— 5 days later

“He did not run away! Stop saying that!”

“What else am I supposed to say? You convinced me to have a talk with him and the moment I was ready, he disappeared without a word” Papa replies “That says alot”

“Of course he will! He and his family ran away like rats” uncle mutters with disdain.

My jaw tightens at his words, heat crawling up my spine in anger. Papa notices the way I stiffen and immediately steps forward “Please, aap jaaye yahan se. Yeh humare ghar ka mamla hai” he says firmly, gesturing him toward the door.

[Translation - Please, this is a matter of our family, go away]

During the whole time, uncle has tried his best to add fuel to the situation but veer and papa were there to always brush him away.

He lets out an angry huff,shooting me a glare and walking off while slamming the door shut behind him.

Papa turns to me again, taking in my red eyes and the way I can barely stand from exhaustion. I haven’t eaten properly in days, and haven't slept properly either.

Everything feels like it’s collapsing.

“You need to stop doing this and accept the truth"

“It is not the truth! Maya also say that something happened — there was an emergency that they flew away” I argue, my voice shaking with internal fear which I can't let show

Papa exhales slowly, as if physically restraining his anger “So he couldn't send a single message? Him or anyone in his family,  the same family you claimed cared for you so much?” His tone softens but the words are still sharp.

He holds my shoulders gently. “Don't hurt yourself or others because of him, Jasmine”

“Papa…I am sorry, I don't wanna be adding to your stress or anyone—”

“Do me a favour and forget him, Jasmine. Please, i am begging you”

His plea scares me more than his anger ever could

✄┈┈

“Are they still unreachable?” Maya asks, the concern evident in her voice.

I nod silently, looking at the my phone kept on the nightstand. I am too afraid to pick it up, dial their number only to find it unreachable. No messages, no notifications, no updates.

I am scared, the insecurities have started to creep inside me after every conversation I have with my family.

I somehow finally managed to convince my father to at least talk to Lucas but that went in vain when he discovered they actually left.

Since then, the house has been a battlefield

Papa vs me

Papa vs Veer

Me vs my own fear

And my uncle? He has practically made it his full-time job to throw taunts about how Lucas ran away when he was exposed

How can I forget the conversation from this morning?

How can I move on when my heart is still somewhere out there with him?

What happened to him?

Why is no one responding?

Why does everything feel wrong?

I grab the phone again and unlock it, my fingers trembling as I go through my empty messages and call log again. Only to face the same disappointment.

Maya walks over to me, sitting beside me and holding my hands “Hey, don't tighten your heart. Don't think about their words” she assures me.

She has been doing it everyday. She was supposed to go back right after the reception but was delaying it because of this whole mess.

Sonia also talked to me. The first thing did was apologize to me for creating this misunderstanding in the first place, but i dont blame her. She didnt know better and somewhere because of her I was able to understand Lucas better.

I wasn't even angry at her or anyone, not even my parents for worrying and doubting because I haven't given them a reason to believe me and have only been lying to them.

But I don't understand their unacceptance to deny lucas just because he is adopted

I wish they just understand him

I can't even tell dadi, her health isn't that good after all the wedding festivals and travelling.

Veer and Mira haven't shifted into their house like they decided. Mostly because of me and this whole situation.

No wonder papa told me to stop hurting others. Because of me the whole family is shaken.

“I don't know what to do” I mutter, my voice cracking slightly feeling helpless. Maya's expression softens, she wraps an arm around me to pull me into and embrace and rubs my back “Everything will be better, jasmine. Don't lose hope”

I take a deep breath and nod, feeling the tears pricking down my eyes — running down my cheeks.

“Can I come in?”

I pull apart hearing the knock on the door and wipe my cheeks. Slowly the door opens and Nikhil walks in, holding a plate full of food.

Maya stands up and smiles at him as he approaches me “Heard you haven't been eating” Nikhil says, holding the plate in front of me.

I look up at him, seeing the calm and nonchalant expressions on his face.

He lets out a soft sigh and sits beside me “Dekho, mai bahut blunt rahonga. Tum koi bollywood heroine nahi ho nahi woh koi bollywood hero hai. Ke breakup era chalra hai aur tumhare nahi khane se woh wapas aajayega. Chup chap khalo taki jab woh aye toh uski jamki class lagna hai” his voice a mix of teasing and playfulness.

[Translation - Look, I will be very blunt. You are not a Bollywood heroine, nor is he a Bollywood hero. Like it's a breakup era and if you don't eat, he will come back. Eat quietly so that when he comes, you could scold him nicely]

I couldn't help but chuckle but it cracks slightly “kuch zayad hi dramatic hoon mai” I mutter, laughing at myself. Nikhl’s expressions soften “muhje maloom hai yeh”

[Translation - I am a bit too dramatic.

Yeah I know]

The delicious smell and warm food makes my stomach grumble. I slowly take it from him “Thank you” I mumble, tearing a piece of roti and dipping it in the curry before eating it.

Despite the good taste I don't feel my appetite coming back up. But it's better to eat than making everyone worried.

The room goes on for a full few minutes, I can feel Nikhil and Maya holding their breaths until I eat a bit and keep the plate aside “Feeling better?” Maya asks, while Nikhil pours me a glass of water. I nod, a small smile on my lips “A little, thank you…”

Nikhil smiles and nods as I take the glass from her hand. His eyes flicker to Maya in a silent question before meeting mine “Are there no updates yet?” he asks carefully.

The glass pause at my lips before I lower it and shake my hand and shaking my head “No. not yet”

Nikhil takes a deep breath, a flicker of sympathy crossing his face “Not even from his family or friends?” He asks but again I dont have an answer. I have tried to message everyone but no one seems to have replied to me yet.

His eyebrows furrow in confusion “It's been days, why can't they at least send a text?” he asks, his tone frustrated

Maya sighs “Maybe it was something bad? They might have not gotten the time”

“Yeah, I don't know how bad the situation there is” I take a deep breath, taking a slow slip of the water but my throat burns instead of giving me ease. I couldn't help but just pray for everyone there.

Nikhil let's out a huff crossing his arms “If they ain't replying then maybe you should go there” he suggests

My eyes widens at his suggestion “Go there? What?”

He nods, taking a step closer “I mean that's the only way, it's been days. What kind of emergency keeps someone so busy? I feel like they are hiding something—” he lets out a groan when Maya smacks his head.

“What was that for!” He groans, rubbing the back of his head. She shoots him a glare “Bewakoof, usko hosla dene ke bajae tu aur doubt bhar raha hai”

[Translation — idiot, instead of giving her hope you are making her doubt more]

Nikhil rolls his eyes, I know he didn't mean anything wrong but I know why everyone is feeling that way.

Nikhil suddenly turns to me fully, her expression “Is there seriously no one? It can't be possible right? Your friend or his parents, some staff? A family friend or someone who might know or help? If no one then maybe we should arrange a flight got you”

Someone who might help?

A name flashes in my mind

“Yes!” I exclaim in hope, I slam the glass down on the night stand that makes both of them jump in surprise.

I get up and walk over to my luggage, opening it hurriedly. “I know someone who would reply no matter what” I whisper under my breath, tossing my clothes aside messily.

I pull out the letter and open it while grabbing my phone. Nikhil and Maya exchange a concerned look. They might not know but I am glad Nikhil has broken the ice forming in my head and reminded me of him.

He did add his contact info here

I quickly dial his number. Meanwhile, Nikhil and Maya looked at me with questions on their faces but they remain silent. My heart pounds in my chest as the phone rings

One time

Two times

Three times

Four—

“Hello?”

My breath catches. His voice is deep, measured, unsettlingly calm which raises goosebumps on my arms. Nikhil practically crawls closer to overhear, while Maya stays back respectfully, though worry flickers in her eyes.

“Hello? This is Jasmine…Jasmine Singhania” I say, holding in my breath.

I hear a breath intake on the other side and there is a pause before he speaks

“Jasmine. I have been waiting for your call”

I blink in surprise and check the number again to make sure I am calling the correct person “What do you mean?” I ask, slightly stepping away from them.

There is a low hum “I knew you would need my help one day or the other. So I have been simply waiting” He replies, too calm for the situation.

I take a deep breath, remembering Stella’s words ‘Jeff somehow knows everything’

“If you already know why I called, then you must also know why I am calling.” I say quietly, my thumbnail digging into my hand.

“I do know some parts” He replies smoothly “But not completely sure about it. Though I would appreciate your explanation”

I take a shaky breath “Well, Lucas, Liam, and Stella left a few days ago saying they had an emergency but they haven’t contacted me yet. Their luggage is still here and I have been trying to reach all of them but… nothing. That’s why I called you. To know if everything is alright”

There's a pause on the other line and I hear the chair creak “They didn't contact you?” he asks, genuinely surprised for the first time

“No…?” I tail off, more confused by his tone

He lets out a huff “There’s a huge misunderstanding here” he says, I hear the sound of tying and some muffled noise in the background as if he is talking to someone “I am arranging a flight ticket for you. Tonight”

My eyes widen and I spin around toward Maya and Nikhil, both of whom look exactly how I feel — shocked.

“That's so sudden—”

“Lucas needs you here,” he says, making all my protests die down.

“Did something happen to him?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper, my chest tightening at the thought. “Oh no no…I mean” he lets out a sigh “I would rather tell you that in person. Will send the details and everything”

“Jeff, wait—”

But the call ends before I can finish. I lower the phone slowly and turn to them, who are waiting for answers. Maya steps forward “What does that mean? Why didn’t he just say it?”

I rub my forehead “He isn't the type of person to disclose everything” I mutter, tapping my phone against my palm. Nikhil shrugs his shoulders “Well atleast we share some brain cells. See? I told you, you should go there!”

“Do you wanna?” Maya asks with a concerned look

A flicker of hesitation hits my heart, the fear of seeing something I might not handle

“I don’t think I can” I mumble, “With everything happening here, they won’t allow it. It will cause more drama. It’s better if I go quietly and come back soon”

“Its a long journey, I don't think it's okay for you to travel alone in this state” maya adds

I don't have a choice

Jeff doesn't seem to wanna say what happened there until I reach Sydney. And his words have made me more anxious even after the denial but there is definitely serious going on there.

“I will be fine” I mutter,  grabbing my suitcase and start stuffing some random clothes into it. Maya sighs, crossing her hands as she watches me walking around the room actively.

“What about the tickets, visa and everything?” she asks. I pause mid folding, I shrug my shoulders and just throw in the top “That guy has indescribable connections. Liam and stella trusts him, maybe I can too”

Maya takes a deep breath “Alright” she says, helping me pack the suitcase. I couldn't help but smile, that's when I received a message .

—Jeff

Flight at 12 AM.

Be at the airport by midnight.

Ticket will be handed there.

Maya nods, as if calculating something “Maybe reaching by 10pm is fine, you will arrive in Sydney around 10am” she says calculating in her mind “But what will we say to uncle and aunty? We can't leave without going unnoticed”

Yeah, they are very against this whole idea

Nikhil waves his hand dismissively “Who says we need to tell them?”

Maya and my head snap in his direction in disbelief “what do you mean?”

He smirks, his eyes glinting with mischief, the same one we have seen since childhood

✄┈┈

I slowly tip toe out of the room, holding my suitcase carefully. I look around to make sure no one is there. As I place it on the floor to walk a bit freely, it suddenly slips.

My eyes widens, before it crashes somewhere, Maya darts forward and catches it before anyone could wake up “Kya kar rahi hai!” she whisper yells, glaring at me in the darkness.

[Translation - What are you doing!]

I lift my hands in surrender “Mai kya karon? Woh phisal gaya!” I exclaim.

[Translation - What should I do? It slipped away!]

“Shhh!” Nikhil shushs us both “tum log ku sneak out karna ata hai ya nahi?”

[Translation - Do you both not know how to sneak out?]

Maya gives him a deadpan look “Nahi. Aapku bahut experience lagta hai” it's definitely to mock him

[Translation - No. But you seem very experienced]

I couldn't help but sniffle a laugh while Nikhil scowls at Maya. “Haan meri life tum dono se zyada adventures thi!” He shoots back

[Translation - Yeah my life is way more adventurous than you both]

Maya scoffs straightening up “Bandar ki jaisa kudne ko adventure nahi khete!”

[Translation - Jumping like a monkey is not called adventure!]

Suddenly the wheels start rolling again and before my suitcase can tumble down the stairs, Nikhil grabs it with a fed-up sigh

“Chup raho aur chalo” he orders

[Translation - Shut up and walks]

He decides to carry the suitcase down the stairs as he was fed up with us.

We creep down step by step while Mira keeps guard, peeking around corners to make sure the coast is clear “It’s clear. Go” she whispers, opening the door.

I can’t believe she is  part of this plan too.

Somehow Nikhil and Mira managed to put everyone to sleep before midnight which is the rarest moment in our house.

I don't know what they did.

Luckily we were able to get out of the door and Nikhil lower the suitcase onto the ground so I could roll it slowly towards the car where Veer is waiting

“Might be the first brother helping his sister run away instead of snitching on her” Nikhil says teasingly. Veer rolls his eyes as he loads my suitcase into the trunk.

Maya just giggles in response while Veer shuts the door, he dusts his hands before turning to Maya “Okay I will drop her to the airport and come back. If anywhere in between ma checks up Jasmine then tell her she is sleeping with you or she went with me to grab ice cream or something”

“Don't worry” Nikhil says with a proud smirk “I don't think they will wake up until tomorrow” he adds. All of them exchange a look while I feel I am the only clueless one.

Veer nods subtly, still not fully convinced “Maya, if anything happens then call me”

Maya nods quickly in understanding “Okay understood” she turns to me “Take care and text us as soon as you reach” I smile and nod, before moving forward to hug her tightly.

She rubs my back gently “Everything will be alright” she whispers in assurance. I nod as we release each other, maybe just in a few days i have gotten really close to her

I look at mira who gives me a small smile “Don’t worry too much and stay safe”

“Yes, thank you” i mutter

“Hum sambhal lenge yahan. Tu baas apne aap ka dhyan rakhna na aur updates dete rehna” Nikhil assures

[Translation - We will take care of it here. You just take care of yourself and keep giving updates]

“Yeah, thanks for the help”

“I will be back” he mutters, mostly to her as he turns to open the car door for me. Mira nods, her eyes flickering to Veer who looks at her with an unreadable experience

I catch a glimpse of silent emotion crossing Mira's expressions while I get in before the door gets shut.

As the car pulls forward, Nikhil jogs ahead to open the gates. Maya and Mira wave, their figures fades into the darkness until they disappear completely.

I inhale deeply, sinking into the seat. My foot taps uncontrollably against the floor

Am I actually doing this?

Running halfway across the ocean in the middle of the night?

Veer looks at me, his expressions serious “You will call or text me as soon as you reach, meet that guy and also when you arrive at Lucas's home. If things are too complicated then just text me you will contact me later to not worry us. Understood?” he asks, his tone caring a mixture of worry and concern.

I nod in understanding “Yes, totally”

He takes a deep breath, as if debating internally “And if that guy had any invalid or foolish reason to just go back without any explanation then you will come back and I will take care of it. Got it?” he asks, his tone leaving no place for an argument.

“Bhai, there is a reason—” I wanna defend him, saying that he is wrong but I stop myself, looking at his determined face, again I couldn't blame him for worrying.

“Okay…” I trail off hesitatingly

My eyes drift to the window.

The moon glows faintly, clouds slowly swallowing it as if even the moon is afraid