The Voyages.

Later that day.

The Bendilani dining table was alive with chatter and laughter, as it always was during supper. The long, polished wooden table was laden with dishes—roast chicken, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and a fresh salad. The aroma of the food filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the family's presence. Dad sat at the head of the table, his usual stern demeanor softened by the comfort of being surrounded by his loved ones. Monica sat to his right just as always, her calm presence a steadying force, while Emily and Jerry were engaged in a playful argument. Jacqueline was scrolling through her phone with one hand while eating with the other. Anushka and Mark sat side by side, their heads close together as they shared a quiet conversation, their occasional giggles drawing curious glances from the others. And then there was me, not minding anyone but rather the food on my plate.

Dad cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the noise and drawing everyone's attention. "I have an announcement," he said, his tone serious but not unkind. "I'll be staying at your Grandpa's house for a while. We have some… business to take care of." Well, there was no business to take care of but rather Dad was joining Digzy. They had planned to go North and ambush Thomas. But of course, Dad couldn't tell us so, the last thing he wanted to do was make us all worry.

The table fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. Monica was the first to speak, her voice calm but tinged with concern. "Business? What kind of business?"

Dad hesitated, his gaze flicking to the empty seat where Grandpa usually sat. "Just some things we need to sort out," Dad said evasively. "It's nothing to worry about."

Emily, who had been quietly listening, didn't press for details. Instead, she turned her attention to her own plans. "Well, since we're sharing, I'll be visiting Mom for at least two weeks. I need a break and besides I haven't seen her like in a long…."

Jerry perked up at that, his tone eager. "I'll come with you. It'll be fun."

Emily shook her head immediately, her tone firm. "No, Jerry. This is something I need to do on my own. Besides, you'd just annoy me the whole time."

Jerry pouted, clearly disappointed. "Fine. But don't come crying to me when you get bored."

Emily smirked. "As if."

Monica, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "I'll go with you, Emily. It's been a while since I've left the house, and I could use a change of scenery."

Emily's eyes lit up, her expression brightening. "Really? That would be amazing! I'd love to have you there."

Dad, however, looked less enthusiastic. He hesitated, his brow furrowing as he glanced at Monica. "Are you sure that's a good idea? It's been a long time since you've traveled, and…"

Monica cut him off, her tone gentle but firm. "I'll be fine, dear. Emily and I can take care of each other. Besides, it's time I got out of this house."

Dad sighed, clearly torn, but he finally nodded. "Alright. Just… be careful."

The rest of the family seemed less concerned with the announcements. Jacqueline was still engrossed in her phone, though she occasionally glanced up to contribute a sarcastic comment or two. Anushka and Mark, meanwhile, were in their own little world, their heads close together as they whispered and laughed. It was clear that Mark was still recovering, but being around Anushka seemed to lift his spirits in a way nothing else could.

At one point, Mark leaned over to Anushka, his voice low but teasing. "You know, Ruhi, you're kind of amazing. How do you manage to look so good even when you're stressed?"

Anushka blushed, swatting his arm playfully. "Stop it, Mark. You're going to make me spill my drink."

Mark grinned, clearly enjoying her reaction. "I'm just saying. You're like… the whole package. Smart, beautiful, and you can handle me when I'm being impossible. What more could a guy ask for?"

Anushka rolled her eyes, but there was a smile on her lips. "You're such a charmer. But I'm not falling for it."

Mark's expression softened, his tone more serious. "I'm not trying to charm you, Ruhi. I mean it. You're… you're everything."

Anushka's breath caught, her eyes meeting his. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the rest of the room fading away. Then Mark cleared his throat, breaking the moment as he turned back to his plate. "Anyway, pass the potatoes, will you?"

Anushka laughed, shaking her head as she handed him the bowl. "You're impossible."

The rest of the meal passed in a blur of conversation and laughter. Jacqueline finally put her phone down long enough to engage in a heated debate with Jerry about the latest tech trends, while Emily and Monica discussed their upcoming trip. Dad exchanged quiet words with Monica, his expression serious, but he made an effort to join in the lighter moments.

As the meal wound down, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Dad's vague announcement, Emily and Monica's trip, and the unspoken tension between Anushka and Mark—it all felt like pieces of a puzzle I couldn't quite put together. I pushed those thoughts aside, choosing instead to focus on the warmth and laughter of the family around me.