They started making their way downstairs, but just as they reached the living room, the sound of a key turning in the front door caught their attention. Riya's father, Subhash, stepped inside, loosening his tie and looking around with the mild curiosity of a man returning home to find guests still around.
"Papa, this is my friend Aarya," Riya said cheerfully.
Sudhir's gaze immediately shifted to Aarya with the kind of polite scrutiny that felt a little like a spotlight. "Oh? Where do you live, beta? What's your father's name?"
hen Aarya mentioned her father's name, Sudhir's expression brightened with recognition. "Subhash Sharma? We work at the same company! Small world."The recognition in Subhash's face was instant. "Subhash Sharma? From Mechatech Industries?"
Aarya nodded, surprised.
Subhash chuckled warmly. "Well, what a small world. Your father and I work in the same company. He's a good man. Very dedicated." Then his tone shifted to that practical, fatherly firmness. "It's quite late. Have you told your parents you'll be home late?"
Aarya shook her head. "No… I was just going to text them. My clothes got dirty lemonade accident. But don't worry."
"Don't worry? Of course I'll worry," Sudhir said, already reaching for his phone. "I'll talk to your papa."
Within seconds, he was speaking into the phone. "Subhash! So nice to finally speak outside of work. Your daughter's here with Riya yes, yes, she's fine. Bit of a spill, that's all. I'll drop her home."
Aarya mouthed a quiet thank you while Riya tried not to grin.
Just then, Purab appeared from the hallway. "Papa, did you bring my Amul black currant ice cream cone?"
Subhash looked momentarily guilty. "Ah… I forgot."
Purab's face dropped into a dramatic frown. "Unbelievable," he muttered, stalking toward the kitchen.
"Don't worry," Riya said quickly. "I'll remind Papa to bring it when we drop Aarya home."
"I also want chips!" Purab shouted from behind the fridge door.
Before anyone could respond, Riya's mother emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. "Wait, so who's going to get the ice cream and the chips?"
All three of them
Sudhir, Riya, and Aarya exchanged a glance and answered in unison: "No one."
Subhash stepped in smoothly. "Do you remember Sudhir from my office? This is his daughter."
Her mother's expression softened immediately. "Ohh, so you're Sudhir's daughter.
Before Aarya could say anything, Riya grabbed her bag. "Alright, let's go before it gets too late."
Aarya smiled politely. "uncle , my cycle is here. I need to take it back."
Sudhir raised a hand. "Don't worry about that. Riya will drop it to you in the morning."
And with that, Sudhir grabbed his keys while Riya got ready to head out with Aarya.
And with that, Riya and her father escorted Aarya out to the car, the warm familiarity of their home still lingering in her mind as they drove off into the evening.
And they climbed in, the faint scent of car freshener mingling with the cool night air that drifted in through the half-rolled-down windows. The streetlights cast a golden glow on the road ahead, flickering occasionally as they passed beneath each one.
The car's engine purred softly, a steady hum under Sudhir uncle's measured driving. Riya instantly reached for the radio, twisting the dial until a familiar beat filled the small space. Her favorite song a peppy, upbeat Bollywood track burst to life through the speakers. Without a moment's pause, she started singing along, tapping her fingers on her knees in rhythm.
Aarya hesitated for a heartbeat, but the infectious energy tugged at her. She found herself mouthing the words first, barely audible, before letting her voice join in, softer than Riya's but in perfect sync with the melody. The two voices blended together one carefree and bold, the other shy but warm creating a small pocket of joy in the quiet night.
Sudhir uncle chuckled under his breath, glancing at them through the rearview mirror. "Looks like my car has turned into a concert stage," he teased. Riya just grinned and sang louder.
The streets grew narrower as they turned into Aarya's neighborhood. Dimly lit shops were closing for the day, the smell of fresh parathas and frying pakoras spilling out from a roadside stall. A stray dog trotted lazily across the road, and somewhere in the distance, a temple bell rang.
By the time they turned into her lane, Aarya felt something she hadn't in a while a lightness in her chest. She realized she was smiling. Not the polite, careful kind she wore at school or when greeting neighbors, but a genuine one that reached her eyes. It wasn't forced, it wasn't measured. It just… happened.
For the first time that day, she forgot about the dirty clothes, the lemonade mishap, and the awkward introductions. All she could think of was how the night air felt on her face, the way Riya's laughter filled the car, and how strangely nice it was to be part of something so simple
The smile lingered as the car slowed, but it faltered the moment Aarya caught sight of her own house in the distance. The front porch light was off, leaving the doorway swallowed in shadow. Curtains were drawn tight, sealing away any hint of warmth from the inside. The building itself seemed still, like it had been holding its breath all evening.
Riya honked lightly, a small friendly gesture that felt too bright for the quiet street. She gave a quick wave before driving off, the red tail lights vanishing around the corner. The moment the sound of the engine faded, the silence rushed back in, heavy and unmoving.
Aarya let herself in, the door creaking faintly. Inside, the air was cool but stale, as if no one had spoken in hours. No TV hum. No kitchen noises. Just the faint, persistent buzz of the refrigerator in the background. She slipped off her shoes, the soft thud echoing in the stillness.
She changed back into her own clothes, folding the borrowed ones carefully, almost ritualistically, just to fill the space with some kind of movement. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she picked up her phone.
Her father answered on the second ring."Reached home?" His voice was calm, clipped."Yes, Papa," she replied."Had dinner?""Not yet.""Eat something light. I'll be late." He didn't elaborate. He never did.
A few minutes later, her mother called from her night shift. The conversation was even shorter just a quick check-in to make sure she was home. No time for more.
When she hung up, the house felt quieter than before. She set her phone face down, stared at the ceiling for a moment, and realized how easily the warmth of a few car-ride minutes could disappear into the cold stretch of an empty room.