This call was a WhatsApp audio call from his real estate agent back in India.
Rahul stayed in his seat, answering it right in front of the twins.
"Hello, Rahul sir? This is Amit here from the agency. Is it a good time to talk?"
"Yes, go ahead, Amit."
Hearing Rahul speak in fluent, sharp Hindi, Anika and Anisha made a silent pact right then and there: they absolutely had to start learning his language the moment he left!
"It's like this, sir," Amit began. "Yesterday you told me you were willing to give a 7% discount on the asking price. I communicated that to both parties. One family felt you weren't being 'serious' enough about selling, so they've moved on to a property in Navi Mumbai."
"But the other couple... they're very interested. However, they are insisting on a face-to-face meeting with the owner before they sign anything. What time can you make it to our office? I'll set up the meeting."
Rahul felt a familiar, crushing weight in his chest. Selling property was easily the most frustrating experience of his adult life.
"I'm sorry, Amit. I'm currently out of the country on a filming trip. I won't be back for at least another two weeks. Can we do a Zoom call or talk over the phone?"
Hearing this, the agent dropped his professional facade and spoke like a concerned friend.
"Rahul, I'll be blunt with you. That 1BHK in the suburbs is a tough sell in this market. You know how it is right now. It's a buyer's market. There are ten people selling for every one person actually looking to buy."
"A 7% discount is a start, but your floor plan isn't the most 'Vastu-compliant,' and the building is getting older. Now, this young couple... they're in a massive hurry because they're getting married next month. If the price is right and they like the owner, they'll close today."
Amit sighed. "Sir, I work on commission. I want you to get the highest price possible, but I also don't want you to lose the only serious buyer we've had in months. If they walk, your house might be stuck on the portal for another year."
Rahul felt a sharp tightness in his stomach. If he hadn't let Ananya pressure him into buying that "status symbol" apartment two years ago, he wouldn't be in this mess. Now, he just wanted his equity out so he could pay back his parents' life savings and ensure they had a comfortable retirement.
"Amit, I really can't fly back today. How about you give me their number? I'll talk to them personally."
The agent sounded conflicted. "Sir, you know the company rules. We can't let buyers and sellers bypass the agency. Please don't put my job at risk. When is the absolute earliest you could be in Mumbai?"
Rahul thought for a moment. "Ten days, minimum."
"That's too long; they'll find something else by then," Amit said. "I can stall them for forty-eight hours, max. If they see another listing with a different agent, I lose control."
Rahul knew Amit was one of the good ones. Most agents would just let the listing rot. If he wanted to solve his financial life once and for all, he had to end his Bangladesh trip early.
He put the phone on speaker, swiped to his browser, and checked flight prices from Dhaka to Mumbai. The earliest direct flight was at 2:00 AM the day after tomorrow.
"Alright, Amit. Stall them for two days. I'm booking a flight now. I'll be in your office the day after tomorrow. Set the meeting for the afternoon."
"Understood, sir. Call me the second you land."
Rahul hung up the phone, the excitement of the morning replaced by a heavy, somber mood. Anika and Anisha, sensing the change, immediately moved closer.
"Rahul? What's wrong? Is everything okay at home?"
Rahul put his phone down and looked at them. "I have to go back to India."
The twins practically stood up in unison.
"What? Why so suddenly?"
"Is it a family emergency? Is someone sick?"
"Tell us what's wrong! We can help!"
Rahul waved his hand, signaling them to calm down. "It's about the apartment I told you I was selling. My agent found a buyer, but they'll only close if I'm there in person. If I miss this window, the house might be stuck in my hands for years, and I can't afford that."
"So... I have to leave early. My flight is the day after tomorrow."
Anika walked around the table and threw her arms around him, pouting like a heartbroken child.
"I don't want you to go! How much is the house? I'll buy it! I have more than enough money!"
Anisha squatted down in front of him, looking up with eyes full of pure reluctance. "She's right, Rahul. Between the boutique and our savings, we can cover it. Father gave us a huge settlement when he retired. Don't leave just because of a house."
Rahul smiled sadly, reaching out to gently caress Anisha's cheek.
"You don't understand Indian real estate; it's a complicated mess of taxes and bureaucracy. I can't just let you buy a 1BHK in the Mumbai suburbs. It's too small, and there's no point for you."
"Besides... I've already filmed nearly everything I need for the first leg of my vlog. It's time for me to go back and start the real work anyway."
Suddenly, a warm drop of water landed on Rahul's hand. He looked up to see tears welling in Anika's eyes.
"I can't bear it, Rahul. We only just started... and now you're leaving."
Anisha leaned forward, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.
Since ancient times, even the strongest men have struggled against a beautiful woman's tears. Rahul genuinely didn't want to leave these two. But he didn't belong here. Even if he stayed another week, the goodbye would still be just as painful.
He took their hands, his voice as steady as he could manage. "Anika, Anisha... I have to go. These past few days have been some of the happiest I can remember. But like we say back home, every journey has a final station."
Anika sobbed softly. "When will you come back to Dhaka?"
"I don't know. My career is global travel. I haven't even picked my next destination yet. I have to go back and edit the Bangladesh series first."
Rahul stood up, pulling both sisters close. "I need to confirm one last time—you're both truly okay with being in my videos? Millions of people might see us."
They both nodded vigorously. "We are! These are our memories too. We want the world to see how happy we were!"
Anika pressed her face against his back, her voice muffled by his shirt. "Rahul... give us your address in Mumbai. The second we miss you too much, we are getting on a plane to find you."
Rahul hesitated, then gave them his address. He realized that if his YouTube channel actually blew up, he could bring them back as guest stars for a "Reunion in Mumbai" special. The traffic would be legendary.
He pulled Anisha into a proper hug and whispered, "We aren't going anywhere today. We're staying right here. Let's make this last day count."
Expert Guide Follow-up:
The countdown to Rahul's departure has begun. Since they've decided to stay home for his final 24 hours, should the focus be on a bittersweet "last supper" where they share their life stories, or should the tension be broken by a surprise visit from Samina or Anjali, who have found out he's leaving?