Anika was excited as she stepped out of the interview room at her college. Her fingers trembled as she held the offer letter. She hugged her best friend, Prisha, expressing her happiness and decided to treat her to coffee, and they went into a nearby cafe, Brew & Bake. 

“Finally, I got it, Prisha! This will open doors to new opportunities. My parents won’t deny me anymore, yay!” she said, her tone laced with excitement.

“I am so happy for you, Anika. I knew you’d crack it. And it’s your favourite job too, isn’t it?” Prisha asked, overjoyed by her friend’s success.

“Yes, Pri, but there’s another interview or test lined up at the Mumbai office. But I’m glad—I feel like I’ll crack that one too. And I’ll be joining the company, InkEcho Media, soon. I’m so happy, Prisha. I am a step closer to my dreams,” Anika said, her lips curving into a smile.

Prisha nodded. “You will do it, Anika. Trust yourself. Just tell your parents about it. I’m sure this will mark a new journey for you,” she remarked.

Anika agreed, too excited for her new journey.

*****

Upon reaching home, she held her mom’s hands and twirled her around. Seeing her happy, her mother guessed that her daughter’s dream was coming true. Anika forwarded the offer letter from InkEcho Media. They had hired her as a content manager and writer.

“Mummaa! I have finally got what I wanted! A job, an offer letter, and a new place. After all these years, it’s mandatory, I feel,” she said, her tone laced with excitement.

Her mother’s face fell. The thought of sending her only daughter away had always scared her, but she knew that it was the right time now. Earlier, she had stopped her, citing the reasons for her studies and then the pandemic. Anika had been upset back then, but accepted it as her fate. However, now is her chance.

“Mumma! I am not going forever. I must go out and achieve something. Please let me go this time,” Anika insisted.

Her mother nodded, knowing that she couldn’t keep her caged in the house forever. She tapped Anika’s cheek. “I don’t have any big reason to stop you now, my child. You can go; live your life the way you want to. This job will change your life,” she said lovingly.

Anika hugged her mother, relieved that she hadn’t thrown any argument to stop her this time. She confirmed her employment by calling the authorities and told them that she’d join the office within fifteen days. The glow on her face came from within. She shared the news with her father, who resonated with her joy. 

Anika’s happiness knew no bounds—finally, whatever she had desired was coming true.

*****

Fifteen days passed in the blink of an eye. She had always believed that life is a journey and one must always keep moving forward. For the first time in her life, Anika was stepping out of her home for a greater purpose.

As she packed her suitcases, bags, and all her strength, she noticed her parents adoring her.  Knowing they would be upset, she walked to them and hugged them tightly.

Her father tapped her head. “We won’t become your obstacles, honey. We just want you to be fine,” He voiced his concern.

She smiled. “I hoped the same from you, Papa! It’s another step that I am taking for myself, and it’s important,”

Her mother smiled, “We know, darling. And we wish you success in this phase of life, too,” She said, her warmth enveloping Anika.

She smiled, her eyes brimming with happy tears. Now, it was time to go. Of course, her parents were accompanying her on this new journey.

*****

As they settled into their train to Mumbai, Anika sat near the window, looking out at the chaos of the station. It was her city, her home, and now she was determined to build a life in her dream city—Mumbai.

As she stepped onto the train, she made up her mind to crack her final test at the new office, which would mark her entry into the corporate world. As the train sped up, Anika felt lighter and excited. She took out her handmade notes, focusing on them. She had manifested for this day, and now it’s coming true. She knew this journey would change her life forever—and she was ready to bask in the new challenges for good.