INSEPARABLE HEARTS 2

Chapter 132

Happy Reading

The night at the Mehra residence glowed with warmth and soft golden light. Twinkling fairy lights adorned the windows, and a tiny tree sat in the corner of the living room, covered in handmade ornaments, some from Angad's childhood, some newer ones added over the years.

Andy had left that afternoon for a last-minute business trip and would only return on Christmas morning. That meant it was just Sumitra, Angad, and Abeer in the house tonight.

Abeer had come straight from school, still in his hoodie and backpack slung over one shoulder. He tossed it in the corner and flopped onto the couch like it belonged to him. It did, now. Sort of.

Abeer: "You guys hungry? Or just me?"

Sumitra (from the kitchen): "I was just about to bring out the leftover brownies."

Angad (grinning): "Pizza and brownies. We're clearly thriving."

Abeer (laughing): "Say less. I’m ordering the usual."

Soon enough, the boys were sprawled on the living room carpet, slices of pizza in hand, a tray of warmed brownies on the coffee table, and the opening theme of Friends echoing from the television.

TV: *"I'll be there for youuuuuu..."

Abeer (singing along off-key): "...'cause you're there for me toooo!"

Sumitra, wearing her cozy shawl and sipping tea, watched the boys with a fond smile. She sat on the armchair, occasionally chuckling at the episode, but mostly observing the rare sense of calm.

Angad was clicking pictures — stealthily capturing Abeer laughing with his mouth full of cheese, the way Sumitra raised her eyebrows at their antics, even his own messy socked feet tangled in the rug.

Angad (murmuring): "I’m gonna make an album. Name it: Christmas Chaos, but it's perfect."

Sumitra gave him a knowing look.

Sumitra: "You're really happy, aren't you?"

Angad (nodding): "Yeah. I mean... just look at this. It's like I waited my whole life for it."

Abeer didn’t say much. He never really talked about feelings. But there was a softness in his eyes as he leaned back on the cushions, letting the comfort of this new family sink in.

He still didn’t call Sumitra 'mom.'

But he never corrected Angad when he introduced her that way. And that night, when she brought him an extra napkin and wiped some sauce off his cheek like he was her own, he didn’t flinch.

He just smiled.

Abeer (softly): "Thanks... I mean, for letting me be here."

Sumitra: "You’re not a guest, Abeer. This is your home too."

They kept watching episodes deep into the night. Rachel and Ross were arguing again. Joey was being ridiculous. Monica was yelling about Christmas ornaments.

By midnight, the pizza box was empty, the brownies half gone, and the three of them sat in a sleepy, full haze.

Abeer (yawning): "So... what time does Santa arrive?"

Angad: "Only if you sleep before 2 am."

Sumitra: "I’m Santa, and you boys are definitely getting socks."

They all laughed.

Angad pulled a blanket over the both of them and shifted to lean on Abeer’s shoulder.

Angad (murmuring): "Thanks for being here. For real."

Abeer (quietly): "Wouldn’t wanna be anywhere else."

From the kitchen doorway, Sumitra looked at them once more. Her boys. Her messy, loud, wonderful boys.

And for the first time in a long time, the house didn’t feel like it was missing anything.

It felt whole.

_____________

The Night air was crisp, the winter chill softened by the warmth spilling out of Keerthi’s cozy home. Fairy lights flickered across the walls, soft instrumental music floated in the background, and the scent of chocolate brownies lingered in the air. The girls—Keerthi, Dharshi, Elena, and Caroline—were curled up on floor cushions in Keerthi’s room, face packs on, wine glasses in hand (courtesy of Caroline’s very suspicious, probably fake, ID).

Caroline stretched, rolling her shoulders and glancing at the others with a soft smile.

"Is it just me, or is it a little weird that I’m not... y'know, part of this whole sisterhood vibe you three have going on?"

Keerthi looked up mid-sip, blinking. "What does that mean?"

Caroline shrugged, her voice casual but her eyes unsure. "You guys are family now, right? I mean... Dharshi’s dad and Elena’s mom, you’re technically becoming related... and I’m just the plus-one best friend."

Elena rolled her eyes and tossed a cushion at her. "Caroline, you’re part of this madness whether you like it or not."

"Seriously," Keerthi said, scooting closer. "You're my best friend. That doesn’t change just because Elena’s becoming my... whatever. Cousin-sister-step something. You were my first ride-or-die. That’s for life."

Caroline blinked, then grinned. "You guys are really corny. But fine, I’ll stay. Only because of the wine."

They laughed, the tension fading into warm giggles.

On the other side of the room, Dharshi and Elena were curled up under a shared blanket, talking in hushed tones.

"You okay?" Elena asked.

Dharshi nodded slowly. "Yeah. It's been a weird week. Ruby trying to spread that stuff about our parents... It shook me. But honestly? I'm glad we stood up to it. I feel... lighter."

"You were badass," Elena said, bumping her shoulder. "That speech? Legendary."

Dharshi chuckled. "Thanks. I just needed to say it. I don’t want to be ashamed of my dad being happy. And I’m not going to let Ruby define my narrative anymore."

Back across the room, Caroline and Keerthi were sitting side by side now, their feet tangled under a shared quilt.

"You sure you're good?" Keerthi asked, voice low.

Caroline nodded. "I am now. Thanks for reminding me where I stand. I guess I just needed to hear it."

Keerthi smiled and linked their pinkies. "You're my person, Care. No family drama changes that."

The night carried on with silly selfies, stolen bites of brownie, and stories from middle school. The world outside faded as the girls laughed, argued over movies, and found peace in each other’s company.

It was one of those rare nights where everything felt soft and safe. A quiet in-between. A breath before the next storm.

To be continued