16-07-2025, 05:37 PM
Sunday Morning – The Return on Her Terms
Abhi had just finished making his second cup of coffee when his phone buzzed.
Varnika:
Hey. Just letting you know I’m back in Hyderabad. I reached early this morning. Will drop by later.
Just that. No emojis. No hesitation. Just simple, direct, Varnika’s style when she meant business.
Abhi stared at the message for a few seconds, his mind immediately layering every possible emotion onto it.
He replied:
Welcome back. Let me know when you’re free.
________________________________________
Flat 403 – Later That Morning
Meghana opened the door to see her sister standing confidently in a cool indigo kurti and denim jacket,
Sunglasses still perched on her head.
She looked radiant, not from makeup, but from a calm decision already made inside her.
She stepped in with a smile, kicked off her sneakers, and said,
“So… how’s Hyderabad? Still hot and full of drama?”
Meghana blinked. “Varnika… hi.”
“No hug?” Varnika teased. “You’re supposed to act like you missed me.”
“I did,” Meghana said, stepping forward and pulling her into a long, meaningful hug.
After a moment, Varnika whispered just near her ear,
“You don’t need to explain anything, akka. You owe me nothing. I knew what I was encouraging. And I meant it.”
Meghana pulled back, her eyes slightly glistening. “You really sure about this?”
“No,” Varnika said with a small smirk. “But when did being sure stop me?”
They both laughed, a real, shared laugh, for the first time in days.
- o -
Abhi had just finished making his second cup of coffee when his phone buzzed.
Varnika:
Hey. Just letting you know I’m back in Hyderabad. I reached early this morning. Will drop by later.
Just that. No emojis. No hesitation. Just simple, direct, Varnika’s style when she meant business.
Abhi stared at the message for a few seconds, his mind immediately layering every possible emotion onto it.
He replied:
Welcome back. Let me know when you’re free.
________________________________________
Flat 403 – Later That Morning
Meghana opened the door to see her sister standing confidently in a cool indigo kurti and denim jacket,
Sunglasses still perched on her head.
She looked radiant, not from makeup, but from a calm decision already made inside her.
She stepped in with a smile, kicked off her sneakers, and said,
“So… how’s Hyderabad? Still hot and full of drama?”
Meghana blinked. “Varnika… hi.”
“No hug?” Varnika teased. “You’re supposed to act like you missed me.”
“I did,” Meghana said, stepping forward and pulling her into a long, meaningful hug.
After a moment, Varnika whispered just near her ear,
“You don’t need to explain anything, akka. You owe me nothing. I knew what I was encouraging. And I meant it.”
Meghana pulled back, her eyes slightly glistening. “You really sure about this?”
“No,” Varnika said with a small smirk. “But when did being sure stop me?”
They both laughed, a real, shared laugh, for the first time in days.
- o -
.