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"Samayara, you'll need it, take this," Mom insisted, packing yet another seemingly unnecessary item.
"Mom, we'll be provided with our hiking uniforms there," I protested, retrieving it from the luggage.
"But what if they don't fit?"
Mom - 1, Samayara - 0.
I sighed in defeat until someone playfully tapped my head.
"What?" I asked, already knowing it was my bhaiya (elder brother).
"Why are you so grumpy now about 'THE STUDENT CAMP'? You were dying for it to happen after your boards," he teased, tapping my head again.
"Yeah," I admitted, letting out a breath.
It was supposed to be a joyful trip, where I could soak in every moment of Himachal Pradesh, capturing cute videos with Ishaana and Laksh. I looked forward to experiencing my first flight and sharing tender, romantic moments with my boyfriend.
But now, he's my ex-boyfriend, having chosen to cheat on me with my best friend, who's now my ex-best friend.
To add insult to injury, I'm forced to confront them both on this trip, all while being manipulated by my newly toxic friend group. who treat me just a notch above the worst. But I guess something is better than nothing, right? I don't want to end up a loner in my junior college.
"3 minutes and 40 seconds," Bhaiya's voice snapped me back to reality. "You've been zoned out for that long." I looked around, realizing Maa had already left.
"Oh," I muttered, feeling embarrassed.
"What's wrong, Myra? Is something bothering you?" I wanted to spill everything—how my boyfriend cheated on me with my best friend, who then spread malicious rumors about me, causing my friends to turn against me. But the words refused to come out. My brother had always been my confidant, my rock. We shared an unbreakable bond. It made it difficult to keep things from him, but these problems could potentially cause a scene, and I'd do anything to avoid that.
So I settled with a simple, "I'm just nervous."
"It's okay to be nervous, Myra. This is your first trip, and there will be a lot of first experiences waiting for you. Do welcome them wholeheartedly, they are meant for you," Bhaiya's words immediately comforted me.
We exchanged smiles before he playfully hit me again and darted off.
"Also, wear your ID card at all the time. Just in case you die by mistake, your body should reach us," he added with a humorous concern. I couldn't help but laugh at his quirky advice, with a view of Maa pulling his ear.
"Divesh, bite your tongue and never say things like this again," Maa scolded tightening her grip, though her tone softened as she saw Bhaiya's pained expression.
"I bit it three times already, now please let go, Maa," Bhaiya whined.
They elevated my mood, and I laughed even harder, prompting both of them to join in.
With renewed spirits, the three of us finished packing. Bhaiya and I strategically packed the two bags with the unnecessary items that we were going to leave behind 'by accident' as we didn't want to hurt Maa's feelings. After all, I didn't really need all the snacks and my entire collection of sportswear when we'd be provided with unlimited meals throughout the day and all the necessary hiking accessories.
I double-checked my to-do list and called Papa to finally tick off the last item.
"Should I visit now, Papa?" I asked eagerly.
"Yes, beta, you can. It's ready," Papa replied before ending the call. I hurried my way to the store and found myself captivated by a beautiful green silk saree displayed in the window. I couldn't help but marvel at my Dad's craftsmanship.
My father is a weaver and he truly worships his art. He owns a shop, not too small, not too big and as his daughter, or perhaps as an admirer of ethnic attire, I always find myself falling in love with the aesthetics here.
"Come inside, beta," Papa called out as I was momentarily lost in the beauty of the clothes. I rushed over to him, excitement evident in my voice.
"Where is it, Papa?" I asked quivering with eager excitement.
"Here you go, meri pyaari beti," he said affectionately as he handed me a custom-made lilac saree with hints of gold, a Kanjivaram masterpiece. I couldn't contain my delight as I draped it over my shoulder, sporting the widest smile.
"The most beautiful saree for the most beautiful girl in this world," Papa remarked, approvingly watching me in the mirror. I admired the reflection for a moment before turning to Papa and embracing him tightly.
"Meri pyaari beti, kab itni badi ho gayi," he mused, pulling back from the hug. [When did my little girl grew up so well.]
"Jab aap mere liye saree bana rahe the," I replied with a giggle, recalling the countless hours he spent weaving sarees for me. [When you were busy making saree for me.]
He kissed my forehead affectionately, and I happily ticked off the last item on my to-do list while carefully packing the saree. By evening, my day had significantly improved, and I found myself eagerly anticipating 'THE STUDENT CAMP'.
Nervous yet excited, I climbed into bed, murmuring, " I hope this journey will bring me peace'' before drifting off to dreamland.
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