9. Maya Retaliates

Maya stood at the stove, carefully stirring the dal, her mind lost in a world of its own. The kitchen enveloped her in its familiar warmth, occasionally punctuated by the gentle sizzle of spices.

In the adjacent room, her mother lay in bed, an unchanging routine they both had grown accustomed to.

But then, a nostalgic aroma drifted into the kitchen, pulling Maya back into the past. It was the same scent that used to fill their home when her real father, Sanjay Sharma, was alive. The memories rushed back like a flood - the laughter, the outings, and the family dinners at the Chinese restaurant, indulging in sweet corn chicken soup, chicken fried rice, and Gobi Manchurian.

Her heart ached for those times when they were complete, united, and happy. But life had taken a different turn, leaving her with a stepfather, Manoj Suri, who was nothing less than a nightmare.

Just then, the front door creaked open, and Manoj entered the kitchen, carrying takeout bags. He looked oddly content wit