Page 17 of The Escape

Siya glanced down before smiling. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Simran looked at the two of them and smiled.

“You both look gorgeous.”

“So do you,” Meher and Siya replied immediately.

“So, how was everyone’s night?” Simran asked, picking up her glass.

Meher immediately sighed, sinking comfortably into her chair. “Exhausting. But in a good way.”

Siya nodded. “Same. I don’t remember the last time I slept that well. I think this is the first time in years I’ve woken up without having to rush after someone.”

“So true,” Simran admitted. “I didn’t realise how exhausted I was until I finally slept yesterday. Vishnu said I was snoring throughout the night. Must be the alcohol.”

The girls giggled. The server returned with their drinks, and after placing everything on the table, he left them alone.

“I feel so rested now,” Siya continued.

“Me too,” Meher said. “Next time, let’s plan a trip like this with all the kids too. What say?”

Siya and Simran immediately nodded in excitement.

“I spoke to Mom this morning,” Siya said. “It seems Rudra was a little upset last night,” she continued. “He kept asking when Raghav and I were coming back.”

She sighed before adding, “But thankfully, it didn’t last long as Baba, Ratan Uncle and Pratap Uncle had arranged a little outdoor game for the children. Nothing elaborate. Just light snacks, games and enough space for them to run around. And it seems they immediately forgot about us.”

Meher’s expression softened. “Even I called Paapa this morning to check on the kids. Arnav was okay, but Myra was upset for quite a while yesterday. That’s exactly what I was afraid of. She hardly ate anything in my absence.”

Siya reached across the table and squeezed her hand.

“Thankfully, Esha managed to feed her dinner,” Meher continued. “And today, she was perfectly fine with the other kids.”

“Esha and Haider are always lifesavers,” Siya added proudly. “Mom told me that Myra is enjoying herself with the rest of her siblings. So, no need to worry.”

“Yeah.” Meher nodded. “That’s what Aunty told me too. It was such a relief.”

“So, the oldies’ plan worked,” Simran added. “Apparently, they made the children spend most of the evening running around and playing together in the garden until they were completely exhausted. By the time they finished dinner, there was very little energy left for anyone to miss their parents.”

“Yeah. Seems like they all went to bed early,” Siya chuckled. “So, honestly, and thank God that the grandparents had an easier night than we expected.”

“I agree.” Simran laughed. “When I called Dad today, my only worry was for Sanvi. I knew Veer would be fine with the other kids even without us.” She shook her head, laughing. “But turns out Sanvi barely noticed we were gone after the others started playing with her.”

Meher smiled. “Really?”

“Yes. Very much. And she’s enjoying all the attention from her siblings, especially Aryan and Myra. You know how close they are.”

Meher nodded. Since both their families lived in Mumbai, Ayaan’s and Vishnu’s children shared a close bond as they saw each other much more often.

“It made me feel better, you know,” Simran added.

For the next few seconds, the three women sat quietly. They had all been nervous about leaving their kids, wondering whether four days away would be too much. And yet, hearing that the children were safe, happy and surrounded by family helped ease their worries.

Meher looked down at her untouched coffee.

“I almost wanted to video call them last night,” she continued. “But I know Myra. The moment she sees me on a video call, she’ll start crying and asking me to come home. And if Arnav is there too, he’ll join her. And I won’t be able to handle it.”