INSEPARABLE HEARTS 2

CHAPTER 110

                       Happy Reading

Sumitra stood at the kitchen counter, packing lunch. Her movements were soft, careful — like she didn’t want to disturb the house.
But Abeer was already there, standing at the edge of the doorway, watching her.

Abeer didn’t know how long he’d been standing there.

Finally, he cleared his throat.

> “Hey…”
“I’m… heading to school.”

Sumitra turned slowly. There was a pause — like neither of them knew what to say.
Abeer stepped forward, awkwardly pulling the strap of his bag onto his shoulder.

> “I… just wanted to say… thanks. For yesterday. And... for everything before that too.”

Her eyes shimmered, but she didn’t say anything. Just smiled — that gentle, forgiving smile she always had.

Abeer shifted uncomfortably.

> “Also... I’m sorry. For all the things I said. All the ways I ignored you.
I know I never gave you a chance. But you were always there.”

He couldn’t call her mom. Not yet.
But the way he looked at her said more than any title could.

Sumitra softly walked up and tucked a strand of his messy hair behind his ear like she always used to when he was a kid.

> “Just take care of yourself, Abeer,” she said.

> “I will,” he whispered.
“Bye…”

It was the first time he’d ever told her bye with such warmth.
She watched him walk away — the door closing behind him, quietly hopeful.

_______________

The morning sun barely warmed the chilled air.
Andy stood by the car, keys in hand, while Angad and Abeer quietly approached, school bags slung over their shoulders.

There was silence. Heavy, complicated silence.

As they got in, Angad slid into the front seat, while Abeer hesitated by the back door for a second — then got in.

The car started.

Halfway through the ride, Andy broke the silence.

> Andy: “Abeer…”

Abeer looked up, guarded.

> Andy: “About yesterday… I’m sorry. For not believing you. For hitting you.”

Abeer didn’t respond right away. He looked out the window — the words lingering in the air. Then, slowly, he turned back.

> Abeer: “I always thought you never stood up for me.
But yesterday, when you didn’t... it actually hurt.
Because I realized… deep down, I wanted you to.”