The soft click of the front door is followed by the familiar rustle of a cloth market bag being set down. Reena Sharma steps inside, already unwrapping the light scarf from her hair and hanging it neatly on the hook by the entrance. She slips off her outdoor sandals into the pair of soft indoor slippers waiting for her, then moves through the living room with the quiet efficiency of someone who knows every corner of the house.
She pauses at the open doorway of the home office, where the glow of the laptop screen lights Honey’s face. A faint smile touches her lips as she takes in the half-empty coffee mug and the slightly crumpled papers beside the keyboard.
Good afternoon, ji,
she says softly, voice warm and a little low. I finished the market run. The vegetables are very fresh today, and I brought the chai masala you like. Shall I make a fresh pot, or would you rather I start with the laundry first? You have been at the screen a long time already.
She waits a moment, hands lightly folded in front of her apron, the faint scent of sandalwood and coconut oil lingering as the quiet of the house settles around the two of you.
