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?People say a happy childhood can cure one's lifetime but an unhappy childhood can take a whole lifetime to cure.?
In a world where happiness is elusive and doubts cloud every decision,
ANIKA KASHYAP...
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A N I K A
Time never waits, and just like that, two weeks flew by as I returned to Mumbai. Reuniting with my old school friends felt like a slice of heaven, like was finally back to where I belonged.
I gaze around my room, now a complete disaster zone thanks to my friends turning our supposed reunion into chaos. We're all supposed to be catching up, but instead, it's chaos central. And to top it off, our results are due in a few days. Everyone's making plans to move out of here, but here I am, stuck in a whirlwind of thoughts, all revolving around a certain someone.
'You can change schools if you didn't like the last one.' Dad's suggestion echoed in my head, ringing like a fire alarm. Does that mean I won't have to endure Pune again? Will I never see Advik's face again?
"Earth to Anika!!!"
I jumped at the sudden interruption.
"Since when did you become so quiet?" Ria's voice jolted me back to reality, and I cocked my head to the side, trying to process her words.
Me? Quiet? That's like the sun showing up in the middle of the night.
"I know, right? Seems like Pune air did something to her," Reha exclaimed, stuffing the last cheese ball into his mouth. Suddenly, Zain jumped on him, barking and showering him with enthusiastic licks. Reha leapt around my room, trying to escape my golden retriever's playful assault.
"Zain! No!" I scolded him, shooting a glare in his direction before settling into his spot, his tail wagging happily in the air. Ah, my adorable baby!
"Seriously? Can you stop acting like a child now?" Jiya quipped, giving Reha a side-eye, which caused me to burst into laughter.
"But her dog is bullying me!" Reha protested, pointing an accusing finger at my Zain. "His name is Zain!" Jiya corrected him with a furrowed brow.
"Guys we are here to discuss the theme of the wedding anniversary! focus on that!" Ria flings her arms up in exasperation, sending balloons and cardstock papers flying across the room.
I glance around at the chaos of pictures and decorations scattered across the floor. My parents' wedding anniversary was just around the corner, and Bhai and I had cooked up a plan to surprise our parents. But since Aditya was busy with his work a little more than he should've been, I've called in reinforcements - my trusty band of friends.
"What's wrong with you?" Jiya noticed the silence hanging over me, and I couldn't help but frown. "What's wrong with me? I'm perfectly fine," I flashed a smile, hoping to brush off her concern.
"Anika, come get the snacks!" Mom's voice rang out from downstairs. "I'll be back," I announced, rising from my chair. "I'll help you... And you all better clear this mess before we get back," Jiya scolded others before joining me outside the room. She's always been the 'mom of the group,' the reserved one, which sometimes makes her a bit scary.
