The Royal Boundaries

Chapter 1: The Ruckus

In the small, sun-dappled village of Gauripur, the day was ending. The warm hues of the setting sun cast an amber glow over the small houses with thatched roofs, children's laughter filling the narrow, dusty streets. This was Aditi Deshmukh's world-a world full of familiar sights, sounds, and the scent of home-cooked meals wafting through open windows.

Aditi hurried down the path toward her modest house, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and apprehension. In her hand was a letter that could change her life-a college admission letter from Maharaja Institute of Science and Arts in Rajapur, a renowned institution. But as she neared her house, her joy began to dim. The sounds of shouting and sobbing reached her ears.

A lump formed in her throat as she pushed open the rickety wooden door. Inside, her father was in one of his drunken rages, his flushed face twisted in anger as he waved his arms wildly, while her mother sat by the corner, covering her face with her hands. Her younger brother, Rohan, a wiry 15-year-old with a quick smile and big dreams, stood between them, trying to keep their father at bay.

Aditi: (Stepping inside, voice steady but soft) Baba, please stop this. Can't you see what you're doing to Aai?

Father: (Mumbling angrily, his words slurring together) What do you know, Aditi? Just because you read a few books, you think you're better than us? You think I'm worthless, don't you?

Rohan: (Moving toward Aditi, whispering) Didi, don't... He's not himself right now.

Aditi took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. Her gaze flickered to her mother, who was now watching her with tired, pleading eyes.

Aditi: (Gently but firmly) Baba, that's enough. Let's all sit down and talk about this in the morning when things are calmer.

Her father wavered, his anger momentarily softened by her calm but unyielding tone. Grumbling, he stumbled into a worn-out chair in the corner, mumbling incoherently to himself as he drifted into a half-sleep.

Aditi exchanged a brief, relieved look with Rohan, who gave her a small, supportive smile. She turned to her mother, gently touching her shoulder.

Mother: (Tearfully, with a faint smile) You shouldn't have to see this, Aditi... you've always been too good to bear all this.

Aditi: (With determination) Aai, we're family. And besides, I have some good news today.

Aditi took a step back and lifted the letter, her face lighting up. For a moment, the tension in the room faded as both her mother and Rohan's expressions transformed with surprise and joy.

Aditi: I got in. The college in Rajapur accepted me! I'm going to study there... I can finally learn and make something of myself.

Mother: (Wiping her tears, smiling proudly) Oh, Aditi, my smart girl! I knew you would do it! You're going to change everything, not just for yourself, but for all of us.

Rohan grinned, looking at her with admiration. He clapped his hands together, excitement sparking in his eyes.

Rohan: Didi! You'll be the first in our family to go so far. You'll be the pride of Gauripur!

Aditi's smile faltered as the weight of responsibility settled over her. Her gaze fell on her mother, who was still looking at her with a mix of pride and worry.

Aditi: (Softly) But Aai... what about everything here? Baba, you, Rohan... how will you manage if I leave?

Mother: (Gently squeezing her shoulder) We'll manage, Aditi. We always have. Your father will come around, and as for your fees... we'll find a way. I'll talk to the village head if I need to, and we can manage through installments. You just focus on your studies. This is your chance to change our lives.

Aditi's eyes shimmered with a mixture of determination and sadness. She had always dreamed of leaving Gauripur, of going to the city, but the thought of leaving her family behind weighed heavily on her heart.

Aditi: Aai, I promise I'll work hard. I'll study with everything I have... I'll make you proud. And when I come back, things will be different for all of us.

Her father stirred slightly in his sleep, muttering something, and Aditi's resolve strengthened. She couldn't let this opportunity slip away, not after all they had endured.

Rohan: (Grinning) And I'll tell everyone that my sister is in college! The city folks will be talking about you, Didi.

Aditi chuckled, her heart lifting as she hugged her brother and mother. They were her strength, and their belief in her fueled her dreams.

As Aditi stepped outside, a cool breeze brushed against her face, carrying with it the scent of evening flowers. She looked up at the sky, the last hints of sunlight dipping below the horizon, and took a deep breath. Her heart was both heavy and light as she realized that this was only the beginning.