baby corn, baby carrot, baby peas,

Their business of lunchboxes expanded multifold in 7 years. During the whole seven years, Ira helped her mom preparing lunch boxes. It wasn't much of a surprise that she became a good cook. But to Sia, it would be jaw-dropping. 

In the kitchen, the two women were busy cooking.

One frying onion fritters, while the other was busy boiling water.

Yes! Boiling water to make tea.

The mother-daughter pair enjoyed tea with some evening snacks.

The former was surprised by Ira's actions. She had never even entered the kitchen to get herself a glass of water and have always relied on the services of the servants 24*7.

Ira turned to look at Sia, who was still dumbfounded and worried by her sudden change in behavior. Though the changes were small, Ira had thrown out the idea of 'Giving Mom a Day Off' from her mind.

Ira didn't want the others to see the drastic change in her attitude. Thus, she thought of showing little changes rather than jumping ship and changing her attitude completely.

That's why, this time, she didn't cook. Instead, she observed Sia Rai cook with fake interest.

Ira was trying her best to act clueless in that situation. She would sporadically ask questions that her mom explained.

She remembered the first time her mom taught her how to cook...

______________________________

Vegetable stir-fry:

"To make stir-fry vegetables, you have to ensure that all the vegetables are cooked evenly."

She had explained how some vegetables became harder when they took longer to cook.

"Stir faster! You will burn them!"

"Stop! Slow down, you are splattering it everywhere!"

"Fast, Slow.. stick to one." Looking at the vegetables on the floor that had fallen directly from the pan, Ira proudly commented, "The only thing I know how to stir is trouble."

...…...

'The times when you held me and said everything was okay. You hugged me even when I was so loathsome… You kissed my cheeks and loved me dearly… Even when your husband and son died because of me. Thank you… thank you for never hating me, Mom. I promise I will be better,' she vowed silently in her heart.

Waiting for the perfect opportunity, Ira said: "Mom, add baby corn, too."

"Ah! Okay." Sia nodded.

"Also, add some baby carrot, baby peas, baby spinach, baby broccoli, and baby beet!"

Though Ira tried hard, Sia was still confused at hearing Ira's words. She couldn't figure out the hints. 

"Where is your mango pickle? I have cravings these days. I'm also craving some chocolate ice cream for dessert." Ira gave a significant clue.

Finally, Sia got the clue and smiled with tears in her eyes. She anticipated Ira's next words.

"Mom, you will be a grandma," Ira gave her good news. Her daughter was expecting.

They hugged and cried on each other's arms. Only Sia knew of Ira's aversion to pregnancy. She could tell from experience that Ira was on pills. She even confronted her once. Ira, as usual, waved her confrontation off. Throughout, she kept her mum since she knew the reason. To her, this news was beyond belief, striking her with unprecedented joy.

"You have matured, Ira. Even if it's hard, try to love and be sincere," she advised. The lack of love between the couple was apparent. She prayed that the baby could positively enhance their relationship.  After having a mother-daughter talk, Ira called Vivan. 

"Viv, come to my parent's place for dinner," she said before abruptly cutting off the call before he could answer.

That was the old Ira's style. Slow and steady changes! 

The dinner table was full of delicacies. All were her favorites.

Her daughter's newfound love for sweets surprised Sia. Ira was never fond of sweets. She guessed it was due to her pregnancy. Most of the items on the table were sweets and desserts.

In reality, Ira's love for sweets came from her last life. While her mother made all the lunch boxes, the daughter complimented it with desserts!