The morning light seeped gently yet strangely hollow. Anaya stepped downstairs, where the restaurant staff were already setting up for breakfast.
With a small smile, she handed over the keys to the head chef, who is Uncle Brain's trusted friend.
"Uncle.. Uncle Brain told me to give these to you. Actually, he wanted to give it you last time. But at that time, you've fallen ill and gave it to me and now its finally returned to you. Please take care of everything," Anaya said gently.
The chef nodded. "Don't worry, Miss Anaya. We'll handle it. And… all the best for your future."
"Thank you," she whispered.
After having breakfast. Then, with Jiya by her side, Anaya walked out of the restaurant she had called home for so long. The city air felt different that morning not heavy, not empty. Just… waiting.
They reached the airport on time and settled in the passenger lounge. The announcements buzzed softly overhead. Anaya sat quietly on one of the chairs, cradling her bag on her lap. Her eyes flickered to Jiya, who stood a little farther away, speaking on the phone in a low voice.
"...Is there a problem with the flight?" Jiya asked, her tone firm.
A man's voice replied on the other end. "Yes, ma'am. There's been a technical issue. It might take days to fix."
Jiya sighed. "Alright. We'll take another plane. You stay back and manage things from there."
She ended the call and turned toward Anaya. but before she could walk over, a familiar voice called softly.
"Anaya."
She looked up in surprise. "Vicky..." She whispered in surprise.
He stood there, a little breathless, holding something in his hands.
"I'm… really sorry," he said. "I don't know wat had happened back then. I hope we can be friends again."
Anaya blinked. "Vicky? Why are you here?"
"I went to the restaurant to say goodbye," he said, smiling awkwardly. "They said you'd already left. So I came here."
Anaya didn't know what to say. But before she could respond, he held out a slender black case.
"This is for you," he said. "A parting gift."
She hesitated, taken aback. "Vicky… I can't, this is a violin."
"I know," he said. "It's not much. But it's not because I expect anything in return. Just… take it. It's out of gratitude."
Slowly, Anaya reached out and accepted it. The case felt cool against her fingers.
Then she unzipped her bag, pulled out a small, carefully wrapped box, and handed it to him.
"I'm sorry… it's not much. But please accept this."
Vicky took it, touched. "Thank you."
Anaya smiled gently. "And thank you. For everything in university. I've learned many things. some because of you, some with you, and some from you. I truly wish you reach your dreams. And that one day… you meet someone who really sees you and stays with you truly."
Vicky looked at her, not saying anything at first. Then, with a quiet nod, he said, "That means more than you know."
Just then, Jiya walked over, her tone light and teasing. "Oh… what's this I'm seeing?"
"Sister," Anaya said, a little flustered, "This is Vicky, my classmate. And a friend."
Jiya smiled politely. "Hello. Are you here to send her off?"
Vicky nodded. "Yes, sister."
"Well then…it's time for us to leave. Then, we'll take our leave," she said playfully. "Come, Anaya."
Anaya turned to Vicky. "Goodbye."
"Take care," he said softly.
And with that, she walked away.
Inside the plane, Anaya followed Jiya through the aisle… and then blinked.
"Wait… this is… business class?" Anaya whispered.
She looked around in awe. spacious seats, wide windows, and quiet comfort. It was more luxurious than anything she had experienced.
She sat down, still wide-eyed. "Sister… this must have cost a lot."
Jiya leaned over, trying not to laugh. "What's with that expression?"
"It's just… really cool," Anaya said, her voice barely a whisper. "But it feels worth it."
Jiya smiled fondly. "Then enjoy it. You deserve it."
As the engines began to hum and the plane rolled forward, Anaya leaned back into her seat, one hand resting lightly on the window corner beside her.
The sky outside shifted into a soft shade of blue.
The journey had begun..
By the time they arrived in Mumbai, the sky had already begun to soften into a warm evening hue. The city buzzed faintly in the distance, but where they were, it was calm and quiet even.
Their car pulled into the driveway of a grand villa nestled among trees and soft lights. Anaya stepped out and stared at the house, her lips parting slightly in awe.
"Sister…" she whispered, "is this really your house?"
Jiya smiled casually, removing her sunglasses. "Yes. Mr. Nathan isn't home right now. Come in."
The moment Anaya stepped inside, her eyes widened. Marble floors, elegant chandeliers, a staircase that curved like it belonged in a film. everything was beautiful, polished, and grand.
"I… I don't even know what to say," Anaya murmured.
"You don't have to say anything," Jiya chuckled. "Just go get some rest. You can use the guest room upstairs, second door on the left."
Anaya nodded and quietly made her way to the room. The bed was soft, the curtains light and flowing, and the cool air inside lulled her to sleep quickly.
A few hours later, she woke up gently to the scent of food drifting in from the dining area.
Downstairs, Jiya was waiting with a small, warm smile. "Come, dinner's ready."
They ate together, the conversation light and pleasant. After dinner, the house was quiet again, with only the soft hum of the city far beyond the windows.
As they stood near the stairs, Jiya turned to Anaya and said, "If you're not sleepy yet, why don't you check out the study? There are so many books there and some of them you might really like."
Anaya's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Jiya nodded. "It's on the right side. First room. Go ahead."
Anaya made her way to the study room eagerly. But the moment she opened the door..
"HAAA!!"
She let out a sudden scream, not of fear, but of pure, unexpected joy.
Jiya came running, startled. "What happened?!"
But the moment she saw Anaya standing in the middle of the room with wide eyes and a goofy smile, she stopped in her tracks and burst into laughter.
"Oh… my god," Jiya laughed. "Are you that happy?"
Anaya nodded rapidly, still stunned. "Sister… there are so many books! And CDs! It's like a dream!"
Jiya stepped in beside her. "The books are Nathan's. The CDs are from the artists I mentored. they're all my recordings and projects."
Anaya turned to her, eyes sparkling. "Can I… stay here tonight?"
Jiya smiled warmly. "Of course. Enjoy it. But don't forget, we're going to the company tomorrow."
Anaya saluted playfully, placing her index finger on her lips. "Yes, ma'am. I'll be quiet."
"That's more like it," Jiya said, amused. "Good night, then."
"Good night, sister," Anaya replied.
After Jiya left, Anaya sat on the carpeted floor, completely absorbed in the room. She flipped through comic-style books, laughed out loud at the silly characters, and listened to songs from the CDs, soft ballads, catchy melodies, and emotional lyrics.
Her laughter echoed faintly in the room, like a child who had found a treasure chest of joy.
The night deepened.
Soon, her head rested against a pillow near the bookshelf. The last cartoon she was reading slipped from her fingers. The soft sound of a violin melody played in the background, drifting into silence.
By 2:30 a.m., Anaya had fallen asleep in the study in the middle of those books and still smiling.