Page 42 of Since You Came Along

‘Alright, alright.’ Meera held up her hands in mock surrender. ‘Anyway, I’m here now. Let’s have a girl’s night. Should we invite Kusha as well?’

Siya nodded. ‘I was thinking the same. I’ve been in touch with her. She seems fun. You want to call her?’

‘Oh, no. You should call her.’ Meera said, worried Kusha might say no if she called her.

Meanwhile, in her kitchen, Kusha was reaching for a frozen pizza when her phone buzzed. The name Siya flashed on the screen, surprising her.

She hesitated before answering. ‘Hello?’

‘Hey, what are you up to?’ Siya greeted her.

‘Planning to treat my teeth to a gourmet frozen pizza. Why?’

‘Change of plans. Come over. We’re having a girl’s night.’

In the background, Kusha heard Kashvi’s voice. ‘Yeah, because our stepbrother is a bastard who—’

Siya interrupted her and then yelled, ‘You cannot throw a donut in my hair! Now I’ll have to wash it!’

‘Kusha, will you bring shampoo and conditioner? Because I have hidden her shower items away,’ Kashvi called out into the phone.

‘That’s enough, both of you!’ Meera interjected, her voice cutting through the commotion. ‘Now, if you two haven’t scared Kusha off already, tell her to come over.’

Kusha recalled the memory of her last interaction with Meera, and guilt twisted in her gut. Maybe tonight could be her chance to set things right.

Siya came back on the line. ‘So, what do you say?’

Kusha hesitated, but agreed. ‘Alright. Text me the address.’

She ended the call, grabbed her keys, and headed out. As she got into her car, a flutter of anticipation filled her chest. Maybe tonight, she’d apologise to Meera and start fresh.

Kusha stepped out of the lift and pressed the doorbell. A moment later, the door swung open, revealing Kashvi, who greeted her with a wide, welcoming smile.

‘Hey, Kusha, right? Come in,’ Kashvi said, stepping aside to let her in.

Kusha nodded, stepping into the apartment as Kashvi added, ‘Siya is on the balcony. Meera had to step out to run an errand, but she’ll be back soon.’

‘Thanks,’ Kusha replied, glancing at Kashvi. It was impossible not to notice how much she resembled her elder sister.

They shared the same chocolate brown almond-shaped eyes, but Kashvi held a playful glint compared to Siya’s thoughtful gaze.

As Kusha slipped off her shoes and entered, she took a moment to absorb the surroundings. A soft beige couch dominated the living room, strewn with cushions in vibrant shades of blue and green. A tall bookshelf, crammed with novels and trinkets, stood by the corner.

‘Nice place,’ Kusha said, taking it all in.

‘Thanks. Balcony’s that way,’ she added, pointing toward the open sliding glass doors at the far end of the room.

The cool evening breeze greeted Kusha as she spotted Siya seated on a wicker chair. Siya turned at the sound of footsteps, her lips curling into a soft smile.

‘Hey, you made it,’ Siya said, gesturing to the empty chair beside her.

‘I couldn’t resist the free entertainment after I heard the bickering on the phone earlier. Do you two always fight like that?’ Kusha teased.

‘Always,’ Siya admitted, shaking her head with mock exasperation. ‘It’s been like this since forever. She’s lucky I haven’t thrown her out yet.’

Kusha chuckled, leaning back in her chair. ‘She seems like a handful.’

‘Kashu is, but she’s my handful,’ Siya said, her voice softening. She looked out at the view of the city lights twinkling in the distance. ‘After Mumma passed away, Dad was always away on business trips. I had to step in, you know? Be the elder sister and the guardian.’

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