Chapter 4 From feud to frenzy

Lillian planned to prepare chicken biryani for Rani. They both loved the dish and Lillian reasoned this gesture would soften Rani's heart. When she got to Rani's house, her heart thumped so loud. She was scared and hesitated to ring the bell. But she finally summoned up the courage. When she did, Rani's help opened the door and ushered her in. She asked about Rani and the help said she wasn't yet back from work because something had happened. Lillian let out a sigh, at least her mind can now be at ease a little knowing that Rani was not deliberately ignoring her.

Lillian immediately went to the kitchen and started preparing the meal for Rani. Lilian is a good cook even though she does not prepare meals often. She is soon done with the cooking and decides to wait for Rani to arrive. While waiting she prepares how she would apologize to Rani. "Okay, let me try that again, Hey, Rani, I'm really sorry for not accepting your fiancé at first. I know how much he means to you, and I should have been more open-minded. My concerns came from a place of love and wanting the best for you, but I realize now that I was wrong to judge him without getting to know him better. Can you please forgive me for my part in our fight? I love you and value our relationship so much". Lillian pauses and exhales loudly. "No, that doesn't sound sincere enough.Let me try again. Rani, I'm deeply sorry for my behavior. I was wrong to judge your fiancé and interfere in your relationship. I should have trusted your judgment and supported you from the start. My apologies for the pain and frustration I caused you. Can we please move past this and start fresh? I promise to be more understanding and supportive in the future.Yeah, that feels more genuine. I hope she accepts my apology." While waiting for Rani to come home, Lillian falls asleep on the sofa. She is awakened by the voice of Rani's help greeting someone. She quickly sits up and when she sees it's Rani, she stands up and nervously smoothens her hands on her pants. Immediately Rani sees Lillian, she rushes to engulf her in a hug and she begins to say as she sobs, " I'm so sorry for saying all those hurtful words Lili. I know you really love and care about me. I just want you to accept mason, I really love him. And I'm also sorry for not calling you throughout today, I was so scared that you would be angry. I didn't want to lose you," Rani confessed, her voice muffled in Lillian's shoulder. Lillian stroked her hair, "you'll never lose me Rani. We're literally sisters,always and forever. I will also accept mason". They pulled back and looked at each other, both of them smiling through tears. " Let's promise to never let a fight come between us again,"Rani said with her eyes shining with determination. "Promise", Lillian agreed, her voice firm as she wiped the tears off Rani's face. "I made your favorite, hope you've not already had dinner?" Lillian asks Rani. "Wait ,oh my God, lili! Chicken biryani,I'm so down for that! Your famous chicken biryani is literally the best thing I've ever tasted! I'm so glad we made up, because I don't think I could cope without it"! Lillian laughed, "Well, I'm glad I can make it up to you with food! I was thinking of adding some lassi and a green salad to the menu too. Would you be okay with that"? Lillian asked with concern. "Okay with that?! Lili, you're speaking my language now! Lassi and chicken biryani are like the ultimate combo! And a green salad will just make me feel a little less guilty about devouring the whole pan by myself". Lillian chuckled, "Well, I'm glad we're on the same page! Let's go and quickly make the lassi and make some delicious memories to make up for our fight!" Lillian and Rani had eaten till they were full. Lilian was giving Rani the gist about the meeting with the director of arts and culture and Mackenzie's visit to the company. Rani also gave her some news about Vincent and his being famous for having the highest votes as most successful CEO . As they sipped their orange juice, Rani couldn't help but giggle like a school girl. "I know you're a fan girl but I'm telling you Rani, he's wierd. I mean, his posts are suspicious." Rani's eyes widened, " I need to stalk him on social media now, he must have updated his posts." Rani's eyes scrolled through her phone, her eyebrows raised in approval, "oh yeah,he's got those piercing eyes and chiseled jawline and that smile? Swoon!" "Seriously Rani, he isn't even that good looking,stop exaggerating!" Lillian says as she rolls her eyes. Rani chuckles, "oh come on! You're a woman, too! You can appreciate a good looking man when you see one." Lillian laughs, "okay, fine! Maybe I do appreciate his, um, business acumen,but that is all!"Rani raises an eyebrow, " save it for someone who doesn't know you, Lili! I know you're dying to know more about him. I'll bet you've already googled him!" Lillian retorts, " of course I did, I have to know my opponent. Remember he also wants to handle the project that the director of arts and culture is working on. I've been trying to dig up some dirt on him, but his profile is squeaky clean! I mean, this guy is a celebrity in the business world, and yet, he has no scandals, no controversies, no nothing!That's weird. Usually, people in the spotlight have some skeletons in their closet. But Vincent is like a fortress. I've tried to find something, anything, to use against him, but he's got a team of PR experts who must be working overtime to keep his image spotless." Rani scoffs and stares at Lillian wide eyed for some minutes.