Aditi sat at the bus stand, staring blankly at the shifting sky. Only moments ago, it had been a clear, bright blue—now, dark clouds rolled in, swallowing up the horizon with moody shades of grey. She watched as the first cold drops of rain splattered against the pavement, spreading like ink.

The rain was uncharacteristic for October, the first week of fall—a season Aditi loved for its crisp, amber-hued beauty. But here it was, grey and drizzling. Rain in October felt like an intrusion to her as if the season itself had been tainted. Her gaze drifted around the quiet bus stand. It was evening, and only a few others huddled under the shelter, their footsteps echoing softly against the concrete. Everything around her felt distant like she was watching the scene through a foggy lens.

Aditi glanced down the desolate road, her eyes scanning the empty stretch of gravel, hoping to see her sister, Ritika, rounding the corner. The rain had soaked through her jacket, and her arms felt cold, goosebumps prickling the skin as the wind whipped through the empty street.

"Where is she?" Aditi muttered under her breath, hugging her arms tighter around her body. Ritika had gone to find the taxi driver who was supposed to take them to their new home. She'd called him just five minutes before they reached Rampur.

The driver had promised to be waiting for them when they arrived in Rampur, but half an hour had passed since they got off the bus, and there was still no sign of him. Despite Aditi's suggestion to hire another taxi, Ritika had insisted on waiting for the same driver, saying he knew their family and had driven them around the town before. After trying to reach him twice with no answer, Ritika decided to look for him herself. As Aditi stood there, the rain falling steadily around her, she couldn't help but feel uneasy, hoping the driver hadn't canceled on them, like the one earlier that morning.

Aditi sighed and pulled out her phone, dialing Ritika's number. The line buzzed a moment before going straight to busy. Frustrated, she shoved the phone back in her pocket.

"So much for a fresh start," she muttered. Rain-soaked, stranded, and still waiting for a taxi—this was hardly the beginning she'd imagined.

Aditi shivered as the rain began falling harder, each drop seeming to pull her mood further down. She was about to call Ritika again when, finally, her sister appeared through the curtain of rain, hurrying towards her, damp hair matted against her dress.

"Oh, finally!" Aditi called out. "What took you so long?"

Ritika smiled apologetically, brushing wet strands of hair from her face. "He was just dropping off another passenger," she explained, gesturing to the nearby taxi. "But he's here now. Sorry, Aditi."

Grumbling, Aditi hoisted her heavy bag, weighed down with what felt like her entire wardrobe, and followed her sister to the taxi. Once they were settled inside, the warmth of the vehicle was a welcome comfort, and Aditi let out a small sigh, settling into the seat.

As they drove, the taxi's headlights cut through the misty rain, glinting off the vibrant decorations lining the streets for Durga Puja. Their driver, a compact man in a worn cap, glanced back in the rearview mirror and sighed.

"I always hate it when it rains near Durga Puja," he said, gesturing to a pandal just beginning to sparkle with lights, its decorations dulled by the rain. "This weather ruins all the effort. But maybe Devi Maa will bless us tomorrow, eh?"

Aditi nodded. "Me too. Durga Puja's my favorite time of year," she said. "It wouldn't be the same if it rains. Tomorrow's the first day of Navaratri—hopefully, it's clear."

The driver chuckled. "Devi Maa listens, you know. In Rampura, we keep the decorations up till New Year's sometimes! People come from nearby villages to see them."

"Really?" Aditi's interest perked. "We keep our lights up too."

The driver turned down a narrower road. "So, Madhab Colony, you said. That's basically near the woods," he remarked. "I generally don't drive there at night."

Aditi frowned. "Why's the street so bad? Were there wild animals? Tigers?" she asked. The last thing she wanted was to get stuck somewhere isolated, surrounded by unknown dangers.

The driver chuckled as they neared their destination. "No, no tigers around here," he said. "I just don't get calls from there. The colony you're going to has only about ten or twenty homes. I know most of the folks there—they all have their own cars, so they rarely need a ride from me." He adjusted his cap and added with a grin, "One of my own family members stays nearby. People go to Madhav Colony for the peace and quiet, not much else. You two will fit right in. Are you students?"

"I'm a teacher, actually," Ritika replied, sitting up a bit straighter. "Just got posted to Rampura's government school."

"That's wonderful! Teachers are well-respected here," the driver said warmly.

"And Aditi will be starting her graduation at Rampura Degree College," Ritika added, smiling at her sister.

The driver gave Aditi a curious glance in the rearview mirror. "That's good. Just know the school is only about a five-minute drive from Madhav Colony, but the college is a bit farther—around ten kilometers. How are you planning to manage the commute?"

"Oh, I brought my scooter with me," Aditi replied with a quick smile.

The driver nodded approvingly. "Well, that's good. But if you ever need a ride, don't hesitate to call me." He handed Aditi a card with his number scrawled on it. "There are good people in the colony, too—anyone would be happy to help."

Before Aditi could respond, the driver slowed down and pulled over. "Alright, here we are."

Aditi climbed out of the taxi, hauling her heavy bag out onto the ground. She sighed as she took in their new house. It was small, cozy, with a quaint little porch bordered by a few potted rose plants. A low brick wall enclosed the property, with an iron gate that squeaked slightly as it swung open. The rain had stopped, and everything was fresh, with water droplets glistening in the glow of the porch light.

Ritika pulled out her phone and made a quick call. Moments later, a couple from a neighboring house approached, smiling warmly.

"Hello, girls! So, you've finally made it!" the woman greeted them, her face lighting up. She wore a red saree and a bright red bindi on her forehead. Beside her stood a middle-aged man with glasses and neatly combed grey hair.

"Namaste," the sisters greeted them in unison.

"Ritika's already had a look, but now, Aditi—welcome! I hope you'll like your new home. It's yours for as long as you wish to stay," the woman said with a beaming smile.

Aditi felt a little flutter of excitement as she stepped inside for the first time. The house was modest but comfortable, with two cozy bedrooms, a small kitchen, a compact living room, and a single bathroom. The rooms were already furnished with the essentials, thanks to the advance work their parents had put in a few days before.

In her own room, Aditi took a moment to look around. It was simple, just enough for a student. There was a small bed, a wooden study table, a wardrobe, and a narrow bookshelf against one wall. She noticed a window that looked out over the backyard and, beyond it, the edge of the forest. She opened it briefly, catching a faint scent of rain on the leaves, but quickly closed it as mosquitoes began to drift in.

After setting down their bags, the sisters quickly prepared a light meal of roti and potato curry, the warm scent filling the house.

As they sat down to eat, Aditi looked around their little kitchen. "I can't believe I left behind everything—our home, the city — and come here to live in a small town," she said, staring at her plate.

Ritika chuckled softly, rolling her eyes. "Oh, come on, Aditi. Our city wasn't even that big. It's not like we left London or something! You'll adjust."

Aditi sighed, taking a bite of her food. "Still... I moved here to be with you. I left all my friends back home." She trailed off, the weight of her decision settling in again.

Ritika smirked and nudged her with a playful grin. "Honestly, what friends? And you weren't exactly drowning in college options, remember? If you'd gotten better marks, maybe you'd be somewhere else, but with 63 percent on the 12th board, you're lucky Rampura College accepted you at all."

Aditi shot her a look, though a hint of laughter tugged at her lips. "Hey, 63 percent isn't terrible! And besides, I only got in here because no one else wanted to come and stay with you."

Ritika smiled, shrugging, as she scooped up the last of her curry. "And look at that—fate brought you here. You should be glad you got in. And Rampura's just two hours away from the city. You can go back to see your friends anytime you like."

Aditi nodded, taking another bite. Ritika was right—this town might not be what she'd imagined, but there was a certain charm in the quietness. And who knew? Maybe there were surprises waiting here that she'd never expected.

They finished their meal in comfortable silence, each lost in her own thoughts, the only sound the soft patter of leftover raindrops on the roof.

"Alright, tomorrow's going to be a big day," Ritika reminded her as they got up from the table. "Let's get some rest."

Aditi nodded. As she slipped into bed, she found herself hoping, despite everything, that maybe—just maybe—this new chapter would be a beautiful beginning.

___