E K A K S H

“Ekaksh, beta, are you hidden? Main aa raha hun.” Papa’s voice reaches my ears and I cover my mouth to hide the giggle escaping it. 

(I am coming.)

Mom puts her index on her lips and motions for me to stay quiet, a smile betraying her own lips. We are huddled behind a couch in the living room, hiding from dad who is seeking us after being caught by me. This definitely isn’t the best place to hide but while papa was counting, giving us the time to make a run to find a hiding, mom and I were whisper-arguing about where to go and when finally the counting was on its verge, we ducked behind the couch without thinking.

I’m sure papa wouldn’t be able to find us that easily. It’s not that bad of a hiding, to be honest. On top of that, people don’t usually seek the easiest place. So, let’s hope he doesn’t either. 

“Where are you three? Dikh hi nahi rahe kahi. Gayab ho gaye lagta hai.” His voice echoes through the living room, getting a giggle out of Ariv who is right beside me, thinking he is invisible to papa’s eyes.