Where We Belong

ISHA’S POV

The morning sun filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on Isha’s new room. Boxes were still stacked in the corners, a reminder of how recent their move to Mumbai had been. If things had gone as planned, she would have started college two months ago like everyone else.

But shifting to a new city had delayed everything, and now she had to begin her college journey late, knowing she had a lot to catch up on.

Today was the day she’d been both eagerly anticipating and quietly dreading—her first day of college. The air was thick with possibility and a tinge of nervous excitement.

A soft yet insistent call from the hallway broke the silence. “Isha, beta, it’s time to wake up!” Her mother’s voice was warm and filled with gentle urgency.

Isha shifted beneath her covers, murmuring sleepily, “Maa, five more minutes…”

Her mother’s laughter floated in through the door. “Isha, you know college won’t wait. Come on, open your eyes, dear. Today is a big day!”

Reluctantly, Isha opened her eyes and sat up slowly, rubbing the lingering sleep from her eyes. The familiar posters on the wall, the scattered notebooks on her desk, and the soft hum of the house slowly drew her into wakefulness.

Her mother entered the room, her face lit with both pride and concern. “Look at you, all grown up now,” she said as she straightened Isha’s hair gently. “I know you’re nervous, but remember, you’ve got a kind heart and a brilliant mind. Just be yourself.”

Isha managed a small smile. “Thanks, Maa. I really hope today goes well.”

After a few more tender words of encouragement, Isha swung her legs off the bed and padded to the washroom. The cool water on her face made her feel more awake, and as she stood before the mirror, she whispered to herself, “New beginnings, new me.” She took a deep breath and carefully applied a light touch of makeup—a little bit of hope painted on her reflection.

Once dressed and feeling slightly more confident, Isha descended the stairs. In the living area, her father sat in his well-worn armchair with a steaming cup of tea, eyes scanning the morning newspaper. His warm smile brightened as he saw her. “Good morning, beta,” he greeted, setting the paper aside.

“Good morning, Papa,” Isha replied, beaming. “How did you sleep? And have you seen Bhai?”

Her father chuckled softly. “I slept well, beta. Reyansh has been up since dawn, as usual—he’s already at the gym, putting in his early morning grind.”

Isha’s face lit up with a mixture of amusement and affection. “He’s so determined. Sometimes I wish I had half his energy,” she said.

Just then, footsteps echoed from the hallway, growing louder. Reyansh emerged in his gym attire,a towel draped over his shoulder. He glanced at Isha and his expression softened immediately. “Good morning, little sis,” he said, his tone protective yet affectionate.

Isha’s eyes sparkled. “Good morning, bhai,” she replied cheerfully.

He stepped closer, his concern evident as he asked, “You ready for your big day? I know first days can be nerve-wracking.”

Isha hesitated for a moment, then admitted, “Yes, I’m a bit scared, bhai. What if I don’t make any friends? What if I mess up?”

Her brother ruffled her hair gently, his voice firm and reassuring.

“Hey, listen to me. College is just another adventure. And no matter what happens, I’m right here. If you ever feel alone, just call out ‘bhaiyu’ and I’ll come running. But today, I’m only dropping you off at college. You know I can’t let you face the world alone, not when I can be so protective.” Isha giggled at his exaggeration, her eyes twinkling.

“Oh, please! You might just leave your weights behind for me if I call that loud!” she teased.

He feigned shock. “Hey, my workout is sacred! But you know what? Today, I’ll put aside my gym routine because my little sister deserves to be safe on her first day. Just promise me you’ll stay focused, and if anything feels overwhelming, you call for ‘bhaiyu’— no ifs or buts.” Isha laughed warmly, feeling the comfort of his protective nature.

“I promise, bhai. I know you’ll be there for me. But before I head to college, I want to visit the neighbour’s temple and pray to Kanha ji. I need his blessings for this new beginning.”

Reyansh’s expression softened into a look of understanding. “Of course, Ishu. Your morning rituals are important. Just be quick, okay? I wouldn’t want to be late picking you up.”

After their playful exchange, the day continued in a gentle rhythm. The family gathered around the breakfast table, where the aroma of spiced parathas and freshly brewed chai filled the room. Isha slid into her seat, her eyes dancing between her family members as they exchanged light banter.

Her father asked, “So, what’s the plan after your prayer, Isha? Ready to conquer the college world?”

Isha smiled, stirring her chai absentmindedly. “Yes, Papa, after praying to Kanha ji, I’ll head to college. I just hope I can make a good start.”

Her mother chimed in, “You will, beta. Remember, every new beginning comes with its own set of challenges. Just be your kind, energetic self, and everything will fall into place.”

Reyansh, poking at his paratha with a teasing glint in his eye, added, “And if anyone dares to give you a hard time, just remember—you have ‘bhaiyu’ on call! I’ll be there faster than you can say ‘college drama.’

Isha laughed, the warmth of her family’s affection wrapping around her like a cozy blanket. “Thank you, bhai.

I know you’ll be there for me, always. After breakfast, Isha wrapped up her morning routine. She grabbed her small bag and stepped out into the cool morning air, heading towards the neighbour’s temple.

The temple, a modest structure with brightly coloured prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, was a comforting haven. Inside, the soft murmur of prayers and the fragrance of incense created an atmosphere of peace.

Isha knelt before the idol of Kanha ji, her hands folded in prayer as she silently asked for strength and guidance on this new journey. Feeling the serene energy of the temple, Isha rose with renewed determination. She made her way back home, where she gathered her belongings—a neatly packed bag, a water bottle, and a few cherished mementos that reminded her of home.

Her family was waiting outside, and Reyansh gave her an affectionate smile as she joined him at the door. “All set, Isha?” he asked.

“Yes, bhai. I’m ready,” she replied, her voice filled with both excitement and a hint of nervousness.

With a final wave goodbye and warm wishes from her family, the protective brother and his brave little sister set off together, stepping into the promising day. Reyansh drove her to college, ensuring that every moment, from the temple visit to the drop-off, was filled with care and reassurance.

Today marked not only the beginning of Isha’s college journey but also a significant step in her path toward self-discovery, supported by the love of her family. As the car pulled up to the college gate, Isha took one last deep breath, ready to embrace the challenges and wonders that lay ahead.

ANANYA’S POV

Unlike Isha, who was starting fresh in a new city, Ananya had already spent two months navigating the bustling college corridors, making friends, and settling into the rhythm of student life. Her mornings were no longer filled with nervous anticipation but instead had a familiar comfort to them—just another ordinary day in her now well-adjusted routine.

Her alarm rang at exactly 6:30 AM, filling the quiet room with its soft chime. Without much hesitation, she stretched her arms and turned it off. The morning light seeped through the curtains, casting a golden hue on her walls adorned with pictures, notes, and small sketches—memories she had collected over the past few months.

“Ananya, beta, wake up!” her mother’s voice called from downstairs, accompanied by the clinking of utensils in the kitchen.

Ananya smiled lazily. “Coming, Maa!” she called back, her voice slightly muffled by the pillow. Unlike the past two months when waking up felt like a struggle, she had now gotten used to this routine.

She lazily sat up, running a hand through her slightly messy hair. A new day awaited—classes, friends, and the same routine, yet she felt a strange excitement bubbling within her. Something about today felt different, though she couldn’t quite place why.

A few minutes later, she made her way downstairs after freshening up. The scent of poha and chai filled the air, wrapping the home in warmth. Her father was already seated at the dining table, sipping tea and flipping through the morning newspaper.

“Good morning, Papa,” Ananya greeted, sitting down beside him.

Her father looked up, a gentle smile spreading across his face. “Good morning, Ananya. Ready for another day?”

She nodded, pouring herself a cup of chai. “Yeah. Nothing new, just lectures and a workshop for the college magazine.”

Her mother placed a plate of hot poha in front of her. “You should eat well, beta. College life is tiring.”

Ananya took a bite, humming in appreciation. “Maa, you always make the best food. I might never survive if I have to eat hostel food someday.”

Her father chuckled. “That’s why you’re lucky to be studying in Mumbai while staying at home. No hostel food torture for you.”

Ananya laughed, sipping her chai. “True. I don’t think I could survive without Maa’s cooking.”

Her mother smiled proudly. “Just focus on your studies, and I’ll always make sure you eat well.”

As the breakfast conversation continued, Ananya couldn’t shake off the feeling that today was going to be slightly different. Perhaps it was nothing, or perhaps, it was the start of something she hadn’t expected.

After finishing her breakfast, she packed her bag and got ready to leave. Before heading to college, she stopped by the small temple near her home—a ritual she had followed since her school days. She folded her hands in front of Kanha ji, whispering a silent prayer for a good day, before finally making her way back home to grab her things.

Her father, as always, was ready to drop her off. “Come on, let’s go,” he said, jingling the car keys.

With a bright smile, Ananya nodded and stepped out, ready for yet another day—one that, unknown to her, would soon bring unexpected changes into her life.