Echoes of Home
Manisha stepped off the plane and into the warm, familiar embrace of India. She could feel the breath of the land in the air, a mix of nostalgia and excitement flooding her senses. As she made her way through the bustling airport, her heart leaped when she spotted Arjun waiting for her. The sight of him, standing there with a welcoming smile, filled her with joy.
“How are you?” Manisha exclaimed, rushing into his arms. She hugged him tightly, savoring the comfort of his presence. “I’m good! How’s my little girl?” Arjun asked, returning her embrace with warmth and affection. “I’m all good,” Manisha replied, her voice filled with happiness. “Let’s go home,” Arjun said, his smile widening as he released her from the hug. Manisha nodded, a smile of her own spreading across her face.
They got into the car and began the drive home. The journey was filled with laughter and lighthearted conversation, each word between them easy and familiar. They giggled at old jokes and caught up on everything they’d missed.
As they pulled into the driveway, Manisha stepped out of the car and looked up at the house. Her heart swelled with emotion as she took in the sight of the place that held so many memories, now ready to welcome her back again. Manisha felt a wave of emotion as she took in her surroundings. The familiar sights and smells of the home were overwhelming, but the sight of her brother’s smile helped her keep her emotions in check.
“Come, Manisha, I made your favorite food,” Arjun said warmly. She followed him inside, where the servants quietly took her bags. As they settled at the dining table, the house staff began to serve the food. With the first bite, Manisha was instantly transported back to her childhood—the taste of home was unmistakable, and she couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of comfort.
After they finished eating, Arjun noticed the tiredness on her face and gently suggested she take some rest. She nodded and retreated to her room, which was immaculate and organized just the way she liked it. As she entered, her eyes caught a framed photograph of her and Arjun, and a small smile played on her lips. But when she opened a drawer and saw an old picture of her parents, that smile quickly faded. She closed the drawer with a heavy heart and turned toward the bed.
Reaching into her bag, she pulled out a bottle of sleeping pills. She took a couple, hoping they would calm her restless mind, and lay down, trying to find solace in the silence of the room. She wasn’t sure when sleep finally took her, but when it did, it was deep and dreamless.
She woke up early the next morning, feeling slightly disoriented but determined to start her day. After freshening up, she made her way to the garden to meditate, a routine she had clung to since her time in London. As she settled into her practice, the chef prepared her usual black coffee, knowing it would be waiting for her when she was done.
Meanwhile, Arjun, getting ready for work, noticed her in the garden as he looked out of his bedroom window. Curious, he went downstairs and quietly approached her. “Wow, you’re up early,” he said softly as he sat down beside her. “I thought you’d still be sleeping. London’s changed you a lot.”
She didn’t respond, her eyes remaining closed, lost in her meditation. Sensing her need for space, Arjun silently stood up and walked back inside to prepare for his day, leaving her to her thoughts.
:
At 11 a.m., Abhishek was peacefully asleep in his room, blissfully unaware of the world around him. His older sister, Riya, quietly entered the room, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Without hesitation, she grabbed a jug full of water and, with a quick flick of her wrist, splashed it all over her unsuspecting brother. Abhishek jolted awake, shocked and drenched, while Riya burst into uncontrollable laughter.
“Riya!” he exclaimed, trying to process what just happened. Still laughing, Riya quickly darted out of the room, knowing full well what was coming next.
Abhishek, still dripping wet, grabbed the glass of water sitting on his bedside table and bolted after her. “Riya, you’re dead!” he shouted, chasing her down the hallway.
“I’m your big sister! Don’t you dare throw water on me!” Riya called out, her voice half playful, half desperate as she ran for her life.
“Oh, I’m shaking,” Abhishek replied sarcastically, picking up his pace.
“Wait, wait!” Riya pleaded, her voice turning serious as she realized she was running out of options. “I’ll do whatever you say, just stop!”
Abhishek, now out of breath, slowed down and sank onto the couch in the living room, trying to catch his breath. But Riya wasn’t done yet. She dashed into the kitchen, spotting another jug of water on the shelf. With a wicked grin, she picked it up and crouched behind the counter, ready to ambush her brother.
Abhishek, knowing his sister’s tricks all too well, headed towards the kitchen, fully expecting her to be lying in wait. Just as he was about to step inside, their mother, Dimple Malhan, walked into the kitchen. Before anyone could react, Riya, thinking it was Abhishek, flung the jug of water straight at their mother.
Time seemed to freeze for a moment. Riya’s face turned pale as she realized her mistake. Abhishek, who had been watching from the doorway, burst out laughing and took the opportunity to douse his sister with his glass of water. Riya stood there, dripping and stunned, as their mother slowly turned towards them, her face a mix of shock and rising anger.
Without a word, Dimple called for the house’s help. “Bring me two mops,” she instructed calmly. When the mops arrived, she handed one to each of her children. “Clean the kitchen,” she ordered sternly before turning on her heel to go change out of her soaked clothes.
Abhishek and Riya exchanged guilty glances, knowing they were in deep trouble. “This is all your fault,” Abhishek muttered as they started mopping the floor. “Fine, I admit it,” Riya sighed. “But what do we do now?“. Abhishek paused, thinking for a moment before a smile crept onto his face. “We need to find Dad. He’s the only one who can save us now,“. Riya’s eyes lit up with hope. “Great idea!”
The siblings hurried to their parents’ room, hoping to find their father alone. But as they entered, their faces fell—their mother was already there, looking as stern as ever. With heavy hearts, they trudged back to the kitchen and silently resumed their cleaning, knowing that they were well and truly stuck.
***
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