"Finding My Forever Home"

2. Traffic Tamasha

As I woke up to the sound of my alarm blaring in my ear, I groggily reached over to silence it. The clock read 5:00 AM.

"Last exam day," I reminded myself, throwing off the covers.

I stretched, yawned, and swung my legs over the side of the bed, feeling a mix of relief and nervousness.

"Today's the day," I said aloud, shaking off the slumber.

I headed to the bathroom to start my morning routine, feeling a sense of determination.

I headed to bathroom, letting out a yawn as I removed my pair of cute socks.

Glancing at my phone, I groaned at the time: 5:04 AM. "Yeah, waking up early my ass, for studying. " I muttered, shaking my head".

Despite the late hour, I dragged my weary feet to the bathroom, determined to stick to my skincare routine. "If I don't do it at least once, shoop! There goes my clear skin," I reminded myself.

I carefully removed my eye contacts and began my morning ritual, cleansing and moisturizing my skin with precision.

"Time to ace this exam and finish strong!" I told myself, splashing water on my face.

The morning of my last paper had finally arrived, and I was eager to wrap up my exams. As I headed to the examination hall, my mind wandered to the celebration awaiting me later - Arundhati's wedding.

I took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. One more paper to go, and then I could let my hair down.

After the exam, I planned to rush home, change quickly, and head to the wedding venue. Arundhati had been a close cousin since childhood, and I wouldn't miss her special day for the world.

The thought of her beaming smile, adorned in vibrant wedding attire, filled me with joy. I couldn't wait to join the festivities, dance the night away, and shower her with love and blessings.

First, though, I had to tackle this final paper.
"Maa, good morning!" I said, entering the kitchen.

"Good morning, beta! Aaj exam hai, na? Kaisi hai tu?" (Today's the exam, right? How are you feeling?) Mom asked, sipping her green tea.

"Main thik hoon, Maa. Bas ek paper bacha hai." (I'm fine, Mom. Just one paper left.)

Mom smiled, handing me a bowl of curd with sugar (dahi shakar). "Here, baby. This will give you good luck. And remember, stay calm and focused."

Dad, sitting nearby with his Apple iPad, looked up from the newspaper he was reading online. "Niyu, relax. Keep a cool mind. Read the questions carefully, and manage your time well."

"Thanks, Papa. Aap office nahin ja rahe aaj?" (Aren't you going to the office today?)

"Arre, nahin. Aru ki shaadi hai, na? Maine leave liya hai. I'll drop you to the exam center, okay?" (No, I've taken leave for Aru's wedding.)

I replied to him, " no dad you take rest ramesh dada (our driver uncle)
hai na he' ll drop me".

Mom chimed in, "And don't forget to wear your favorite kurti/dress for good luck, sweetie."

I rolled my eyes, laughing. "Maa, you know me too well."

With their blessings and encouragement, I headed out, feeling confident and loved.

The early morning bustle of the city was in full swing. Niyati sat in the car, her mind racing with the last-minute formulas and theories she'd studied for the exam. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves.

Mumbai ka traffic, Sar dard.

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps, where anything can happen in the blink of an eye. The city of dreams for millions.