After exiting the university, Avni and Raj strolled towards the girls' hostel, which was conveniently located within walking distance.
Throughout the time, she couldn't help but admire the place. It was her first time venturing out of her hometown. She was enjoying everything with a smile, and seeing her daughter's smiling face made Raj happy.
Soon, they arrived at the girls' hostel. Since Raj had already spoken with the authorities, the warden greeted them and escorted them inside to show them the room.
They reached her room, a cozy space with two beds, a study table, and a large window overlooking the gardens. Avni couldn't contain her grin as she explored every nook.
"This is perfect," Raj said, smiling at the warden. "Thank you for showing us around."
The warden smiled warmly. "You're welcome, sir. We'll take good care of Avni. Don't worry." Raj smiled at the warden. He looked at his daughter, who was admiring the room. After the warden walked away, Raj approached her and called, "Baccha." She turned to him with her big, doe-like eyes. "Yes, Papa?" Raj asked, "Do you like the room?" "Yes, Papa," Avni replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's lovely."
Raj's smile widened as he gently stroked her hair. "I'm glad you like it, baccha. You deserve the best."
Avni's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Papa, can I keep this window seat? I love the view."
Raj chuckled. "Of course, it's all yours. You can sit here, study, and watch the sunset."
Avni nodded enthusiastically, already imagining herself in her new favorite spot.
Raj's gaze lingered on his daughter's radiant face. He knew this moment, though bittersweet, marked a significant milestone in her life.
"Baccha, take care of yourself, okay?" Raj said, his voice tinged with emotion.
Avni wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. "I will, Papa. Don't worry."
Raj held her close, savoring the warmth of their embrace.
As they parted, Raj handed Avni a small package. "A little something for your new journey."
Avni's eyes widened as she unwrapped the gift, revealing a beautiful silver locket. Inside the locket, a small photo of Avni's mother, Raj's beloved wife, smiled back at her. Avni's eyes misted as she gazed at the familiar face.
"Papa..." Avni's voice trembled.
Raj's eyes welled up with emotion. "I wanted you to have something to remind you of Ma and our love. No matter where life takes you, you'll always carry her with you."
Avni nodded, tears streaming down her face. She hugged Raj tightly, the locket clutched in her hand.
"Thank you, Papa," she whispered.
As they held each other, Raj whispered, "Always remember, baccha, you're brave, strong, and loved. Never forget that."
Avni pulled back, her eyes shining with determination. "I won't, Papa. I promise."
With one last glance, Raj knew it was time to leave. He took a deep breath, smiled, and said It's time for me to leave, baccha, Raj said, his voice trembling slightly. "Take care of yourself, study hard, and make me proud"
Avni nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "I will, Papa. Don't worry."
Raj hugged her tight once more, then stepped back. "'I'll call you every day. You can always reach me whenever you need anything."
Avni smiled bravely. "I'll be fine, Papa. Go now."
With a final glance, Raj turned and walked away, his heart heavy with emotion. As he reached the hostel gate, he turned back to see Avni standing in the doorway, waving at him.
Raj waved back, a smile on his face, and whispered to himself, "My little girl is growing up."
As Raj drove away from the hostel, the smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a mix of emotions. Pride, sadness, and nostalgia swirled in his chest.
He recalled Avni's childhood laughter, her tiny hands holding his, and her first steps. The memories flashed like a slideshow in his mind.
Raj's eyes misted, but he blinked back the tears. He knew this milestone marked a new chapter in Avni's life.
While Avni's smile dropped, tears fell from her doe-like eyes, which she had controlled until now, not wanting to cry in front of her father, knowing it would hurt him But now, alone in her room, Avni couldn't hold back anymore. Tears streamed down her face, and her body shook with sobs. She missed her father already, and the weight of being apart felt crushing.
As she wept, Avni's thoughts drifted to her mother, whom she barely remembered. She wished she were here to guide her through these emotions.
Just then, Avni's roommate, Shruti, entered the room.
Shruti's warm smile faltered as she saw Avni's tears. "Oh, hey, are you okay?"
Avni quickly wiped her eyes, embarrassed. "Yeah, I'm fine...just a little homesick."
Shruti nodded understandingly. "I know exactly how you feel. I cried for days when I first came here."
Avni smiled weakly, grateful for Shruti's kindness.
"Want to talk about it?" Shruti asked, settling beside Avni on the bed.
Avni hesitated, then poured out her heart, sharing stories about her father and their goodbye.
Shruti listened attentively, her eyes filled with empathy. As Avni spoke, the weight of her emotions began to lift, replaced by a sense of connection with her new roommate.
"...and then Papa said, "Take care of yourself, baccha," Avni's voice cracked, but Shruti's gentle nod encouraged her to continue.
"I know he's trying to be strong for me, but I can see the sadness in his eyes. He's always been there for me. don't know what I'd do without him."
Shruti's expression softened. "You'll always have him, Avni, no matter the distance. And Now, you have me too. We're in this together."
Avni's eyes welled up again, but this time, tears of gratitude. "Thanks, Shruti. Just talking to you makes me feel better."
As they hugged, Avni realized that though she missed her father, she wasn't alone. A new chapter had begun, filled with possibilities and friendships like Shruti's.
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