The classroom was unusually loud that day.
The teacher stood near the board, flipping through a register. "Before you all leave," she said, raising her voice, "I want to remind you that summer holidays start from tomorrow."
A sudden cheer filled the room. Chairs scraped, whispers turned into excited voices.
Aruna stayed quiet, her fingers tightening around her pen. Holidays usually meant loneliness for her—not freedom.
As students began to leave, Maira walked up to her desk.
"Aruna," she said softly, "let's go home together."
Aruna looked up and nodded.
They walked out of the school gates side by side, the afternoon sun warm against their skin. For a few moments, neither spoke.
Then Maira broke the silence.
"Since holidays are starting…" she hesitated, glancing at Aruna, "do you want to go on a trip this summer?"
Aruna slowed her steps. "A trip?"
"Yeah," Maira said. "Somewhere calm. Just to breathe."
Aruna stared ahead, unsure of what to say. The idea felt unfamiliar—being invited, being wanted.
"I don't know," she admitted quietly.
"That's okay," Maira replied with a small smile. "Just think about it."
They continued walking, the road stretching ahead of them, filled with questions and possibilities.When Aruna reached home, the house was quiet.
Adhi was sitting on the floor, crayons spread around him, carefully drawing something. He looked up when he saw her.
"Didi, look," he said, holding up the paper proudly.
Aruna smiled softly and sat beside him. She watched him color, but her mind wasn't really there.
Do you want to go on a trip this summer?
Maira's words echoed in her head. The way she had said it gentle, hopeful made Aruna's chest feel strangely warm.
The sound of the front door opening pulled her back to the present.
Their father walked in, a rare smile on his face. In his hands were pizza boxes and a paper bag.
"Guess what I brought?" he said.
Adhi jumped up. "Pizza!"
"And burgers," their father added, chuckling.
They sat together to eat, the room filled with the smell of food and quiet laughter. For a moment, everything felt… normal.
As they ate, their father cleared his throat.
"Since your holidays are starting," he said, "I was thinking we could go to your grandma's house."
Aruna looked up. "Grandma's?"
He nodded. "You'll like it there. Fresh air, no worries."
She hesitated, then spoke, her voice careful.
"Dad… can I invite my friend?"
Her father smiled without a second thought. "Of course. You can."
Adhi looked between them, curious.
Their father tilted his head. "So," he asked exactly, "who's the friend you want to invite?"
Aruna felt her heart beat a little faster.
Thank you hope you enjoyed this chapter