Chapter 3 New Beginnings

A new day dawned in Harmony, bringing with it the promise of fresh beginnings. After venting her emotions the night before, Mahi felt a weight had been lifted from her heart. She awoke early, determined to make the most of the day. Slipping into the kitchen, she prepared a hearty breakfast for her grandparents-golden aloo parathas, creamy yogurt, and spicy pickle, just the way they liked it.

As she was setting the table, she heard the unmistakable sound of loud honking outside the gate. Before she could react, her grandmother, Meera, rushed into the room, shaking her head with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Oh my god, the little brat is here. Mahi, why don't you tell Leena not to honk?"

Mahi chuckled. "You know her, Dadi. That's just how she is."

Ravi, her grandfather, entered the room, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Leena is a bubbly, lively girl. Let her be. She spreads happiness around."

Meera nodded, a fond smile spreading across her face. "Yeah, that's true. Mahi, I'll go and call her in for breakfast."

Before Meera could make it to the door, a crisp, familiar voice echoed through the house. "No need, Dadi! I'm already here. The aroma of aloo parathas made by our Mahi is impossible to miss."

Mahi rolled her eyes good-naturedly as she set an extra plate for Leena. "You have a nose like a bloodhound," she teased as Leena bounded into the room, her energy filling the space.

The breakfast table was a scene of laughter and lively chatter. Leena, with her radiant smile and infectious enthusiasm, brought a burst of joy to the morning. After their meal, Mahi and Leena bid farewell to Dadi and Dadu and headed to college together.

Leena came from an affluent family and was both beautiful and smart. Despite her wealth, she never let it affect her friendship with Mahi. To those who didn't know them, they seemed like twins. They were inseparable, their bond forged through years of shared experiences and unwavering support.

When they reached college, all eyes turned toward the two girls. Every boy dreamed of being Mahi's boyfriend, drawn by her beauty, intelligence, and kind heart. She was the epitome of perfection. However, Mahi had never been interested in love. Friendly and studious, she had always focused on her studies and her dreams.

Vihaan approached them with a warm smile. "Hello, ladies."

Leena, never one to miss an opportunity to tease, grinned mischievously. "Hey Vihaan, you're looking handsome today. Planning to impress Mahi?"

Mahi's face flushed with embarrassment. "Stop it, Leena. Your jokes have no limits. Don't take it to heart, Vihaan."

Vihaan laughed, shaking his head. "No worries, Mahi. Leena's jokes are part of her charm."

Vihaan, Leena, and Mahi were close friends in medical college. Vihaan came from a family that owned one of the best hospital chains in the country. Handsome, smart, and kind, he was destined to take over the family business. Despite his wealth, he had earned his place in medical college through hard work and talent. Mahi and Vihaan were always competing for the top rank, but Mahi invariably outshone him.

After their morning lectures, they headed to the canteen. Vihaan noticed the dark circles under Mahi's eyes. "Mahi, did you not sleep well?" he asked, concern evident in his voice.

Leena furrowed her eyebrows. "Yeah, Mahi, you look haggard. Mr. Eyes-Only-on-Mahi is worried, huh?" she teased.

Mahi shot a quick glare in Leena's direction. "I'm fine. Just had a lot on my mind."

Vihaan's eyes softened with understanding. He knew Mahi carried a heavy burden in her heart, one that involved someone who had left a long time ago. Despite his deep feelings for her, he respected her space and never pressed the issue. He held onto the hope that someday, Mahi would realize his love for her.

After a bit of friendly banter, they finished their day and headed home. As Leena dropped Mahi at her gate, she suddenly asked, "Mahi, do you still love Mihir?"

Mahi sighed deeply, her gaze drifting to the horizon. "I never stopped loving him. He gave me the brightest hope when I could see only darkness. He was my beacon of hope and light."

Leena reached out, squeezing Mahi's hand gently. "You know, Mahi, sometimes the brightest stars have to fade for a while before they can shine again. Maybe Mihir will come back one day."

Mahi nodded, her heart heavy yet hopeful. "Maybe. But until then, I have to keep moving forward."

Leena smiled, her eyes filled with admiration for her friend's strength. "And you will, Mahi. You're the strongest person I know."

With a final hug, Mahi watched as Leena drove away, her words lingering in the air like a promise. Mahi took a deep breath and turned toward her house, feeling a renewed sense of determination. Her grandparents, her friends, and her dreams were all part of her journey. She had to honor them by living her life fully, embracing each new day with hope and courage.

As the sun set over Harmony, Mahi knew that the road ahead would not be easy. But surrounded by love and support, she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, her heart carrying the light of those she loved.