A Promise : To You For You

Prologue

"Car is here." Tanya said, entering my room.

I looked at her from my seat near the window. I had been sitting there for a while and stared outside. My mind was blank of any thoughts; however, my heartbeat increased as Tanya's words slowly sank in. Realizing it was time to leave, I stood up and took a deep breath to compose my frantic self.

It was going to be fine.

Reminding myself, I followed my cousin out of the room.

I saw the driver taking my luggage out of the house. The only thing that remained 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. Nani was very upset about the entire concept of me leaving despite the number of times I assured her that I would be fine by myself.

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

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

She nodded in reply, her eyes glistening with the unshed tears. I leaned forward as she craned her neck to kiss my forehead and gently caressed my face with her frail hands.

"Promise me that you'll take care of yourself, and whatever happens, you must not lose your hope." She asked me, holding her hand.

"I promise, okay?" I said, holding her hand firmly.

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 luck for the future. All these twelve years of living together had developed a close bond among us, and this moment of separation was hurting more than it should. I could feel tears forming in my eyes, but I blinked them back.

Tarun stood in a corner leaning against the wall with a sad face, which never suited him. I went near him and ruffled his well-set hair, which earned me a scowl in return. "Hey! Don't do that." He said in an irritated voice. I smiled at his reaction.

We shared a last goodbye hug. "Inform me when she agrees. I'll give you some more tips." I whispered lowly in his ear.

An adorable smile appeared on his face upon hearing my words, and I winked at him. At last, I saw Tanya standing in the other corner, still annoyed with my decision.

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

I gave her a small smile and nodded in response.

Sighing, she moved to hug me tightly. I also wrapped my arms around her, returning the hug with the same intensity. "You better memorize my number. Give me a call and I will be there." She added sternly.

I smiled at her in amusement. She was younger than me, although she 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 came out along with others and saw a black Mercedes parked in front of the house. The driver held the backseat door open for me as I moved ahead. 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 car. The driver brought the engine to life as I waved my hand at my family standing outside the house.