Ara's POV
It's mumma's departure now...
I'm standing at the airport, trying to process the fact that Mom's about to jet off. I'm running on fumes since I barely slept last night, and my eyes feel like lead weights.
Aunt Rhea and Leo are here to see Mom off, and I'm just zoning out, lost in my own little world.
I'm not sure why, but whenever I'm faced with a serious situation, my brain is not braining....
It's as if I'm paralyzed, unable to think or react. Like now, for instance. I want to say goodbye to Mumma, but I'm frozen, staring blankly at the people around me.
Suddenly, Mom's secretary announces that it's time for her flight, and I'm hit with a wave of anxiety. It feels like someone's punching me in the gut.
Aargghhhhhh..!!.!.!!!
Aunt Rhea's trying to snap me out of it, calling my name, but I'm too spaced out to respond.
"Ara!! Ara! are you even here?..!?" she asks, sounding kinda exasperated.
I shake off the haze and manage a sleepy "Haaa..." I am shoked a little.
"Don't you want to say goodbye to your mumma?" She quired.
"Goodbye mumma...take care of yourself.."
"Goodbye Ara . Take care of yourself too and don't bother your aunt in India...Okay." She replied.
At that moment, I can't lift the weight of my tears. I'm trying to smile. I shut my eyes to push the tears in. But when I opened them, I rolled my eyes everywhere but I can't find her.
Mumma is gone.
I broke down, sobbing uncontrollably. I slumped to the floor, feeling like a part of me was missing. Losing both my mom and dad left a gaping hole in my heart. My aunt tried to comfort me. We returned home to take our luggage.
Soon it was time to board our flight to India. As expected, Leo was majorly bummed. I wasn't surprised, though. I plopped down in my seat, and oh man!!, I scored the window seat!!!! What a sweet surprise!
But nothing could fill the void I felt, leaving behind the only home I'd ever known. I was abandoning the country where I'd grown up, leaving behind my school, friends, and even Mr. Müller, who was like a parent to me.
BTW, Leo is Seating behind me and aunt Rhea is Seating beside me.
As I gazed out the window, lost in thought, Leo nudged me with his elbow from behind. "Hey, cry girl, what's wrong now? Ha" he teased, smirking at me.
I rolled my eyes, trying to brush off his jab. "Just enjoying the view, Leo. You know, the one that's not blocked by your ego."
Leo chuckled. "Oh, burn! But seriously, Ara, you're always so emotional. Can't you just toughen up for once? And don't give me that savage introvert replies."
I sighed inwardly, not wanting to engage in a long conversation with Leo. "Toughen up? You mean like you, Leo? Ms. 'who - don't-even-care-about-anyone's-feelings'?"
Leo shrugged, his voice carrying over the back of my seat. "Hey, someone's got to keep it real around here. You're always so sensitive, Ara. It's like you're walking around with a permanent raincloud over your head."
I felt a sting from his words, but I tried to keep my cool. "Maybe that's because I actually have feelings, Leo. Unlike some people who shall remain nameless."
Leo snorted, his breath tickling the back of my neck. "Feelings? You mean like the feeling of being a total crybaby all the time?"
I glared at the seat in front of me, my eyes starting to well up with tears. "Shut up, Leo."
But Leo just kept going, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, come on, Ara. Don't get all teary-eyed on me again. This method is getting old."
That's when my aunt intervened, "Leo, that's enough. Don't pay attention to him, okay, Ara?"
I nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment. Leo shrugged, still grinning, but said nothing more. Just staring at me with creepy eyes.
Oh my!#:" I quickly take my eyes afar from him.
As the flight attendants began their safety demonstrations, my aunt pulled out a book and started reading. Leo plugged in his headphones and closed his eyes, leaving me to my thoughts once again. I don't have the habit to stuck at phone and don't leave it.
I stared out the window, watching as the ground below grew smaller and smaller. The tears I'd been holding back began to well up again, and this time, I let them fall.
As the plane leveled out, my aunt looked up from her book and smiled at me. "Hey, kiddo, you okay?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned.
I nodded, trying to muster up a smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little emotional, I guess."
My aunt nodded understandingly. "It's okay to be emotional, sweetie. You've been through a lot. Just remember, I'm here for you, and we'll get through this together. As a mother figure to you."
I felt a lump form in my throat as I looked at my aunt, grateful for her kindness and support.'as a mother figure' Maybe, just maybe, this new chapter in India wouldn't be so bad after all.
As the plane touched down in Delhi, I felt a rush of emotions.
WOW! So this is Delhi, I thought to myself. The air was thick with pollution, and the heat was sweltering, but despite the initial shock, I couldn't help but be captivated by the vibrant colors and energy of the city.
A car was waiting for us outside the airport, and we piled in, exhausted from the long flight. The drive to our new home was a blur, but as we pulled up to the house, I felt a sense of trepidation.
My cousin, Liza, was waiting for us at the door, a bright smile on her face. "Ara, I'm so stoked you're here!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me in a warm hug.
Leo, on the other hand, barely acknowledged me before heading off to his room to freshen up. I watched him go, feeling a pang of annoyance.
Whatever, dude.
My uncle, however, was warm and welcoming. He enveloped me in a bear hug, saying, "We're so psyched to have you here, Ara. You're part of the family now. So don't be get shy or embarassed."
"Hey Ara, Come with me I'll show you your room" Liza is exited when saying this.
She grasped my hand and led me to my new room. When she swung open the door, I was blown away - it didn't feel like a guest room at all. It looked like it had been tailor-made just for me.
The room was a dead ringer for my own room in Germany.
"The room's been redesigned to mimic your old room in Germany," she explained. "Papa pulled it off on ridiculously short notice."
I felt like I was on cloud nine - it was amazing to see how much effort they'd put into making me feel at home. My mom had never gone all out like this for me, so it was a really cool feeling.
I beamed at her, and she smiled back. "Ara, why don't you get freshened up and catch some Z's? It's already 1:00 am."
I nodded, feeling my eyelids get heavy. "You're right, I'm exhausted."
"Okay, Ara. Sweet dreams, and hit me up if you need anything," she said, before giving me a quick peck on the cheek and splitting.
I freshened up, scoped out the room throughly, and then face-planted onto the ridiculously comfy bed, surrounded by the sweet scent of jasmine. I was out cold in seconds.
Sweet dreams Ara!!!