The sun was setting over Chennai, casting an orange glow across the campus as Anjali settled into her new routine. The initial anxiety had ebbed, replaced by a tentative excitement as she navigated her first few weeks. Classes were rigorous, friendships blossomed, and the weight of her mother’s absence felt a little lighter each day. However, the shadow of that loss lingered, especially when she found herself in moments of joy, her heart aching for the mother she could never share them with.

Anjali had grown closer to her friends: Ramya, with her boisterous laughter, Priya, whose warmth was like a blanket on chilly nights, and Kavya, whose quiet wisdom often guided their discussions. Shiva, the boy with the shy smile, had become an integral part of their circle—his awkward charm and sincerity making him endearing, despite the ragging incident that had initially set him apart.