The Right Kind of Wrong

3. College Admission Struggles

Savi sat at her small desk in her new room, surrounded by a mountain of textbooks and papers. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow on the pages filled with her hurried notes. Despite the chaos of Mumbai outside, her focus remained unwavering. Her mind raced with thoughts of the IAS entrance exams and the rigorous college admission process that loomed ahead.

"I can do this," she whispered to herself, determination filling her voice. "I have to do this."

The deadline for college applications was fast approaching, and Savi knew she had to put her best foot forward. She glanced at the clock on the wall—it was already past six. "Where is Isha ma'am?" she wondered, biting her lip as her anxiety crept in. Isha had promised to help her with the application, but time was running out.

Just then, her phone buzzed on the desk, snapping her from her thoughts. It was a message from Isha Ma'am.

Isha Ma'am: Hey, Savi! I'm running a little late at the office. Let's meet at the café near the college at 7:30. I'll help you with your application.

Savi's heart raced at the news. "Thank you, Ma'am!" she typed back, relief washing over her. She couldn't afford to waste time. Every moment mattered.

As she gathered her things, Savi's mind drifted back to the last conversation she had with Bhavani just before she left home. It was a painful reminder of the controlling grasp her grandmother still had on her life.

"Do you really think you can just run away and do whatever you want?" Bhavani had said, her voice dripping with despise. "You'll fail, just like your mother. You don't have what it takes to succeed."

The memory ignited a fire in Savi's chest. "I will prove her wrong," she vowed, determination filling her heart as she stepped out into the bustling streets of Mumbai.

The café was a cozy spot filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the chatter of students. Savi arrived early, her nerves buzzing with anticipation. She chose a corner table, allowing herself to soak in the atmosphere of young minds buzzing with ambition and dreams—just like hers.

When Isha arrived, her face lit up with a warm smile. "Savi! I'm so glad to see you!" she said, pulling Savi into a quick hug.

"Thank you for meeting me, Ma'am. I'm nervous about the application," Savi confessed, her hands fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth.

"Don't worry. We'll work through it together," Isha assured her, settling into the seat across from Savi. "Have you decided which college you want to apply to?"

"Yes, I want to apply to St. Xavier's College," Savi said, her voice firm. "It has a strong reputation for its IAS coaching program."

"Good choice! They have an excellent curriculum. Let's start with your application," Isha said, pulling out her laptop. "What do you need help with?"

Savi took a deep breath, her mind racing. "I need to write my statement of purpose and prepare my academic records. But... I'm worried about the fees. Badi Aaji cut me off financially."

Isha's brow furrowed with concern. "That's not good. Have you thought about applying for scholarships or financial aid?"

"I was planning to," Savi replied, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But I need proof of income and other documents, and I have none. Badi Aaji won't help me."

"Let's brainstorm," Isha said, her expression determined. "There are always ways around obstacles. You've shown incredible strength so far, and I believe in you."

Savi felt a surge of hope. "Thank you, Ma'am. I really want this. I don't want to fail."

"Let's focus on what we can do right now," Isha encouraged, guiding Savi through the application process. They worked together, Isha helping Savi craft her statement of purpose, urging her to share her story and aspirations.