10. The One Where I Face Them

[ A L I N A ' S P O V ]

"You should've called your dad." Meenu Auntie chided me as soon as she caught my luggage bag. A frown settled on her face, disappointment covered her whole face, but I ignored it and stared at my wrist and traced the path of the bandage.

"I did," I said emotionlessly. "He didn't pick up."

Called him after a month, called everyone after a month, conveying I would be next week because I was going worried sick about Kabir's mother because I was scared staying alone in the hostel among few girls. I had thought of staying in Kabir's apartment, but then let the thought sail away.

See them once and get over it. Get over because you need to.

Putting my luggage at the back, she sat back with me and told the cabbie the address to home.

"What about this secrecy?" She demanded.

When nobody had picked up the call, I had called Meenu Auntie, informing her and she was delighted I was coming back. I had told her I would catch a cab, but she hushed down my plans and informed s