Ara's POV
It's Mumma's departure now...
I'm standing at the airport, trying to process the fact that she's about to jet off. I barely slept last night, and my eyes feel like they're dragging lead weights.
They are going to dodge from face and force mumma to stay here.
Aunt Rhea and Leo are here to see her off, and I'm just zoning out—completely lost in my own little world.
I don't know why, but whenever I'm faced with serious situations, my brain just stops braining.
It's like I'm paralyzed. I want to say goodbye, to do something—anything—but I'm frozen, just blankly staring at the people around me.
'If the hand fan suddenly falls on Mumma's luggage, should she change her mind??'
Suddenly, Mom's secretary announces that it's time for her flight, and a wave of anxiety crashes over me like a gut-punch.
AARGGHHHHHH...!!!
Wait, someone is calling me.
Aunt Rhea calls my name, trying to snap me out of it.
"Ara! Ara! Are you even here?!"
I blink out of the haze and manage a sleepy, "Haa…" surprised even at myself, I'm alive?
"Don't you want to say goodbye to your mumma?" she asks, clearly frustrated.
I stand their, thinking how to get the reality. I took a second and finally said.
"Goodbye, Mumma… take care of yourself," I murmur.
"Goodbye, Ara. Take care of yourself too. And don't bother your aunt in India, okay?" she replies firmly with a small smile.
At that moment, I can't handle the weight of my tears. I try to smile. I shut my eyes to trap the tears inside. But when I open them…
She's gone.
Mumma is… gone.
She's gone...
I break down. My legs give out, and I slump to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. It's like a chunk of my soul has been ripped out. First Papa, now Mumma… all that's left is this gaping, hollow ache in my chest. Is there is any goal for my existence?? For my soul???
Aunt Rhea tries to comfort me. Hugged me hard. First time I saw sympathy on Leo's face for me.
I disconnected all the connections on this world and step into my own world with my happy family! But still, doubt about the existence on my own world.
And the moment when she left,
on that moment I realised I'm being stop to be someone's daughter.
I cried salty tears once again...
We head back home to grab our luggage. Even on the way, I'm struggling to hold back my tears.
It's soon time to board our flight to India. Leo looks like he's been told to quit breathing—his mood is that bad. Not that I'm surprised.
As for me, I plop into my seat and—oh wow!—I actually got the window seat! A tiny win in the middle of chaos.
Still, nothing fills the void of leaving behind the only home I've ever known. Germany was my life. My school, my friends… even Mr. Müller, my butler, and a second parent to me.
Leo's behind me, sulking. Aunt Rhea's beside me.
I gaze out the window, trying to hold my thoughts together when Leo started punching my seat, from behind. Oh noooo.
"Hey, cry girl, what's wrong now? Hah!" he teases.
I roll my eyes. "Just enjoying the view, Leo. You know, the one that's not blocked by your ego."
He chuckles. "Oof, burn. But seriously, Ara, you're always so emotional. Can't you toughen up for once? And don't give me those savage introvert replies."
I sigh, already too drained to keep up with his nonsense. "Toughen up? Like you, Leo? Mr. 'I-don't-care-about-anyone's-feelings'?"
He shrugs, his voice annoyingly casual. "Someone's gotta keep it real. You walk around like there's a raincloud parked over your head 24/7."
His words sting. "Maybe that's because I actually have feelings, Leo. Unlike some people who shall remain nameless."
He snorts. "Feelings? You mean the 'crybaby' kind?"
My hands grip the armrest as my eyes well up again. "Shut up, Leo."
But of course, he doesn't.
"Oh, come on, Ara. Don't go teary-eyed again. That move's getting old."
That's when Aunt Rhea steps in. "Leo, that's enough. Don't mind him, Ara."
I nod slightly, grateful but also embarrassed. Leo leans back, still smirking, eyes creeping over my shoulder.
Creep.
I turn away quickly, disgusted.
As the flight attendants start the safety demo, Aunt Rhea pulls out a book. Leo jams in his earbuds. I stare out the window again. I don't have the habit of getting glued to my phone.
As the ground shrinks below us, I let the tears fall this time. Quiet, warm, and bitter.
Later, my aunt glances at me. "Hey, kiddo, you okay?"
I nod, forcing a smile. "Yeah. Just a little emotional, I guess."
She pats my hand. "It's okay to be emotional, sweetie. You've been through a lot. Just remember—I'm here. We'll get through this together. As a mother figure to you."
A lump forms in my throat. As a mother figure.
Maybe… just maybe… this new chapter won't be all that bad.
The plane touches down in Delhi. A rush of emotions floods me.
Wow. So this is Delhi.
The air is thick, humid, and smells unfamiliar also polluted. The sky looks kind of dusty. But the city? Vibrant. Loud. Alive.
A car is waiting. We climb in, exhausted.
The drive to our new home is a blur. I close my eyes for what feels like seconds.
When I open them, we're there.
At the front door stands a girl with a bright smile. "Ara! I'm so stoked you're here!" She throws her arms around me.
Liza.
My cousin. She's warm and excited and everything I didn't expect. She's at the same standard as me.
Leo, in contrast, barely says a word before storming off to freshen up. Whatever.
Uncle comes out, grinning ear to ear. He pulls me into a huge hug.
"We're so psyched to have you here, Ara. You're family now. Don't be shy or embarrassed."
Then Liza grabs my hand. "Come on! I'll show you your room!"
I just got my new home and she's so—excited.
She's practically bouncing with energy. She swings the door open and—wow.
It's like I'm back in Germany.
My old room—replicated.
"The room's been redesigned to match your old one," she explains. "Papa made it happen on super short notice." she explains clearly."we tried our best to comfort you in new habitation."
I'm going to cry by her words...
I'm floored. The details, the warmth—it's all perfect. Even Mumma never did anything like this for me.
My heart swells.
I grin. "Thank you, Liza."
She smiles. "Go freshen up and catch some Z's. It's already 1:00 a.m."
"You're right," I yawn. "I'm wiped."
"Sweet dreams, Ara," she says, giving me a quick short hug before heading out." and if you need anything just knock the door besides your with the name tag 'liza'."
I nodded then,
I freshen up, explore the room a bit, then collapse onto the insanely comfy bed. The air smells faintly of jasmine.
Sleep comes instantly.
Sweet dreams, Ara...