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The rhythmic beats of the drum continued to fill Keerthy's apartment, creating a vibrant soundtrack to her bustling evening. As she played with zeal, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The distant sounds of Los Angeles life outside her window provided a comforting backdrop.
A sudden interruption came in the form of her phone ringing, and Keerthy, with a wide smile, grabbed it, recognizing her sister Athiya's name on the screen. "Athu, hi!" she exclaimed, her voice carrying excitement. She answered the call and put it on speaker, allowing her to multitask as she rummaged through the kitchen cupboards in search of a snack.
"Hey Keerthy! How's LA treating you?" Athiya's voice crackled through the phone. Keerthy chuckled, "LA has been amazing, and it always surprises me. But right now, the real challenge is finding a snack." Athiya laughed, sharing in her sister's snack hunt. "Maybe check the top shelf or something?" she suggested playfully, although she was just as clueless about the snack locations.
Keerthy hummed in response and followed the suggestion, scanning the top shelf. To her delight, she discovered a packet of chips. "Oh my god, Athiya, there's a chips packet!" she exclaimed, making her sister laugh on the other end. "Well, that's a good thing. Anyway, when are you planning to visit? It's been 4 years, babe," Athiya remarked, her concern evident in her tone.
Keerthy sighed, tossing a few chips into her mouth before settling onto the couch with her laptop. On the screen, a variety of flight options from LA to Mumbai appeared. With a determined keystroke, Keerthy booked a ticket, and the confirmation flashed on the screen, "TICKET BOOKED SUCCESSFULLY TO MUMBAI," prompting a satisfied smile.
"I know Athu. I'll be home soon. But you'll have to wait, seeing that I and Taylor are working on something. Just give me some more time; I'll be home soon. I miss you guys as well," Keerthy assured her sister, opting not to reveal the booked ticket just yet.
"Fair enough, sis. I guess we'll see you soon then. KL has been missing you so much, and so have Mom, Dad, Ahan, and the team," Athiya replied. "But I get it. I'll see you soon, girl. Take care, Keerthy," she added before they ended the call.
Keerthy placed her phone on the table, leaned back against the couch, and ran a hand through her recently shortened hair. She sighed, enjoying a few more chips as she reflected on the four years she had spent away from home. The decision to stay in LA had been driven by her passion for her job, working alongside her best friend Sabrina and the legendary Taylor. It was an opportunity she couldn't pass up.
As she gazed around the living room, her eyes landed on photo frames adorning the walls. Each frame held cherished memories - snapshots of herself with family, the entire cricket team, her sister and brother-in-law, Sabrina and Taylor, and the trio of her closest friends - Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan, and Jaiswal.
A wave of nostalgia washed over her, and a decision was made. Keerthy sprang off the couch, heading to her room to pack her suitcases. The chips packet, a newfound companion, joined her on the journey. With the realization that her flight was merely 24 hours away, she felt a mix of anticipation and excitement. The six-month break from work was on the horizon, and the prospect of reuniting with her loved ones in Mumbai fueled her determination to pack swiftly.
The evening unfolded with Keerthy meticulously organizing her belongings, reminiscing about the moments captured in those photo frames, and savoring the taste of the chips that had unexpectedly become a symbol of her spontaneous decision to embark on a journey back home.
