1 MONTH LATER,

A wave of nervous energy hums through the living room, thick and palpable. Vanshika sits on the edge of the sofa, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, a slight tremor running through them. Her eyes, usually bright and expressive, are now wide with a mixture of apprehension and a desperate flicker of hope, fixed on the old wall clock that seems to be ticking with agonizing slowness. Every minute feels like an hour, every tick a hammer blow to the knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach.

Her mother, usually a whirlwind of activity, is uncharacteristically still. She sits beside Vanshika, occasionally reaching out to squeeze her daughter's arm, her own face etched with concern. Her lips move silently, perhaps in prayer, perhaps rehearsing comforting words. Vanshika's father paces softly in front of the window, his shoulders hunched, occasionally glancing at his daughter with a look of shared tension. Even her elder brother, perched on the floor, seemingly sensing the gravity of the moment.

The air is heavy with unspoken expectations, with the weight of countless hours of studying, late nights, and whispered hopes. Every ring of the doorbell, every distant phone notification, sends a jolt through them, only to subside into renewed tension. This isn't just about a score or a grade; it's about the culmination of a significant chapter, the doorway to a dreamed-of future.

The silence is punctuated only by the rhythmic tick of the clock, the rustle of clothing as someone shifts position, and the faint, accelerating thumping of Vanshika's own heart. This isn't just waiting; it's holding their breath, collectively bracing for the outcome that will either bring a burst of relief and celebration, or the quiet, profound need to recalibrate and find strength for the next step. The results aren't just numbers; they're the next breath they take as a family.

The laptop screen flickered to life, bathing Vanshika's face in its cool glow as the results finally displayed. Her head snapped toward it, eyes wide with a mixture of dread and desperate hope.

"It's here," she whispered, a barely audible breath.

Her parents crowded around her, their shoulders almost touching. Her dad's hand hovered over her shoulder, not quite touching, as if worried he'd break the fragile silence. Her mom leaned in, her gaze fixed on the screen, a silent prayer on her lips. Even her brother, usually a whirlwind of energy, was still, his eyes darting between Vanshika's face and the screen.

Vanshika's eyes darted across the numbers, her heart hammering against her ribs. Then, a gasp escaped her lips, quickly followed by an incredulous,

"Oh my God!" She shot up, a triumphant shout ripping from her throat.

"98 percent! I got 98 percent!"

The words exploded into the tense quiet, shattering it instantly. A pure, unadulterated scream of joy followed as Vanshika started jumping, bouncing on the balls of her feet like a spring.

Her mom let out a sob of relief, pulling Vanshika into a fierce hug.

"My girl! Oh, my amazing girl! I knew you could do it!" she choked out, tears streaming down her face.

Her dad clapped his hands together, a booming laugh escaping him.

"Ninety-eight percent! That's incredible, beta! Absolutely incredible!"

"Congratulations Vanshi.... I'm proud of you"her brother beamed, offering his heartfelt commendation.

The room, moments ago thick with anxiety, was now alive with a chaotic symphony of laughter, happy tears, and celebratory shouts. Vanshika, still jumping, felt an overwhelming wave of relief and pride wash over her, a tangible lightness after weeks of intense pressure. The numbers on the screen were more than just a score; they were a testament to her dedication, and a shared moment of triumph with the family who had silently, anxiously, hoped alongside her.

Simultaneously, the laptop screen illuminated with an incoming conference call from her friends, Ishana and Vihaan. Vanshika promptly accepted the call, and a chorus of excited shouts erupted from the speakers.

"Vanshiiiiii..... I'm soooo.......happyyyy!!!!" Ishana exclaimed, her voice brimming with excitement.

"Areey ye toh bata kitne aaye" Vanshika interjected, her eyes sparkling with amusement at her friend's reaction.

"97%!!!!!" Ishana shrieked, her joy palpable.

"Aur vihuuu tujhee..." Vanshika then asked, turning her attention to their other friend.

"Areyyy.....mujhe toh 96% ayee haiii!!!!!." Vihaan declared, his voice even more animated.

"Aur tujhe kitne aye" Ishana and Vihaan asked in unison, their voices echoing through the call.

"Mujhe 98%!!!!" Vanshika exclaimed excitedly, her pride evident.

Rishi, Vanshika's brother, chimed in, "Kya baat hai, all three friends got their scores in a row!"

"Ha toh bhaiya hume aese hi SQUAD 3 nahi bolte"Vihaan declared proudly, making everyone laugh.

"Ofcourse... Congratulations tum dono ko" Rishi said, amused by Vihaan's comment.

"Congratulations mere pyaare baccho. God bless you guys" Vanshika's mother interjected warmly.

"Thank you aunty" Ishana and Vihaan replied in unison.

"Congratulations baccho" Vanshika's father added, beaming.

"Thankyou uncle" both friends responded simultaneously.

"Chalo tumlog ek kaam karo Ghar pe aa jao fir mai kuch accha sa bana ke khilati hu apne pyaare baccho ko" Vanshika's mother offered warmly.

"Wow...aunty I love you so much mwahhh!!!!"

Ishana exclaimed, blowing a playful kiss to Soni.

"Ha aunty I love you tooo!!!!!" Vihaan chimed in, equally enthusiastic.

"I love you more mere pyaare baccho"said her mother.

"Alright guys jaldi aao then let's have some funn!!!" Said Vanshika and enthusiastically concluded the call.

Soni headed to the kitchen to prepare special dishes for her children, while Vineet sat beside Vanshika.

"Meri gudiya konsi mithai khayegi" Vineet asked, affectionately stroking her head.

"Milk Sweet!!!" Vanshika exclaimed.

Vineet chuckled and responded,"Haha... Mujhe pata tha yahi bolegi Rishi Jaa Jake iske liye Milk Sweet leke aa"

"Ha papa" Rishi replied, grabbing his bike keys and leaving.

"So, when do you plan to leave?" Vineet inquired.

"I haven't decided yet, Papa. Since they are arriving now, we'll decide together," Vanshika replied.

"Hmm...Aram se decide karo koi jald basi nahi hai" her father said, patting her head before leaving.

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The trio arrived at Vanshika 's house and were enjoying eachother's company, engaging in light-hearted teasing.

As they savoured their meal at dining table, Vineet inquired, "toh kab Jane ka plan hai tumlog ka".

"Humne agle hafte jaane ka plan Kiya hai uncle" Vihaan informed his uncle.

"Hmm...dekho baccho tumlog ab apne aage ki padhai karne ke liye bahar ja rahe ho toh khub Mann laga kar padhna aur apne maa baap ka naam roshan karna."Vineet responded thoughtfully.

"Ha baccho ab hum toh tumlog ke saath nahi reh payenge toh tum teeno ek dusre ka khyaal rakhna." Soni added.

"Vese toh tumlog Ishana ke ghar pe hi rahoge but still take care." Rishi emphasized.

"Ha Bhai hum ek dusre ka khayal rakhenge".Vihaan assured them.

"Mmmm.... aunty khana bahut tasty hai!!" Ishana then complimented.

"Toh beta aur Lena!!" Soni urged.

"Le yaha kuch serious baat chal Rahi hai aur iska dhyan khane pe hai zada mat kha warna moti ho jayegi!!"Vanshika interjected playfully.

"Oyee khud toh aesi hai ki ek hawa ka jhoka aaye aur tujhe uda le jaye fir mujhe kehe rahi hai dekho na auntyyyy!!! Ishana retorted

"Aeyy...kyu tok rahi hai bacchi ko beta tu khane pe dhyan de iski baat pe dhyan mat de!!"Soni intervened.

"Aunty ki chamchi!!" remarked Vanshika, observing Ishana's playful defiance.This drew a laugh from Vihaan as the light-hearted teasing countinued among them.

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1 WEEK LATER,

Vanshika was meticulously packing her bags for her upcoming move to Mumbai, where she would pursue further studies alongside her friends, Ishana and Vihaan. She was so engrossed in the task that she didn't notice her family had entered the room.

"Are you done packing, dear?" her father inquired.

Vanshika, startled, placed a hand on her chest and exclaimed, "You all scared me!"

Her brother teased, "Awlee... Baccha daar Gaya bacche ko chocolate chahiye!!"

"Mummy dekho inhe!" Vanshika pleaded.

Her mother intervened, "kyu pareshan kar Raha hai usse?"

"Mai kaha pareshan kar Raha hu usse, ye toh khud ek parishani hai mere liye!" her brother retorted playfully.

Vanshika responded, "Jo bolna hai bol lo, because I'm leaving tomorrow. Then no one will bother you." Rishi's smile faltered for a moment as the realization that his sister, whom he often teased, would indeed be leaving for Mumbai set in. He quickly composed himself, maintaining a smile.

"Ha ab iss ghar mai Shanti bani rahe gi and thankfully wo faltu ke K-drama aur C-drama nahi dekhinge," her brother remarked.

" Mummyy.. dekho bhaiya ko!" Vanshika protested.

"Tu isse chod ye toh hai hi aesa" her mother said reassuringly."Did you pack everything you need?"

"Yes, Mom, I've packed everything," Vanshika confirmed.

"Alright, go to sleep now; you need to wake up early tomorrow," her father said, gently patting her head. They then left her room, leaving her to herself.

Shortly after, her phone screen lit up with an incoming call from her friends. She immediately answered.

"So, mere jamuro.., have you finished packing?" Vanshika inquired.

"Yes, we have," Ishana and Vihaan replied in unison.

"How many bags do you each have?" Vanshika asked.

"I have two, plus a shoulder bag. What about you?" Vihaan responded.

"Same" Vanshika stated.

"And you, Ishu?" Vihaan questioned.

"I have five," Ishana declared proudly.

"Five bags? Did you pack your entire house?" Vanshika exclaimed in disbelief.

"Exactly! What on earth did you put in your bags that you have five?" Vihaan asked, equally astonished.

Ishana explained, "Well, two bags are just for my clothes, one for my shoes, one for snacks and other essentials, and one for my novels."

"Behen, if you've forgotten, we're going to your house," Vanshika said, taken aback by the sheer volume of luggage.

"And besides, won't all that stuff already be at your house?" Vihaan added.

"Oh, yes, it will, but still, try to understand," Ishana pleaded.

"Okay, we can maybe consider the snacks and novels, given your... appetite. But still, five pieces of luggage?" Vanshika reiterated, still incredulous.

"Behen, I'm telling you upfront, I'm not carrying your bags," Vihaan declared.

"Oh, Vihaan, what's the point of your excellent physique if you can't help your only best friend?" Ishana asked innocently.

"No matter what, I'm not carrying your luggage. Vanshika also has her own two bags, and you're showing up with five!" Vihaan insisted.

"Vanshika, please say something!" Ishana appealed to her friend for support.

"What can I say? He's right; how will he carry all that?" Vanshika conceded.

"Dushman na kare dost ne wo kaam kiya hai!!!,umr bhar ka gam hume inaam diya hai!!!!!!" Ishana sang dramatically, giving Vanshika a mock-betrayed look.

"Alright, stop your theatrics and somehow reduce your luggage. If not entirely, at least try to get it down to three bags," Vanshika urged.

"Yes, and if you don't, I won't help you with your luggage at all," Vihaan affirmed.

"Agh!... fine!" Ishana reluctantly agreed, looking at her friends.

"Okay, let's all go to sleep now. We'll meet in the morning," Vihaan said.

"Yes, bye!" Vanshika exclaimed.

"Bye...!" Ishana added.

With that, they ended the call and drifted off to sleep.

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The following morning,as the trio prepared for their departure at the airport, bidding farewell to their families.

"Baccha apne khane pine pe dhyan rakhna mujhe pata hai ki tu dhyan nahi rakhegi isliye strictly bol rahi hu"said her mother.

"Pareshan mat ho Soni bhabhi mai hu na mai dhyaan rakhungi apni bacchi ka" a voice came.

There stood Ishana's mother beautifully draped in an elegant, deep blue satin saree, distinguished by its luxurious sheen and smooth flow. It's paired with a simple black blouse. The saree's pallu is subtly embellished with small, light-colored decorative elements, possibly pearls or beads, adding a refined touch to the rich blue fabric.

"Mujhe pata hai ki tum ho uske saath isliye mai zada pareshan nahi hu Amrita" Soni stated.

"Vanshika ki fikr mat kariyega mai apni bacchi ka pura dhyan rakhungi"responded Amrita, gently stroking Vanshika's hair .

"Didiiii!!!" A voice came.

Vanshika turned to face the individual who had called her.Akash...

"Akiii!!" She responded with excitement.

"Kesa hai tu aur ayu kaha hai"asked Vanshika, ruffling his hair affectionately.

"Mai yaha hu dii" Abhimanyu announced.

"Areey ye kya haal bana diya hai teri behan ne Tera" Vanshika inquired, observing Abhimanyu's disheveled appearance.

"Dekho na di iss handsome se charming se ladke ko coliee bana ke rakh diya hai is chudail ne" Abhimanyu lamented.

"Oyee... Chudail kisko bola be"Ishana retorted.

"Tujhe hi bola hai surpnakha"Vihaan shot back.

"Abbe.. tu bhi mil gaya uske saath" Ishana asked, her best friend with a betrayed expression.

"Mai tere saath hi kab tha jo uske saath mil jaunga" Vihaan replied, placing a hand on Abhimanyu's shoulder.

"Teri to mai..." Ishana was about to retaliate physically when her mother intervened.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on my child!"

"Wah! Appko ye toh dikh raha hai ki mai usse maar rahi hu lekin ye nahi dikha ki aapka ye baccha mujhe surpnakha kehe raha hai" Ishana exclaimed.

"Ab tu uske jese dikh ti hai toh uss mai wo bechara kya hi kare"Vanshika remarked, high-fiving Vihaan.

"Huh! Bol kon Raha hai jo khud tadka jese dikhti hai"Rishi scoffed, mocking her.

"Kya bola tune??"A voice interrupted them, causing Rishi's eyes to widen. He turned around to face his father.

"Woo..papa..hehe!! Mazak kar Raha tha mai bas" Rishi stammered.

"Hmm...ab bolo ab kyu bolti bandh ho gayi tumhari"Vanshika asked, looking at her brother.

"Muh band kar!!"Rishi retorted.

"Oyee surpnakha chal ab agar Tera photo session hogaya ho toh!" Vihaan urged.

"Ruk ruk tu abhi Auntyyyy!!!!" Ishana exclaimed, threatening to call for help.

"Bula bula aunty ko konsa mai koi darta hu"Vihaan challenged.

"Accha beta nahi darta tu??"a voice interjected.

Vihaan's eyes widened as he heard his mother's voice. He turned around to face her. She was wearing a black kurta set, with a black top and matching trousers. She paired it with a striking printed dupatta or stole that features shades of red, black, and white in intricate patterns. She accessorized with a gold-toned watch on her left wrist.

"Kyu re kya bol raha tha tu usse" Neha asked, twisting his ear.

"Mummy...oww!!mazak kar Raha tha..oww!!! Vihaan pleaded.

"Ayenda se aesa mazak Kiya na toh..." Neha warned, twisting his ear further.

"Areey Neha chor usse kyu kaan khich rahi hai bacche ke" Soni interjected, defending her Baccha.

"Aur nahi toh kya chod uske kaan, dardh ho Raha hoga usse" Amrita added, and Neha released his ear.

"Hayee...mere pyaare kaan!!!" Vihaan exclaimed, rubbing his ear.

Seeing his plight, Vanshika, Ishana,Abhimanyu and Akash burst into laughter. Vihaan shot them a quick glare, which immediately silenced them, though they still struggled to control their laughter.

"Accha baccho ab chalo tumhari flight ka time ho raha hai" Vijay, Vihaan's father, announced.

"Ha chalo!!!!" Akash chimed in.

"Baccha apna dhyan rakhna" Vineet said, stroking her hair.

"Ha papa aap bhi apna dhyan rakhna" Vanshika replied, hugging her father.

Vineet hugged her back, controlling his emotions. Vanshika then stepped back from the embrace and walked towards her mother.

"Dhayn rakhna baccha"Soni said, planting a kiss on her forehead and hugging her.

"Aap bhi dhyan rakhna maa"Vanshika said, gently moving her hand on her mother's back to comfort her.

"Take care sunshine" Rishi said, stroking his little sister's hair.

"Aap bhi apna dhyan rakhna aur mummy papa ka bhi"Vanshika said, hugging her brother, who reciprocated the embrace.

She stepped back, took a last glance at her family, and went inside the airport.

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Here is the third chapter!!! Hope you liked it. Do comment and vote......