'Han maa... I have understood your every instruction, this is the tenth time you are telling me the same set of directions in past fifteen minutes', Aarushi said, suppressing the urge to roll her eyes.

Her parents had been over the moon after hearing the news of her project's approval, especially her mother. Aarushi's mother, Mrs. Pramila Sharma, was a dynamic lady of her own accord; apart from being a candid government officer she had the image of a strict yet doting mother. In her early years, Aarushi used to despise her reprimands and severe regulations, but after the tragedy befell upon her family, she saw her mother in a whole new light, shaping her perspective towards her mother from cold and distant to a resolute and affectionate parent.

Mrs. Pramila had always cherished the dream of becoming a medical practitioner; it was her sore regret of life. After witnessing the potential doctor in her daughter, she had seen her dream young and alive once again, therefore she had encouraged Aarushi to pursue a career in medical. Upon hearing the news of her daughter's project being selected for national competition, her pride towards Aarushi had been elevated even more.

'You always say that Aarushi, and eventually end up forgetting everything', Aarushi's mother scolded her mildly.

'I am really glad for you, Aashi; but don't neglect your studies, also don't let this success climb over in your head, you still have a long way to go, life is an extremely long and tough path', she told her daughter.

'I know mumma, you have been telling this for last fifteen minutes', said a worn out Aarushi.

Her mother tried to say something but was interrupted by her father, who had just joined in on the conversation.

'Arrey... Leave it, our daughter is grown up now', her father told his wife.

'Your mother has really turned into those nagging old women, who find joy in chiding others', her father said jokingly. Aarushi giggled at the remark and gave a quick nod in agreement. Her mother rolled her eyes at father-daughter duo, who were both laughing their heads off.

'Aashi, papa is really proud of you, my sweet little daughter', her father said, his eyes almost moistened with unshed tears.

Mr. Raghvendra Sharma, apart from a being a proud father and husband was a man of most commendable character. After losing his own father at young age of sixteen, he had taken up his duties as a filial eldest son of family, giving up his higher studies and aspirations. He had still managed to study legal norms and judiciary while managing his newly founded business. A few years back, his business had been ruined completely, and their family had gone nearly bankrupt, but he was still able to hold his ground strong and resurface from all those miseries. He was currently working as a legal advisor in a recognized law firm of state.

Aarushi's father had put in blood and sweat to give his family the finest life possible, although he had stumbled midway as a financial provider for family, but never had he stepped down from his responsibilities as a father, husband or brother, always preserving his disposition and shielding his loved ones from all the spears that life threw upon them.

'Ok... then I want a gift!', Aarushi spoke up, trying to lighten the air. After all, which daughter is not spoiled by her father?

'Ha ha, what do you want?', her father laughed at the guiltless demand of his daughter.

'Umm... how about a new novel ? I have already looked up one', pat came the reply.

'Again novel?!', her mother's voice boomed in. She could see her shaking her head in the background.

Aarushi made a protesting face, her father signaled her to stay calm, signaling that he would convince her mother. Aarushi gave him a merry childish smile.

'Who is getting gifts here and why am I not being invited'? Aarushi's younger brother's head popped up from behind.

Aaditya, or as he was very popularly known, Aadi, was Aarushi's only younger sibling and an extremely annoying soul, he was three years younger than Aarushi, technically two years, ten months and fifteen days. Due his parents' jobs, he had grown up under his elder sister's care for most of his life. He loved his sister but more than that he loved to get under nerves. Infact, his day would be considered unfinished until he heard his sister scream out 'Papa, Aadi is again troubling me!!' in frustration!

'Because you haven't been selected for national competition', Aarushi chimed in.

Aadi made a disgusting face at her as Aarushi rolled her eyes.

'Here starts his daily routine', she thought to herself, sighing silently.

'I also want a present', Aadi stated.

'Aha! What have you done to deserve one? Haven't you had your free gift on Rakshabandhan'? Aarushi spoke up, clearly flared up at the thought of her brother getting a liberal present for her hard work.

'First you go and complete your homework, then we'll think about it', his father interjected the imposing sibling argument.

'Nah... that's not fair, I also want it. Besides, she hasn't done all the work by herself, her friends also contributed so it can't be counted as her achievement alone', said Aadi, protesting impishly.

'Papa... ', Aarushi wailed.

'Ok ok, now stop behaving immaturely you two, one is in college and other is giving his tenth boards in few months, still look how bratty you both are', their mother rebuked them. Their father mocked her chiding playfully and Aarushi and Aadi burst out laughing.

'Mr. Raghvendra, let this call end', Mrs. Pramila told her husband balefully, their father immediately fell silent and children followed the suit, still struggling to hold a straight face.

'Ok now, enough chit chatting, your sister has to study now and you too go and complete your assignments, I don't want to see another negative remark in your diary', she told her son, who left the scene but not without putting up a fake act of immense dismay.

'Aashi, beta, be careful out there, and be wise and always remember never let success get over you', she again quoted her words.

'Yes mumma, I'll remember everything. Now I have to go back, there is an orientation at National Technology Institute for all the selected participants, I'll call you back in the evening. B-bye', Aarushi concluded.

Her parents waved at her as she cut the call. Aarushi stretched her arms and legs which had gone sore from continuous studying of six hours, it was an off at college today as students were to leave for orientation program. Aarushi had decided to devote her morning to her books. She had recklessly studied for six hours, after which the video chat with her parents had boosted up her spirit to go on for another four hours or so. She checked her alarm clock, it was eleven in the morning; they were expected to reach the engineering university by three. Distance wasn't an issue, their campuses were located at a distance of a block or two maybe, so they would be leaving by quarter past two; she still had a few hours before departure. Aarushi decided to go through her revision schedule for Microanatomy and Molecular Biology.

She had just completed half her portion when Anjali stormed inside room.

'Why are you still idling around with books? We have to prepare ourselves for this evening', Anjali told her, aghast.

'Haven't we gone through rehearsal several times in past one week, and I remember we have triple checked all our files and materials', Aarushi retorted, perplexed and taken back.

Anjali gave her a hollow and surprised laugh, but Aarushi was still at the bottom of water.

'Oh c'mon, don't tell me you haven't picked up your attire yet!', said Anjali.

'What's there to fuss about it, I'll just wear that lime yellow kurti with a pair of blue jeans and high pony; your reaction had me, I thought it would be something serious', Aarushi answered, chuckling nonchalantly.

Anjali gave her a severe frown and seized her Textbook for Microbiology.

'What?' Aarushi asked her, her temper clearly at edge now.

'Dude, you can't be serious about wearing that stuff! We are going to National Technology Institute', Anjali told her, putting special emphasis on name.

Aarushi gave her a puzzled expression. Anjali was surely toying with her temper now.

'It's one of the most famed colleges of nation, besides I have heard that pupils there are pretty cool', Anjali told her, her expressions giving away the underlying meaning of those words.

'I haven't got any interest in those 'pretty cool pupils'', Aarushi said, trying to get her book back.

Anjali threw her book on bed and placed her hands on Aarushi's shoulder firmly, forcing her stay still in her seat.

'I know, I know, but are you really going to see AJ in that yellow kurti and blue jeans!'Anjali sounded flabbergasted.

Aarushi sat there, staring obliviously at her friend. Anjali shook her head and let out a miserable sigh. Her friend could be a top scholar but she becomes exceptionally dull when it comes to fashion and trends.

Anjali dragged her by hand to Harshita's wardrobe.

'Let me choose an outfit for you, I can't let you ruin the reputation of Medical girls', she said ruffling through her dresses.

She produced a pair of black palazzos with intricate white floral pattern and black and yellow checkered top, elegant yet casual. She selected a pair of matching yellow and white diamond earrings to go with it.

'Here you go, thank me later', said a proud Anjali, satisfied with her choice.

Aarushi raised her eyebrow at her. Anjali rolled her eyes and dropped the things in her hand.

'Now off you go, get changed, and meet us in my room', Anjali commanded, turning the doorknob.

'Why?', Aarushi enquired, still processing the things that had happened a few minutes ago.

'Oh you'll know it, and don't even think about escaping Ms. Sharma, or I'll come back and drag you away with me', Anjali threatened her before shutting the door behind her back.

Aarushi hunched her shoulder and sighed, defeated terribly; her effective study had been trampled on awfully. She put on the costume and headed towards Anjali's and her dorm mate Suhani's room.

She lethargically knocked on the door and an excited Harshita opened the door almost in a flash of second, pulling her inside the room. Inside was a whole different world in there, clothes were piled up on one of the twin beds, few of their books had been messily mounded in the corner of one of the study desk, door to Suhani's wardrobe was wide open; Suhani, Harshita and Anjali were bustling around in purely astounding dresses touching up their final looks.

Aarushi was staggered at the scene before her.

'Guys, aren't we going there for an educational program.... I don't think it is that necessary to doll up...', Aarushi said, her voice weak from the startling view.

'Aashi, don't tell me you haven't received the info', Harshita said, not even attempting to hide her amazement. Aarushi gave her a quizzical expression.

'Harshita, she hasn't got time to get her nose out of books', Anjali interjected while fixing up her liner.

'What are you speaking? What haven't I heard about?', asked an evidently confused Aarushi.

'Aashi, voting for final selection is scheduled today, it's going to be students' choice this time, we must put up our best looks and presentation if we want to catch the eye of public out there', Harshita explained, overwhelming with enthusiasm.

'You mean a public show?', Aarushi asked.

'Yup', Harshita gave her an approving wink.

'Also, we might get to acquaint some nice people', Suhani said with a dreamy look.

Suhani Mukherjee was a medical student hailing from Kolkata. She was an ardent fan of fluffy romance dramas and novels and had always desired for a perfect relationship.

Anjali gave her thumbs up and sniggered mischievously. Aarushi cleared her throat loudly bringing the other three out of their fantasies.

'Aarushi, c'mon, let me transform you into a pretty damsel', Harshita tugged her by her arm and pushed her into one of the chairs. Harshita had started her work before Aarushi could let out a cry.

----xxx----

It had been one month since there new term had begun. After completing her third grade with flying results, Aarushi had started new school year with a rejuvenated energy. Aarushi had been in cheery mood for whole day, she was really looking forward to next period, it was their club activity time.

She had opted for library club this year, about which she was really euphoric. Library for other was the best place to sleep while for Aarushi it was a whole new world. As soon as the bell rang, Aarushi packed up her belongings and almost ran towards library. After a quick round of attendance, children were left free to seize their favorite books. Most of the students walked over to the shelf near the entrance.

It was packed with the most prestigious book of age, Geronimo Stilton. Aarushi had always thought the book to be extremely overrated, besides she wasn't much of a social body who would get into that pool of kids hunting crazily for books. She opted to stay out of chaos and approached the shelf at other end, it was loaded with books of general knowledge, scientific facts and Disney fantasy stories. Aarushi picked up her one of the dearest Disney romances, 'Aladdin and his magic lamp'. She was turning the pages leisurely, mesmerized by the vivid images and story, when a hand tapped on her shoulder, startling her.

'What are you reading?' Ajay enquired, trying to get a peek at the book in her hands. Coincidentally, he had chosen the library club as well.

'N-nothing...'Aarushi quickly shoved the book back in the shelf.

'Anyways, aren't you hunting for GS? The lot would be grabbed by others soon', Ajay asked her.

She was astonished at the out of the blue question.

'I-I haven't tried it yet... That's why maybe I don't care if the lot has been grabbed away?', Aarushi said, trying to sound nonplused.

'You haven't read Geronimo, why?', Ajay protruded, appalled by her response.

'I think it is much overrated; besides it is always crowded by whole lot of students, and I don't happen to have a hobby of being crushed by a glutting mob of strangers', Aarushi replied, hunching her shoulders.

'How can you say that unless you have tried it yourself ', Ajay countered, giving her a frisky smile.

'Well... I-I don't know...', Aarushi stammered.

'Try it once, I am telling you won't lay an eye on other books after you read it', Ajay suggested. Aarushi looked at him hesitantly.

'Trust me, just try it once, I promise you won't regret your choice in future', Ajay told her, vibrant confidence lining his slightly high pitched voice.

'You see the crowd there, I am not sure if I can...',Aarushi began to say.

'Don't worry about that, I'll get one for you, just wait here for me', Ajay interrupted, he went over to the mob of students, swarming around the shelf and disappeared into it.

He emerged out after about five minutes, carrying a book with quite attractive cover page. He went over to Aarushi standing near the shelves at the opposite side.

'Here, it is one my personal favorites from series', he said, handing her the book.

The title read, 'Paws Off Cheddarface'. Aarushi looked at the book and flipped a page or two. She looked at Ajay; her doubtful eyes gave away the questions.

'Trust me, Aarushi. You will really enjoy it, and no need to thank me later for that', Ajay told her with reassuring confidence.

Aarushi looked at the book for a few seconds, considering something in her head. Then she looked up at Ajay, his eyes were filled with optimistic warmth, Aarushi's face cracked into a beautiful smile. She gave him a nod. Ajay passed her an equally vivacious grin.

'Fine, I believe in you', she told him smiling broadly.

'And I assure you it's a remarkable book; you would never regret reading it', he dimpled at her.

After reaching home that day, Aarushi was all prepared to read the book she never thought she would read in her life. She settled herself on couch in her most comfy position and began reading. She could not remember how those five hours passed exactly. It wasn't until her mother called her for dinner that she teleported back to real world. The book had really pulled its magic spell on her. It was astonishingly good.

Aarushi could still not believe that the book which she had held a strong cold prejudice against would turn out to be a memorable masterpiece she would read in her life. It was the first time in years she had felt that she was at the same level as others with same interests.

Aarushi was delighted at the thought of viewing the world as a normal child with normal interests. She was especially grateful to Ajay in her heart, without him she would've never ventured out of her silk cocoon. She must express her gratitude the other day.

'Ajay, the book you recommended me the other day was extremely awesome, I especially loved the mind blowing plot twist at the end! I never imagined liking it so much', Aarushi perked up the following day. They were headed towards their art class; Aarushi was walking alongside Ajay, her mind was still caught up in the unique visuals of the epic book.

'Told you na, I'll select another one for you today', Ajay told her, brightened up by her words.

'Definitely, thanks', said an animated Aarushi.

'Don't mention it; I promised you, you won't repent your choices in future, see I kept it', Ajay told her giving her his most appealing dimpled smile.

----xxx----

Dear Mr. J,

Dreams are often left behind in the chaos of advancing world. The aspirations that once crossed our naïve minds are unknowingly dissolved in accumulating years of life, leaving traces of nothing but lingering regret as memories. Most of us accept the fate of nature, nurturing the past grievances all their lives, while the ones who have the prowess to turn back and chase after those long lost dreams are known as the successful ones.

In the past, I could've never dreamed of writing these words to you, but the events of past one week have instigated the old Aarushi who was lost somewhere in the turmoil of life. The puzzle of my life is putting the pieces back into their places, but still I am scared.

I am scared of loosing yet another time; I am scared of getting lost again; I am scared of leaving the faint radiance once again... Orientation is scheduled for tomorrow evening, our diligence, and my dreams all will be at life's stake; what if I fail my friends, what if I fail myself, what if I fail you...

The anguish of past four years is finally ending, but the hidden fears of future are haunting me. I wish to see that comforting smile and hear those words of belief from you, but walls of time are too thick to break through. I am frightened of losing you once again at the hands of this world.

I am standing at the edge of cliff, dangling from a fragile thread of hope your memories had given me three years ago, will you care to hold the other end this time?

Four years ago, we had parted ways; you had vanished away too swiftly, while I was left hanging behind, arguing against the fate terrified to move into the future. This time, I am willing to take a thousand steps into the uncertain future with you, just take one back towards me; and I promise you will never repent your choices.

Aarushi

Aarushi placed another sealed envelope in diary, smiling expectantly at the day ahead. Angst of unknown brought her a special joy of expectance from what laid ahead. Sweet and sour flavor of future was tempting her to leap forward once again, and catch her destiny this time.

A/N:

I know, nothing much happened in this one, primarily I had written it to explore her other relationships for future basis of story. There's a banger waiting for you in the next chapter. So keep reading!

And do tell me your favorite part! 

Don't be a silent reader, I am eager to read your reviews!