Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
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The morning of June 12 arrived.
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Sunlight streamed through the windows as the alarm clock rang. Usually, Arjun would complain about waking up early, but today was different. Today was the day he would leave for the hostel.
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The house was unusually quiet.
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His mother carefully packed the last few items into his suitcase. His father checked the documents for the third time. Arjun tried to look excited, but deep inside, he felt nervous.
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Aisha stood near the doorway, watching everything.
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This was really happening.
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Soon, the family loaded the luggage into the car and started their journey.
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At first, everyone talked normally.
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His father spoke about studies and making good friends. His mother reminded him to eat properly and call home often. Arjun listened and nodded.
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Aisha remained silent.
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As the car moved farther from home, she stared out of the window. Trees, shops, and houses rushed past, but her thoughts stayed fixed on one thing.
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After today, her brother would no longer be at home.
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Hours later, they finally saw the hostel building in the distance.
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A huge gate stood at the entrance.
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"Look, we're here," said Father with a smile.
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Aisha's heart suddenly felt heavy.
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The hostel looked grand and beautiful, but to her it felt like a place that was taking her brother away.
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The family stepped out of the car.
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Students and parents were everywhere. Some were excited, some were nervous, and some were crying.
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Arjun carried his suitcase toward the hostel entrance.
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For the first time, Aisha realized there were only a few minutes left before goodbye.
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She quickly walked beside him.
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"Will you really call me every day?" she asked quietly.
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Arjun smiled.
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"Every day."
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"Promise?"
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"Promise."
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Aisha nodded, trying not to cry.
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But deep inside, she knew that the hardest moment was still waiting for her.
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The moment when the hostel gates would close behind her brother.
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And she wasn't ready for it.
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As the family stood near the hostel gate, Aisha held tightly onto Arjun's arm.
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"I don't want him to go," she whispered.
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Their father looked at the two siblings and sighed.
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"You two are so attached to each other," he said.
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Aisha hugged her brother even tighter.
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Then Father smiled sadly and said, "Today, it feels like I'm breaking the bond between you and your brother."
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The words hit Aisha like a storm.
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"What?" she asked, her eyes filling with tears.
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Father gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
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"No, not forever. I only mean that from today, you won't be together every day. He has to grow, learn, and follow his dreams."
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Aisha looked down.
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Arjun knelt beside her.
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"Nobody can break our bond," he said softly. "Not a hostel. Not distance. Not anything."
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Aisha wiped her tears.
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"Promise?"
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"Promise."
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The three of them looked at the hostel building ahead.
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The journey was changing.
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But their love as a family was not.47Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSieDfavl6r
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