If We Ever.

| 5 |

Vedant: 17; Aarohi;20

"I will go for paragliding for sure!"

As the car wound its way through the winding mountain roads, Vedant's exuberant declaration filled the cramped atmosphere within. His voice, heavy with unbridled joy, pierced through the chatter and laughter that reverberated within the car's confines. Seated in the back, Vedant and Samarth engaged themselves in a playful banter, their bickering filled the air as they debated over the choice of music, changing their preference every few minutes.

In the middle row, Aarohi nestled comfortably at the side, her gaze drifting out of the window, thoughts lost in the majestic scenery passing by. Beside her, Saloni occupied the middle seat, her eyes flickering with excitement, mirroring the anticipation evident in Vedant's voice as she moved her upper body lightly with the music. On the opposite side, Kriti didi, the eldest among them, exuded a sense of calm and assurance, her presence being a serenity to the group amidst the youthful exuberance.

In the front seats, aunty settled herself beside uncle, her gaze alternating between the breathtaking vistas unfolding before them and the road ahead. Uncle, his hands steady on the wheel, navigated the twists and turns of the hilly terrain with practiced ease, his quiet confidence lending a sense of security to their adventurous journey to Manali.

Two months ago, in the cozy confines of their living room, Saloni's father had unfolded his grand plan for a family getaway to the picturesque town of Manali, one evening. His eyes gleamed with anticipation as he described the snow-capped mountains, winding roads, and enchanting vistas that awaited them, from his past experience there. Saloni's mother couldn't contain her joy. With every detail shared by her husband, she narrated everything to Aarohi's grandmother.

As the Mehra family called Aarohi's grandmother and broached the topic of Aarohi joining them on their trip to Manali, and to their delight, Aarohi's grandmother responded with her characteristic exuberance, her heart  sparkling with joy at the prospect of her granddaughter embarking on such an adventure.

Despite the Mehra family's insistence that it wasn't necessary, Aarohi's grandmother remained steadfast, her determination unyielding in the face of their protests, and with a gentle yet firm resolve, she insisted on contributing a small amount on Aarohi's behalf, her unwavering duty, a reflection of her boundless love for her granddaughter. Despite their best efforts to decline her offer, the Mehra family found themselves unable to win over her persistent kindness.

When the realization dawned upon Aarohi that her grandmother had agreed to her joining the trip without consulting her first, a wave of frustration had clouded her then. The prospect of being away from home for nearly a week, leaving her beloved grandmother behind, weighed heavily on her heart.
And, despite the allure of experiencing the hill station for the first time and the promise of unforgettable adventures with them, Aarohi found herself torn.

The thought of her grandmother being alone during her absence tugged at her conscience, her concern for her well-being overshadowing any excitement she might've felt then.
Aarohi knew all too well the fragility of her grandmother's health and the importance of her care, especially at her advanced age. The idea of risking her grandmother's well-being for the sake of a trip filled her with unease, and she couldn't bear the thought of being so far away from her side.

While Aarohi fought with her conflicting emotions, her grandmother's silent yet poignant response to her reluctance had weighed heavily on her heart. The sight of her grandmother refusing to eat and displaying emotional tantrums pained her, stirring a profound sense of guilt within her.