💗CHAVI💗

I woke up abruptly, heart pounding from the remnants of my mother's face that was still vivid in my mind. She was alive in my dream, smiling like she used to. Her soft hands brushing through my hair, her voice humming a lullaby that sent a warm, soothing relief to my nerves.

"Chandaniya chup Jana re

Chan bhar ko luk Jana re

Nindiya ankho mei aye

Bitiya meri soo jaye"

But like always, just when I reached out for her, she began to fade. She turned, walking away, disappearing into the shadows of my mind until all I had left was emptiness.

I sat up in bed, blinking away the tears that stung my eyes. It had been years since she died, but no matter how much time passed, the loss felt fresh. My mother was everything to me, my whole world revolved around her warmth and love. But since that accident when I was ten, nothing had been the same. She was gone, and what remained was a life I didn't recognize anymore.

I took a deep breath, pushing those thoughts aside. Today wasn't the day to dwell on the past. It was my first day of college. BBA was a course I had dreamed of pursuing for years. This was my chance to get away from that monster. I couldn't let the past weigh me down.

Dragging myself out of bed, I headed for the bathroom, letting the cold water clear my head. By the time I stepped out, I felt more at peace. I wore my blue kurti and matching dupatta, the soft fabric was comforting against my skin. Blue always reminded me of calm and serenity. And I needed that today.

I walked over to my jewelry box and carefully picked up the little diamond and sapphire earrings. They once belonged to my mother. She was a famous jewelry designer, known for her elegance and creativity. I used to watch her work, her hands moving gracefully over delicate designs. Sometimes, she created something just for me—a bracelet, a pendant or earrings—anything to make me feel special. She pampered me like a doll, dressed me up in the finest clothes and accessories, showered me with affection and luxury.

But those days feel like a lifetime ago. After she died, everything changed. My father became a different person, retreating into the bottle, drowning in alcohol until there was nothing left of the man who used to care for me. Instead, he filled the house with anger and torment. He abused me without any reason. Sometimes, his hand would rise, but with time, that became a daily event. He started hitting me for mere things.

But today, at least, I had some peace. He was away on a trip with his friends, and for once, the house wasn't suffocating with his presence.

I ran my fingers through my black-brown hair, letting it fall loosely over my shoulders, and applied lip balm. I wasn't one for makeup or flashy looks—no doubt, I love makeup, but don't know how to do it—just enough to feel put together. But lipbalm is something to die for, I love it so much. I slipped on my white flats and glanced at myself in the mirror one last time.

Grabbing my bag, I headed downstairs, quickly having breakfast. The house was eerily quiet, but I welcomed the quietness.

Today was a new beginning, and I was determined to make the most of it. I had worked too hard to get here, to let anything hold me back now.

As I stepped outside, the morning sun kissed my face, and for the first time in a while, I allowed myself to feel hopeful. I was about to start a new chapter of my life, one that had nothing to do with the darkness of my past.

I walked to Janvi's house, my only friend. I had always been an introvert, preferring the quiet company of books and my own thoughts to the chaos of crowds. But Janvi had somehow found her way into my life, bright and full of energy, the complete opposite of me. She had never let my walls stop her from becoming my friend, and now, years later, we were inseparable.

When I reached her house, she was already outside, waiting for me, her face lit up with excitement. Her vibrant pink kurti and endless enthusiasm made me smile despite myself. I knew she will wear this , not like I am complaining that it took her 1 hour to finalize this last night on the video call.(Bestie things)

"Chavi!" she called out, waving energetically. "I can't believe it! Our first day of college! How are you feeling?" She asked holding her hand like a mic for me .

I smiled softly, feeling the weight of her joy. "Nervous, but... ready."

She grinned, hooking her arm through mine as we sat in the car and driver uncle dropped us on the huge gates of our college. We started walking towards campus. "Don't worry, it's going to be amazing. We're going to have a blast."

I nodded, feeling lighter with her by my side. Today was the start of something new, something that was just mine. And with Janvi's endless optimism pushing me forward, I felt that maybe things would finally be okay. College was a chance for a fresh start, away from the shadows of my past. And as we crossed the gates of St. Xavier's together, I couldn't help but feel a small spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things were finally going to change.