Two days later — Inside Skand's workspace
Skand was busy mixing something in a large clay pot while Divya stood beside him, helping attentively.
Divya (curious):"Does this… really work?"
Skand (confidently):"Yes, it absolutely does. Just watch. You'll learn it all step by step."
As he spoke, Skand carefully poured the freshly made liquid into four large clay jars.
Skand:"This is a premium wine.Give it a few days — it'll mature into a masterpiece."
Divya (smiling):"Bit by bit, I'm learning… and soon, I'll be able to help you even better."
Just then, a voice echoed from outside the room — it was Skand's mother.
Mother (calling):"Skand! Take this food to the stall. Your uncle hasn't eaten yet!"
Skand:"Coming, Maa!"
Skand and Divya picked up the food basket and started heading toward their new stall. Over the past few days, their cooling powder and perfume business had grown in popularity — sales were steadily rising.
At the Stall
Uncle was managing the customers while Skand explored ideas for their next product.
Skand (teasing):"Chacha(uncle)! Are you going to work all day or actually eat something too?"
Uncle (grinning):"Ha ha! Now that food is here, I'll finally eat."
Skand handed him the food, and while his uncle ate, Skand watched over the stall.
After the meal:
Skand (raising an eyebrow):"So Chacha… looks like you're satisfied with just this level of business?"
Uncle (nodding):"Why not? This much is enough to run our household comfortably."
Skand (smirking):"Well, bad news for you then — your workload is about to increase."
Uncle (playfully curious):"Oh yeah? When it does, we'll handle it! Do you think I'm scared?"
Skand (laughing):"That's the spirit, Chacha!By the way, when you come home later, bring some local wine with you."
Uncle:"What, are you planning to drink it now?"
Skand:"Nope. I'm going to sell it."
Uncle (joking):"Seriously, how do you even come up with these recipes?"
Skand chuckled but didn't say a word. Just then, a few customers arrived at the stall. Skand handed things over to his uncle and started heading home with Divya.
On the Way Home
As Skand and Divya walked, they chatted about their business and future plans.Suddenly, someone stepped in front of them.
It was Malvi.
Malvi (thinking):"Today I'll get Skand to tell me his secret recipes.But… who's this girl with him?A new partner? Competition? Hmph."
She forced a sweet, innocent expression onto her face.
Malvi (smiling):"Skand… can you come with me for a minute?I need to talk to you — alone."
Skand (thinking, annoyed):"Ugh, this weird girl again…"
Skand (to Divya):"Divya, you go ahead home. I'll catch up in a bit."
He turned and walked off with Malvi, while Divya silently watched them go.
To be continued…