(Saanvi’s POV)
The first rays of the sun peeked through the cream-colored curtains of my room, painting the walls in shades of orange and gold. My eyes fluttered open slowly, adjusting to the brightness, and for a moment I lay still, listening to the quiet rhythm of the morning. A koel sang somewhere outside, its melody mixing with the distant honks of vehicles on the Hyderabad roads. It felt like any other morning, yet deep inside, I knew it wasn’t. Today was special. Today was the beginning of something new.
I turned lazily, hugging the pillow tighter as if I could squeeze out a little more comfort before reality demanded I rise. My heart felt heavy and light at the same time—heavy because leaving home meant leaving behind Amma’s hugs, Arnav’s constant teasing, and Nana’s protective silence. Light because I was about to step into the life I had dreamed of—AIIMS, Delhi. A place where I would learn medicine, heal lives, and maybe, discover myself in ways I couldn’t imagine yet.

With a sigh, I sat up, pushing the blanket aside. My bare feet touched the cool marble floor, sending a shiver through my body. I walked toward the mirror and stared at the girl in front of me. Messy hair tied loosely in a bun, a sleepy face with dark circles from staying up too late reading novels, and eyes—big, brown, and restless. “Saanvi Reddy,” I whispered to myself, “you’re really doing this.”