Aruna stayed silent for a moment, her fingers tightening around the edge of the table.
Their father waited patiently, his expression gentle.
"It's… Maira," Aruna finally said.
Adhi blinked. "Your school friend?"
Aruna nodded.
Her father smiled. "Then invite her. It'll be nice to have someone your age around."
Relief washed over Aruna's face. She hadn't realized how nervous she was until that moment.
Later that night, she lay on her bed, phone in her hand, staring at the screen. Her thumb hovered over the keyboard.
After a long pause, she typed.
Can I ask you something?
The reply came almost immediately.
Anything.
Aruna took a deep breath.
My holidays are starting. We're going to my grandma's place…
Do you want to come with us?
There was a few-second silence that felt much longer than it was.
Then her phone vibrated.
I'd love to.
Aruna smiled, a small but real smile one that reached her eyes.
The next few days passed slowly. Adhi talked nonstop about the trip, drawing pictures of trains and trees and what he imagined grandma's house looked like now.
Their father seemed lighter too, humming softly as he packed, moving with purpose instead of exhaustion.
On the morning of the trip, Aruna stood at the doorway, suitcase by her side, heart beating fast.
She didn't know what this trip would bring.
She didn't know if the pain would disappear.
But she knew one thing.
For the first time in a long while, she was choosing to move forward.
And somewhere on the road ahead, Maira would be waiting.
The morning air was cool when Aruna stepped outside with her suitcase.
Adhi was already waiting near the gate, bouncing on his heels with excitement. Their father checked the bags one last time, making sure nothing was forgotten.
Aruna kept glancing down the road.
Then she saw her.
Maira stood a little distance away, backpack slung over one shoulder, sunlight catching in her hair. She looked around nervously before her eyes found Aruna.
Their gazes met and Maira smiled.
Aruna's chest tightened.
She walked toward her. "You came."
Maira laughed softly. "I said I would."
Their father approached them. "You must be Maira," he said kindly.
"Yes, sir," she replied, bowing her head slightly.
"Thank you for coming," he said. "You're welcome with us."
Maira smiled, surprised and grateful.
Adhi stared at her curiously. "Are you really my didi's friend?"
Maira crouched to his level. "I am. And I heard you're the best artist."
His eyes widened. "Really?"
"Really."
That was enough to win him over.
Soon, they were on the road. The bus rumbled to life, carrying them away from the city. Aruna sat by the window, Maira beside her.
Trees blurred past. Buildings faded into fields.
For the first time in a long time, Aruna felt something loosen inside her chest.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
Maira turned to her. "For what?"
"For coming with me."
Maira leaned her head back against the seat. "I didn't come with you," she said gently. "I came for you."
Aruna looked out the window, blinking back tears.
The road stretched ahead of them. unknown, quiet, full of possibility.
And for once, Aruna didn't feel afraid of where it might lead.