When the invitation came, the author saw it as a chance to reconnect. She offered to help with the most significant part of any party: the food. She messaged Reva, “I’ll cook for it! Let me take care of the food.” Reva quickly replied, “OMG YES. You’re a lifesaver.”
The author took this commitment seriously. She spent days planning a menu for 50 people, including three trays of biryani, two pasta bakes, garlic butter chicken, and lemon tarts. She took time off work and paid $187 for groceries, never asking for the money back.
Reva’s exact message was: “Hey love! I’m so grateful you offered to cook! Just a small update—we’ve had to limit guests for space, but we’d still love the food if you can bring it. Hope that’s okay!”
The author was stunned. There was no apology and very little gratitude—just the request to still provide the food. This felt like a deep personal slight.
A Friend’s Advice and the Inner Struggle
Confused and upset, the author called her cousin, Riya, and read the message aloud. Riya’s reaction was immediate and firm: “Hell no. You are not cooking for someone who uninvites you and still wants the food. Who does she think she is?”
Riya urged the author not to deliver the food, suggesting she “Keep it. Feed yourself for a week. Take it to a shelter. But do not let her walk all over you.”
Despite this clear advice, the author felt a confusing mix of habit and guilt. She had already cooked half the food, and so, she kept going. The next day, she loaded the massive trays into her car and drove to the house.
Reva didn’t even greet her at the car. She sent her cousin out to the curb instead. The cousin simply said, “Reva says thank you! This all smells amazing!” and didn’t even offer to help carry the heavy trays. The author drove away feeling like a fool and realized she was upset not just about the party, but because she felt used.
Discovering the Truth
A day later, the author shared a small, quiet post on her private social media: “Made food for 50. Got uninvited. Still dropped it off. Never again.” She didn’t name names, but an old friend, Ashir, messaged her immediately: “Wait. Are you talking about Reva’s shower??”
He then shared a shocking detail: “You’re not the only one. She did the same to Mel. Asked her to make cookies, then uninvited her too.”
