blurring past them as they settled into their seats. Samiksha looked out the window, the towering buildings and crowded streets a testament to Mumbai’s relentless spirit. She felt a flicker of anticipation, today was going to be good. With Arya by her side and the city stretching out before them, it was hard not to feel alive.
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The train pulled into CST, and the rush of commuters and the clattering of metal echoed through the Indo-gothic historic station. Samiksha stepped off the train first, her stride confident as she adjusted her backpack. Arya followed closely behind, her eyes bright with excitement. The city’s pulse seemed to resonate in their footsteps as they made their way towards the platform exit.
The moment they emerged onto the bustling streets of CST, the world felt like it was alive, each corner, every street vendor, the hurrying crowds, it was like the city had a heartbeat of its own.
Samiksha pulled her jacket tighter, the urban warmth surrounding her, the noise almost like a second language that she had grown accustomed to. She didn’t need to pay much attention to the chaos around her; it was all part of the routine. It was the same energy that had defined her years of living here, in the labyrinth of narrow streets and towering buildings. The endless rhythm of the city felt strangely comforting to her.
Arya, on the other hand, was buzzing with the vibrancy of it all, her eyes darting from one thing to the next, soaking in the energy. She grabbed Samiksha’s arm excitedly. “Let’s go explore! I’ve missed this place so much.”
Samiksha gave a small nod, following Arya as they walked deeper into the streets. The footpaths were lined with vendors selling anything from small wooden sculptures to old jewelry, trinkets, and decorative items. The walls were decorated with murals, scenes of everyday life, some chaotic, others deeply philosophical, evoking reflections on Mumbai’s layered history. Samiksha noticed the art around her, the brush strokes, the colors, the stories being told and for a brief moment, her usually composed expression softened. She had always appreciated art, the kind that told tales of struggle, survival, and resilience. But she didn’t show it, not overtly. Her appreciation remained quiet, like a secret shared between her and the city itself.
They passed Crawford Market, its lanes thrumming with activity. The air was thick with the smells of spices, street food, and the occasional incense. Stalls displayed everything from antique artifacts to colorful saris, woven fabrics, and oddities from all over the world. Samiksha's eyes flickered to some old, yellowed books stacked in a corner, their pages faded and fragile. Literature, history, philosophy, and myths, things that intrigued her, but she never shared her deeper thoughts aloud. Her gaze lingered for a moment before Arya tugged her away.
“C’mon, let’s take a picture here,” Arya chirped, pulling out her phone.
Samiksha raised an eyebrow, glancing at the scene. “We’re here to explore, not to pose for pictures.”
“Oh please, one picture won’t kill you,” Arya insisted, her hands already framing Samiksha in front of the colorful murals.
Samiksha sighed, rolling her eyes but not pushing back. “Fine. One. But that’s it.”
Arya’s face lit up as she snapped a quick photo. “Done. Now we’re ready for the real fun.”
Samiksha chuckled, a rare flash of warmth breaking through her cool demeanor. “You’re relentless, you know that?”
“Only when it comes to you,” Arya replied, grinning. “Now, how about we grab some snacks and hit Marine Drive?”
They continued walking, the streets of CST buzzing around them, yet Samiksha felt the comfort of being with someone who understood her even in the midst of all this chaos. Arya was a little sunshine in the middle of the madness, balancing out Samiksha’s more grounded nature.
As they reached a corner where the road split into multiple pathways, Samiksha took a deep breath, letting the city fill her senses, its noise, its warmth, its contradictions. There was something about Mumbai that she loved but couldn’t quite put into words. It was messy, chaotic, and yet, it was home. And in this moment, surrounded by the colors and sounds, Samiksha felt an unexpected sense of peace.
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The auto rickshaw zipped through Mumbai’s busy streets, weaving through cars, bikes, and pedestrians with the practiced skill of someone who had been navigating chaos for years. Samiksha leaned back against the slightly tattered seat, the wind tugging at her hair. Arya, sitting beside her, was busy looking out at the city passing by in bursts of color and noise.
The auto rickshaw hummed along Marine Drive, the breeze carrying the salty scent of the sea into their faces. Arya leaned slightly out of the rickshaw, letting her hair whip in the wind. Samiksha sat beside her, arms crossed, looking cool and collected, but secretly enjoying the serenity of the moment.
Marine Drive stretched out like a perfect picture, waves crashing against the tetrapods, the skyline curving gracefully, and the iconic palm trees swaying in rhythm with the city’s heartbeat.
Arya broke the silence, grinning. “Man, I forgot how good this feels. Mumbai is chaotic, but this stretch? Pure therapy.”
Samiksha smirked. “Yeah, until a pigeon decides to poop on your head.”
Arya gasped dramatically, pulling her head back into the auto. “Aye dude!! Shut up! Don’t jinx it, man.”
And within minutes, they reached their destination.
Stepping out of the rickshaw, Samiksha handed the fare to the driver while Arya stretched lazily, her eyes scanning the surroundings. Marine Drive was alive as always, couples seated along the promenade, groups of friends laughing, vendors selling chai and roasted peanuts.
“Alright, ten minutes here, and then coffee. Deal?” Samiksha said, adjusting the strap of her backpack.
“Deal,” Arya replied, already walking towards the edge to get a better view of the sea.
They sat for a while, the calmness of the sea contrasting with the endless buzz of Mumbai behind them. Arya snapped a couple of pictures, and Samiksha rolled her eyes.
“Really? More selfies?”
“These aren’t for me. They’re for my Dad. He thinks I’ve been spending too much time indoors. If I send him these, he’ll stop nagging for a day.”
Samiksha smirked. “Wicked but smart.”
Arya winked. “I learn from the best.”
After soaking in the breeze for a while, they wandered through the classy streets near Marine Drive. Bougie shops lined the sidewalks, artisanal bakeries, designer boutiques, and vintage bookstores. Every building looked straight out of an aesthetic Pinterest board.
They stopped in front of a cozy, minimalist café with warm lighting spilling out onto the street. Samiksha pushed the door open, and a tiny bell jingled.
The café smelled like freshly brewed coffee and warm croissants. They found a corner table by a large window, the view offering a glimpse of the street outside. The interior was the epitome of cozy aesthetics, walls adorned with abstract paintings, a bookshelf brimming with old novels and trinkets, and soft, ambient lighting that made the entire space glow.
Near the large window overlooking the charming, bougie street, there was a corner setup of two plush sofas facing each other, with a small round table in between. Arya practically skipped over to claim the spot.
“Oh, this is the vibe,” Arya declared, dropping onto the sofa and sinking into its comforting cushions. “I feel like I’ve just walked into a Pinterest board.”
Samiksha chuckled, sliding into the seat opposite her. “Yeah, if Pinterest also had overpriced coffee and people pretending to be deep while sipping lattes.”
Arya grabbed the menu. “Pretending? Babe, I’m about to be that deep girl. Watch me.” She struck a dramatic pose, holding the menu like a script. “A caramel latte and existential musings on the side, please.”
Samiksha rolled her eyes, a smirk tugging at her lips. “If you start quoting Rumi, I’m walking out.”
Arya grinned. “Oh, come on, I know you secretly love this aesthetic crap.”
Samiksha hesitated for half a second, then smirked. “Maybe. Minus the random vintage typewriter. Who’s actually typing letters to the past, huh?”
Arya laughed, and the waiter arrived to take their order. After ordering their drinks, they settled into the sofas, the city humming softly outside the window.
“You know what, Arya?” Samiksha began, breaking the silence, her tone casually serious.
Arya didn’t notice at first, absorbed in her phone. “Mmm?”
Samiksha shifted in her seat, giving a tiny shrug. “I’ve been thinking.”
Arya looked up, quirking an eyebrow. “Oh God, this sounds like we’re about to get deep. You’re not about to make me cry or anything, right?”
“No promises,” Samiksha replied dryly, her lips twitching. “But seriously, I think it’s time for me to move out.”
Arya froze, her phone forgotten. “Wait, hold up, you mean like... leave your house? As in, not live with your... fun Mammi (Mom) anymore?” She emphasized “fun” with a playful smirk, knowing exactly where Samiksha was coming from.
Samiksha leaned back against the couch, arms crossed with a knowing look in her eyes. “Yep. I’m 24 now, Arya. I think I’m entitled to my own damn space, don’t you think?”
Arya took a moment, then laughed, leaning forward. “God, I’ve been waiting for you to say this. But seriously, your space? You mean your own sanity because, Jesus, every time I hear you talk about your mom, it sounds like you're living in a telenovela.”
Samiksha let out a small chuckle, the edges of her serious tone slipping. “You have no idea. It’s like being stuck in the middle of a drama series more like Big Boss (A reality TV show, famous in India) with no remote to change the channel.”
“Oh, I know,” Arya grinned, leaning back. “I’ve seen the chaos, Sam. I know your mom. She’s, like, low-key a reality show, but it’s not the fun kind where they have, like, cool challenges and wine. It's more like drama, tears, and the ‘what the hell am I doing here?’ kind of chaos.”
Samiksha rolled her eyes. “Okay, fine. She’s annoying. She nitpicks about everything, how I dress, how I talk, how I breathe, probably. And then she acts like she knows me better than I know myself.”
Arya chuckled. “Classic desi mom energy.”
Samiksha leaned forward. “No, but she’s impossible sometimes. Last week, she said my entire personality is too ‘masculine.’ Like, sorry for not being the sanskari saree wearing daughter she probably wanted.”
Arya snorted. “To be fair, you are kind of a tomboy. But that's completely cool, No bullshit, just vibes.”
Samiksha sighed, running a hand through her hair and she chuckled. “You know yesterday. She was packing for the Europe trip with her Mavshi's (Mother's sisters) my Aaji's (grandma's) and also my Mavshi's (Samiksha's Aunties, Deepika's cousin sisters), right? And she was like, ‘I hope you don’t burn the flat down while I’m gone.’ Like, dude excuse me? I’m 24, not 12.”
Arya snorted. “To be honest, you are a fire... more like Volcano yourself. No offense.”
Samiksha shifted the phone and earbuds aside as the Hot chocolate and Croissants arrived. “Never taken. But rude! I’ve never burned anything in my life. Except maybe... bridges with toxic people.”
Arya raised her cup in a mock toast. “Cheers to that.”
Samiksha couldn’t help but laugh, shaking her head. “But you know, she also told to all my Aaji's and Mavshi's about how risky I would be."
Arya’s eyes widened in exaggerated disbelief. “Hold up, Sam, your mom’s got a serious talent for making everything sound like a public trial. Girl, you need a lawyer for those days.”
Samiksha laughed harder. “I swear, I need a whole legal defense for my existence.”
Arya leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mock seriousness. “So, when you move out, you’re gonna put up a ‘no contact’ sign, right? Or are you planning to put her on speed dial like a disaster hotline?”
“Oh, she’s already on speed dial, trust me,” Samiksha said with a half-smile, rolling her eyes. “It’s just that every time she calls, it’s like the apocalypse is near. And she's gonna start of exaggerated Like, ‘Why didn't you pick up the call? With whome are you? Don't be with some hasty friends for yours?’ well, atleast she doesn't count you in all my friends bro who are just average in studies.”
Arya burst into laughter, covering her mouth. “Oh my god, your mom’s literally the living version of a guilt trip. You should charge her for emotional distress!”
Samiksha shot Arya a deadpan look. “I’m actually considering it. I’ve got a solid case on my hands, don’t you think?”
Arya snorted, sipping her own drink. “You’re gonna need more than a lawyer, Sam. You might need a whole team of therapists.”
Arya chuckled. “Good for you. You know what? I might just join you in this whole ‘moving out’ revolution. Two badass women conquering the world, one overpriced apartment at a time.”
Samiksha smirked. “I’d say we’re a pretty solid team. Just make sure you Maintain the horribly sanskari good girl act in front of my Mammi.”
“Deal,” Arya grinned, winking.
Samiksha leaned back in her seat, glancing out at the sea sipping the hot coco. “Speaking of survival... Have you thought about how you’re going to convince your dad when the time comes? I know he’s all chill, but what about your mom?” she asked, turning her attention to Arya. "I mean, she’s always out of the country, so I’m guessing you won’t even need to negotiate with her much. But still, your dad's always supporting you. That's cool.”
Arya chuckled, her smile mischievous. “My mom’s got her hands full with work. And Dad? He’ll probably give me a high-five and a ‘you’re a grown woman, go do your thing.’ He’s that chill.” She paused. “But you...”
Samiksha’s expression softened, and she tapped her fingers on the table. “Yeah... that’s the problem, isn’t it?”
“I mean, I know how strict your mom can be. She’s... not exactly ‘mom of the year’ material, huh?” Arya said, sipping her hot chocolate.
Samiksha chuckled bitterly, and sighed, rubbing her temples. “She’s just... always telling me what, what mistakes I'll always maķe and not the possibility... it's like I'll do the exact mistake as she said so, guarantee. Well, but non of it ever happened. Accept for telling me what to do, what not to do, what career path I should follow, she's telling me this....”
Arya raised her eyebrows, the playful glint still there. “So, you’re just going to walk into your house and tell her, ‘Hey, Mom, I’m moving out, peace’? Is that the plan?”
"Alright, Arya," Samiksha began, her voice calm but with that unmistakable edge of confidence. "Here’s the thing, I've got it all figured out." She smirked, tapping her fingers on the table in a rhythm only she could understand.
Arya raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Oh, I see. The mastermind’s at work again. What’s your genius plan this time?"
Samiksha grinned, leaning forward conspiratorially. "So, my mother’s going to Europe in two days, right? I’ve got the perfect window to strike. When I get home, I’m going to casually drop the bomb. You know, ‘Hey, Mammi, I’m moving out. Here’s the job offers I got.’”
"So, let me get this straight," Arya started, stirring her coffee slowly, trying to keep up with Samiksha’s intricate plan. "You’re going to convince your mammi, show her the job offers, and then you’ll be out of the house? Just like that?"
Samiksha raised an eyebrow. "Well, not just like that. You know me better than that, Arya. It’s all about playing the game. I’ll show her the job offers, no one can deny those, and they'll speak for themselves. Plus, I’ve completed my M.Arch, which is a big deal. I’ve got a solid foundation, and Mammi will respect that."
Arya smirked. "Yeah, well, your mom’s not exactly an easy one to impress. I mean, you’re talking about Deepika Aunty here, the woman who’s made it clear that she’d prefer to plan your life down to the last detail."
Samiksha chuckled darkly. "Exactly. But that’s where the fun begins. I’m prepared for everything she might throw at me. And I’ll answer all her questions, no gaps, no weak spots. I’ve got a response ready for everything like always."
Arya leaned back, clearly impressed. "Yeah, really are a mastermind. You’ve thought of everything like always, haven’t you?"
"Of course," Samiksha said with a shrug, as if it were the most natural thing in the world even it was when it came to Samiksha herself. "I’m also going to tell her that I’ll be moving in with you. You know, get that approval locked down. And I’ll give her all the details just enough to make her think I’m making a responsible choice. But of course, I won’t overwhelm her. You have to ease them into these things."
"Of course," Arya agreed, her voice dripping with sarcasm, "because showing her that you’re going to move out with me and we’re both going to... what? Find an apartment in a day or two? Sounds like a totally smooth plan."
Samiksha smirked again. "Well, that’s where you come in. You’ve got that charm, Arya. Maybe you can ask your dad to help out with finding us a place. He’s got connections, right? Broker friends or something. He can at least point us in the right direction."
Arya laughed, raising an eyebrow. "You’re really pulling out all the stops, huh? Alright, I’ll talk to him. He’ll probably help, but finding a place in two days? We’re going to need some luck on our side."
"Luck?" Samiksha rolled her eyes. "Please. We need luck as well as we need strategy. And I’ve got that covered." She paused for a moment, letting her words hang in the air. "Besides, it’s all about the timing. We’ve got two days. I’ll have everything set up before your father even knows what’s hit him."
Arya leaned forward again, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "And what about your mom? You think you can really convince her, even with all the offers and plans you’ve got? You know she’s got that radar for the tiniest little slip-up."
Samiksha’s face softened for a moment, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I’ll be fine. I’ve learned to keep my cool. Plus, I know her, she’s going to Europe soon, so she won’t have the time or energy to argue with me. I’ll give her the facts, tell her everything she needs to know, and then she’ll be distracted by her trip. By the time she gets back, I’ll be out of the house, and she’ll be forced to accept it."
"God, you really do have it all figured out, don’t you?" Arya muttered, a little awed by Samiksha’s poise. "What about the lies, though? You’re not exactly going to be upfront about... everything, are you?"
Samiksha’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, I’m not lying, just... bending the truth a little. It’s all about making it sound believable. Deepika doesn’t need to know everything, only what she needs to hear. I’ll tell her I’ve got things under control, that I’m taking responsibility. She’ll buy it, no doubt."
Arya grinned. "And the same old Samiksha also outdoing herself this time too. As always maintaining the record."
Samiksha leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms, a sincere a bit serious look on her face. "I know what I’m doing. Very well."
Arya chuckled. "You sure do. Alright, I’ll talk to my dad, and we’ll figure out the apartment. Just... don’t go overboard with the ‘bending the truth’ thing. I don't even need to tell you this you know it better than anyone."
Samiksha winked.
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As Samiksha stepped into the entrance of her home. The faint aroma of freshly brewed tea mixed with the crisp coolness of the evening. Her mother, Deepika, was in the living room, meticulously arranging documents for her upcoming Europe trip.
Samiksha took a moment, standing by the doorway, her mind racing through the intricate layers of her plan. It's showtime, she told herself. After all, this wasn’t just a conversation, it was an execution of a carefully crafted masterpiece.
She walked into the room with an air of nonchalance, carrying a hint of her signature confidence. "Mammi," she said, placing her bag on the sofa and sitting down across from Deepika.
Deepika looked up briefly, her expression sharp and focused, as always. "You’re home early," she remarked, returning to her documents.
"Yeah, had some things to figure out," Samiksha replied casually. She leaned back, her tone light but calculated. "Oh, by the way, I was thinking... Arya and I were talking today, and we figured it might be a good time for me to move out."
Deepika froze mid-motion, her gaze snapping up to meet Samiksha's. "Move out?" Her voice was sharp, but Samiksha could detect the faintest hint of surprise.
Samiksha nodded, keeping her demeanor steady. "Yeah, I mean, it’s about time, right? I’ve got job offers lined up, and it’s not like I’ll be far. Arya and I are thinking of sharing a place. Makes sense, doesn’t it?"
Deepika narrowed her eyes slightly, her skeptical gaze boring into Samiksha. "And what about your expenses? Rent? Utilities? How do you plan to handle all that?"
Samiksha shrugged, feigning ease. "You know I’ve been investing in stocks since I was 18. I’ve got a steady income from those. Besides, these job offers,", she pulled out a neatly arranged folder and slid it across the table, "they’re good. Really good. I can manage everything on my own. You don’t have to worry about a thing."
Deepika glanced at the folder but didn’t pick it up. "This seems... sudden."
Samiksha tilted her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "It’s not sudden. I’ve been thinking about it for a while. And with your Europe trip coming up, it’s the perfect time. By the time you’re back, I’ll be settled, and you won’t even have to deal with the transition."
Deepika’s lips tightened, but she didn’t respond immediately. She seemed to be weighing her options, calculating. Samiksha knew her mother well knew that presenting everything as calm, logical, and already decided was the key to success.
"I see," Deepika finally said, her tone measured. "And where exactly do you plan to stay? You don’t even have a place yet."
Samiksha chuckled softly. "Arya’s dad is helping us out. He’s got connections, and we’re looking at a few places tomorrow. It’s all under control."
Deepika’s gaze lingered on her for a moment longer before she returned to her documents. "Fine. Do what you want. Just make sure you’re not calling me for help every other day."
Samiksha suppressed a triumphant smile. "Of course, Mammi. You won’t even know I’m gone."
With that, Deepika dismissed her with a wave of her hand, clearly more interested in her Europe trip preparations. Samiksha stood, picking up her bag and walking toward her room, her mind already racing ahead to the next steps.
One step down, a million to go, she thought, a flicker of satisfaction glinting in her eyes. Deepika might be strict, even toxic at times, but Samiksha was Samiksha, mastermind, planner, and executor. And as always, she had everything under control.
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