Goodbyes and New Beginnings

(Hello, dear readers. I am sad 😭 because I write from the MC's perspective. I try to place myself in his position. I hope you like the story, add it to your collection, and tell me my mistake in the comment section)

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My parents arrived at noon. After which, we had lunch. The day progressed quickly as my parents were busy with their work and I was helping them.

The evening sun cast its warm glow on our small apartment, creating a calm and content atmosphere. With the packing finally done, I found a moment to sit down and focus on my studies. The upcoming exams were important, and I didn't want to let anything distract me from my preparations.

Sitting at my desk, I opened my textbooks and started revising the subjects. My mind wandered back to the events of yesterday—the conversations with my parents, the excitement about staying at Preeti's house, and the farewell with Alexander.

It was a mix of emotions, but I tried to push them aside and concentrate on my studies.

I know you are going to miss this place. The comfort of your room, the familiar streets, the sounds of your neighbourhood—all of it But you will have to accept the changes. Damien's voice echoed in my mind.

"I know," I replied softly, acknowledging the truth in his words. "Yes, you are right; change is a part of life, and I have to embrace it."

As I continued to study, my thoughts occasionally drifted to Arya. She had been my friend since childhood, and I had always admired her.

I wondered how things would be between us during my stay, and the thought brought a shy smile to my face.

After a few hours of intense studying, my mom called me for dinner. As we sat down to eat, the excitement and tension of the day started to ease, and a sense of calm settled in.

My parents shared stories about their day, and I updated them on the progress of my packing and studies.

After dinner, we spent some quality time together as a family. My dad shared some anecdotes from his workplace, and my mom talked about her interactions with the neighbours. It was moments like these that I cherished the most—the simple joys of being with my loved ones.

Later in the night, as I lay on my bed, my mind began to drift again. Thoughts of the upcoming journey and the new city filled my head. It was a mix of nervousness and excitement.

I knew I would miss my home and my routine, but I also looked forward to the adventure that awaited me.

I closed my eyes, and I couldn't help but feel grateful towards Damien. In a short period, he made me change for the better, and I realized that change was not something to be feared but rather an essential part of the journey called life.

The next morning, my parents and I woke up early to get ready for the journey. The time had come to say goodbye to the familiar surroundings and embark on a new adventure.

As I looked around my room one last time, I felt a pang of nostalgia, but I also felt a sense of excitement for the days ahead.

The workers arrived to load our luggage into the trucks, as my father's friend was overseeing the work.

We headed towards Preeti's house, where I would spend the next two weeks before leaving for the new city.

As we walked towards Preeti's house. My heart grew heavier by the time Even though the separation was only for two weeks, I didn't want to separate from my family, and I certainly didn't want to leave Arya.

After we arrived at Preeti's house, We were greeted by Aunt Meera and Uncle Ethan. I also saw Preeti. She was looking at me with an unknown look on her face. We walked into the living room.

I was about to sit on the sofa, but I heard a voice, which stopped me in my tracks.

"Daemon! "

I turned behind me as a heavy force hit my chest. I was about to fall, but I luckily maintained my balance. I looked at Arya as she hugged me. She was crying.

I was about to say something.

"Hey, Daemon, why don't you both go and talk in another room? We, as adults, have to talk about something," Aunt Meera told me as she looked at Arya sadly.

Seeing Arya, my heart ached, As there was an impulse inside me to just hug her and never leave her.

She was there when nobody wanted to be my friend. She was with me from birth until I became conscious of my surroundings.

Separating her from me slowly, I said slowly

"Let's go to your room, Arya." I grabbed her wrist as we walked silently towards her room. After entering her room. We sat on the bed, and I looked at her cute face stained with tears.

"Why! Why! Why! Daemon, you said we would always be together, forever? Why are you leaving me now? Just why?" Arya said this with tears in her eyes.

It felt like something was squeezing my heart. Now I was feeling immense guilt toward her. How can I feel happy after seeing her like that?

"I am sorry, Arya, I can't keep my promise to you. I also don't want to leave, but I can't do anything. My father got transferred, and eventually, I will have to leave with him." I apologized to her.

Instead of saying anything, she started crying more.

[Hey, kid, just hug her, wipe her tears, and soothe her. Don't say anything; let her cry for now.] Damien said I could hear the sadness in his voice.

I hugged Arya and tried to wipe her tears with my shirt, but she gripped me tightly this time, so I just hugged her.

As I held Arya in my arms, I could feel her sadness and pain. It was hard to see her cry, and I wished there was something more I could do to ease her pain. We stayed like that for a while, just holding each other in silence.

After some time, Arya's tears started to subside, but she still clung to me as if afraid to let go. I gently whispered comforting words to her, assuring her that we would always stay connected, no matter the distance. I promised to keep in touch and visit whenever possible.

Arya finally looked up at me, her tear-stained face revealing a mix of emotions. "I don't want you to go," she said softly, her voice trembling.

"I know," I said as I gently wiped her tear-stained face again. After that, I looked into her eyes and kissed her. It was just us both pouring our emotions through that kiss.

"Knock! Knock'' We both heard a knock from the outside as we separated. We didn't lock the door, so it was someone informing us of their presence. After opening the door, we saw Preeti.

"Mom and Dad want both of you to come to the living room now; Uncle and Aunt will be leaving after some time, and Daemon will be staying here for two weeks. You can talk later," she said to us both, but I could hear detachment in her voice.

We all walked towards the living room in awkward silence. Arya calmed down a little, but she was still clinging to my arm.

Arriving at the living room, we all sat together as my father explained about the new city we would be living in. It is one of the most important cities for religious beliefs in the country.

He talked about how many famous ancient temples were there. I was intrigued by all this.

"Hey, Daemon, I know you like animals. Right, there is a national park in there we will visit in the summer, and Arya will also visit us at that time, so we will go together." My father explained as he smiled warmly towards Arya. I knew he was trying to soothe her.

'Hey Damien, I want to ask something. Are you doing something to me? Why did I not shed a single tear while Arya was crying? I asked Damien in my mind.

[Because you are growing and I am helping you control your emotions better, do you want to cry like a little kid in front of Arya?] Damien asked in a bewitching voice, He was right about that; how would I soothe her if I was also crying beside her? I thanked him as I focused on the conversation again.

Two hours passed like a breeze as we were discussing the new city of Haridwar. My father got a call that our luggage had already left the city.

The taxi also arrived.

My parents and I stood at the doorstep of Preeti's house, ready to say our goodbyes. The atmosphere was tinged with a mix of emotions—sadness and apprehension.

My mom hugged me tightly, her eyes glistening with tears. "Take care of yourself, Daemon. We'll miss you every moment you're away," she said, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I'll miss you too, Mom," I replied, trying to hold back my tears. I cursed Daien when I needed his help, and he disappeared.

[Don't hide your emotions from your mother; a man has permission to cry in front of his mother, nobody else, and you are not even a man right now, kid.] Damien said as I started to cry in my mother's arms.

My dad placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You're going to do great, son. We're proud of you. Study hard, and we'll be back soon to take you to the new city," he said, offering me a smile that was both encouraging and nostalgic.

"I promise I'll study hard and make you both proud," I replied, trying to sound confident despite the lump in my throat.

We hugged each other one last time before my parents finally turned to leave. As they walked away, I felt a wave of emotions wash over me. It was the first time I would be away from them for an extended period, and the realization of their absence struck me hard.

Arya stood beside me, and her hand found mine, offering silent comfort. I looked at her, and her eyes mirrored my feelings—empathy and understanding.

"I'll miss them" I whispered, my voice barely audible.

"I know you will" she replied softly, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze.

As my parents' car disappeared from view, I felt a mixture of sadness and determination. I knew I had to focus on my studies and make the most of the time I had at Preeti's house.

"Come on, Daemon. Let's go back inside," Arya said gently, guiding me back into the house.

I walked towards her house, not knowing what adventures awaited me.