1: THE LAST NORMAL MORNING
The sun had barely risen over the small village when Rohit woke up to the familiar sound of utensils clinking in the kitchen.
“Rohit, uth ja beta… tumhare papa ko factory ke liye der ho rahi hai,” his mother called softly.
Rohit rubbed his eyes and sat up quietly. On the other side of the room, Anuj was still fast asleep, wrapped tightly in his blanket.
“Anuj! Uth… school nahi jaana kya?” Rohit said, shaking him gently.
“Bas 5 minute aur…” Anuj mumbled, turning to the other side.
Rohit sighed. “Tu kabhi nahi sudhrega.”
Their father was already dressed, tying his worn-out shoes near the door. His face looked tired, but there was always a calm strength in his eyes.
“Rohit, apne bhai ka dhyan rakhna,” he said.
“Ji, papa,” Rohit replied without hesitation.
Their father then looked at Anuj. “Aur tum… shararat kam karo.”
Anuj just smiled faintly, not taking him seriously.
Their mother came from the kitchen and handed him his lunch.
“Dhyaan se jana,” she said softly.
He nodded and stepped outside.
Rohit followed him to the door, watching him walk away slowly on the dusty road. For a moment, he didn’t know why… but something felt strange.
Maybe it was just another normal day.
Or maybe… it was the last time they would ever see him.
