When truth comes home

Darkness wrapped the room like a shroud, broken only by the chaotic echo of shouting—a storm of arguments crashing from the other side of the house. Curled in a corner with her knees pulled tightly to her chest, Mira trembled. Silent tears streaked down her cheeks as she inhaled sharply, as if every breath cost her strength.

And then—

Silence.

A chilling, unnatural stillness settled over the house. The ticking clock on the wall suddenly felt painfully loud. Her heart thudded like a drum against her ribs.

The front door slammed.

Footsteps faded.

Mira’s fingers clutched the hem of her shirt. With slow, shaky breaths, she pushed herself off the floor, pressing her palm against the wall for support. She forced her feet forward, step by step, until she reached the hallway.

What she saw froze every drop of blood in her veins.

A woman stood there.

Pale. Still. Draped in a soft blue saree.

Her mother.

“Mummmaaaa!!” Mira’s scream tore through the silence.

....

Her eyes snapped open. She bolted upright on the bed, gasping violently as if she’d just surfaced from drowning. Sweat trickled down her forehead; her palms were damp and trembling uncontrollably.

Her phone buzzed on the bedside table, making her flinch.

“Shit…” she whispered, steadying her breath before grabbing the phone.

“Hello?” she said softly.

Her expression hardened the moment she heard the voice on the other end. Jaw clenched, eyes cold.

“I’m coming in ten minutes.”

She hung up, threw the blanket aside, and began dressing into her uniform with practiced speed.

Outside, dawn crept over the snowy Kashmir mountains. The peace of the morning stood in sharp contrast to the simmering fire under her skin.

Mira stepped out of her house, saluted the guard, and drove toward the base camp.

Boots crunched over fresh snow as she approached the tent. The air was thick with tension—men in uniform surrounded a bruised and restrained terrorist.

Her stare was sharp enough to cut steel.

“Where is he?” she asked.

“In there, Captain,” a soldier replied.

Mira strode inside, the cold air following her like a shadow. She stood in front of the bound terrorist as the soldiers beat him into the dirt.

Leaning forward, she pressed her palms onto the metal table and spoke with a quiet, venomous smirk.

“Happy death day.”

She flicked her chin toward her men. They obeyed instantly—tying the terrorist tighter, bagging his head, dragging him out toward the gypsy.

Her eyes were merciless.

The flaps of the tent shifted, revealing a towering figure—broad shoulders, two shining stars on the shoulder badge. The Colonel.

“Why did you order that, Captain?” he asked in a deep, commanding voice.

Mira straightened immediately and saluted. “Jai Hind, sir.”

“He deserved it,” she said, voice firm. “Frankly, we should have shot him. Dragging him is mercy.”

The Colonel let out a low chuckle, half-amused, half-impressed.

“You’ll never change,” he said, shaking his head.

He pulled an envelope from his jacket and held it out. “This is what you’ve been asking for.”

Mira raised a brow, took the envelope, and unfolded it. As she read, her eyes softened. Her lips parted with relief.

“Thank you, sir,” she whispered.

“You deserve it,” he replied gently, squeezing her upper arm with pride. “Now go. You’re dismissed.”

She saluted again and turned to leave, a rare smile pulling at her lips.

“And Mira?” he called after her.

She paused. “Yes sir?”

“Enjoy your vacation. And don’t waste it on people or emotions that don’t deserve you.”

Her smile widened. She nodded once. “Yes sir.”

Her jeep rumbled through the mountains until she reached her small wooden house. As she stepped out, a fluffy grey wolf pup ran toward her.

“Aww, my baby!” she cooed, scooping him into her arms.

“Where were you last night, huh? I looked for you everywhere!”

The pup only gnawed at a twig.

“Leo,” she warned, hands on her hips.

Leo immediately sat straight, big innocent eyes blinking up at her.

She laughed softly, carrying him inside, setting his food and water, and fixing his tiny bed.

She watched him eat, heart swelling at his innocence.

Peace lasted only a moment.

Her phone rang again.

Shikha.

Mira answered with a gentle, “Hello?”

“DI WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN? Your phone was unreachable! Did you lose it? Did you fall off a cliff? Were you fighting someone? Why—”

Mira chuckled, stroking Leo’s fur. “Calm down, Shikha. I was busy.”

“You’re LYING. You always say that! And I also know you haven't submitted your leave application, didn't you?" sister accused.

Mira bit back a smile. "I told you they don't approve the leave application so early. And is it necessary for me to come?"

"You can't do that, you have to come here. It's been so many years and i haven't even seen my sister. You have to come" shikha whined.

"How's your college going? And when is you guys returning?"

"Hey, stop changing the topic!" Shikha pouted.

“Shikha… focus on your classes. Hmm?”

“Di! This month's last class is on the 27th, and we'll have lunch, the flight and we're returning on 30th. And you BETTER come home!” Shikha demanded.

Mira softened. “Don't expect me there and enjoy everything. Okay?”

Silence.

Then a small voice whispered— “I miss you.”

Mira closed her eyes, her chest tightening. “I miss you too.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too, sis. Bye.”

She hung up, exhaling softly but with a smile.

Because she was going home.

In just a few days.