A candid talk with Dexter

As they finished their meal and paid the bill, Naisargi received a call from her cousin who was going to pick her up. She lived with her elder cousin who owned a chain of footwear stores.

"Hey Yashi, let me give you a ride home," Dexter offered.

"No, no. It's fine Dexter, I can just take my car. Drop me at the studio." Yashi hesitated.

"Come on, it's no trouble. We've known each other for too long to stand on formality," Dexter insisted.

"Okay, fine. But only if you're sure, you have just travelled back today," Yashi relented.

"No trouble at all," Dexter said, opening the passenger door for her.

"Thank you and actually, I wanted to talk to you about something too." Yashi said in a tone which sounded serious.

"So, how's everything going with your family's business?" Yashi asked, looking over at Dexter as they drove.

"It's been tough," Dexter admitted, letting out a sigh. "My dad's health took a turn for the worse, and my sister and I had to go back home to help stabilize things. But we're starting to turn things around now, thankfully."

"That's great to hear," Yashi said, a look of concern on her face. "But is everything alright now? I know your mom was little worried."

"My mom called you, didn't she?" Dexter said with a chuckle, shaking his head. "She's been trying to get me to come back for a while now."

"Yes, she did. But even if she had not, I still would have asked you and listen to your thoughts." said Yashi paying a close attention to Dexter.

"I know that, Yashi," Dexter replied, "But my sister is more than capable of handling things. She's already turned things around, I have faith in her. Plus, I really enjoy what I'm doing here. It's my passion."

"I understand, and I'll support you in whatever decision you make. But still, I want to tell you this that I do think it's important for you to visit home more often and talk more to your mother and sister. They need to know that you're there for them, and that you don't want your sister to bear too much of the burden alone. Don't behave the same way as you used to, situations have changed. Family is much more important then we think they are." advised Yashi.

"I'll talk to my sister and see if we can figure out a schedule that works for both of us. And I'll definitely make sure to check in with my mother more often." Dexter said reassuring Yashi.

Yashi stepped out of the car and made her way inside her building. Dexter watched her go before heading back to his own home.

He was feeling a mix of emotions, relieved that the day was finally over, but also a little worried about his family.

"Hey sis, just wanted to check in and see how things are going," Dexter said as soon as his sister picked up.

"Things are good, I think we're getting a handle on everything. Don't worry about it, Dexter." his sister reassured him.

Dexter hung up the phone feeling a little better.

He went to his workspace in the apartment and started to work on some designs for accessories for the fashion show. He was inspired by botanical designs and he wanted to incorporate that into his pieces. He spent the next few hours sketching and experimenting with different materials.

As he wrapped up his work, Dexter felt a sense of accomplishment. He was pleased with how the designs were coming along and he knew they would be a great addition to the show. He sent an email to the hairstylist, asking for her suggestions on how to incorporate the botanical designs into the hairstyles as well. He then took a shower, feeling the exhaustion of the day wash over him as the warm water ran down his body.

As Dexter settled into bed, his mind couldn't help but wander to thoughts of Yashi. He couldn't help but smile as he thought about how she always seemed to take care of those around her, even if she didn't always show it. The way she had listened attentively as he spoke about his family's business troubles, offering her support and advice, made him feel a sense of immense joy.

As he thought about her, he couldn't help but feel a flutter of butterflies in his stomach. He remembered the time when he was going through a tough time in college and she had been there to listen to him and offer her support, despite her busy schedule. He knew that she was someone he could always count on, and he felt incredibly lucky to have her in his life.

Dexter went to sleep content.

On the other hand, Yashi couldn't stop thinking about Dexter and his family's struggles when she reached home. She knew that he always put on a carefree facade, but deep down he was just deeply concerned about his family. She picked up her phone and dialed Dexter's mother's number.

"Hello?" came the familiar voice on the other end.

"Mrs. Lucas, it's Yashi," she said, "I just wanted to check in and see how everything is going."

"Oh, Yashi, thank you for calling," Dexter's mother said, "It's been a rough few weeks, but we're managing. Dexter's sister is doing an amazing job taking care of the business, but I just can't help but worry about him."

"Don't worry, Mrs. Lucas," Yashi reassured her, "I'll look after him. Let me know if you need anything and thank you for the delicious food. It made my day."

"You are always welcome. Come home with Dexter sometimes. It has been very long since I last saw you," Mrs. Lucas said.

"I will, Mrs. Lucas, as soon as I find some time off. Take care of yourself and uncle. Feel free to call me anytime," Yashi said.

Yashi hung up the phone, a warmth spreading through her chest. She knew that she couldn't change the situation with Dexter's family, but she could be there for them and make sure they know that they weren't alone.

She then took a long hot shower, letting the water wash away the stress of the day. She changed into comfortable night suit and sat down at her desk. She opened her diary and began jotting down notes from the day's events. She reflected on the progress of her fashion show preparations. She also wrote down her thoughts on Dexter and his family.

She then went to her bed, with a light smile on her face, ready to have a good night sleep.