The taxi ride felt longer than it actually was.
Aarti sat by the window, her suitcase beside her, watching the city pass by in quiet motion.
Singapore looked the same as always—clean roads, moving traffic, people walking with purpose.
But something felt different.
Maybe it was just her.
Her phone buzzed.
Naina: "Sending location. Come fast."
Aarti opened the map and showed it to the driver.
"Here," she said softly.
The driver nodded, adjusting the route without a word.
The rest of the ride passed in silence.
The car finally slowed down in front of a modest building.
Not too big. Not too small.
Just… simple.
Aarti stepped out, pulling her suitcase behind her. She looked up for a moment, taking in the place.
This was going to be her home now.
Or at least… something close to it.
Before she could think further—
"AARTI!"
Naina's voice cut through her thoughts.
Aarti turned, and for the first time that day, a genuine smile appeared.
Naina walked quickly toward her, taking one side of the suitcase without asking.
"You took so long," she said.
"Traffic," Aarti replied softly.
"Yeah, yeah. Come, I'll show you the room."
The building was quiet.
They walked up the stairs, passing a few closed doors. There were small notices on the walls—rules about timing, cleanliness, and shared spaces.
Aarti noticed everything silently.
Not too strict.
Not too free either.
Just enough structure.
Naina stopped in front of a door and pushed it open.
"Here."
Aarti stepped in.
The room was simple.
Two beds.
Two study tables.
A small cupboard.
A window letting in soft daylight.
Nothing fancy.
But it felt… calm.
She walked in slowly, placing her hand on one of the beds.
"This one is yours," Naina said casually.
Aarti looked around once more.
And then—
"I like it," she said.
It was simple.
But it felt right.
The payment process was quick.
The caretaker explained a few basic rules, handed over the keys, and noted down her details.
Aarti paid her share.
Just like that—
She had a place.
A little later, she sat on the edge of her bed, phone in hand.
She dialed.
"Aunty?"
"Yes, Aarti beta?"
"I found a place," she said gently. "It's nice… I liked it."
"That's good," came the warm reply. "Take care, okay?"
"I will. I'll come and meet you after settling."
"Of course."
The call ended with the same softness it began.
Aarti then opened WhatsApp and started a video call.
Her mother picked up almost instantly.
"Aarti! Show me!"
Aarti turned the camera slowly around the room.
"This is my bed… and that's Naina's," she said.
"It's nice," her mother smiled.
From the side, her father appeared on screen.
"Have you eaten?"
Aarti let out a small breath, almost smiling.
"Not yet."
"Eat on time," he said. "And stay safe."
She nodded.
"Hmm."
That was enough.
She said a quick bye and ended the call.
For a moment, the room was quiet again.
Aarti looked at her suitcase.
Then slowly, she opened it.
Clothes. Books. Small things from a life that kept moving.
She began unpacking—placing things carefully, one by one.
As if organizing the outside
would somehow settle the inside.
"Okay, enough," Naina suddenly said, leaning against the door.
"We're going out."
Aarti looked up.
"For what?"
"Food," Naina replied. "My treat."
"You don't have to—"
"I know," Naina cut her off. "I want to."
Aarti paused.
Then nodded.
The streets of Singapore looked different at night.
Lights reflected on the roads, small cafés filled with people, the air carrying a mix of conversations and quiet moments.
They walked side by side.
Not saying much.
But not needing to.
For the first time that day, Aarti felt something settle.
Not completely.
But enough.