A Promise : To You For You

Prologue

"Car is here."

Tanya said as she entered my room.

I looked at her from my seat near the window where I had been sitting for a few minutes and stared outside. My mind was blank of any thoughts, however, my heartbeat increased as Tanya's words sank in. The news that it is time to leave now had me standing up from my seat to go outside the room. I took a deep breath to compose my frantic self.

It is going to be fine, I reminded myself whilst following my cousin out of the room. 

My luggage was already taken outside for loading. The only thing that was left was bidding farewell to my loved ones. Nani, Mamu, Mami, and Tarun were waiting for me in the hall where the atmosphere felt thick with overwhelming emotions in the air. Nani was very upset about the entire concept of me leaving despite the number of times I assured her that I will be fine by myself. 

"Don't cry Nani." I said softly while stroking her back gently as I embraced her fragile thin body in my arms. She held me with as much firmness as her frail body could muster. 

Pulling away from her a bit I gently took her face between my hands. "I'll be fine there. Do you trust me?" I said softly looking down at her.

She nodded in reply while her eyes glistened with the unshed tears and then she kissed my forehead caressing my face with her hands.

"Promise me you'll take care of yourself and will not lose your hope." She said stretching her hand to me.

"I promise, okay?" I said placing my hand in her wrinkled ones. 

Giving her an assuring smile I moved toward Mamu and Mami who had been watching the exchange between me and Nani all this while.

They both hugged me together and wished me good luck for the future. All these twelve years of living together have developed a close bond among us and now the idea of separation was hurting more than it should. I could feel tears forming in my eyes but I blinked them back.

Tarun stood there in a corner leaning against the wall with a sad expression on his face and it never suited him. 

Going near him I ruffled his well-set hair, earning me a scowl from him. "Hey! Don't do that." He said getting irritated while I smiled.

As we shared a last goodbye hug, I whispered lowly in his ear. "Inform me when she agrees. I'll give you some more tips." A cute smile appeared on his face, hearing my words and I winked at him. 

At last, I went near Tanya who was standing in the other corner, still annoyed with my decision.

"Are you sure, you want to go there?" She asked me for like the umpteenth time. She was much more reluctant to let me go.

I nodded.

Sighing she gave me a hug. "You better memorize my number. Give me a call and I will be there." She added sternly. 

I smiled at her. She was younger than me although always acted as a protective elder sister.

"Ahana, the driver is waiting for you outside. I think you should get going now. The weather doesn't seem so good." Mamu said stating the fact.

After bidding final goodbyes I went out where a black-colored Mercedes was parked in front of the house. The driver stood near the backseat door and opened it for me as he saw us all coming outside. Before climbing in I glanced back at the house for the last time where I had spent twelve crucial years of my life. Giving my best smile to everyone, I sat inside. The driver bought the car engine to life. I waved my hand at my family standing outside the house. Soon they all were out of my sight as the car took several turns.