Night of 25TH

Chap 1: Twin Babysitting Yuletide

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"I will wait for you," a tender voice whispered.

The melodious words from his dream were abruptly silenced by the flight attendants' instructions to fasten his seatbelt, signalling the imminent landing of the flight from Mumbai to Chandigarh. Complying with their request, he leaned against the window, sighing softly as he gazed out at the ethereal city lights that flickered through the depths of his weary soul. As the aircraft touched down in his hometown, he inhaled deeply, savouring the crisp air that filled the atmosphere, dissipating the fog of contemplation induced by the recurrent dream that had plagued his sleep.

Stepping onto familiar soil, he embraced the essence of the scattered multitude of the night, finding solace in the tranquil car ride that carried him towards Mohali, the place that had nurtured him throughout his formative years. Peering through the windowpane, he beheld the town he ardently called home, witnessing its graceful passage evoking a cascade of nostalgic emotions within him.

Unlocking the front door of his house, he was greeted by a wave of silence. His parents had embarked on a visit to their ancestral village, while his sister was now happily wedded, leaving him to dwell alone in the spacious abode. Although they had extended an invitation for him to join their sojourn, he declined, desiring for them to relish uninterrupted moments of familial bliss. Ascending the stairs to his room, he sought respite in a long, indulgent shower, allowing the hot water to cascade over his fatigued body, washing away the lingering strains of his arduous journey.

Standing beneath the soothing stream, he closed his eyes, yearning for tranquillity, only to find himself slipping back into the labyrinth of thoughts woven by his previous dream. His breathing quickened, erratic, as the dream unfurled before him. Startled, his eyes snapped open, and he found himself gasping for air, yet again interrupted but this time with the insistent chime of the doorbell. Composing himself, he splashed cool water onto his face several times, refreshing his senses, before slipping into his nightwear and descending the stairs with intrigue, pondering who could be at his door at such a late hour.

Shubman

As I swung open the door, a heartwarming sight greeted me: my sister stood before me, accompanied by her mischievous twins. Their adorable smiles beamed at me, instantly erasing the weariness that clung to me from the long journey. As my gaze shifted from the twins, I found my sister standing there, employing her signature puppy-dog eyes that she used whenever she sought something from me.

"What do you want, Shahneel?" I asked, my eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Oh, Shubman, at least allow us inside," Shahneel implored.

Stepping aside, I welcomed them into the house. Seizing the opportunity, the twins darted towards the game room, which housed a collection of video games, while their mother hurriedly admonished them to slow down. A chuckle escaped my lips as I observed the twins pay no heed to their mother's reprimands. The amusement in my eyes vanished as soon as I met my sister's disapproving gaze.

"So, what brings you here, Shahneel?" I inquired once again as we settled on the couch.

"Why can't I come here? Isn't this my house too?" she retorted, her tone laced with frustration.

"That's not what I meant. This is your home as much as it is mine," I replied guiltily, realizing my words may have hurt her.

"I know, Shubman. I was merely teasing you," she giggled mischievously, causing me to pout in response.