Author's POV :
Five years later, Shreya watched as Aradhya skipped down the hallway, her backpack bobbing up and down with excitement. It was her first day of school, and she was more than ready. The little girl had grown into a bright, curious child, her eyes full of wonder and mischief. Shreya felt a pang of nostalgia, remembering the nights they had spent together, just the two of them, in that cramped apartment.
Vivaan, on the other hand, was a mess. He had been pacing the floor since dawn, his coffee growing cold in his hand. The thought of his little girl being out of his sight for the entire day was more than he could bear. He had been the one to drop her off at Mrs. Chaudhary's countless times, had watched her grow and learn, had been her constant protector. Now, she was going off into the world without him, and it was breaking his heart.
Shreya couldn't help but laugh at his antics. "It's just school, Vivaan," she teased, trying to lighten the mood. "You're more nervous than she is!"
Vivaan shot her a look, his eyes wide with horror. "It's not funny, Shreya," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "What if she gets lost? What if someone bullies her?"
Aradhya looked up at her father, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Daddy, I'm not a baby anymore," she said, patting his cheek. "I can handle it."
Shreya's heart swelled with love for them both. She had never seen Vivaan like this, so openly vulnerable and loving. It was a side of him that had grown over the years, one that she cherished more than any fancy dinner or expensive gift.
As they pulled up to the school, Aradhya's excitement was palpable. She bounced in her seat, her tiny hands gripping the backpack straps. "Look, Mommy!" she squealed, pointing at the colorful playground. "Can I go play?"
Vivaan took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "You go ahead," he said, his voice wavering. "But remember, if you need anything, just call us."
Shreya squeezed his hand, giving him a reassuring smile. "You're going to be fine," she whispered. "We're all going to be fine."
As Aradhya disappeared into the sea of children, Vivaan leaned against the car, his eyes misty. "It's just like the day we got married," he murmured, his voice barely audible.
Shreya's smile grew, and she leaned into him, her heart swelling with love. "Yes," she said softly. "But today, we're sending off our little love story into the world to make new friends and learn new things."
Vivaan sniffed, trying to hold back the tears. "I know," he said, his voice cracking. "It's just... she's growing up so fast."
Aradhya, sensing the tension, turned around and looked at them, her eyes wide with curiosity. She took a few steps back, her tiny hand in the air, waving goodbye. "Bye, Mommy! Bye, Daddy!" she called out, her voice full of excitement.
Vivaan's shoulders slumped, and he buried his face in his hands. "I can't do this," he mumbled.
Shreya's laughter filled the air as she watched their daughter run off to begin her new adventure.
"Oh, yes, you can," she said, her voice warm with affection. "Because you're the best daddy in the world, and she's going to have the best day ever."
Vivaan looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "You're right," he said, straightening up. "Let's go home and make some memories of our own."
As they drove away, Shreya couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness mixed with pride. Aradhya was growing up, and their family had grown stronger than she ever could have imagined. They had come so far from that fateful night when she had found her daughter in the dumpster, and she knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together.
