Quatervois

Part 15

(Tara's POV)

Today is the day I'm getting discharged from the hospital. It's strange how a place that was once unfamiliar has become somewhat of a temporary home. As I packed my things, I couldn't help but feel a mixture of emotions—relief, gratitude, and a tinge of anxiety about the days ahead.

I walked out of my room and saw Mira waiting in the hallway, her eyes bright with excitement. "Tara, can you believe it? You're finally getting out of here!"

I chuckled. "Yeah, it's hard to believe. Thanks to you and your parents for everything."

Mira linked her arm with mine. "Tara, you've always been like family to us. We're more than happy to have you with us."

As we made our way downstairs, Noah and Dhruv were already waiting in the lobby. Noah greeted me with a wide grin. "Hey, you ready to escape this place?"

I nodded, a small smile forming on my lips. "Yeah, definitely ready."

Dhruv chimed in, mischief evident in his eyes. "Well, I hope you're prepared to deal with the chaos of outside world."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, believe me, I've seen my fair share of chaos. I'll fit right in."

Noah chuckled. "That's the spirit!"

As we stepped outside, Mira's parents were waiting with welcoming smiles. They enveloped me in a warm hug, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. Mira's mother looked at me affectionately. "Tara, dear, we're so glad you're coming home with us."

Mira's father added, "Yes, Tara, welcome home."

As we drove to Mira's house, the atmosphere in the car was filled with laughter and chatter. Noah and Mira were teasing each other, while Dhruv was cracking jokes, trying to bring out a smile from me. I must admit, his attempts were working.

We arrived at Mira's house, and I stepped inside, greeted by a familiar warmth. It felt like a safe haven—a place where I could heal and recover. Mira's parents made me feel like a part of their family, and for the first time in a while, I felt truly at ease.

Over the next few days, life settled into a comfortable routine. Noah and I developed a bond that was more like siblings, full of playful banter and shared secrets. Mira and Dhruv bickered like the best of siblings, and their arguments never failed to bring a smile to my face.

One evening, as I sat in the living room flipping through my notes, All of a sudden Dhruv plopped down beside me. "Need any help with that?"

I glanced at him, surprised by his sudden visit and offer. "Actually, I'm good for now. Thanks, though."

Dhruv leaned back on the couch, a playful glint in his eyes. "You know, Tara, you've changed a lot since the day I first met you."

I raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

He nodded. "Yeah, you used to be this ice queen, always distant and sarcastic. But now, you're like... a person. A real person."

I couldn't help but smirk. "Wow, Dhruv, you really know how to compliment someone."

He chuckled. "I mean it as a compliment. You've let your walls down, and I think that's pretty cool."

I looked away, a faint blush creeping onto my cheeks. "Well, I guess it's all thanks to you guys."

Dhruv nudged my shoulder playfully. "We're a pretty amazing bunch, aren't we?"

I rolled my eyes but couldn't hide the smile tugging at my lips. "Yeah, you could say that."

As I settled back into my studies, I realized that my life had taken an unexpected turn. I had found friends who genuinely cared, a place where I belonged, and a sense of warmth I never thought possible. And it all started with a simple gesture of help from Dhruv.

Little by little, my heart was thawing, and I was embracing the bonds that were forming around me.

As I looked around at my newfound family, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude—for the friends who had become like siblings, and for the love and support that had brought me to this moment.