In the College Campus

There was a buzz all around the college campus. The sun was setting, and amidst the soft chill of the evening, students were lost in their own worlds. Laughter and chatter echoed from the canteen, but in one corner, two girls sat with cups of tea, deep in conversation. They were Vidita and Aarohi.

“My sister’s wedding is next week!” Aarohi said excitedly, her eyes sparkling with joy. She clearly loved all the chaos and preparations. “You are coming, right?”

Vidita gently placed her cup down and replied, “Hmm… I’ll have to take permission from Papa. I mean, he sent me to study in another city after all. But I really want to go. We’ll have so much fun!”

Aarohi got serious for a second, “Don’t worry, I’ll call him right now. You know how much Mom and Prachi Di like you. Mom even said, ‘If Vidita is coming, only then should you come, or don’t bother at all.’ And you know what else? I overheard Di saying that Mom was joking about making you their daughter-in-law if you finish your studies soon!”

Vidita rolled her eyes and laughed, “Oh wow! So now you’re planning my wedding too?”

Their friends nearby chuckled. One even added playfully, “Whoa! Two weddings at once! Amazing!”

Both girls burst into laughter. The warmth of the tea seemed to deepen their bond even more. But as Vidita’s smile softened, a flicker of worry passed through her eyes.

“Alright, listen… I’m calling him. You talk,” Aarohi said, placing her cup down and dialing on her phone.

On the call:

Papa: “Hello?”

Vidita: “Namaste Papa, I wanted to talk to you about something.”

Papa: “Yes, tell me. What happened?”

Vidita: “Actually, it’s Aarohi’s sister’s wedding next week. Can I go? It’s just for a week.”

Papa: “But, beta, you can’t go alone.”

Hearing this, Aarohi quickly took the phone and said, “Hello, Namaste Uncle!”

Papa: “Namaste beta.”

Aarohi: “Uncle, please let Vidita come. She’ll be with me the whole time. You don’t need to worry at all.”

Papa: “Alright, beta. But take good care of her. I’ve never sent her this far before.”

Aarohi: “Don’t worry at all, Uncle. I’ll look after her very well.”

Papa: “Okay, Vidita… but take care, alright?”

After the call ended, Vidita jumped in joy, and Aarohi joined her. Their excitement made the nearby students burst into smiles again.

Then both picked up their bags and headed back to the hostel.

_______

At Aarohi’s House

Aarohi’s home was buzzing with activity. Everyone was busy preparing for the wedding.

“Prachi, what are you doing? Come help out!” said Sudha Maa, calling out to her.

“I’m watching everything, Mom! Don’t worry, everything will be fine,” Prachi replied calmly.

Just then, her phone rang—it was Aarohi.

“Look at that! A call from the solution to all our problems!” Sudha Maa laughed.

Prachi smiled and answered, “Hello?”

Aarohi: “Di! Guess what? Vidita’s dad agreed! She’s coming too! Yay!”

Sudha Maa: “Really? He agreed?”

Aarohi: “Yes, Mom! I convinced him after a lot of effort.”

Just then, Vidita playfully tapped Aarohi on the head and said, “Ugh! That’s not true! He agreed immediately. She’s just stealing the credit!”

Prachi laughed, “We know, Aarohi. You do love taking credit for everything!”

Aarohi pouted, “You all always say that!”

She quickly added, “Anyway, we’re coming tomorrow!”

Sudha Maa: “Alright, beta. Come safely.”

---

At Vidita’s House

Arvind Singh and his wife, Sushmita, were having a quiet conversation.

Arvind: “Vidita called. She said she’s going to Aarohi’s sister’s wedding. She already took my permission but…”

Sushmita: “But what? You always worry too much! She’s 21 now. You still want to keep her wrapped in your arms forever?”

Arvind: “What can I do? She’s my daughter. I’ll always look after her.”

Sushmita: “Don’t think like that. One day, she’ll have to go.”

Arvind: “I won’t send her anywhere.”

Just then, Aditya walked in and said, “What? You won’t send Vidita to her in-laws? Then give me my room back—I want to live alone!”

Arvind tapped him on the head and laughed, “Quiet, you! I’ll send you to your in-laws, not Vidita!”

They all laughed, but deep down, the idea of letting Vidita go wasn’t easy for any of them.

---

At the Hostel

Back at the hostel, Vidita and Aarohi were in their room—but packing wasn’t going well.

Aarohi yelled, “Why aren’t you helping me pack? Look at the mess!”

Vidita glared at her, “Oh really? You expect me to pack your stuff when you haven’t let me pack mine—and you’ve made a mess of both!”

Aarohi gave an innocent look, “Why are you glaring? I didn’t do it on purpose!”

Vidita snapped, “With you, everything is either ‘by mistake’ or just ‘happens’!”

Aarohi tilted her head and turned on the TV.

After sometime, Vidita had packed both suitcases. Tired, she said, “Ugh, I’m exhausted. Go get me something to eat!”

When there was no reply, she looked over—and Aarohi was fast asleep, with the TV still playing.

---

(To be continued in the next episode)

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