The sky had just begun to shift from grey to gold as the first rays of sunlight peeked into the small two-bedroom home tucked in a quiet Delhi lane. The city outside was waking up, but inside, Aanya was already sitting at her desk, brushing the last strokes of her braid and staring at her reflection.
Today was different.
Her school journey was over. Her college life was about to begin. And though her hands trembled slightly with nervousness, her heart held quiet determination.
Eighteen years old, Aanya was the kind of girl who didn't speak much, but thought deeply. There was a softness in her voice, and a calmness in her eyes that often made people underestimate her. But those who knew her—truly knew her—were aware of her silent strength.
She had always been among the top scorers in school. Not because someone pressured her, but because she had dreams—big ones. She wanted to stand on her own feet, to give her family a life they had quietly sacrificed for. And above all, she wanted to become someone she herself would be proud of.
"Aanya di, are you nervous?" her younger brother Vivaan asked, popping his head in.
He was twelve, full of energy and questions.
"A little," she smiled. "But also excited."
Their mother, Meera, called from the kitchen, "Breakfast is ready! Don't go without eating!"
Their father, a man of few words but kind eyes, sat quietly reading the newspaper at the table, waiting for the family to join.
It was a simple family. Loving. Honest. And filled with small sacrifices no one spoke about.
Aanya sat down with them for breakfast, her eyes drifting for a second toward the small calendar near the window. On some nights, she had dreams—strange but peaceful dreams—about someone. A boy, or a man maybe. She never saw his face. But the feeling was always the same: comfort, safety, and something unspoken.
She never told anyone. How could she? It felt too unreal, and yet so deeply real at the same time.
"Take your ID card and water bottle," her mother reminded gently.
I packed your lunch," her father added, sliding a small box toward her.
Aanya looked at them—her family. The people she wanted to make proud.
As she stepped outside, the sun was soft, the air slightly warm, and the road ahead full of unknowns.She didn't know what college would bring.
New people, new challenges,
But deep in her heart, something whispered…
This was just the beginning.
And somewhere, far beyond what she could see or explain,
her life had already started shifting.