The clock on the wall blinked 7:00 PM. The sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow through the kitchen window.
Dinner time.
Anvitha stood at the stove, fiercely stirring a pot of spicy goat curry, her eyes gleaming with determination.
"Tonight, I'm proving that my cooking beats Aama's hands down," she declared, wiping a bead of sweat from her forehead.
Sarvani, calmly arranging vegetables on the counter, smiled knowingly. "You may have energy, but experience beats energy every time."
Avantika and Shapra hovered nearby, their stomachs growling in perfect sync.
Anvitha tossed in freshly chopped garlic and chilies with flair. "Aama, you better bring your A-game."
Sarvani responded by pulling out a bottle of homemade mustard oil, the aroma already filling the room. "This kitchen has been running on this oil since before you learned to walk, Anvitha."
The battle was on.
Ridhir peeked into the kitchen doorway, grinning. "Should I get popcorn or just stay for the fireworks?"
Avantika giggled. "Fireworks, definitely."
The kitchen became a whirlwind: pots clanged, spoons scraped, and spices flew like confetti.
At one point, Anvitha swatted a rogue chili pepper off the counter, only to bump into Sarvani, who was laughing quietly.
"Watch it!" Sarvani teased. "We're not enemies, just competitors."
Shapra raised an eyebrow. "Competitors with knives?"
They both laughed.
Finally, the dishes were ready — Anvitha's fiery goat curry versus Sarvani's classic vegetable stew.
They placed the steaming bowls side by side on the dining table.
Shapra took a tentative bite of Anvitha's curry — flames of spice hit his tongue.
"Hot! But wow, full of flavor."
Avantika tried Sarvani's stew — rich, smooth, and comforting.
"Mmm, so soothing."
Sarvani chuckled. "Well, I think the real winner is this family getting to eat all this delicious food."
Anvitha nodded, exhausted but smiling. "Agreed. Next time, I'm adding even more spice."
Ridhir clapped his hands. "So... rematch tomorrow?"
Everyone groaned and laughed.
The kitchen, now calm, was filled with the glow of warm light and fuller bellies.
To be continued...