Fate's guilty pleasure

Chapter-3

"You can still change your decision." Said Arathi.
"Mum! Please don't start again". Said Anniya while packing her things.
"We went through this".
"But this is the first time you will be away from us"
"It breaks my heart to see my girl grown up".
Sobbed Arathi.
Anniya turns  to her mom and hugs her.
"I love you mum but I've to do this"
"Don't make me regret my decision please."
"You'll succeed sweety" Arathi hugged her back.

"What is happening? Mother and daughter in a bear hug!" Entered Arvindh Singh with a fake frown.
"Mum is upset that I'm leaving". Explained Anniya.
"Are you certain about this?" Arvindh asked her.
"Not you again dad" She rolled her eyes.
"What happened to my super heroes?"
" you taught me education makes a woman strong, now why are you having a cold feet?".
"It is not like that honey"
" we are happy to see you going to college but it is hard to let our princess go faraway from us" Arvindh said.
"If things don't work out just give me a ring."
"Ring!" Exclaimed Anniya.
"Wait you are not giving me what I think you are going to give?"
"Yes sweety, we decided to buy you your own phone" Arvindh said while smiling at his wife.
He hands her a gift wrapped box.
She takes it into her hand and then hugs  them both.
"Thank you dad and mum".
The suitcase and bags holding Anniya's things are being loaded into the car.
"Have you taken everything?".
"Relax mom, I checked and rechecked"
"Where is dhada?" Anniya asked without taking her eyes from her new phone.
"He was outside one minute ago, I wonder where is he now?"
Said Arathi.
"How come he is not here? Won't he miss me?" Lamented Anniya.
"Yes, he will miss you everyday because you are the apple of our eyes"
Harsh Singh replied from behind.
"Dhada! Where did you go?"
"I went to get your favourite sweet, I know you will miss us but you'll miss your favourite chitto too."
"Oh dhada I love you"
"I love you more beta". He said with tears in his eyes.
At that moment Arvindh horned from the car to let them know it is the time to leave.
.................................
A car halts in front of St.Thomas college.
"Where are you going to stay?" Virat asked from inside the car.
"Why do you care? Shouldn't you be happy that I'm off your hands?". Scowled Preethi.
" I care because you are my little sister, my only blood relationship  I-.."
"Save your breath, you only care about your wife" Preethi snapped.
"When will you understand me?" Virat asked sadly.
"When you prove it".
She slammed the car door behind her.
.................................
_Unknown number calling_
Santosh's mobile Flashed.
"Hello?!" He answered the call.
"Santosh?, it is me Anniya"
"Guess what? I got my own phone" Anniya whispered from the other end.
"Oh! Baby, that is something to celebrate"
"How was your orientation?" He asked.
"Good and I got a flat of my own-"
There was rustle at her end and the phone call was cut off.