Riri

It's finally a peaceful day for me. A peaceful Wednesday.

Do you realise how much that means to a creature like me? I'm finally getting a break from all the pampering and kisses and hugs.

Like honestly, trust me, I love my mom's hugs, she's the best hugger in the world. But sometimes, she forgets I'm a cat.. and as much as I am her daughter, I'm nowhere near a hugger.

And today is finally a day where I'll have no obligations to hug, kiss, purr, or show affection to anyone. Because I'm not even home today. I'm at one of my aunt's places.

Anvi's place is to be specific.

Now you might be wondering why that is the case. Well, the house is empty. Empty like there's not a single person home today to take care of me. And my mum wouldn't dare leave me alone because she knows I need princess treatment twenty-four-seven.

Kaynaaz was supposed to stay home today, because she has a day off from her college and internship, but she got caught up in some "important" work. Now I'm not saying that she's making excuses to babysit me, because I for sure know no one would dare to miss out on such a golden opportunity, but her "important" work might involve Aayan. I said it! And I'm seventy per cent sure that's the truth.

Or she could just be going to meet one of her friends, but if my hopeless romantic heart finally wants them to go from whatever this I-do-not-love-him phase to lovers, I will make up scenarios to fulfil it.

Sigh. Talk about lovers. Everyone is getting somewhere.

Last night, Shivyansh had blown up my mom's phone, and when they called, I found out that he'd secured himself a date. With Mariam. And like mom, I also thought he was being delusional, until Mariam herself called mom an hour late, begging Mum to help her pick a dress.

Who would've thought? Cold, scary mum's best friend would turn out to be my second mum's simp.

And that isn't even the end of this love saga.

I also found out, from sources, that Avi bhaiya proposed to Rooh. Like, finally, it was about time. And obviously, everyone already knows that my cool aunt, aka Anvi, and Ishaan are already dating. They're like the most sexy couple ever. If I had a boyfriend, I'd definitely want him to be like Ishaan.

The only ones who seem to be getting absolutely nowhere are Kanishk and Ipshita. Like, how do you get married, and not be like a married couple? Whenever I see them, they're like 20 feet apart when they're literally supposed to be together.

But then again, who knows what's going on behind their bedroom.. I don't want to know, honestly.

I really hope my mum plays her cupid power on them too. She's really something. I never have complaints from her. Except. With one thing.

When is this woman going to stop playing cupid for everyone else and get me a dad? Don't you think it's about time?

I mean, I can understand where her mind is still at. From what I've heard, her break-up was brutal, and had it been me, I would've lost my mind.

But it's been a while now. Plus. Plus. I think we've already found her future husband. And he's very well aware of this fact himself.

Dad, Ansh, that is, and I have already accepted the fact that we're going to be family soon. The only obstacle is Mom and her stupid, stupid denial.

Like, Mom. Be for real.

Don't pretend you weren't literally staring at his lips when he came to visit us on Sunday. I saw it. I was right there. Also, not to be dramatic, but I definitely caught the look on your face when he left, like someone just took your favourite book and never brought it back.

And not to forget the texting. Oh, the texting. You've been messaging him like a lovesick teen for two weeks straight. If that doesn't scream "I'm in denial about being in love," then I don't know what does.

Also, on Sunday? Dad cuddled me. Full arms-wrapped, chest-against-fur, cheek-on-my-head kind of cuddle. He stroked my back like I was the most precious thing in the world, which, let's be honest, I am. And he told me I was a good girl. That's family-level affection.

So yeah. I've rightfully accepted myself as a Sharma. As much as Mom might hate hearing that. It's the truth. I said what I said. And I'm gonna manifest it.

I know manifestations are things that people don't really believe them, and I didn't even know what they meant until like 10 seconds ago. Now I do, because Anvi told me.

It's when you really really want something and you believe it in your heart, and you pretend like it's already true. Like if I want an Oreo, I close my eyes and imagine eating it, and I feel super happy like it's already on the way to my stomach. Then the universe hears me and maybe gives it to me later. It's like wishing, but with feelings and believing.

So now she and I are meditating and manifesting.

"So, Riri," she begins, like she's sure I'm following every word, "you close your eyes and imagine something you really want. Like right now, I'm imagining I'm a hundred miles away from this city, on a beach," she grins, "with Ishaan, eating delicious food, swimming, and having lots and lots of se—" she stops, eyes flicking to me, "—seafood. Yep. Seafood."

Oh, come on, woman, I know you were gonna say sex.

With an exaggerated sigh, she shifts, folding her legs and sitting up straight like a meditation guru. Her hands press together, fingers in a dramatic mudra.

"I am manifesting shrimp," she intones, eyes closed. "I am manifesting mojitos. I am manifesting shirtless Ishaan and seven-course seafood platters."

I blink up at her, tail flicking. She cracks one eye open and raises an eyebrow.

"Well?" she says. "You gonna manifest something or just keep judging me with your silence?"

I blink again. She takes it as a spiritual affirmation.

Then slowly, I close my eyes too. If she can manifest snacks and shirtless men, I can at least try.

I settle into a loaf, paws tucked neatly under me. I am manifesting Mum and Ansh getting married. Matching outfits. A big cake. Maybe a little human sibling for me to steal snacks from.

It's peaceful. Quiet. My tail isn't even twitching.

Until it is.

Because now I hear it.

Smooch.

A pause.

And again the same noise.

My ears flick. I open one eye.

Oh, you have got to be kidding me.

I stare at the scene in front of me. Ishaan leans over Anvi, kissing her like they're in the final scene of a rom-com. Shirtless—obviously. His skin glows like he moisturises with sunlight, abs casually existing like he wasn't just summoned into this room through sheer manifestation energy. His hair's damp, messy in that "I just got out of the shower and I know I look good" kind of way.

She's still cross-legged, head tilted back, arms resting on her knees, smiling into the kiss like she planned this all along. Like this was part of the spell.

I stare.

They continue.

Seriously?

I let out a sharp, pointed meow. The judgmental kind. The kind that says, There are children in this room.

Specifically, me.

Anvi breaks the kiss with a soft, dreamy sigh, then tilts her head toward me without even opening her eyes.

"I guess half my manifestation already came true," she says, voice syrupy with smugness.

I swat the edge of the blanket in protest, tail lashing once behind me.

I thought y'all were better.

Anvi just grins, completely unbothered by the sheer audacity she and her half-naked boyfriend just displayed. She reaches down and scoops me into her arms like I'm some baby she needs to coddle, ignoring the fact that I am a creature of higher standards.

"Aww, don't be mad," she coos, nuzzling her nose against mine. "He's just impatient."

I roll my eyes. Or, at least, I blink slowly enough to make the message clear: Get a room. Or maybe don't. Because you're supposed to be taking care of me.

Behind her, Ishaan is still shirtless, leaning against the wall like he belongs on a beach calendar. His hair's still damp, a lazy curl falling over one eyebrow, and there's that stupid smirk playing on his lips, like he knows exactly how beautiful his face is.

"Can you blame me?" he says, eyes fixed on Anvi with a hunger that makes me want to leave. "You manifested me too well."

I make a noise in response. Not a meow. A freaking statement.

Anvi giggles, then presses a dramatic kiss to the top of my head. "Alright, spiritual time's over."

She turns, cradling me like I'm some fluffy offering, and strolls toward the door. I squirm, knowing what's about to happen to me.

Sure enough, the moment we reach the hallway, she sets me gently on the floor. Pats my head. Smiles sweetly.

"Be a good girl, Riri," she whispers like I'm being tucked in for a nap and not being thrown put.

Then, click.

The door shuts.

Right in my face.

I sit there in silence for a second, blinking at the wood. Processing.

Wow.

Just wow.

I stretch my paw up and tap the door once. Not hard. Just enough to say: You'll regret this.

Then I turn, tail high, whiskers twitching with righteous fury and strut down the hallway like the queen I am.

Manifestation, my tail.

Enjoy your seafood, lovebirds. Hope you choke on it.

My mother will hear about this. And so will my dad, the next time I see him.