Chapter 6: Fear Disappeared

"Today is a big day in your life. Oh my god my little girl is now an adult going to college, it's overwhelming..." etc..., Tani's mother was saying these things, ever since she came to her room in the morning. She packed Tani's bag, kept essentials. And Tani was quietly observing and listening to her, she knows her mother can be a bit dramatic sometimes.

"Oh.. Mom it's okay, I know you're so happy that your little girl is now an adult and taking a step forward in her new chapter of life. But you don't have to be dramatic, it's not you. You've been saying this for the past 7 days. Your beautiful, funny, sweet heart don't need to be so dramatic. I love you as you are”, Tani said all this with a straight face.

"Oh sweetie pie at least don't be so mean right now. College is only a few hours away. You know, ever since your 17th birthday, me and your dad have been planning something big for you. It's a surprise. You'll get it on right time. Ok now, go get ready for the first day of the session. In any moment Anu will be here.", Tani's mother said with a soft smile.

"Yeah right, she will come here anytime.", Tani said this sentence in response to her mother's so many words.

"Ah you could hear only that among so many words! Anu can only fix you." Tani's mother said in wonder.

Saying this, Tani's mother went downstairs. And told her to get ready quickly.

Tani went to bath. After a while, she got out of the bath, put on clean clothes, and went to her study table.

Tani has great faith in Radha-Krishna. So before doing any work, she takes their blessings. Even today, nothing else changed. She approached to the study table, folded her hands in front of them and bowed.

Tani prayed, "You know, I don't do anything without your blessings. Today is my first day of college. See that I don't get into any trouble. May the day pass well. Give me good wisdom, stay by my side. May everyone be healthy and well."

Tani opened her eyes and said, "I have one more personal thing to say to you. I don't know what you will think of me if I say it. But I want to say it anyway. I don't know how my behavior has changed in the last few days. My heart beats become faster when I see Anu. I want to stay with her all day. Every word she says brings a different happiness to my heart. I don't know what does it means, but I feel absolute peace if I can be with her. I told you everything, now you tell me what should I do in this situation. Am I doing something wrong? What are these feelings? Show me the right path please."

Saying this, while Tani was bowing, she heard the sound of the calling bell downstairs. Tani realized that Anu had come. She quickly bowed and went to the dressing table. She combed her hair and hurriedly took out new clothes from the closet and went to change her clothes.

Tani heard the door is opening, from the washroom. Anu entered the room and was silent.

Tani said from inside, "Sit down, I'm coming."

Anu heard her and said, "How did you know that I came?"

"Don't you know I have super powers?", Tani said jokingly.

Meanwhile, Tani came out of the washroom. She saw Anu is sitting on her study table's chair. Tani felt a bit strange. "Why is Anu so quiet?", She said to herself. Tani walked towards Anu, put her hand on her shoulder.

"What happened, why are you so quiet today? You are not a quiet person. At least you are not quiet when you are with me.", Tani said.

Anu looked at Tani, hugged her through her waist.

Tani hugged her back and said, "What's wrong? Hmm! Everything will be fine. And I'm with you, why worry?"

"I'm afraid if something goes wrong on the first day. And I'm a reserved person. You know, I can't adapt very well to a new place."

Tani smiled a little while caressing Anu's head and back, said, "Nothing will happen. Everything will be fine."

Tani, holding Anu's chin and said, "Hey, look at me!"

Anu raised her head and looked at Tani's face.

Pointing to the idol of Radha-Krishna, Tani said, "Look over there. They, don't let anything bad happen."

Anu looked at the idol and folded her hands, Tani knelt down beside the chair.

"Tell them, whatever doubts, fears you have will disappear.", Tani said in a calm voice.

They both prayed again together. Tani finished her prayer and looked at Anu, she looked calmer than before, closing her eyes and praying in unison.

Tani felt peace looking at her. Meanwhile, Anu opened her eyes, bowed and looked at Tani. Tani smiled at Anu, Anu smiled and hugged her tightly and said, "I can't insult our friendship by saying thank you, I don't have the guts or the right to do that. But sometimes I think, what would happen to me without you? I love you so much Tani. I am blessed to have someone like you in my life. Be with me always."

Tani's heart became heavy at such a beautiful moment. All she could say is, "I was, I am, and always will be with you."

After a while they parted, Tani said to Anu, "Let's go downstairs. Mom is waiting, she's been acting very dramatic for a week now. If we delay, she'll lose consciousness."

Anu smiled and said, "You know her, she loves you a little more. That's why she does that."

"No mom loves you more than me. I know that. Hurry up. Let's go.", Tani said. They took their bags and went downstairs.

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