SΞЯΞИDIPIΓУ - Crossed Paths

On a warm winter morning, the golden rays of the sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow across the cozy bedroom where Arin and his younger sister, Ira, lay curled up under a thick, warm blanket. The chilly air outside only made the comfort of their shared warmth more irresistible. Their peaceful slumber, however, was soon interrupted by their mother’s firm but gentle voice.

“Wake up, both of you! It’s already six o’clock. When will you finally start waking up early?” she said, pulling the blanket slightly to stir them.

Arin let out a deep sigh and turned lazily to the other side. “Mmm... please, Mom, just a little longer,” he mumbled sleepily.

Ira, still half-asleep, nodded in agreement, her voice drowsy. “Yes, Mom, bhai is right. Just a few more minutes...”

Their mother frowned, her hands on her hips. “No way! Have you forgotten that today is a special day? Arin, it’s your first day at your new office!”

Hearing this, Ira suddenly sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Oh yeah, bhai! We almost forgot,” she said with a slight yawn.

Arin stretched his arms and blinked a few times. “Yeah, you’re right...”

But just as he was about to get up, something crossed his mind, making him pause. A sly smirk spread across his face as he leaned closer to Ira and whispered something in her ear.

Ira’s sleepy eyes widened in realization, and she gasped. “Oh... I totally forgot about that!” she whispered back, mirroring his mischievous smile.

Without another word, Arin and Ira exchanged knowing glances and flopped back onto the bed, pulling the blanket over themselves with exaggerated sighs of relief.

Their mother, watching their unusual behavior, grew suspicious. “Why did you both go back to sleep again?” she demanded, narrowing her eyes.

Ira peeked from under the blanket and grinned. “Mom... maybe you should check today’s date.”

“Date? What does the date have to do with anything?” their mother questioned, but curiosity got the best of her. She reached for her phone and checked the calendar.

A moment later, she sighed, shaking her head with a small chuckle. “Ah, I see. Alright, fine. Sleep for a little longer,” she said, leaving the room with a knowing smile.

A peaceful silence settled again in the room. But after a while, Arin and Ira suddenly woke up, their stomachs loudly protesting their empty state. They exchanged a glance before calling out in unison, their voices loud and dramatic. “Mom...! We want food!”

Meanwhile, their mother was at the house temple, worshipping the Gods and performing the morning prayer rituals. Arin and Ira, unable to wait any longer, wandered into the kitchen in search of food. After rummaging through the shelves, they finally found something and eagerly started eating.

A few moments later, their mother entered the kitchen after finishing her prayers. She saw them munching away and, though her face was filled with amusement, she raised her voice in a playful scolding. “What are you two doing? And why did you start eating without changing out of your night clothes? Also, tell me, did you at least brush your teeth?”

Arin quickly nodded. “Yeah, we did brush our teeth.”

Ira looked slightly guilty but admitted honestly, “But sorry, Mom, we haven’t changed yet.”

Their mother sighed but smiled. “Alright, but now leave the kitchen and get fresh first. I’ll cook something fresh and delicious for both of you.”

Excited by the prospect of a warm meal, Arin and Ira quickly rushed to freshen up.

As they gathered around the dining table a little while later, their mother placed a plate before them. “Eat this fruit salad with whole wheat bread,” she instructed.

Ira took a deep breath, savoring the delicious aroma. “Ahh! It smells and looks amazing. Bhai, let’s dig in!” she exclaimed excitedly.

Arin grinned and picked up his fork. “Yeah, let’s dig in! Oh, and Ira, there’s something important—tomorrow, you’re starting your new school too.”

Ira’s eyes widened. “Oh, you’re right! I completely forgot.” She then perked up with excitement. “How about we go outside today, buy some essentials, and explore a little? After all, we’re new here.”

Arin nodded in agreement. “Yeah, that sounds like a great idea. But first, let’s finish this meal.”

Their mother, who had been listening, smiled but sighed. “Hmm, I’d love to come too, but there’s still so much household work left, and the shifting isn’t completely done. I don’t think I’ll be able to join you both.”

Arin and Ira exchanged glances before turning to their mother with reassuring smiles. “Don’t worry, Mom! We’ll manage and bring back anything we need.”

Their mother nodded, her heartwarming at their enthusiasm. “Alright, just be careful and stay together.”

After finishing their breakfast, Arin and Ira headed to town for some shopping. They strolled through 'Ti Vista Mall,' enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and munching on their favorite ice creams. As they explored the stores, laughter, and excitement filled the air.

Just as Arin turned a corner, lost in conversation with Ira, he suddenly collided with someone. A startled gasp escaped them as the boy he bumped into lost his balance and fell to the ground. The boy, also holding an ice cream, looked up in shock as his treat landed in a messy splatter beside Arin’s own fallen cone.

Arin gently placed a hand on the little boy’s shoulder. His voice was soft with concern. “Are you okay, little boy?”

The child sniffled, wiping his teary eyes with the back of his small hand. “I’m okay… Are you also okay?” His voice trembled slightly as if he was trying to be brave despite his distress.

Arin let out a relieved breath and offered a reassuring smile. “Yes, I’m well enough. But I’m really sorry for ruining your ice cream.” He hesitated for a moment before asking, “By the way, what’s your name? Are you alone or… lost?”

The little boy swallowed hard and nodded. “I am Kian,” he said in a small, shaky voice. “I’m lost… and I’m looking for my sister.”

A sigh escaped Ira’s lips as she observed the scene. She could see the worry in both of their eyes—Kian’s fear of being separated from his sister and Arin’s guilt over the accident. “You both seem okay,” she murmured before turning on her heels. “Kian… wait here.”

Without another word, Ira strode off towards a nearby ice cream parlor. A few minutes later, she returned, holding two ice creams—one for Kian and another for Arin. Kneeling in front of Kian, she gently handed him the sweet treat. “Here, take this and stop crying,” she said, her voice laced with kindness. “We’ll help you find your sister.”

Kian’s eyes widened in surprise as he accepted the ice cream, his tiny hands wrapping around it. His lips trembled, but this time, it was with gratitude rather than sadness.

Ira turned to Arin and handed him the other ice cream. “Bhai, you should take this too. Since both of you ruined your ice creams, I thought it was only fair to buy you another one.” She smiled, playfully nudging him.<

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Arin chuckled, taking the ice cream with a grateful nod. “That’s really nice of you, Ira.” Then, turning back to Kian, he spoke with gentle determination. “Now, let’s find your sister first, okay?”

Kian sniffled once more but managed a small smile. “Thank you… both of you,” he whispered. His eyes gleamed with warmth, no longer filled with fear but with the comfort of knowing he wasn’t alone. “And… thanks for the ice cream.”

Arin and Ira exchanged a knowing look before they stood up, ready to help the little boy reunite with his sister. The three of them set off together, the sweetness of ice cream melting in their mouths and the promise of hope guiding their steps.

The hum of the mall’s speakers crackled before a soothing yet concerned voice echoed through the space.

"Attention, everyone. A seven-year-old boy named Kian is lost. Kian, if you can hear this or if you’re with someone, please come to the announcement room on the fourth floor. Your big sister is waiting for you."

Arin’s eyes lit up with relief as he glanced at Kian. “I think we found your sister. Let’s go see her.”

Kian’s face brightened, and without hesitation, the three of them made their way to the escalator. As they ascended, anticipation and excitement mixed with the fading traces of fear in Kian’s heart. When they finally reached the fourth floor, a young woman stood near the announcement room, nervously shifting on her feet. The moment Kian saw her, he let out a relieved yet slightly frustrated cry.

“Sister…! Where were you?” he called out loudly, his small voice carrying his emotions. He ran to her and grabbed her hand, his eyes welling up again—not with fear, but with the overwhelming relief of finding his sister. “You told me not to go anywhere without your permission, but you left me behind near the ice cream parlor!”

The young woman let out a deep sigh and knelt before him, gently cupping his face. “I’m so sorry, my little peach,” she murmured, brushing his hair back. “For a moment, I thought I saw someone I deeply cherished… but it turned out to be just a mirage.” Her voice was soft, tinged with regret.

Kian pouted. “From now on, please don’t leave me behind again.”

She chuckled lightly, wiping a lingering tear from his cheek. “I won’t, I promise. Now stop crying.” Her gaze shifted to his clothes, and she raised a brow. “Hey… what’s this? The ice cream stains on your shirt are different from the ones on your hand. What happened?”

Kian looked down at the mess on his shirt and then up at his sister, scratching the back of his head. “Uh… well, I was running around searching for you, and I accidentally bumped into a boy. It was my mistake, but he still nodded when I said sorry. Then, his little sister gave me this ice cream, and they both helped me find you.”

His sister’s expression softened. “Oh? Is that so?” She glanced around. “Where are they now?”

Kian blinked and turned around, suddenly realizing that Arin and Ira were no longer with them. “Uh… I think I left them behind.” He quickly scanned the area and then pointed excitedly. “Oh! There they are!”

His sister followed his gaze. “Where?”

“There! A big boy like you and a small girl like me.”

She spotted them in the distance, walking away. A puzzled frown crept onto her face. “Wait… why are they leaving instead of coming here?”

Kian tugged at her sleeve. “Let’s go to them!”

She nodded. “Yeah, let’s go.”

The two hurried after Arin and Ira, stopping them just before they could leave the floor.

“Hey, big brother!” Kian called out breathlessly. “Why did you both leave before we got to the announcement room?”

Ira turned with a gentle smile. “Because we saw you found your sister and started smiling,” she explained. “We figured our job was done, so we left to give you two some time together.”

Arin nodded. “She’s right. So, Kian, next time, make sure you don’t leave your sister’s side, okay?”

Kian nodded earnestly. “Okay, big brother! Oh, by the way, meet my big sister. She’s—”

Before he could finish, Arin’s eyes widened in shock. “Anya?”

Anya’s breath hitched. Her heart skipped a beat. But how…? she thought to herself, staring at Arin with the same stunned expression.

Kian blinked in confusion. “How do you know her name?”

Ira also turned to Arin, curious. “Bhai, do you know her?”

Arin’s lips parted, but he hesitated. He shook his head slightly, his brows furrowing. “I… I don’t know her. I don’t know why, but when I saw her, the name ‘Anya’ just slipped out. She looked… familiar for a moment.” His voice held uncertainty as if he was grasping at a distant memory just beyond his reach. “Is Anya your name?”

Anya exhaled slowly, nodding. “Yes, I’m Anya… But don’t worry, it’s strange for me too. Just a little while ago, I thought I saw someone familiar as well… but it turned out to be an illusion.” She gave a small, awkward laugh. “I guess that distraction is what made me lose track of Kian.”

Arin nodded in understanding. “I see… Well, it’s nice to meet you. But next time, you should be more careful.”

Anya smiled softly. “Yeah, next time I’ll be more mindful. And really… thank you both for bringing Kian back to me.”

Ira waved a hand dismissively. “It’s okay, big sister. We were happy to help. You two have a great day.”

Arin glanced at the time. “Yeah, it’s getting late. We should head home. See you soon, Kian and Anya.”

Anya raised an eyebrow. “The sun hasn’t even set yet.”

Arin chuckled. “It’s not that. We just have some things to take care of at home.”

Kian grinned. “Okay, big brother! See you soon!”

With that, Arin and Ira walked out of the mall. Ira tugged on her brother’s sleeve. “Hey, bhai, I feel like having some coffee.”

Arin smiled. “Sounds good.”

The two crossed the street to a coffee shop in front of the mall, settling into a cozy corner as the scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air.

Meanwhile, back at the mall entrance, Anya’s eyes widened as a sudden realization struck her. “Oh no! I forgot to ask their names!”

Kian blinked. “Oh… I forgot too.”

She sighed, shaking her head with a small laugh. “Oh well… maybe we’ll see them again.”

After some time, Anya and Kian walked out of the mall and waited for a taxi. When one finally arrived, they hopped in and headed home.

At the same time, across the street, Arin and Ira exited the coffee shop and got into their car. As fate would have it, nearly half an hour later, their car and the taxi carrying Anya and Kian crossed paths on the 5th street of Wind-rise Colony. Neither party noticed the other, but the brief crossing of their paths felt almost like destiny—an unseen thread weaving their lives together once again.

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