Tum Prem Ho

Chapter 15

Vrinda's mother was discharged after a few days, and Vrinda could hardly contain her excitement. They had found a college online that seemed promising, but it was far from home in a new city. The transition felt daunting yet exhilarating. Isha and Vaidehi had joined her in this adventure, and together they decided to rent an apartment. Their college life unfolded like a dream. Isha and Vrinda both opted for Science, while Vaidehi chose Commerce. The three friends forged a bond that felt unbreakable, meeting daily to study and unwind, and returning home on weekends to catch up with their families.

Meanwhile, Akshat, Anish, and Shriyan were experiencing a similar journey. They had also rented an apartment nearby, mirroring the girls' situation. Shriyan and Anish pursued their passion for Science, while Akshat chose the Arts. Each of them was navigating the challenges of college life while maintaining close ties with their families.

Today marked the day for all of them to visit home.

At Vrinda's Home:

As Vrinda stepped into her home, the familiar scents of spices and home-cooked meals wafted through the air, flooding her with nostalgia. "Mummy!" she called out, her voice echoing in the hallway.

"Beta, tum aa gayi!" Sharvari, her mother, exclaimed, her face lighting up as she rushed over to embrace her daughter. It felt like ages since they had last hugged.

"Papa kaha hai?" Vrinda asked, glancing around, her eyes searching for her father.

"Pehle mujhse toh mil le, thik se! 1 mahina ho gaya, abhi dekh rahi hoon tujhe... Aayi nahi ke papa ke baare mein pooch rahi hai?" Sharvari replied, mock pouting but unable to hide her joy.

"Are, mummy, aap toh naraz ho gayi! Accha, batao, aap kaise ho? Tabiyat thik hai na? Aur medicines time par leti ho na?" Vrinda's concern spilled over, a protective instinct igniting within her.

"Haan beta, mujhe kya hoga," Sharvari smiled, but the shadow in her eyes was hard to miss.

"Mummy, aap bhi na..." Vrinda murmured, sensing the unspoken worry hanging between them.

"Aap mujhse kuch chhupa rahe ho na?" she probed, her heart racing with a mix of suspicion and anxiety.

"Nahi beta..." Sharvari insisted, but her voice lacked conviction.

"Vrinda..." Sharad, her father, interrupted as he entered, surprised to see his daughter home early.

"Kaisi ho, beta? Tumhare liye samose lane gaya tha, tumhe pasand hai na, isliye..." Sharad beamed, his eyes twinkling with affection.

"Aur tum toh shaam ko aane wali thi na?" he added, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.

"Haan, papa, par college ka project submit ho gaya, toh socha jaldi aa kar aap logon ke saath time spend karu," Vrinda explained, a smile breaking on her face as she thought of her family.

"Baitho, main tumhare liye samose le kar aata hu," Sharad said, heading towards the kitchen with a spring in his step.

As the aroma of freshly fried samosas filled the air, Sharvari couldn't help but ask, "Aur Vaidehi aur Isha kaise hain? Kaisi chal rahi hai tum teeno ki padhai?"

"Mummy, sab badhiya hai. Bas Vaidu ki stream alag hai toh zyada baatein nahi hoti. Isha aur main saath rahte hain; matlab agar woh clg ya lecture nahi hai toh," Vrinda replied, her mouth full of samosa.

"Beta, padhai karti ho na? Man toh lag raha hai na waha?" Sharad asked, a hint of concern evident in his tone.

"Haan, papa. College bahut accha hai, professors bhi supportive hain, toh koi pareshani nahi hai," Vrinda reassured him, grateful for the opportunity she had.