Shadows & Sunshine

Ch : 26

A year had passed, and Varsha was now happily living with her mother, Priya, in their cozy apartment in Singapore. The transition had been smooth, filled with moments of laughter, shared experiences, and a growing bond that had only strengthened with time.

The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of Varsha's room, casting a warm glow on the neatly packed bags spread out on the bed. Varsha, brimming with excitement, was preparing for a field trip with her friends,

Priya stood by her side, meticulously going through the checklist. "Do you have your passport, tickets, and the permission slip?" she asked, her voice a mix of motherly concern and excitement for her daughter.

Varsha, her eyes sparkling with anticipation, nodded eagerly. "Yes, Mom. Everything's here." She pointed to the items laid out in an orderly fashion on her bed.

Priya smiled, brushing a strand of hair away from Varsha's face. "Good. And don't forget to pack some snacks. You might get hungry on the way."

Varsha laughed, her laughter filling the room with a joyful melody. "I've got that covered too," she said, holding up a bag of her favorite treats.

As they worked together, packing clothes, toiletries, and essentials into the suitcase, Priya couldn't help but marvel at how much Varsha had grown. The past year had transformed her from a troubled teenager into a confident young woman. Their new life in Singapore had given Varsha a fresh start, and Priya was grateful for every moment they had shared.

"Remember to call me when you get there," Priya said, her voice softening with a hint of worry. "I want to know that you arrived safely."

"I will, Mom," Varsha promised, zipping up her suitcase."And I'll send you pictures too.

Priya chuckled, pulling her daughter into a warm hug. "I know you do. And I can't wait to see them."

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms, the bond between them palpable and strong. Finally, Varsha pulled away, her eyes shining with excitement. "I should go. The bus will be here any minute."

Priya nodded, helping Varsha with her bags. They made their way downstairs, where a group of Varsha's friends was already gathered, chatting animatedly and buzzing with energy.

As the bus pulled up, Priya hugged Varsha one last time. "Have fun, sweetheart. Be safe and enjoy every moment."

Varsha smiled, her face radiant with happiness. "I will, Mom. Thank you for everything."

With a final wave, Varsha boarded the bus, joining her friends as they set off on their adventure. Priya watched the bus pull away, a mixture of pride and love swelling in her chest.

As she turned to head back inside, Priya felt a deep sense of contentment. The past year had been filled with challenges and triumphs, but through it all, she and Varsha had come out stronger, their bond unbreakable.

The following night, Priya was engrossed in her work, her laptop casting a soft blue glow in the otherwise dimly lit living room. The clock on the wall ticked quietly, indicating the late hour. Suddenly, the doorbell rang, breaking the silence and pulling her out of her focused state. She glanced at the clock—11:30 PM. Who could it be at this hour? she wondered.

With a mix of curiosity and caution, Priya got up and walked towards the door. She peered through the peephole but saw no one. Feeling a bit uneasy, she slowly opened the door and looked around. The hallway was empty, the only sound the distant hum of the city outside. After a moment, she closed the door, her heart beating a little faster. Recently, there had been stories of break-ins and robberies in the neighborhood, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety.