BRIDGING HEARTS

{27}

                              JEIA

After some time, I finally started to feel warm from the hot mug of coffee Saniya had brought me. The rich aroma wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. Feeling a bit more at ease, I made my way to our room.

Aarav suggested I turn on the room heater for some extra warmth, so I did just that. I quickly changed into something comfy from my bag and flopped onto the bed, utterly exhausted from the traumatic, intimidating incident at the pool.

Just a minute later, a soft knock echoed through the room.

“Come in!” I called lightly.

The door creaked open, and Pari di stepped inside, her expression a mix of concern and affection. “Jeia, are you comfortable?” she asked, her voice gentle.

“Ah yes, di,” I reassured her, managing a small smile.

“Okay, so would you mind coming out? We’re playing some indoor games,” she suggested, her enthusiasm palpable.

As much as I loved the idea of joining them, all I could think about was how much I needed sleep. “Nahi di, I feel a little tired,” I replied, trying to sound convincing.

“Alright, alright, rest well,” she said, her tone understanding as she headed out, closing the door softly behind her.

Soon, the warmth of the room and the lingering comfort of the coffee lulled me into a deep slumber.

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By the time I woke up, the sun was already setting. Squinting at the clock, I exclaimed, “Damn, it’s 7 already! I slept too much!” Groaning, I dragged myself out of bed and quickly freshened up.

As I made my way to the living room, I found everyone gathered there. Aarav and Sameer were locked in a  argument about something, while Pari di and Saniya were huddled together, looking intently at something on their phones. Shasha had flopped beside Mr. Singhania on the couch, who was busy typing away on his laptop as usual.

“What’s happening, guys? Sorry I slept too much,” I yawned, stretching my arms overhead.

“It’s okay! Come here,” Aarav said, pulling me over to sit beside him, with Mr. Singhania on my right.

We settled in, ready to choose a movie. “How about The Notebook, Laila Majnu, or some rom-com?” Saniya suggested brightly.

Aarav and Sameer visibly cringed at the mention of romance films, exchanging a glance of mock horror.

Pari di and I couldn’t contain our laughter and burst out, the tension easing in the room.

“Okay, how about a movie like Golmaal, Housefull, or the best, Humshakals?” I  proposed.

“Movies like Humshakals deserve to be banned; they’re so senseless,” Mr. Singhania finally spoke up, his tone dripping with mock disdain.

I raised an eyebrow, “It’s all in good fun! Sometimes, we just need a break from reality.”

“There’s a fine line between humor and chaos. It’s like they threw logic out the window", Mr Singhania said in his usual Non-chalant tone.

Before we could argue further, Aarav spoke up, “Alright, alright, how about some horror shit?”

Sameer’s face lit up at the suggestion, and he quickly nodded in approval. “Yes! Finally, something good!”

Saniya rolled her eyes playfully. “Horror again? You guys just love scaring yourselves, don’t you?”