In college, Anvi was waiting for me with a small box wrapped carefully in gold paper. I frowned slightly, half-amused, half-curious. "Why did you get this for me?" I asked.
Anvi's eyes sparkled with tears she was trying to hide. "Because today is your last day in this country, Sammy. Tomorrow, when you're off to pursue your PhD and become Dr. Samira Mishra, you won't be the same friend I've known since childhood. I wanted to celebrate today, just the two of us, so I got up early, waited in line, and got this for you."
Her words struck me with a mix of warmth and heartbreak. Without thinking, I threw my arms around her. "Love you, Anvi. You've been my best friend forever. We've known each other since we were kids, and I've never felt awkward or out of place with you."
Her tears spilled freely, and I felt the dam inside me break. I hugged her tighter, feeling the warmth of her friendship and the ache of impending separation.
"You're leaving me for so many years," she sobbed, "won't you even miss me, Sammy? I love you too!"
"Who said I won't miss you?" I whispered, my voice catching in my throat. "I'll miss you so much, Anvi. Every single day."
At that moment, Uncle Anirudh passed by, his presence quiet but concerned. His eyes softened when he saw us, but he didn't linger. "Why are you two crying? Did someone hurt you?" he asked gently, curiosity and concern lacing his voice.
Anvi quickly hugged him. "She's leaving tomorrow. I don't want her to go."
Anirudh's expression softened even further. "It's okay, love. She'll be back before long. Stop crying."
I looked at him, slightly puzzled. "Uncle, what are you doing here in college?"
He smiled, lightly nudged Anvi toward me, and chuckled before leaving. His departure made sense; as a teacher, he couldn't let students see them in such an intimate, emotional moment.
---
Back at home, I began packing with Uncle Max's help.
"Should I pack some snacks? There won't be any Indian snacks for you abroad," he said, trying to lighten my mood.
"Of course. And can you pass me my jumpsuit?" I asked, eager to finish my preparations.
Max handed it over carefully. "Here you go, Samira."
"Thanks," I said, folding it neatly. "That's it—all done." I wheeled my suitcase to my room and zipped it shut, taking a deep breath as I tried to absorb the finality of this moment.
At dinner, the house was buzzing with laughter, gifts, and a huge cake for my brother Aarav's birthday. I sat beside Manya and carefully piled my plate with a bagel, a donut, some lasagna, and a block of Parmesan cheese.
Aarne smiled across the table. "Happy birthday, Aarav."
"Thank you, Aarne. By the way, Samira, you're leaving tomorrow, right?" Aarav asked.
I nodded, my throat tight. "Yes, brother. Tomorrow morning."
Manya's eyes welled up with tears, and she hugged me tightly. "I'll miss you so much, Sammy. Please don't go."
"I'll miss you too, Manya," I whispered, returning her embrace. "Maa, I'm done eating. I'm going to sleep now. Good night."
"Good night, sweetie," Mom said softly, brushing a strand of hair from my face.
---
The next morning, I woke to the sound of tea being poured downstairs. My flight was in four hours, and I moved quickly, dressing and preparing myself for the long journey ahead. Downstairs, everyone was sitting on the sofa having their morning tea—except Sarthak and Aarne. Concerned, I turned to Uncle Max.
"Uncle Max, do you know where Sarthak and Aarne are?"
"No, Samira," he replied.
Disappointed, I settled onto the sofa with my cup of tea, my thoughts tangled with memories and goodbyes.
Mom glanced at me. "Are you ready to go?"
"Yes, Mom. I'll finish my tea and leave with the driver," I replied.
Mom nodded. "Good. Max, tell Charles to bring out the car."
Soon, my luggage was ready, and we all walked to the entrance to see me off.
"Bye… I'm going now," I said, my voice steady but soft.
Manya clung to me, sobbing. "Bye… I'll miss you so much."
Mom gently separated us. "It's okay, stop crying now."
Grandpa smiled reassuringly. "We'll come to visit in two weeks, so don't worry."
"Okay, Grandpa. Now can I go to the airport?"
Dad hugged me tightly. "Bye, sweetie. Take care."
"Bye, Dad. I'll miss you all," I whispered as I settled into the car. Everyone waved as we drove away, leaving behind the comfort of home and family.
---
At the airport, the hustle of travelers and the distant hum of announcements made me feel both anxious and exhilarated. I rushed to make my boarding pass and then headed to a café. I ordered a cappuccino and a muffin, sat down at a table, and opened my book, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
As I waited, I noticed people who looked exactly like Samarth and Sarthak. My heart skipped, but I dismissed the thought and continued browsing the airport bookstore for books to keep me company on the flight.
Even there, I glimpsed the same familiar figures. Shaking my head, I refused to believe it, telling myself it was just my imagination. With my books in hand, I made my way to the boarding gate.
Once on the plane, I settled into my seat, staring out the window as the sun dipped lower in the sky. My thoughts wandered to Sarthak, the lingering warmth of our last moments, and the silent ache of leaving him behind. I knew I had to move forward, embrace my new life, and chase my dreams in history.
Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes and allowed myself a final moment of stillness, letting the world of home fade as the plane prepared to carry me to a new beginning.