The Royal Boundaries

Chapter 3: Departure

The morning of Aditi's departure arrived with a somber air. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a soft, golden glow over the village of Gauripur. Villagers bustled around her house, whispering and peeking in to catch a last look at the girl who was going to the big city. Outside, Aditi's family gathered by the small gate, her few belongings packed into a modest, weathered suitcase.

Aditi stepped outside, her eyes red-rimmed from the restless night. Her mother stood nearby, her face a mixture of pride and worry, while her father, unusually sober, stayed in the background, looking at the ground. Rohan stood beside their mother, trying to keep his usual bright smile but failing to hide the sadness in his eyes.

Mother (reaching out, pulling Aditi into a hug): "Look at my girl. Going to Rajapur! Just remember to stay true to yourself. No matter where you go, don't forget us."

Aditi (hugging her mother tightly): "I could never forget you, Aai. This is all for you, for Rohan... and for Baba too."

Her mother's grip tightened for a moment before she let go, brushing back a tear. Aditi took a deep breath, gathering her courage as she turned to her father, who looked up, his expression softened by a rare tenderness.

Father (voice gruff but soft): "You're the first of us to do something this big. Make us proud, Aditi. Don't let anyone look down on you."

Aditi (nodding, swallowing a lump in her throat): "I won't, Baba. I'll do my best to make a name for us."

Rohan, who had been standing quietly, suddenly lunged forward, throwing his arms around her waist.

Rohan (murmuring): "I'll miss you, Didi. The house won't be the same without you."

Aditi (smiling through her tears): "I'll miss you too, Rohan. But I'll be back to visit, I promise. And I'll bring stories of the city and maybe even gifts!"

As Aditi let go of her family, some of the neighbors approached, nodding with smiles of encouragement.

Neighbor 1 (clapping her hands together): "Aditi, you've always been a bright one. Make the village proud, child."

Neighbor 2 (nodding): "Go show them what Gauripur is made of! But don't lose yourself in that city."

The village head, an elderly man with a wise gaze, stepped forward, holding a garland of fresh flowers, which he placed gently over her shoulders.

Village Head (smiling): "Take this, Aditi. It's a reminder of your roots. Wear it proudly, and never forget where you came from."

Aditi's heart swelled with gratitude as she bowed her head in respect. She'd grown up in this village; its people were her family, and they were placing their hopes in her as she stepped into a world she'd only dreamed of.

As the family reached the small bus station on the village's edge, the rumble of an approaching bus grew louder. The old vehicle rattled as it pulled up, dust swirling around it. Aditi looked at the bus, then back at her family, feeling a pang of fear mixed with excitement.

Her mother placed a small bag of homemade snacks in her hands.

Mother: "You'll need these. It's a long journey to Rajapur. And don't forget to eat something."

Aditi (holding the bag close): "Thank you, Aai. I'll be careful."

She climbed onto the bus, finding a seat by the window, and looked down to see her family standing together. Her mother waved, trying to smile, her father's expression stoic but with a glimmer of pride, and Rohan giving her an enthusiastic thumbs-up.

As the bus began to pull away, Aditi pressed her hand to the glass, watching her family and her village fade into the distance. Her heart ached, but she held onto the warmth of their love and their words of encouragement. She knew she was carrying their hopes with her on this journey.

Aditi (whispering to herself): "I'll make you proud, Gauripur. I'll make you all proud."