Dons of Punjab: Fluke of Reality✔️

chapter 5

Prabhneet Kaur

The time had come to say goodbye. Lalli Paji, Deep Paji, and Sunny Paji were kind enough to take me to the airport for my flight to England. As we packed our things into the car, I felt a mix of emotions bubbling inside me. There was excitement about starting a new journey, but also sadness because I was leaving behind my family—the people I loved the most.

We still hadn't told our family about my program. We knew they wouldn't be happy, especially when they found out I would be moving to England. It wasn't that we wanted to keep secrets from them, but we were scared of how they would react. We didn't want to disappoint them or cause unnecessary arguments.

"I just wish we didn't have to keep this from them," I mumbled as I sat in the backseat, staring out the window.

Deep Paji sighed. "I know, Prabh. But we don't want to deal with their anger right before you leave. It's already hard enough."

I nodded, understanding his point. It was already tough leaving my home, my safe place. I didn't need extra stress before my flight.

"I hope one day they understand why I had to do this," I whispered.

"They will," Sunny Paji reassured me. "Just give them time."

As we drove to the airport, the mood in the car was heavy. My sisters sat with me, holding my hands tightly. We had grown up together, shared secrets, and laughed until our stomachs hurt. Now, I was leaving them behind, even if only for a year.

Jashan Didi squeezed my hand. "Prabhi, promise me something."

"What?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Study with all your heart. And if anything happens, call us immediately. We love you so much, meri jaan."

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I promise."

"And we'll visit all the time," Roop Didi added, trying to smile through her tears.

I could only nod, afraid that if I spoke, I would break down.

When we reached the airport, I saw the large glass doors shining under the morning sun. My heart pounded as reality sank in. This was it. I was really leaving.

Deep Paji and Sunny Paji got out first and started unloading my suitcases from the back of the sleek Porsche SUV. The car gleamed under the sunlight, but I barely noticed. My mind was too full, too heavy.

Before I could take a step, Gunu Didi pulled me into a tight hug. Her arms wrapped around me like a shield, holding me close, as if trying to protect me one last time.

"I'm going to miss you so much," she whispered into my hair.

I felt my chest tighten. "I'll miss you too, Didi."

She pulled back and wiped her tears quickly, trying to stay strong for me. "You're going to do amazing things. I know it."

I took a deep breath and smiled at her. "I'll try my best."

As I turned toward my brothers, Lalli Paji placed his hands on my shoulders. His eyes, usually so full of laughter, were serious.

"Prabh, never worry. You have your brothers by your side," he said firmly, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "You're never alone."

Deep Paji grinned and ruffled my hair like he always did when we were kids. "We love you, Prabh."

"I love you guys too," I whispered, my throat tightening again.

I hugged each of them tightly, one last time.

Then, I turned towards the glass doors. The airport was busy, filled with people rushing around, saying their own goodbyes, hurrying to catch their flights.

I felt a single tear escape my eye as I stepped forward. Leaving my family, even for a year, felt like leaving behind a piece of my heart. But I had to be strong. I had to remind myself that time would fly, and soon, I would be back with them again.

Taking a deep breath, I gripped the handle of my suitcase tighter and walked through the doors, ready to begin my new journey.

As I stepped into the airport, I took a deep breath, trying to steady my emotions. The cool air of the terminal brushed against my face, contrasting the warmth of my family's embrace just moments ago. My hands gripped the handle of my suitcase tightly, as if holding onto it would somehow keep me connected to them.

I turned back one last time, my eyes searching for them through the glass doors. There they stood—Lalli Paji, Deep Paji, and Sunny Paji—all watching me with proud yet sorrowful expressions. Lalli Paji gave me a reassuring nod, while Deep Paji gave me a thumbs-up. Sunny Paji, always the joker, cupped his hands around his mouth and called out, "Don't go falling for some England wale munde, samjhi?"

I let out a soft laugh, shaking my head. "Never, Paji!" I called back, my voice cracking slightly.

Deep Paji smirked. "You better not forget us, Prabh. Or we'll fly over there and drag you back."

"I could never forget you all," I said, my voice softer now.

The moment felt heavy, as if time had slowed down. The realization hit me fully—I was really leaving them behind. My chest tightened, and I fought the urge to run back into their arms. But I knew I had to do this.

"Ja beta," Lalli Paji finally said, his voice deep and full of love. "Go chase your dreams. We'll always be right here, waiting for you."

I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. With one final wave, I turned away and walked forward, each step feeling heavier than the last.

Inside, the airport was buzzing with life—people hurrying past, voices blending into an indistinct hum, announcements echoing from the speakers. But my mind was still with them.

I took out my phone and quickly typed a message in the family group chat:

Prabh: I love you all so much. Please take care of yourselves.

Almost immediately, responses flooded in.

Roop Didi: We love you more! Stay safe, okay?

Jashan Didi: Call us the second you land! No excuses.

Gunu Didi: Crying already. Come back soon! 😭💔

I smiled, my heart aching and warming at the same time. Just as I was about to tuck my phone away, a message from Deep Paji popped up.

Deep Paji: You got this, meri sherni. Go make us proud.

Taking a deep breath, I wiped the tear that had slipped down my cheek and straightened my back. This was it. A new beginning.

As I reached the check-in counter, the airline attendant greeted me with a polite smile. "Passport and ticket, please?"

I handed them over with slightly trembling fingers. The attendant typed away on the computer before looking up. "Everything is set, Ms. Prabhneet. Your flight boards in an hour. Gate 27."

I nodded and took my documents back. "Thank you."

Walking toward security, I glanced at my reflection in a nearby glass panel. My eyes were red-rimmed, my face puffy from crying, but there was something else there too—determination.

I could do this.

For my family. For myself.

I took a deep breath, squared my shoulders, and walked forward—toward the unknown, toward England, toward my future.