A Mother’s Helpless Apology

The morning was strangely quiet.

Sejal stood in front of the mirror, brushing her hair absentmindedly. Today was her last exam, the final step before she could move forward with the plan her parents had set for her.

Or at least, that's what she kept telling herself.

She should have felt relieved, but instead, there was a lingering unease in her chest. A feeling that something was… off.

Shivam had been acting strange since last night.

It wasn't obvious, but Sejal knew her brother well. There was a stiffness in his voice, a hesitation in his movements, as if he was keeping something from her.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Shivam's voice as he called out from the living room.

"Sejal! Hurry up, we need to leave soon."