Episode #42: Storm of Possession

                                    

                                          
Episode #42:- (Storm of Possession)
"Aanchu," they all looked toward the door as they heard a sneezing sound. There stood Caleb, drenched from head to toe and sneezing continuously. "Caleb?" everyone called out in unison, their voices filled with concern.
Without wasting a second, Swara rushed to fetch a towel. "Are you a kid or what?" she exclaimed angrily, pushing him onto the couch and immediately starting to dry his soaked hair. "What did I do?" Caleb asked with a pout, only to sneeze again the next moment.
"Mom, get some hot chocolate for him and also medicine for his sneezing," Swara called out to Adelyn, her tone commanding.
"I'm not a kid that you need to order hot chocolate for me," Caleb protested, his face scrunched up in annoyance. But before he could say anything more, Swara slapped the back of his head.
"Where is it written that hot chocolate is only for kids? Shut up and stop arguing," she snapped back, drying his hair more vigorously. "Ouch! Easy there, Angry Bird," Caleb muttered, wincing under her harsh treatment, but his pleas fell on deaf ears.
Adelyn headed toward the kitchen, a knowing smile on her face, while Sebastian and Harry couldn't contain their laughter at Caleb's predicament.
Swara's scolding continued, "Seriously, Caleb, what were you thinking, getting soaked like this? You know better than to wander around in the rain without an umbrella!"
Caleb tried to defend himself, "I didn't think it would rain this hard, and I was just—"
"And now look at you! Sneezing like a fountain and soaking wet. You better drink that hot chocolate when it comes or else!"
"Fine, fine, I'll drink it," Caleb finally relented, rolling his eyes but secretly appreciating Swara's care, even if she expressed it through scolding.
"Now go and change your clothes," Swara commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument. Caleb nodded and obediently headed off to change. A few minutes later, he returned in dry clothes, looking much better.
Sebastian and Harry exchanged amused glances, clearly entertained by the playful exchange. They enjoyed watching the easy camaraderie between Swara and Caleb, a bond that felt as natural as any sibling relationship.
As Caleb settled back onto the couch, Adelyn returned with the hot chocolate and medicine, her warm smile reflecting the affection she felt for them all. "Here you go," she said, handing the mug to Caleb.
Caleb accepted it with a small grumble but took a sip nonetheless, comforted by the warmth of the drink. Swara watched him closely, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips.
"See? It's good, isn't it?" she teased, a hint of triumph in her voice.
"Yeah, yeah, it's fine," Caleb mumbled, but the slight smile on his face betrayed.
After spending some time together, Swara and Sebastian returned to their room. "Rose, I'll be late tonight," Sebastian said while adjusting the collar of his jacket.
Swara nodded. "Take care," she replied softly.
Sebastian leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a brief, tender kiss. "Bye, love you," he whispered before leaving the room. Caleb was already waiting for him outside, leaning casually against the car.
"How are you now?" Sebastian asked as he slid into the driver's seat.
"Much better," Caleb replied, settling into the passenger seat.
They drove in silence, the tension of the upcoming meeting hanging in the air. When they arrived at the meeting area, both men stepped out of the car, their expressions hardening.