Chapter 78 — The Journey Begins

The railway station was crowded that morning.

Rishi stood with his luggage, dressed neatly and ready to begin the next chapter of his life.

Arnav, Ritika, Abhram, Shabana, Rehnaa, Arhan and Ayat had all come to see him off.

Rishi looked at everyone and smiled.

Abhram stepped forward and placed his hand on Rishi's shoulder.

Abhram: Champ, call us or send a message every day.

Rishi: I will, Dadu.

Abhram: And I know you will give your best during the training.

Rishi nodded.

Rishi: I will, Dadu.

Shabana hugged him.

Shabana: May you always be protected and successful, beta.

Rehnaa placed her hand on his head.

Rehnaa: Do your best, Rishi. We're all proud of you.

Rishi smiled.

Ritika came forward and hugged her son tightly.

Ritika: I'm so proud of you.

Rishi: Thank you, Mumma.

Ritika held his face gently.

Ritika: And remember one thing.

Rishi listened.

Ritika: If your heart ever feels heavy, come back home.

Rishi's expression softened.

Ritika: Don't ever think that we'll feel bad or disappointed if you come back.

Rishi nodded.

Ritika: Your happiness matters more to us than anything else.

Rishi: I know, Mumma.

She smiled through her tears.

Ritika: And if you ever change your mind, you can always work in Baba's company.

Rishi laughed.

Rishi: Mumma, business is not my cup of coffee.

Arnav immediately smiled.

Arnav: That's exactly why you have shares in my company.

Rishi laughed.

Rishi: Baba!

Arnav: What? You said business wasn't your cup of coffee.

Rishi shook his head.

Arnav placed his hand on his son's shoulder.

Arnav: Go and do what you love.

He smiled proudly.

Arnav: And don't forget your push-ups.

Rishi grinned.

Rishi: Baba, I can do a hundred.

Arnav: Good.

Rishi: Easily.

Arnav: We'll see when you come back.

Arhan and Ayat ran toward him.

Arhan: Bye, Bhaiya!

Ayat: Bye, Rishi Bhaiya!

Rishi bent down and kissed both their foreheads.

Rishi: No making trouble, okay?

Arhan: We won't.

Rishi raised an eyebrow.

Rishi: I don't believe you.

Ayat giggled.

Rishi: Be good to Baba and Mumma.

Arhan: Okay!

Rishi stood up and hugged Arnav.

Arnav held him tightly.

Arnav: Proud of you, champ.

Rishi: Love you, Baba.

Arnav: Love you too.

Rishi then hugged Ritika.

Ritika: Take care of yourself.

Rishi: I will, Mumma.

He hugged Abhram, Shabana and Rehnaa one by one.

The announcement came over the station speakers.

Rishi's train had arrived.

He picked up his luggage and looked back at his family.

Rishi: I'll call you tonight.

Abhram: We will wait.

Rishi smiled and climbed onto the train.

Arnav, Ritika and the entire family stood on the platform.

Rishi found a place near the window and waved.

Everyone waved back.

The train slowly began moving.

Rishi kept looking at them until they became smaller in the distance.

Arnav stood beside Ritika, his eyes following the train.

Ritika quietly held his hand.

Their little boy had grown up.

And now he was leaving to chase the dream he had carried since childhood.