Oh, My Family!

As Khushi drove away, Sara and Nisha was left staring at each other, confused, angry, sad, all emotions in once except happiness. "What just happened?" Nisha asked in disbelief. Sara just hugged her in response. "What do we do now didi?" Nisha with teary eyes asked. "Let's head in for now," Sara said, and nisha followed her.

Inside, they saw Rishabh and Stacy quietly heading upstairs, signed papers in hand. Zade and Elena sat frozen in disbelief. All eyes turned as the garage door creaked open. Sebastian stepped out, car keys in his hands ."I'm going out," he muttered. Moments later, (car sounds) the car roared to life, doors slammed, and the engine faded into the distance. Now, only the four remained—the Reyes and Grover siblings—alone in the silence of that enormous, broken room. They all sat in the same Position on the dining table. There was silence—just the hum of the AC, the ticking clock, and faint murmurs from upstairs. "Didi, I'm hungry," Nisha whispered. The food was right in front of them, but no one had touched it. "Um… can we eat a little?" Sara asked hesitantly. Elena gave a soft "y-yes." "Thank you," Sara replied, and she and Nisha began eating quietly. Elena nudged Zade, who was glued to his phone. "Let's eat too." He nodded. "What are your names again?" Zade asked suddenly. "I'm Sara, she's Nisha." Zade stared at her. "Have I seen you before?" "Um… yes, at the meet and greet today," Sara said. "Oh right—the flower girl," Elena smiled, while Zade kept looking at Sara, who lowered her gaze. An hour and a half passed. Nisha was asleep on Sara's shoulder. Elena had offered her bed, but Nisha had refused. Zade was helping clear the dishes and trying to call his dad. Meanwhile, Sara had called her mom over 50 times. Finally, Khushi answered. "Mummy! Where are you?" "I'm outside—come, we'll go back to the hotel." Sara stood up. "Mom's here. Can you call your dad?" Elena replied, "Before going up, Mom said he'd stay the night." Sara nodded, gently woke Nisha, and the Reyes siblings walked them out. Just then, another red car pulled in. "Dad, you're here," Zade said as Sebastian walked inside, looking a bit calmer. Sara and Nisha got into the car and waved goodbye. Khushi still looked distant. My life's a mess now, Sara thought. Little did she know—it was just the beginning.