𝐑𝐚𝐚𝐛𝐭𝐚: 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐭 & 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 [ON HOLD TILL MARCH 2025]

8. Need for a new band member

🤍

As soon as Tara disappeared inside, a strange emptiness filled me. Yet, I couldn't help but smile, replaying everything that had happened tonight in my mind. It was all so unexpected, beyond anything I'd ever imagined. Staying out late wasn't new for me, but tonight felt different-like something had shifted, and the night seemed more beautiful than ever.

I jumped off the wall of the girls' hostel, careful not to be seen, and made my way back home.

When I reached, the main gate was, of course, locked. No surprise there. So, like every other night, I moved to the back and scaled the wall again. I stumbled as I landed but managed to steady myself before I could fall into the swimming pool. Moving quietly through the garden, I approached the kitchen window-just as I expected, it wasn't locked.

I smirked. Mom always forgot to lock it, or maybe she didn't. I slipped in without making a sound, tiptoeing through the kitchen and hallway. But just as I was about to sneak up the stairs, a hand grabbed my ear.

"Mil gaya time ghar aane ka?" My mom's voice was sharp, and I winced as she tugged my ear. "Tu na bahar hi raha kar. Mere ghar mein aane ki koi zarurat nahi hai."
(Found time to come home?)
(You should stay out. No need to come to my house.)

"Mom! Aah... sorry, sorry!" I groaned as she smacked the back of my head.

"Tu chup hi reh," she grumbled, her scolding voice softening with concern. "Kuch khaya to hoga nahi tune, haan?"
(You stay quiet)
(You haven't eaten, right?)

I shook my head, trying to look as innocent as possible, my lower lip jutting out in a pout. She sighed, heading to the kitchen to heat up some food. I hopped onto the counter, watching her with a small smile as she muttered to herself.

She placed the plate in front of me, feeding me with her hands, still scolding me between bites. "You're always running around, no time to eat. Next time, I won't let you in."

I smiled wider. "You say that every time, Mom, but you always leave the kitchen window open for me. I know you don't forget to lock it on purpose."

"Shut up, and don't act smart," she said, putting another bite in my mouth. We both burst into laughter, the warmth of the moment filling the kitchen.