Chapter 8: The Call That Changed Everything

In the blink of an eye, days passed.

When school started, I dropped Kabir at his government school, then went to register at university.

Monsoon had just begun—auto drivers fighting over ten rupees, but thankfully, my college was close—a half-hour on rented scooty for fifteen bucks if I hurried.

I left three hundred for Kabir’s expenses, told him to manage breakfast and lunch, and not to wait for me if I had evening classes.

At college, poha with free sambar was enough for me.

Day by day, life settled into rhythm.

Kabir didn’t get into trouble, so I relaxed and took some tuitions for extra money.

But I didn’t expect—

Another Wednesday.

After my last class, I was about to buy paneer butter masala to take home when I saw a missed call from "Kabir’s Teacher." My heart skipped. I called back immediately.

A middle-aged lady answered, kids shouting in the background. "Hello, you are...?"

"I’m Kabir’s sister. Kya hua?"

She hesitated, then her tone turned serious: "There’s been a problem with Kabir. Can you come, please?"

My vision went black.

Kabir... in trouble?

My hands fumbled with my dupatta, voice catching as I tried to sound calm. Outside, the smell of rain on hot pavement filled the air, and an auto rattled past, horn blaring. The sky darkened, thunder rumbling somewhere—just another Mumbai evening.

My phone buzzed again—this time, a message from Kabir: "Didi, please come."