16 Growing Beyond

Bani stared at her hands, unsure if she was speaking to herself or the space around her. "So… I'm a magical farmer now?"

A gentle yet knowing voice resonated within her mind.

"You could say that. The land of your mind, your heart, and your emotions is fertile ground. Just sow the seeds, and watch things grow. But no rush—we have all the time in the world."

As Bani lay in her hospital bed, she realized that even though her body was confined, her spirit was free in ways it had never been before. The space within her was no longer just an escape—it was her ally, her second chance. And maybe, just maybe, she was about to become the most powerful farmer the world had ever known—right from her own mind.

Bani sat quietly in the backseat as her brother drove her home from the hospital. The cool air outside felt distant, her body still adjusting to the softness of her seat.

The moment she stepped inside, exhaustion took over. She barely made it to her bed before collapsing onto the familiar sheets, the comfort of home wrapping around her like a gentle embrace. Her brother, always the responsible one, made sure she was comfortable before heading to the kitchen.

After a while, the smell of simple, home-cooked food drifted into her room. Her stomach growled in response. Moments later, her brother walked in with a tray of breakfast—nothing extravagant, just warm, comforting food.

For the first time in a long while, it tasted like a small blessing.

As she ate, her thoughts wandered to her family. Her father and brother had been struggling with their vegetarian hotel business, and the financial losses kept piling up. The pressure of their loans weighed heavily on them, and though a new business loan was expected soon, nothing was certain.

Bani knew she needed her brother's expertise to sell farm products from her magical space. But how could she ask for his help without revealing too much?

He meant well, but she wasn't sure he would understand—or approve—of her secret escape. For now, all she could do was rest and plan the next steps of her journey.

The empty plot stretched before her, dark, rich soil waiting to be filled with life.

This wasn't just land. It was a miracle. A fresh start.

"If this place can grow anything I want," she murmured, "then I have to begin somewhere."

Vegetables and rice—practical choices. She would need seeds.

Sitting cross-legged on her bed, she pulled out her phone and scrolled through online stores, comparing varieties, reading reviews, checking delivery times.

Click. Confirm.

Tomatoes, carrots, spinach, cauliflower, beans. Then, she added basmati rice and dal seeds to her cart.

"Arriving soon."

Bani exhaled, feeling a sense of surreal anticipation. A few days ago, she had nothing. Now, she had land, a plan, and, for the first time in a long while, hope.

The day passed in a blur of small chores and quiet conversations. As evening fell, a knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

She hurried to open it, finding a young delivery boy holding a brown package.

"For Bani?" he asked, confirming her name before handing it over.

She thanked him and quickly stepped inside. As she passed through the living room, her mother glanced up from the TV.

"What's that?" she asked casually, expecting an evening snack.

"Just something I ordered," Bani replied with a small smile, walking past before any further questions could follow.