When Hearts Align

--Four--

Athreya looked at Viraj, determination in his eyes. "Okay then, I'll give it a shot. I'll tell my friends too," he said, his voice resolute.
-
Viraj frowned, a playful pout forming on his lips. "Why your friends? Can't it just be our thing?" he teased, but there was a hint of genuine concern in his tone.
-
Athreya chuckled, shaking his head at Viraj's possessiveness. "Areee..., you know na… We all went through the same struggles. All we ever wanted was to finish our M.Tech, get IT placements, and land a job. We made a pact, remember? We’ll face everything together," Athreya explained. He paused, looking thoughtful. "So, when exactly is this last phase of the exam? And how do we apply for it?"
-
Viraj's expression softened, and he quickly shifted into a more serious tone. "I think the exam is about a month away, and the last day to apply is tomorrow. So, hurry up! I’ll send you the link to the college website." He glanced at his watch as they arrived at Athreya's home.
-
As Athreya rang the doorbell, he turned to Viraj, a grateful smile playing on his lips. "Thanks for the ride, Viraj."

The door swung open, revealing Anjali, her eyes brimming with happy tears. Seeing her son standing there after so many days filled her heart with joy. Athreya wasted no time, pulling her into a warm embrace.

Divya, his younger sister, appeared at the door next, her face lighting up at the sight of her brother. "Athreya! You’re finally back!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
-
Athreya grinned, ruffling her hair. "You didn’t go to school today, huh?" he teased, knowing full well the answer.
-
Divya pulled back, rolling her eyes dramatically. "Nope, because my brother is back, so..." she replied, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.
-
"Aww, my little munchkin," Athreya cooed, playfully pinching her cheek. "Well then, from today, your room will be mine," he added, teasing her even more.
-
Divya’s eyes widened in mock horror. "What… not again!" she protested, her voice dripping with exaggerated dismay as she pretended to cry.
-
Anjali, who had been watching the playful banter between her children, finally stepped in. "What’s this now? You just got home, and already you two are fighting? Both of you will share the room, and Athreya, stop teasing your sister. Now go freshen up, and come for lunch," she said, her tone firm yet affectionate as she returned to the dining room to set the table.

__________________

Evening, at 8:35 PM, Athreya found himself sitting across from his father, Dev, who had a serious look on his face. The atmosphere was tense, with unspoken questions hanging in the air.

Dev looked his son straight in the eyes. "So, what’s next? What do you want to do?" he asked, his voice steady.
-
Athreya took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. "Dad, my dreams are high, but it feels like luck isn’t on my side," he began, his voice heavy with frustration. "My plans to pursue M.Tech and get IT placements have almost hit a dead end. Non-IT jobs just aren’t my thing."
-
Dev nodded slowly, taking in his son’s words. "So?" he prompted, raising an eyebrow.
-
Athreya leaned forward, his voice filled with determination. "So, I want to do my M.Tech at XYZ College in LB Nagar. I guess this is the only college left where the entrance exam phase is still open. I can still go for it," he said, his eyes pleading for his father’s approval.
-
Dev sighed, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "But… even though that college offers IT placements, they haven’t received any since the pandemic hit. Maybe it’s due to the quality of education there," he pointed out, his voice laced with concern.
-
"I’ll manage, Dad," Athreya replied, his voice resolute. "As long as they have IT placements, that’s enough for me. Please, just give me the go-ahead."
-
Dev studied his son’s face for a long moment before finally nodding. "Alright, if that’s what you want. Go ahead."
-
A wave of relief washed over Athreya as he smiled gratefully at his father. "Thank you, Dad. I won’t let you down."