SEVEN MONTHS - a lifetime

Chapter 4 : Before the storm

The morning air was crisp, biting at the skin as it swirled around in gusts that seemed to carry secrets of their own. Outside the window, the sky was a muted gray, heavy with the promise of a storm. The trees stood bare, their branches twisting in the wind like skeletal hands reaching out, as if they, too, sensed the storm brewing not just in the clouds, but in the heart of the one who watched from inside.

Shriji stood by the window, eyes tracing the dance of the cold breeze. The weather felt heavy, laden with unspoken words and memories that wouldn't let go. It was as if the world outside reflected the turmoil within-an emotional storm brewing, preparing to tear apart the walls built around a heart that had been locked away for far too long. Today would be the day.

Kiara was coming home. And with her arrival, the past would resurface-raw and unrelenting. There would be no escaping the truths that had been buried, no hiding from the conversation that awaited them both. The storm inside Shriji's chest felt as inevitable as the storm outside, each gust of wind a reminder of what had been, what could have been, and what might still come.

Shriji's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of her mother's voice calling from the kitchen. "Shriji, can you help me with the cleaning? Kiara's coming home today after so long." The words hung in the air, carrying a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Shriji nodded quietly, pushing aside the thoughts that clouded her mind. There was no denying it now-today would be different. Kiara's return marked the beginning of a conversation that had been years in the making.

She made her way through the house, starting with the dusting. The soft swipe of the cloth against the furniture was oddly soothing, but her mind wandered with every movement. The rooms, once familiar, now felt foreign, as if they, too, had grown distant over the time that had passed. Shriji's hands worked automatically, trying to keep the rhythm of the task steady, while her heart raced with the weight of what was to come.

In the kitchen, her mother hummed softly as she began preparing breakfast. The familiar aroma of aalu parathas filled the air-the scent of comfort, of memories shared, of the many mornings spent around this very table. Kiara's favorite. Shriji's mother smiled to herself, as if imagining the reunion already. "I'm sure Kiara will be so happy," she murmured, and Shriji's chest tightened at the thought.

-----

The door creaked open, and there she was-Kiara, standing in the threshold, her presence filling the space in a way only she could. Before she could even step inside, Shriji's mom was already there, wrapping Kiara in a warm embrace. The moment seemed to stretch, the words unspoken but understood, as if the years apart had been wiped away in an instant. It wasn't a typical greeting. It was more than that-it was a reunion, a return to something that had always been there, even through the silence.

Shriji stood frozen for a moment, watching the exchange. Her mother, who was usually so reserved, so guarded, now had a softness in her eyes that Shriji rarely saw. There was a comfort between them, a bond that seemed unbreakable. She had always been quiet, her emotions held close to her chest, but Kiara had a way of drawing them out. It reminded Shriji of the way her mother lit up when Tithi came over-the joy that seemed to surge through her, unrestrained, when her best friend entered the house. Today, she saw the same look on her mother's face, the same warmth in her smile, as she held Kiara close.

For a fleeting moment, Shriji couldn't help but feel a pang in her chest. The house, once filled with just the quiet rhythm of daily life, now seemed alive again, filled with the laughter and comfort of those who mattered most.

----

After the warm greeting, the three of them settled around the table, and Shriji's mother began serving the aalu parathas with a smile. Kiara took her first bite, her face lighting up with delight as the familiar taste washed over her. "You still make them just the way I remember," Kiara laughed, her voice full of fondness. Shriji's mother chuckled softly, her quiet joy radiating in the dim morning light. The sound of their laughter filled the kitchen, a brief but welcome respite from the tension that lingered in the air.

The conversation flowed easily as they all ate, reminiscing about old times, sharing stories from the past, and teasing one another in the way only old friends could. It was a moment of lightness amidst the heaviness that loomed, and for a while, Shriji allowed herself to simply enjoy it. The atmosphere felt warm and comforting, like nothing had ever changed, but she knew better. The storm in her heart was far from gone-it had only been pushed aside for the moment.

After breakfast, Shriji's mother stood up, gathering the plates with a gentle smile. "Why don't you two head to Shriji's room? Spend some time together, catch up properly. I know it's been a while." Her words were casual, but there was a knowing look in her eyes as she glanced at Shriji. She understood the weight of the moment-the past had a way of creeping up when least expected. Shriji's mother, though quiet and reserved, could see the storm forming just beneath her daughter's calm exterior.

Kiara, oblivious to the undercurrents swirling around her, nodded eagerly. "Sounds great!" she said, her enthusiasm matching the excitement in her voice. She followed Shriji to her room, unaware that today wasn't just about rekindling old friendships-it was the beginning of a conversation neither of them was ready for, but one that had to happen.

As Shriji closed the door behind them, the sound of the latch clicking felt heavier than it ever had before. The room, once a sanctuary, now felt like a stage. The weight of the unspoken hung between them, ready to break, but for now, all Shriji could do was face it head-on.