“What are you doing here?” Ajabdeh turned as the kitchen lights were switched on and she closed the door of the fridge noiselessly. They have been in the generous hospitality of Mr and Mrs Singh since her mother was discharged two weeks ago and both Heer and she had tried their best to stay out of the family’s private space. However, Jaivanta had insisted that they shared the kitchen. Whatever food was cooked was also made for the ladies and Jaivanta herself made sure Hansa’s Liquid diet chart was followed. Today was one of the days Ajabdeh had worked past midnight and had missed dinner. After much thinking, she decided to walk into the kitchen to find some leftovers and hoped everyone was asleep. But she was wrong.
Pratap had just changed into his grey pyjamas and a comfortable black round-necked t-shirt for the night and came down to fix dinner. Most days he came home after midnight and liked to relax to some music while cooking his own meal. It was his space of relaxation. Today he was amazed to find himself in the company of Ajabdeh who looked very different with her open hair, and purple pyjamas.
“Umm... I am sorry I didn’t mean to wake...” Ajabdeh was conscious. In a rather informal way, he looked with his messy hair and she was in her pyjamas.
“Oh, you didn’t wake me up. Do you need anything?” Pratap asked leaning against the kitchen counter.
“I ... No....” Ajabdeh nodded and thought it was best to leave.
“Were you sleepwalking, then?” Pratap frowned.
“No, I... just came home...” Ajabdeh spoke, biting her lips and looking away awkwardly. “From work?” He asked. She nodded.
“And I was hoping to find some leftover dinner.” She spoke looking at him with a sheepish smile.
“Did you find any?” He asked, crossing his arms on his chest. She shook her head.
“It's Ranima. She doesn’t let Sajja Kaki keep any left over.” He smiled “But I am making dinner. You can help?” Ajabdeh looked a little taken aback at his offer.
“You are making dinner?” She asked, “At this hour?”
“Yes. I always make dinner for myself. It is the one time of the day I feel relaxed. So... join in.”
“I.... don’t know how to cook.” Ajabdeh smiled sheepishly as he sorted out some vegetables and washed them.
“That’s okay you can help chop?” He asked as she looked out of place.
“You have never been to the kitchen back home?” He questioned, surprised. She shook her head. “I have been working and it was Heer and Mom who...”
“I guess you can pour a glass of wine then?” He asked chopping the vegetables. She looked up confused.
“Wine. There.” He pointed with his cutting knife at a drawer. “You will find glasses in there. Help yourself and pour me some.”
Ajabdeh sat up in the corner of the counter looking at the clock with all her attention as Pratap instructed her to switch the stove off after ten minutes. He was busy making tortillas perfectly round and thin.
Sipping on her wine Ajabdeh concentrated on the clock making him smile as he observed from the corner of his eye.
“You will eat the best wrap you ever tasted today.” He said. She jumped down from the counter and walked to the stove.
“Shit. Which direction does the knob go?” She asked almost to herself. “Right.” He replied without looking up. “Am sorry.” She said in guilt “I wish I could help.”
“You are.” He smiled “For the first time in years I am not having dinner alone at home.” He made her smile.
“How is Aunty recovering?” He asked wrapping the stuffing up.
“Well, the doctor said the next two months are crucial. In case the tumours come back it's fatal.” Ajabdeh looked pale.
“I hope it doesn’t.” He said setting up two plates.
“Me too,” Ajabdeh spoke. He handed her a plate and waited for her to taste it. Her eyes went wide in admiration and Pratap smiled at the expected reaction.
“It’s good. Thank you so much. And sorry for the trouble Mr Singh.” Ajabdeh spoke. Pratap shook his head.
“At least don’t make my home sound like an office, Ajabdeh!” He shrugged “I am tired of the Sirs and Mr Singh all day already. Pratap please.”
“Okay.” Ajabdeh smiled “Thank you for the dinner, Pratap.”
“How is the wine?” he asked, sitting up on the counter across from hers. “Very good.” She said.
“Dad got it from France.” He said, “I think!”
After relatively two minutes of awkward silence, Pratap asked “So it’s Friday night today, what are your weekend plans?”
Ajabdeh answered his question with another.
“Are you interested in charities?” He nodded taking the last sip from his glass and carrying the empty plate to the sink. “My mother does most of it in our family name. Why do you ask?”
“Oh ... just...” She stopped at his stare. “I have recently started one from the company.” “What is it on?” He asked curiously.
“Well, it’s for handicapped pets.” Ajabdeh expected him to look at her with questioning eyes and he did.
“Handicapped pets?” He enquired “Tell me more.”
“Well, each Sunday I help this organisation that takes care of handicapped pets which people are heartless to abandon. That includes farm animals like pigs, horses, and cows with deformities and pets like cats and dogs who can’t walk, see or hear. We provide them with home, food, medical aid.” She spoke so passionately about it that Pratap noticed her eyes sparkle. “We not only donate, but with the little time I have on Sunday, I volunteer. I have always loved dogs and being with them makes me....” She stopped at his stare.
“Well, that’s very interesting.” He said, “Ajabdeh Punwar has another side too.” She narrowed her brows at his words. “Can we come along?” Ajabdeh was surprised. She hoped to ask for a generous donation at the most.
“Come to volunteer?” She clarified, a little alarmed.
“Yes, I can’t speak for Shakti but I might like putting my Sunday to good use.” Pratap smiled.
“Both you and Shakti are more than welcome.” Ajabdeh nodded. “Sunday 10AM then?” He agreed.
“Should I clean the...” she asked looking around at the mess.
“Oh no, go to bed, Kaka will do it in the morning,” Pratap said looking around. “I will text you the address, goodnight Pratap.” She walked away. “Goodnight Ajabdeh.” He smiled.
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