Prologue

The BMW was packed tight, a line up of suitcases, backpacks, stood in the hall. The Singh household echoed with silence, the youngest daughter Aashi was moving out for higher studies.

Anurag, his voice thick with emotion, ruffled her hair, a gesture she had always loved.

"Sun, moon, stars, Aashi. Anything you need, anything at all, you call me. Day or night. Don't hesitate, okay? Bangalore is a big city, lots of unknowns. Be careful."

Aashi muttered a noncommittal "Hmm," fiddling with the strap of her backpack. She knew Anurag was worried. He had always been fiercely protective, since the time she remembered.

She looked at Mandira and Sunaina, he Badi maa and Choti Maa. Their eyes red-rimmed and voice thick with unshed tears.

"Rohan, drive carefully." Mandira said, pulling Aashi into a hug.

"And Kriya, make sure she eats properly. Mess food can be awful." Sunaina added.

Anurag, placed a reassuring hand on Aashi’s shoulder.

"You'll do great, bacche. Remember what I said, any problem, big or small, you call me. Don't hesitate. We're always just a phone call away."

Payal, her cousin, leaned in to brush a stray strand of hair from Aashi’s face.
"All the best, Aashi! Bangalore is amazing, you're going to love it. Just promise to make time for us and atleast one call everyday!" Her smile was bright and genuine, a small anchor in the rising tide of sentimentality.

"I promise, Dee." Aashi held Payal's hand. It was a genuine promise.

Then came Ved, the family clown. He ruffled Aashi's hair, earning a mock glare from her.

"Don't worry, Bangalore will be a piece of cake! Just remember to haggle with the auto drivers, they can smell a freshie from a mile away!" He winked making Aashi chuckle.

"Ved Bhai! I’m not a total newbie, you know. I have watched the ladies in the house haggle with the vegetable vendor my whole life."

Everyone chuckled shaking while the mother shake their head on her with a smile.

The atmosphere thickened again as the moment of departure drew closer. Rishi Singh, usually a man of few words, cleared his throat.

"Study hard, Beta. And remember your values. We are proud of you." Her Bade Papa's words were simple, but carried the weight of his hopes and expectations.

Kriya and Rohan stood silently by the door, backpacks slung over their shoulders. Their presence was a reassurance, a promise that she wouldn't be facing this new chapter completely alone. They understood her need for space and didn't push for forced cheerfulness.

Finally, it was Naira's turn. Aashi could feel Anurag's wife watching her throughout the entire goodbyes, her gaze warm and unwavering. Naira reached out, offering a small, neatly wrapped box. "This is for you, Aashi. Something to remind you of home."

Aashi reluctantly accepted the box. Its weight felt heavier than it should. "Thanks," she mumbled, avoiding Naira's eyes.

Naira's smile faltered, just a fraction, but Aashi noticed. "Study well, Aashi. And don't hesitate to call if you need anything at all. Anything, okay?"

Aashi gave a curt nod, her response lacking the warmth and enthusiasm she usually reserved for everyone else in her family. The truth was, Aashi couldn't quite bring herself to be genuinely affectionate towards Naira.

The air crackled with unspoken tension. Anurag, sensing the discomfort, cleared his throat. "Alright, kids, time to go. Let's not miss that train!"

The flurry of final hugs, words of encouragement, and choked-back tears swirled around Aashi. She felt strangely detached, like an observer watching a scene unfold. As she stepped out of the house, the scent of home-cooked food and familiar faces fading behind her, Aashi took a deep breath.

Finally, she stepped into the car with Rohan and Kriya. The engine roared to life, the sound cutting through the emotional silence. She waved one last time as they pulled away, the figures of her family shrinking in the rearview mirror. Tears blurred her vision, but she forced a smile, determined to hold onto the memory of their loving faces.

As they drove out of town, Aashi leaned back and took a deep breath. The familiar landscape of her hometown slowly receded, replaced by the promise of the open road and the exciting, daunting future that awaited her in Bangalore. She knew it wouldn’t be easy, but she had her family's love and support, and a thirst for knowledge and adventure coursing through her veins.

Bangalore awaited. A new city, new challenges, and a chance to build a life, a life that, for better or worse, would be entirely her own.

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