The sun had just begun to peek over the horizon, casting a soft golden hue over the small village. Arohi stirred in her bed, the familiar sounds of the morning routine filtering through the thin walls of her home. She stretched, savoring the brief moment of calm before the day began. Her life was simple, filled with routine, but it was a life she had grown accustomed to and found comfort in.

She slipped out of bed and wrapped her shawl around herself before heading to the small kitchen where Dadi was already busy with the morning chores.

"Good morning, Dadi," Arohi greeted, her voice still soft from sleep.

"Good morning, beta," Dadi replied, turning to her with a warm smile. "You woke up early today. Come, have tea with me."

Arohi moved to her grandmother’s side, taking over the task of making breakfast. The aroma of boiling tea leaves filled the room, mingling with the scent of the fresh morning air wafting in through the open window.

"You know, Arohi," Dadi began as she kneaded the dough for chapatis, "you should take some time for yourself too. You’re always so busy taking care of everyone else."

Arohi smiled softly, stirring the tea. "I’m fine, Dadi. You don’t need to worry about me."

Dadi sighed, glancing at her granddaughter with a mixture of affection and concern. "I know you are, but sometimes I wish you would think of yourself, even just a little."

Arohi didn’t respond immediately, focusing on pouring the tea into cups. The truth was, taking care of others was all she knew. It was what gave her life meaning, especially after losing her parents so young. And besides, Dadi had done so much for her; the least she could do was make sure she was taken care of.

After breakfast, Arohi gathered her books and made her way to the school. The walk was familiar, the path lined with memories of her childhood. The village hadn’t changed much over the years. The same old houses, the same narrow lanes, and the same people who greeted her warmly as she passed.

"Good morning, Arohi didi!" a group of children called out as they ran past her, their laughter echoing in the air.

"Good morning!" Arohi called back, smiling at their energy. She loved the children of the village; they were her pride and joy. Each one of them had a special place in her heart, and she felt a deep responsibility to ensure they had the education and opportunities they deserved.

Arriving at the school, Arohi was greeted with the usual chaos of the morning rush. Children chattered excitedly as they took their seats, their eager faces turned towards her as she walked into the classroom.

"Settle down, everyone!" Arohi called out, clapping her hands for attention. The children quickly quieted down, their eyes fixed on her. "Today, we’re going to continue learning about multiplication. Does everyone remember what we discussed yesterday?"

A few hands shot up, while others looked unsure. Arohi smiled encouragingly. "Let’s start with a quick review, then. Can anyone tell me what multiplication means?"

One of the younger boys, Raju, raised his hand shyly. "It’s like adding the same number many times?"

"Exactly, Raju! Very good!" Arohi praised, pleased with his answer. "Now, let’s see how we can use that to solve some problems together."

As the lesson progressed, Arohi moved around the room, checking on each student’s work. She paused beside one of the girls, who was frowning at her notebook.

"Didi, I’m having trouble with this sum," the girl confessed, looking up at Arohi with worried eyes.

Arohi knelt beside her, gently guiding her through the problem. "Let’s go over it again. We’ll learn it together, step by step."

The girl nodded, her frown slowly fading as Arohi patiently explained the concept. Moments like these were why Arohi loved teaching. The joy of seeing a child’s eyes light up with understanding was unmatched.

During the lunch break, Arohi sat under a large banyan tree near the school, enjoying the cool shade. She was halfway through her meal when she heard a familiar voice.

"Arohi!"

She looked up to see Riya, her best friend, walking toward her with a bright smile. "Here you are! I was hoping to catch you during your break."

"Riya!" Arohi greeted, moving over to make space for her on the bench. "What brings you here?"

"Just wanted to see my hardworking best friend," Riya teased as she sat down, eyeing Arohi’s lunch. "And maybe steal some of your lunch while I’m at it."

Arohi laughed, handing Riya one of the chapatis. "You’re impossible."

Riya took a bite and sighed contentedly. "I don’t know how you do it, Arohi. You’re here every day, teaching these kids with so much patience. Your students see you more as their elder sister than a teacher!"

Arohi smiled, a touch of pride in her eyes. "That’s something I’m grateful for. I just want to be there for them, the way Dadi was there for me."

Riya looked at her friend with admiration. "You’re amazing, you know that?"

They continued chatting until the break was over, Riya filling Arohi in on the latest village gossip and teasing her about her dedication to her students.

The afternoon passed in a blur of lessons and laughter, and soon it was time for Arohi to head home. She walked back with a light heart, her mind already drifting to the evening ahead with Dadi.

As she entered the house, the familiar warmth enveloped her. Dadi was sitting in the living room, her hands busy with embroidery work.

"You’re back, Arohi," Dadi said, glancing up with a smile. "How was your day?"

"It was good, Dadi," Arohi replied, sitting down beside her. "The students are learning so quickly. I’m so proud of them."

Dadi nodded approvingly. "You’re doing a wonderful job, beta. These children are our future, and you’re giving them the tools they need to succeed."

Arohi’s heart swelled with pride at Dadi’s words. They talked for a while longer, Dadi sharing stories from her past and Arohi listening intently, soaking in the wisdom of her grandmother’s experiences.

As night fell, Arohi retreated to her room, where she kept her most treasured possessions: her books and her diary. She pulled out her diary and began to write, recounting the day’s events, her thoughts, and her dreams. Her mind drifted to the mountains she had always wanted to visit, to the snow she had never seen but longed to witness.

Someday, she thought as she closed her diary, I’ll see those mountains. I’ll see the snow. But for now, this is enough.

With that thought, she slipped under the covers, her heart content with the simplicity of her life, and soon drifted off to sleep, ready to face another day.

To be continues....... 🌸