Awakening Hearts

Chapter 7

The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow on Shubman's face. He stirred, stretching his limbs, and blinked away the remnants of sleep. The anticipation of the day ahead danced in his eyes as he slipped into his favorite travel attire—a well-worn pair of jeans and a soft, faded T-shirt. The fabric clung to him like a comforting embrace, ready for the adventures that awaited.

As Shubman descended the creaky wooden staircase, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped him. The ICT home buzzed with life. Yashasvi stood at the foot of the stairs, his eyes wide with excitement. He flung his arms around him, his embrace filled with affection. "Hello, bhaiyya," he whispered, his voice filled with respect.

"Hi, Yash," Shubman replied, ruffling his hair. "You seem right," she added, noting the sparkle in his eyes. Shubman beamed, his joy contagious.

Ishan shuffled into the kitchen. His yawns echoed through the hallway as he ambled toward Shubman. "Veere," he mumbled, wrapping his lanky arms around Shubman's shoulders. "I am sleepy."

Kiara leaned against the kitchen counter. Her eyes crinkled with mischief as she addressed Ishan. "Jaaneman, why don't you sleep on my lap?" she teased, her voice as warm as the morning sun.

Ishan raised an eyebrow. "Why is your voice sounding like that donkey, Kiara?" he retorted, earning a swift slap on the back of his head. He turned to find Kiara, her expression stern. "Sorry, Ki—" he began, but she cut him off with a firm, "Shut up, Ishan Kishan."

Kiara tugged Shubman away from Ishan, her fingers intertwined with his. "Arre, Kiki baby is angry," Shubman chuckled. Kiara pouted, her cheeks flushed. "I am not a baby," she protested, feigning annoyance.

Shubman leaned down and kissed her nose. "You are my cute baby," he whispered, and Kiara's pout melted into a smile.

Soon, they boarded the waiting bus—their vessel for the day's journey. The logistics manager, clipboard in hand, checked off the essentials. "Is Rohit's passport, phone, AirPods, headphones, iPad, laptop, and luggage all accounted for?" he asked, his voice efficient and businesslike.

Rohit, the quiet one among them, nodded. "Yes," he confirmed, his gaze fixed on the horizon beyond the window.

The bus rumbled to life, wheels turning toward the airport. Kiara settled into the seat next to Shubman, her head finding its familiar place on his shoulder. "What are you looking at?" she murmured, her breath warm against his skin.

"You," Shubman replied, his gaze lingering on her tousled hair. Kiara smiled, her lips brushing his cheek in a soft kiss. They both reached for their phones, scrolling through messages and memories.

Meanwhile, Ishan, ever the photographer, snapped a candid shot from behind. He showed it to Aditi, who nodded approvingly. "Post it on Instagram," she encouraged, and Ishan obliged.