Chapter 6: A New Beginning (Or Maybe Goodbye)

05

On the weekend, I went home for dinner. The kitchen was alive with the smell of tadka, frying papad, and Amma’s sharp mango pickle. Papa rustled his newspaper, sipping tea, while Amma fussed over her pickle jars, the air tinged with jasmine hair oil from her braid.

My parents talked about moving their business to Singapore. They’d been planning for years, but it always seemed like a far-off dream—until now.

They’d mentioned it before, even said they wanted to take me to study abroad. Back then, I’d refused because of Arjun. Silly, I know.

Now, thinking about college and the mess I was in—even if I pretended not to care, who wants to be everyone’s target? The idea of starting over somewhere new didn’t seem so bad.

So I told them, "I’m willing to study abroad." Instantly, their faces lit up. Amma’s hug was tight, her saree soft and crisp, the scent of jasmine and a hint of Dettol surrounding me. Papa grinned, already talking about university photos for the family WhatsApp group and fussing over how to pack enough masalas so I wouldn’t miss home food.

If their expansion worked out, they might settle abroad and not come back. Amma started listing things: pressure cooker, masala dabbas, and a new Nalli sweater—plus, “Don’t forget to take that bottle of pickle, beta!”

When we discussed the departure date, I paused with my spoon halfway to my mouth.

It happened to be Arjun’s birthday. Sometimes, the universe really has a sense of humour.

My parents noticed and asked if I wanted to change the date.

I smiled and shook my head. "No need. This day is perfect." I meant it. Let that day mark a new beginning, not just another anniversary of heartbreak.