Her

I stepped off the plane at Heathrow Airport, a deep breath filling my lungs as I took in the familiar scent of the air. It had been two years since I'd been here, two years since I last walked through these halls and felt the buzz of London in my veins. Usually, it was Dante making the journey to Kolkata to visit me, but today, I was the one coming.

"Why isn't your brother here yet?" Ma asked, her voice tinged with impatience. She looked around, scanning the crowd.

I gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Ma. We'll find him eventually."

I wasn't as worried as she was. Bhaiya was never late—well, rarely. I adjusted the strap of my bag, glancing around, letting the familiar chaos of the airport wash over me.

"Ah! There he is!" Ma suddenly exclaimed, pointing excitedly. I followed her gaze, and sure enough, Bhaiya was weaving his way through the crowd, his eyes locked on us.

Without missing a beat, Ma rushed forward, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. Bhaiya's face softened as he wrapped his arms around her.

I cleared my throat, rolling my eyes.

"Okay, okay, enough of the mother-son reunion," I said, my voice laced with a playful edge. "What about me?"

Bhaiya pulled away from Ma, smiling that familiar smile that was equal parts comforting and mischievous. Then, he ruffled my hair, making me scowl. "You still haven't grown up, have you?"

"Bhaiya!" I protested, pushing him away, but I couldn't help the small smile that tugged at my lips.

He just chuckled, bending down to pull me into a hug. "Good to see you, Monkey," he murmured, his voice softer now.

I hugged him back tightly, the scent of his cologne mixing with the faintest trace of the travel exhaustion on his clothes. It was a warm feeling, one that reminded me of home. I pulled away, meeting his eyes with a soft smile.

"Good to be back," I said, feeling a little sentimental.

We made our way to the car, with Bhaiya taking the wheel, Ma happily settling in the passenger seat beside him. I sat in the back, watching the landscape unfold outside the window. The greenery of the countryside, the buildings, and the hustle of the city were all so familiar, yet there was something different about seeing it again after all this time. Ma seemed completely enchanted by the scenery, her eyes wide as she took it all in.

"Look at that, Tara! Such beautiful buildings," she exclaimed, pointing at a row of old brick buildings that lined the street.

"Ma, this is nothing compared to Kolkata," I teased, glancing out the window with a smile. But I could tell she didn't mind. She loved seeing the world, especially after spending so many years in Kolkata.

Bhaiya shot me a look from the front seat, smirking. "You've got her there, Tara. We have to work hard to impress her, huh?"

Ma just shook her head, muttering something about "young people these days" before continuing to admire the view.

As we turned down the familiar street and pulled up to Bhaiya's house, I could see Ma's eyes light up with wonder. "This is your house, Arjun?" she asked, her voice filled with awe as she looked at the modern structure with large windows, sleek lines, and a perfect little garden in front.

"Yep," Bhaiya said, parking the car and stepping out. He guided us inside, showing off the spacious living room and kitchen, pointing out the little details that made the house feel like home for him. Ma nodded along, clearly impressed.

While Bhaiya was busy showing Ma around the house, I turned to him, leaning against the doorway with a raised brow. "Bhaiya, I'm going next door. Do you have Dante's house keys?"

Bhaiya hesitated for a moment, his face hardening ever so slightly. I could tell there was some unspoken tension, but I knew he'd give them to me anyway. He always did, no matter how much he might not like Dante.

Reluctantly, he pulled a key from his pocket and handed it to me. "Fine. Just don't stay there too long. We're all waiting for you here."

I nodded, slipping the key into my pocket and heading out the door. The walk to Dante's house was quick, the familiar cobblestone street beneath my feet reminding me of all the days I'd spent here before.

I reached his front door and let myself in with the key. The house was quiet, the air still with the scent of the place that had once felt like my second home. I stood for a moment just taking it all in. The living room, with its wide windows, its large couches, and the subtle scent of Dante that lingered in every corner. This was where we had spent so much time together—laughing, talking, or just being close.

I settled onto the plush couch. I couldn't wait to surprise Dante and see his reaction.

I glanced at the empty hallway, my excitement bubbling just under the surface. Soon, Dante would walk through that door, and I'd get to see that grin of his—the one that made everything seem brighter.

Him

I wrapped up my work for the day, my body feeling like it had been put through a wringer. I hadn't realized how drained I was until the weight of exhaustion hit me all at once. Arjun had left early today. He wasn't feeling well, but I couldn't help but feel a little relieved. We'd been working long hours, and I could tell he was running on fumes.

I glanced at my phone again. Nothing. No messages from Tara. It had been two days since we last talked, and I couldn't shake off the worry that had started creeping into my chest. I'd tried to call her, tried to text, but there was nothing. No response. I replayed everything in my mind—every word, every moment we'd spent together recently—but nothing seemed to stand out. Nothing I'd said or done felt wrong. Still, that pit in my stomach wouldn't go away.

Another glance at my phone, as if that would somehow change things. Nope. Nothing.

I sighed, pushing my hands through my hair. Maybe I was overthinking it. I hadn't seen her in six months, and we had both been busy. Maybe she just needed space. But even as I thought that, the unease wouldn't settle. It was like a dull ache in my chest, growing with each unanswered minute.

I made my way to the car, lost in thought, trying to push away the worry that had settled in. Six months since I'd last seen her in Kolkata. It felt like an eternity. Maybe it was time I booked tickets again to visit her. I couldn't stay away much longer.

I reached my house, the familiar sight of it both comforting and empty. I walked toward the door, the weight of the day still heavy on my shoulders. My hand reached for the door handle, turning it with a little more force than usual.

As I stepped inside, something froze inside me.

There she was.

Tara.

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