Chapter 2 – The Morning That Faded Too Soon

The morning sun touched Ishani’s cheeks with a warmth she hadn’t felt in days. For once, she had something to be proud of — she had secured admission to one of the most prestigious colleges in the city. Psychology. Her dream course.

She couldn’t wait to share the news with her family, especially her elder brother Raghav, who she always looked up to. Maybe, she thought, today would be different — maybe her parents would smile at her, maybe her sister Ishania would be proud, and maybe, just maybe, her mother would hug her.

She stepped out of her room with a bright smile. Rajesh, her father, sat on the sofa reading the newspaper. Shobha, her mother, was already scrolling through her phone. Raghav was fixing his watch near the mirror, and Meera, her youngest sister, was humming while packing her school bag.

“Papa,” Ishani started softly, “I wanted to tell you something. My admission—”

But before she could finish, Ishania’s voice cut clean through the room like it was rehearsed. “Papa! You won’t believe this!” she exclaimed, her voice glowing with practiced excitement. “I just got selected for the finals in the Business Idea competition! They said my project was one of the most innovative ones they’d seen!”

Rajesh immediately put down the newspaper, his expression brightening. “Really? That’s incredible, beta! I knew you had it in you. You never disappoint.”

Shobha’s phone was forgotten as she hurried over. “Ishania, that’s wonderful news! You’ve made us so proud again. You always have such big ideas, just like your uncle. We must celebrate tonight.”

Meera clapped happily. “Didi, you’re amazing! You always win!”

Raghav smiled, leaning on the wall. “Well done, champ. You’ll crush the finals too.”

Amidst all the cheers, Ishani stood frozen, her half-formed words dying in her throat. Still, she managed a small smile. “That’s… that’s really great, Ishania. Congratulations.”

Ishania turned toward her, lips curving into a delicate, knowing smile. “Oh, thank you,” she said sweetly. “Wait, weren’t you talking about psychology or something? What happened with that? Or are you still figuring things out?” Her tone was innocent, but the edge beneath it was sharp.

“I—no, I got in,” Ishani said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I got my admission letter yesterday.”

“Oh, that’s adorable,” Ishania replied with a short laugh. “Psychology really suits you. You’ve always been so… emotional. Maybe now you can analyze why you cry over everything.” Her laughter rang out again — airy, careless, perfectly cruel.

Raghav’s smile faded, and he quietly moved to the dining table. Rajesh followed, still chatting with Shobha about how brilliant Ishania’s idea must have been. Ishani walked behind them, her excitement melting into quiet shame.

As they all sat for breakfast, Rajesh looked up. “So, Ishania, how are you preparing for the finals? You should take Raghav’s help; he’s good with presentations.”

Raghav nodded, his tone warm. “Yeah, I can help you polish it up a bit. Maybe add some statistics and visuals — you’ll impress them for sure.”

“Thanks, bhaiya!” Ishania smiled brightly. “You always know how to make things better.”

Meera clapped her hands. “You’ll win again, I just know it!”

Ishani quietly served herself some food, careful not to draw attention. But as the laughter and chatter continued, she found herself trying again. “Actually, I wanted to say—”

Shobha didn’t even look up. “Is it something urgent, Ishani? Because if it’s not, please don’t start unnecessary stories while eating. You always seem to have the worst timing.”

Ishania leaned forward, feigning concern. “Aww, Mom, maybe she just wants to tell us about her new college life. That’s cute.” Her voice softened, sugarcoated. “Don’t worry, Ishani. You’ll do fine there. Just try not to… overthink or get too emotional, okay? People might find it a bit… awkward.” She smiled like it was genuine advice, but her eyes gleamed with quiet triumph.

Ishani lowered her gaze. Even Meera, who often defended her, stayed quiet this time — her small face uncertain, lost in the tension.

Rajesh sipped his tea and said flatly, “You should really learn from your sister, Ishani. Look at her — confident, clear-headed. You two share a birthday, but sometimes I wonder if you even share the same genes.”

The words hit harder than anyone noticed.

“I’m done,” Ishani murmured, pushing her plate away.

No one responded. The conversation picked up right where it left off, as if she hadn’t spoken at all.

She went back to her room, her chest tight. Opening her laptop, she logged into the quiet online forum where a few kind strangers felt more like home than her own family.

“Hey, I got into college today,” she typed. “But no one seemed to care.”

After a few moments, a reply blinked on the screen.

“Don’t worry, Ishani. The world doesn’t see gentle souls immediately. One day, they’ll understand your worth. Just keep being you.”

A soft smile touched her lips — fragile, but real.

Maybe they were right.

Maybe one day, someone would see her… really see her.

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