Taming The Casanova novel Chapter 4

Sahil's POV

We all arranged everything that was needed for pooja. The pundit Ji came and started the pooja and havan. He asked to get the prasad which should be prepared at home. He had not told us about it... We had everything that was ordered from outside. We all were very confused.

I was not sure what to do? Only mom could make it.  we were about to ask mom to make something but Manu said, 

" Aunty, I can make it, you don't worry  and just attend the pooja."

She went into the kitchen and saw that it was fully furnished. She was looking for the ingredients. Samar, Swati and I came for helping her as there were going to be at least 50- 60 people.

She looked for the big utensils and the ingredients. Swati and Samar helped her.

" Manu there is no Rava ( semolina). " Swati said and shook her head.

" Tell me what you want, I will get from the market. " I offered but Manu shook her head and said, " It will take too much time. We need to make it soon. I can make halwa with wheat flour. Just like the Kada Prashad, we get in Gurudwara Sahib. Will that do?"

" Oh yes... I love that.. " Swati said with excitement.

" I love it too. " Samar said and she smiled at both of them.

Well, I loved it too... But I don't think she was interested.

She started making the halwa. Samar asked her, " Would you be able to make it in so much quantity? "

" Rest assured... I can. " She nodded and smiled at him.

Swati chopped some dry fruits.

She was making it with a smile on her face and looked really pretty. So looked so simple, yet very beautiful.  I was standing near the door frame.

She was confidently making it though Samar and Swati were tensed. She was smiling stirring it constantly.

She was heating the water simultaneously. The very nice aroma of halwa started coming out. She tried to pick up the heavy vessel with water but it seemed difficult. I wanted to help her but saw Samar telling her to stop.

" It is very hot and heavy let me do it," Samar said and picked it up effortlessly.

" Be careful Samar Ji, now pour it in this kadhai ( big broad thick bottomed vessel) " she was standing very close to him keeping one of her hand on his forearm to direct him how much and when to add water. She was stirring it constantly.

" That's it, Samar Ji, thanks we don't need more water. " She smiled at him and he returned a cute smile to her.

She stirred for some more time and then added sugar to it.

" Oh god!!! It is looking so good,  I can't wait to eat it Manu... " Swati said and Manu smiled at her adoringly.

" This is prasad Swati.. we need to offer it to god first. " Samar said to Swati as if she was a child. I rolled my eyes at that.

" I know that Samar Ji... I was just kidding. I would eat it only after the pooja. " She said to Samar.

" But seriously Manu, it looks and smells so good. You made it as if you are a professional. " Samar said and she just smiled at him.

" It is ready. She took out some of it in a big bowl and covered the rest of it. "

Swati sprinkled some dry fruits on it and Manu took it to where the pooja was going on.

Sagar smiled and nodded at her and she just smiled back. Damini had also come with her parents and uncle by now.

The pooja and havan were performed and everyone attended it. Swati, Damini and Manu distributed prasad among everyone. Damini came and gave the prasad to me. I tasted it, it was so delicious. Just like the Kada prasad we used to eat in Gurudwara Sahib. I loved it and looked at her. She was smiling at Samar and Swati.  Apparently, they were also praising her about the Halwa. She smiled and gave more halwa to Samar.