Three years passed and a lot changed in my life. Nothing was easy when I had to earn a living while staying focused on my dreams but I managed, especially after my manager allowed me to work a 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. shift. I spent the rest of my time buried in my books. Whenever doubts arose, I noted them down and visited the learning support center once every two months to get them clarified.
I continued working half days on Sundays for some additional income, as I couldn’t bring myself to ask for an increment with all the flexibility my manager was already giving me. I still remember the first time I stood before him to inform him about my exams. I was terrified he would be upset that I wouldn’t be available on those days but he surprised me by granting leave for the exam days and even a half-day off on the day before each exam.
My first exam center was a college located far from my place. I still remember, my hands trembled as I held the pen to write my first paper. When I walked out of the hall, I pinched myself just to be sure I had really completed my first exam.
Akash completed his studies and secured a job through a campus interview. He moved to the city and started working. He met me at the restaurant one day and thanked me for everything I had done for him. My mother even sent sweets for me through him. Initially, Akash stayed in a PG and assured me that he would take care of the family, but I didn’t want him to feel burdened all at once. I continued sending half the money to support him.
Six months later, he moved into an apartment and brought my parents to the city. When I visited them, I wished them a new beginning. My father cried while holding my hands and all I could do was console him and remind him to take care of his health.
They wanted me to move in with them and live together as a family but I knew better than to do that. They may have changed now, but I had bigger dreams and I couldn’t bind myself to their routines. So I refused and continued living on my own. The house owner increased the rent with additional 500 rupees but I managed since I was now sending only half the amount to my family.
Akash had spoken to Janani and even met her when he visited the village with my parents. He sounded genuinely happy when he told me he had bought toys for her son. My parents wanted to meet her too but they were ashamed and didn’t want to disrupt her life, so they decided to let her live in peace. Now only Akash stayed in touch with her.
A few months later when he met me again at the restaurant, he was speaking to her on the phone and suddenly handed the mobile to me. I didn’t know what to say after everything that had happened in both our lives so I simply exchanged a polite, casual greeting.
Three years passed and I finally completed my exams. Yet one thing in my life never changed—Arjun still waited at his spot. Over time, a few people began to notice him, but he never once approached me. He only wished me luck before every exam, year after year.
I tried several times to convince him to move on with his life but he was stubborn and refused to listen. I had crossed only half the lake toward my destination and he was willing to wait until I reached the shore. Eventually, I stopped trying to change his mind.
Today is the day I had dreamed of for three long years. I would receive my degree and with it, I would finally become eligible to appear for the police commission examination. I had already begun preparing for it a year ago. I still had six months before I could sit for the exam so I have enough time to prepare thoroughly.
During this period, I met a woman Sub-Inspector who frequently visited the restaurant. She helped me immensely, sharing practical tips and guiding me on how to approach the examination.
One day, Arjun handed me a bag. I glared at him immediately but he merely rolled his eyes and said he had collected question papers and a question bank book to help me prepare. The material looked genuinely useful so I agreed to take it but only if he accepted money from me. He looked hurt but eventually agreed. I paid him and accepted the resources.
I wore a new cotton saree and stood before the mirror. I no longer looked like the old Meera, weighed down by insecurities. The woman staring back at me looked confident and that confidence made me look beautiful.
I picked up my handbag, locked the door and stepped out. The neighbors and the house owner wished me well as I left for college. I had booked an auto, not wanting to be late.
When I arrived at the college, the campus was alive with joy. Students stood with their families, smiling, laughing and waiting eagerly to receive their degrees.
I informed Zarina madam and Geetha madam that today was my convocation day, but they were tied up with an urgent case of a young woman who had been raped while returning home from work late at night.
I had informed Akash about the convocation but I hadn’t asked him to attend.
I sat under a tree, waiting to be called into the auditorium. Just then, my phone started ringing. Seeing Akash’s name on the screen, I hesitated for a moment before answering the call.
“What happened, Akash? Is everything okay?” I asked, my worry instantly drifting to Appa.
He only smiled. “Everything is fine, akka. Have you reached the university?” he asked and I hummed in response.
“Where are you right now?” he asked.
Curiosity stirred in me. I rose to my feet, glanced around and told him where I was standing. He ended the call without another word. Five minutes later, I saw Akash walking toward me with my mother beside him, both smiling.
Tears brimmed in my eyes but I quickly wiped them away and returned their smiles.
“Did you leave Appa alone?” I asked my mother.
“Today is your special day. We wanted to be with you. Your father said he would manage for a few hours. He must be sleeping by now, so don’t worry.” she said gently holding my hand.
Her voice trembled as she continued, “I’m sorry, Meera. You should have had this day years ago, if only we had been the parents you deserved. Forgive us… for everything.”
Before I could respond, Akash took my hand from hers.
“Don’t make her cry today. She has to be happy. She achieved all this on her own, all alone.” he said softly but I shook my head.
“No, Akash. I wouldn’t have achieved this without Zarina madam and Geetha madam. They guided me through everything.” I said and we stood together, waiting.
Even as I spoke, my eyes searched for one person, the man who had promised to be here today. But it was a weekday, he would be probably at work.
Akash handed me a bottle of water and sat beside me. As I took a sip, my gaze caught a familiar figure…….a man walking frantically, scanning the crowd.
Searching for someone……….. searching for me.
Arjun is here. He had kept his word. He had come for my convocation.
With my mother and Akash beside me, I didn’t want misunderstandings. Yet he was clearly looking for me so I walked toward him casually.
The moment his eyes met mine, they widened in relief. Before he could approach me and initiate a conversation, I turned back and returned to my mother and Akash. Arjun seemed to understand so he stayed where he was, watching me from a distance.
This man…what am I supposed to do with him?
By the time the students were called into the auditorium, I walked in and took my seat, dressed in the black robe and cap. Akash messaged me to say he was seated at the back with Amma. I turned around, trying to spot them but I couldn’t see them. Arjun was nowhere in sight either.
The ceremony began. The chief guest and the dignitaries on stage delivered their brief speeches, one after another, before the certificates were distributed.
When my name was announced, I rose to my feet. With measured steps, I walked onto the stage, folded my hands in greeting to the dignitaries, then turned toward the audience and my fellow students. I received my certificate and as I glanced into the crowd, my eyes found Arjun.
He was waving, a proud smile lighting up his face, his mobile raised, recording my moment.
I returned to my seat, clutching the certificate in my hands. Tears slipped down my cheeks and I quickly wiped them away, breathing in to steady myself.
After the ceremony ended, I walked out and met Akash and Amma at the same spot where we had waited before I entered the auditorium. The moment they saw the certificate in my hands, their faces lit up. They congratulated me warmly, their pride wrapping around me like a quiet embrace.
Arjun, standing behind Akash, simply lifted his hand in a quiet wave and walked away, keeping up his words not to disturb me.
I slipped the certificate into my bag, ready to leave but Amma caught my hand.
“Meera, you’ve achieved your dream, now come back home. Let us live as a family again. Your appa will be happy too. You’ve suffered enough all these years. You gave up everything to take care of us, but now Akash is working. You don’t have to struggle anymore. Stay home, take care of yourself and find a life for yourself.” she said softly.
I looked at her, shocked, a frown creasing my forehead.
“Amma, I haven’t achieved my dream yet. I’ve only taken the first step toward it. I still have a long way to go. We are good to each other. We care for each other. But it’s better if we continue living the way we are now. I can’t stop walking toward my dream. My journey is far from over so please don’t bring this up again.” I said firmly and she lowered her gaze, wiping away her tears.
Akash smiled at me, as if he understood everything without needing explanation.
“All the best, akka. Go ahead. I’ll be happy if I can help you in any way,” he said and I smiled at him. His words, at least, felt sincere.
We went to a nearby restaurant and ordered lunch. When the waiter placed the bill on the table, I reached for it but Akash took it from my hand and paid.
After bidding them goodbye, I got into an auto and headed home. I clicked a photo of my certificate and sent it to Zarina madam and Geetha madam.
As the auto slowed near the corner of my street, I saw Arjun standing there, under the harsh afternoon sun.
I asked the driver to stop. I stepped out of the auto and walked towards him. I handed him the water bottle I was carrying and he accepted it with a smile.
“I just wanted to wish you, Meera. Congratulations. I hope, I’ll soon see you at the police academy grounds after you complete your training.” he said sincerely.
“Thank you, Arjun, you should head back and get some rest.” I replied and he smiled again, clearly warmed by my concern, then started his bike and rode away.
I walked back home and sat on the mattress with the certificate in my hands. I traced my name printed on it, letting the weight of the moment sink in. This was real. I had earned this.
My phone buzzed and I expected it to be Akash, letting me know he had reached home safely, but the notification surprised me, it was from Janani. She had seen the photo I’d posted on my WhatsApp status and sent her wishes.
I smiled softly and replied a ‘ thank you ‘.
A moment later, I sent the photo of my certificate to my manager. His response came almost instantly, congratulating me and wishing me success for the road ahead.
As I placed the phone beside me, I looked down at the certificate once more. Three years of struggle, fear, and persistence had brought me here but this was not the destination.
This was only the beginning towards my dream.
*************************
A/N:
This book will end with 40 chapters.
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