Warrior

12

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I'm going to have to do this quick.

Quietly, I tiptoed down the hall to my parents' room. I open the door carefully, making sure not to make a sound, and sneak in, shutting the door behind me. Tiptoeing across the small gallery, I entered the vast room. Dad was snoring away like he always did, and mom was out like a light, her eye mask in place.

Okay, this is my only chance.

I made my way over to Amma's nightstand and see her phone. Carefully, I pick it up and unlock it easily since my mom's phone had my fingerprint saved on it.

You know how it is since parents aren't always the most tech savy.

I went to her contacts, and scrolling through it, I found who I was looking for - Shalini Singh Raizada. Thank goodness my mother was smart enough to save the number under her name after she found out who's number it was. 

A small groan fills my ears and I freeze immediately. I look over at my parents, seeing Amma move a little, but then she quickly stops. I stand still anyways, in case she moves again, but instead, a loud snore escapes from her.

I force myself not to laugh, smacking my hand over my face. Amma has some nerve to complain about Babuji's snoring, when hers is ten times worse!

Focus! Gotta get this done!

Bringing my attention back to the phone, I do what I came here for, then exit out of it, close it, lock her phone and put it back where I found it, then I carefully tiptoed my way out of the room. As soon as I'm out, I let out a heavy sigh.

It's a good thing my father's not a scoundrel - otherwise I would've taken pages out of Matilda's book!

*~*

Placing my wireless headphones on, I start my music and my morning run. I don't always do this, but I find that after a breakdown, running seems to help. I run through the neighborhood, passing all the fancy houses that kind of looked like mine. I pass a few familiar faces as I do, and wave at them as they wave at me. I then make my way to the park, going near the lake and running along it. Several other people pass by, all focused and motivated by their workout, and I continue to focus on mine.

About an hour later, I spot a picnic table and go to it. There's a water fountain on the way, so I get a quick drink, then go to the table. I sit myself down on the table, my feet resting on the bench. My chest heaves heavily as I catch my breath, so I relax, looking around at my surroundings. Other joggers passed by, some jogging along with their friends. There were even people just walking for their workout, or just walking and chilling with a friend.

When my heart finally calms, I reach down to the pocket of my leggings, unzip it, and take my phone out.

It's now or never.

I contemplate things one more time, then unlock my phone and make a call. It rings for a little and then the call goes through.

"Hello?"

I open my mouth to say something, but I struggle. Instead, I'm still breathing somewhat heavily, recovering from the run.

"Hello? Who is this?"

Fuck it, just do it!

"Hello," I finally said.

No response.

"Shalini Singh Raizada?"

I hear her gasp. "...Khushi?"

By the sound of her voice, I can tell I made her whole fucking day.