Quarantine Hearts

Chapter 4: Family Calls and Unspoken Bonds

Tara's phone buzzed every morning with a call from her parents. They wanted to make sure she was okay, especially after her breakup. Her mom's first question was always the same: "How are you feeling, Tara?" And her dad would chime in, reminding her to eat well, rest, and stay positive. Tara appreciated their concern, even though she sometimes wished they wouldn't worry so much.

"Are you sure you're doing okay, sweetheart?" her mom asked one afternoon.

"I'm fine, Mom," Tara replied, trying to sound cheerful. "Just... you know, taking things day by day."

Meanwhile, Nayan's family also kept close tabs on him. His mom called him almost every evening, asking how he was coping with the lockdown and making sure he was eating properly. "Are you managing everything alone?" she asked, sounding worried. Nayan would assure her he was doing well, though he never mentioned much about Tara.

Both families, though concerned, started showing interest in each other's children. Tara's mom once asked casually, "And how's... Nayan, right? Is he being nice to you?" Tara laughed and said he was fine, though she didn't tell her mom about the awkward silences they shared.

On Nayan's end, his mom would ask about Tara too. "It must be hard for her, poor girl, going through a breakup and stuck in the same place," she said sympathetically. "You're being kind to her, right?" Nayan assured her that he was, though he didn't mention that he mostly kept his distance.

As the days went on, both sets of parents started sharing advice for their children. Tara's mom suggested she take up a new hobby or try cooking to distract herself. Nayan's dad told him to go easy on the work and try relaxing, maybe watch a movie or read a book. Slowly, these bits of advice started nudging Tara and Nayan toward spending more time together, even if neither one was ready to admit they felt a strange sense of comfort in each other's presence.

Without realizing it, the two of them were connected by the care and concern of their families. The parents didn't know how close Tara and Nayan were becoming, but their gentle nudges created small moments between the two. Sometimes, they'd make tea at the same time in the kitchen or watch the same TV show without planning to.

Even in their silence, they were beginning to share an understanding. And while they hadn't become friends yet, something unspoken was growing between them—an invisible thread, created by small conversations, shared routines, and the steady love of their families.