Home Isn’t Quiet Either

The car slowed down in front of a large white gate.

Anaya leaned forward, peeking out of the window.

“Home,” she announced dramatically.

The driver smiled. “Welcome back, ma’am.”

“Please don’t call me that,” Anaya groaned. “It makes me feel forty.”

He chuckled and stepped out to open the door.

Before Anaya could even take two steps inside, the front door flew open.

“You’re late.”

Anaya froze.

“Oh no,” she muttered. “The boss is home.”

Her mother stood there, hands on her hips, eyes sharp but worried.

“Hello to you too, Mom,” Anaya said sweetly. “I missed you.”

“You missed the curfew,” her mother replied instantly.

“There was traffic,” Anaya said. “And emotional goodbyes.”

“You always have excuses.”

“And you always believe them,” Anaya replied, smiling brightly.

Her mother sighed. “Give me your bag.”

“I can walk,” Anaya protested.

“You can also talk too much,” her mother said. “Yet here we are.”

Anaya laughed and handed over her bag.

From the living room, a calm voice drifted in.

“She’s home?”

Anaya’s face lit up. “Dad!”

She rushed inside and hugged her father, nearly knocking his glasses off.

“There goes my spine,” he said dryly.

“You love me,” Anaya said, hugging him tighter.

“I do,” he admitted. “Unfortunately.”

She grinned and finally stepped back.

Her brother, Aarav, leaned against the staircase, arms crossed.

“So,” he said casually, “hostel survived you?”

“Barely,” Anaya replied. “I think the walls are relieved I’m gone.”

“Miracle,” Aarav muttered.

Anaya stuck her tongue out at him.

Her mother pointed toward the dining table.

“Sit. Eat.”

“Already?” Anaya asked. “I just arrived.”

“You look like you survived on instant noodles and chaos.”

“That’s exactly what happened,” Anaya said proudly.

As she sat down, her mother placed food in front of her.

“Eat slowly.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“And stop smiling like that.”

“Yes, Mom.”

“And don’t argue.”

Anaya paused. “That’s unreasonable.”

Aarav snorted.

Her mother glared at him. “You too. Sit.”

He obeyed immediately.

Anaya smirked. “See? I’m not the only one scared.”

“I’m not scared,” Aarav said. “I’m trained.”

Dinner went on with light conversation, teasing, and warmth.

“So,” her father asked, “what are your plans for summer?”

Anaya straightened slightly. “I’m going to work.”

Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Work?”

“Yes.”

Aarav leaned forward. “Where?”

“Not in your company,” Anaya replied instantly.

Her mother frowned. “Why not? It’s safe. It’s familiar.”

“And it’s full of people who know me,” Anaya said calmly.

“They’ll treat me like your daughter or his sister, not an employee.”

Aarav watched her quietly.

“I want to earn my place,” Anaya continued.

“Not borrow it.”

There was a brief silence.

Then Aarav nodded. “Good.”

Her mother looked surprised. “You agree?”

“Yes,” Aarav said simply. “She should struggle a little.”

“Hey!” Anaya protested.

He smiled faintly. “You’ll manage.”

Her father smiled proudly. “I like this decision.”

Anaya beamed. “Thank you.”

Her mother sighed. “Just don’t overwork yourself.”

“I won’t,” Anaya promised. “Probably.”

Later that night, Anaya lay sprawled on her bed, staring at the ceiling.

Home felt different. Quieter. Safer.

Her phone buzzed.

Riya: Did you reach?

Anaya: Yes. Alive. Fed.

Meera: Miss us yet?

Anaya: No.

Kavya: Liar.

Anaya: Okay yes. A little.

She smiled and tossed the phone aside.

A knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” Anaya said.

Aarav stepped inside, holding two cups of tea.

“Peace offering,” he said, handing one to her.

She accepted it. “You’re being suspiciously nice.”

“I heard you turned down my company,” he said. “I respect that.”

She smiled softly. “I just want to prove myself.”

“You already have,” he replied. “But I get it.”

They sat quietly for a moment.

“So,” Aarav added, “what kind of job are you looking for?”

“Something normal,” Anaya said. “Where no one knows me.”

He chuckled. “Good luck with that.”

She laughed. “I’ll try.”

Outside, the city lights shimmered.

Inside, Anaya felt something new building—excitement, nervousness, possibility.

This summer wouldn’t be easy.

But it would be hers.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***