#1 in the London Universe series:
Anaya Oberoi, a final-year student at a prestigious college in India, was thrilled to be selected for a student exchange at King's College London. But there was a catch-she had to live with foster parents. To her su...
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The past month has been one of the most emotionally challenging periods I've ever faced. Healing, something I thought would bring clarity and peace, has turned into a love-hate relationship. On some days, I feel fine, almost hopeful, when Noah or my loved ones are around. They bring a sense of security that helps me get through the day. But the moment I think about stepping outside alone, fear takes over completely. It's as if I've lost the confidence to face the world on my own. I always need Noah or Aniket bhaiya by my side to feel safe, which has been hard for me to accept.
On top of this, my family had difficulty accepting my intimate relationship with Noah. It felt like I was constantly defending myself against their doubts and judgments. But everything changed when Aniket bhaiya spoke up for me. For the first time, he told everyone he believed I had made the right decision and stood firmly by my side. His support was unexpected but deeply reassuring, and it shifted the dynamic in my family. It made them take a step back and reconsider their stance, and for that, I am so grateful to him. Knowing that he has my back gives me the strength to keep moving forward, even on the hardest days.
It's been a while now, and my family has fully accepted Noah. He lives in my house as if he's always been a part of the family, which feels comforting in ways I never imagined.
This morning, I woke up and noticed the clock read nine o'clock. I brushed my hair, collected my thoughts, and headed downstairs. Today, I need to have an important conversation with my parents about going back to London. I know they won't be thrilled about the idea, but I also know it's something I need to do to get my life back on track. Deep down, I'm confident that once I leave this country, I'll finally start to feel better. It's a step I have to take for myself.
"Oyee uth gaya mera sher putar tu?" I heard my father speak as soon as I got downstairs. ("Hey, my brave daughter, you're up?")
"Haan jii papa." I replied, hugging him and taking my seat at the table.
"Chole Bhature khayegi ya parathe extra makkhan naal?" He asked in a good mood. ("Will you eat Chole Bhature or parathas with extra butter?")
"Papa, Thoda thoda dono de de." ("Give me a little bit of both.")
He chuckled and began to serve me both dishes with a generous amount of butter on the parathas. As he placed the plate in front of me, he added, "Meri beti ko sab kuch chahiye, na?"
I smiled and nodded, savoring the warmth of both the food and the moment. "Bas, papa, thoda thoda sab kuch chahiye."
We sat there, enjoying the food and each other's company, as he continued to talk about things happening around the house. His light-hearted teasing always made me feel at ease, a reminder of how much I missed this time with him.
"Noah putar, what would you eat?" My father asked him with the same enthusiasm, his tone warm and welcoming.
Noah, who had been quietly sitting beside me, looked up with a smile and replied, "Chole Bhature sounds amazing, Uncle!"
