Chapter 1

I woke up lazily when my alarm went off early before sunrise and washed my face to wake from my sleepy head. When I was fully awake, I took my stuff and went to the rooftop, waiting eagerly for the sun to rise.

As the sun rose, the golden rays of it gave a bright color to the clouds, and the scenery was pleasant to watch. I placed my stuff around and started painting the sunrise. I wanted to capture the rare moments of nature and surroundings, trying to put life in my paintings while enjoying the beauties of nature. Soon, painting became a hobby for me.

I finished my picture and went down with my stuff. As soon as I reached the living room, I heard mom complaining to dad about me, "Every day, I have to wake her in the morning. She'd sleep until it was late for school. But today, she woke up early, only for her drawing."

Dad replied, "Let her do what she likes." Dad always supports me and loves me a lot.

Mom sighed and turned to me. "Are you done with your drawing?"

"Yes, mom," I replied.

"Then go and get ready for school. However, today is your last day of school."

I went to my room, showered, and dressed for school. I combed my short hair, which almost touched my shoulder. As it is the last day of school, I am excited to meet my friends because today we have our group photo session with teachers and friends. I took my bag and walked out of my room for breakfast.

I belong to a middle-class family where my father works as an inspection officer in the construction business, and my mother is a homemaker. Since I am an only child, they are more concerned about my future.

I am a simple-minded girl who dreams of working hard and getting a good job. But my mom wants me to be strong, both physically and mentally. She joined me in boxing classes five years ago, along with my cousin, Aarav, when I was 12. She then joined me in cooking and baking classes during my vacations. Later, I got busy with my studies and became interested in the arts.

I sat at the dining table with dad, and mom served me breakfast. I was eating when mom said, "Your grandmother is sick and needs complete bed rest, so I will stay with her for more than a month to look after her. Your father is also leaving the city due to work for a few days, so you'll be staying with your aunt Madhuri. I informed her, and they're fine with that. So, pack your bags after returning from school. I'll drop you and leave for the town."

I was sad to hear about my grandmother. She's been falling ill for a while. But I was also glad to hear I would stay with my cousins for a few days. I like aunt Madhuri, as she pampers me a lot.

I excitedly replied to her, "Absolutely, Mom." I finished breakfast, picked up my backpack, and left for school.

I was walking towards my school gate when someone called me from behind, "Siya, wait!"

I stopped and looked behind to find my best friend, Annie. We have been friends since we were young. We hang out and share everything. We never keep secrets from each other.

I greeted her once she reached me. "Hey, did you have your breakfast? if not, we can go to the canteen." She said, walking along with me.

"I had it. Mom cooked my favorite today." I replied, and she nodded.

"Do you have any plans for your holidays?"

"I am going to my aunt's home for nearly a month."

"Oh! Cool." She paused. "Now, what course did you enroll in this time?"

"Art class," I replied with a smile.

"You draw well, then why art class?"

"I need to improve my skills in painting, so I convinced my mom to get me into art class." I paused. "But she agreed on one condition that I need to learn to groom myself from my cousin Nia." I sighed.

I never cared about my looks and makeup. I've been used to wearing tracksuits and baggy clothes since I started attending boxing classes, which are comfortable for me. And mom often scolds me to get well dressed, but I ignore her. Now, she stepped in to change that.

"Don't worry. You'll be fine." She patted my shoulder with a smile to encourage me.

I decided to change the subject, so I asked her, "What are your plans for vacation?"

"I am going to attend my cousin's wedding. When I return, I'll ask my parents to join me in art classes with you so that you don't miss me too much."

"Who's going to miss you? I am happy I don't have to listen to your ongoing talk about your boyfriend." I said jokingly.

"Are you jealous of me since you don't have a boyfriend?" she teased.

I scoffed, "Who's interested in getting a boyfriend?"

"Yes, yes. I know you are always busy with studies and painting, so you don't have time to think about boys and love," she said.

That's true. I never thought of being in love and was never interested in getting a boyfriend since I was always busy with things in life.

We wanted to arrive on time on the last day of school, so we ran to our class. Since it was the last day of our school, we'd bid farewell to the school staff, talked to friends, and clicked pictures. We had much fun. We thanked our teachers for their support and encouragement.

After school, we went to the cafe near our school. We placed our order and found a table to sit at. As soon as we got seated, Annie started discussing a gift her boyfriend had bought. He's our senior at school and a relative to her. I'm truly happy for her relationship since he is a good guy and loyal to her. Anybody can tell that they're a happy couple. She trusts and loves him a lot.

I understand that love is a great feeling. We can't expect whom we meet and fall in love with. Sometimes, it happens without reason and makes you happy, pleasant, and complete. But I never experienced the feeling of love. Perhaps, one day, I'll experience those feelings of being in love with someone and create memorable moments.

After finishing the coffee, we bid our goodbyes for the vacation period. However, we'll keep in touch by calling frequently. I reached home and found mom waiting for me to pack my necessities since she had already packed my clothes as she wished. I stuffed two regular t-shirts and loose pants into my suitcase when she wasn't looking.

"I hope you remember our deal. I asked Nia to give you a makeover and some makeup classes. When we return, I need to see improvement in you. Otherwise, you can say goodbye to art classes the next day." She warned me.

"I'll try my best, Mom," I said sadly.

I am excited to meet my aunt and cousins. My aunt is a single mom, leading her family on her husband's pension. My cousin, Nia, is a simple, beautiful, and kind girl studying medicine. She lives in a hostel and returns home only during vacations. We are a team, but her annoying brother, Aarav, bothers me. He's a year older than me, but we're in the same year of studies. He always tries to show off that he is better than me, but he's not since he couldn't beat me in any field. Also, my aunt always takes my side, which makes him irritated.

Even though we fight a lot, we love each other. When he went to boarding school, I cried in my room for a few days, missing those days we spent in boxing classes together. I used to play pranks on him, and we used to play with paint whenever I'd draw. I miss him and anxiously want to see him. I hope to have a good time with the family.