Satsangi - (A Search For Truth)

CHAPTER 6

As we neared the house, Rehaan glanced over at me and asked, "Are you expecting anyone?"

"Yes, my family is on their way. They should be here any minute," I replied with a smile, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

Just then, Rehaan looked ahead and said, "I think they’re here," pointing towards a group of people getting out of a car.

I turned in the direction he pointed. "Mom!" I exclaimed, my voice full of emotion. Everyone turned to look at me, and without thinking, I ran toward them. One by one, I hugged each of them tightly, feeling a surge of relief and joy in their presence.

Rehaan stood nearby, looking a bit unsure of what to do in the middle of this family reunion. I noticed and quickly turned to him with a grin. "Guys, this is Rehaan," I said, gesturing toward him. "Rehaan, meet my family. This is my mom, Rukmini, and my dad, Krishna," I introduced, pausing to let them exchange smiles and nods. "These are my aunt and uncle, Leher and Andrew," I continued. "And these two," I added, pulling Manasa and Anusha forward with a playful nudge, "are my friends and cousins."

Rehaan gave them a warm smile, shaking hands with everyone, though he still seemed a little out of place amidst the family chatter.

"We've heard a lot about you," my mom said, her voice soft and welcoming. Rehaan nodded politely, responding, "It's a pleasure to meet all of you."

After the pleasantries, Rehaan excused himself, probably sensing we needed some family time. "I’ll leave you all to catch up," he said with a friendly nod. "It was nice meeting you."

"Thanks for everything, Rehaan," I called after him as he walked away. He waved and disappeared down the path.

Once he was gone, we all headed inside together, the warmth of my family filling the space as we settled in for what felt like the first moment of peace in a long time.

I showed them their rooms and asked them to freshen up and come down for dinner. I went to the kitchen and began preparing the dinner l. Soon, Rukmini Mom and Leher Aunt came down to help. Together, we set the table, and soon after, everyone else joined us. We shared a lovely meal, chatting and catching up on each other’s lives. The conversation flowed easily, filled with laughter and stories from the journey. When dinner was over, everyone headed to bed, worn out from the long day.

In the middle of the night, I woke up feeling parched. I reached for the water bottle by my bed, only to find it empty. I sighed and quietly made my way downstairs to the kitchen, careful not to disturb anyone. The house was quiet, except for the soft creaking of the floor beneath my feet. I opened the fridge and took a bottle of water, drinking deeply. Just as I turned to head back upstairs, I heard faint voices coming from another room.

Curious, I followed the sound. As I approached the living room, I found Dad pacing back and forth, speaking on his phone in hushed tones. Uncle Andrew was sitting at the table, intensely focused on his laptop, his fingers moving quickly across the keyboard. Neither of them noticed me at first, but as soon as Dad looked up and saw me, he abruptly ended his call.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, my voice cutting through the silence.

Dad hesitated for a second before answering, "Everything's fine. It’s just... we can't sleep. You know, being in a new place and all."

I crossed my arms and gave him a look, clearly not convinced. "Dad, what's really going on? Will you tell me, or do I have to figure it out on my own?"

Dad sighed deeply, rubbing his temples as if weighing how much to tell me. He glanced over at Andrew, who gave him a nod, and then he spoke.