The Last Summer Before Goodbye
658 Words
**One Month after results **
Summer had arrived in Mussoorie.
The hills were covered with greenery, the evenings were peaceful, and the cool breeze made everyone want to stay a little longer.
For Hania and Shanya...
It was their last summer before stepping into a completely different world.
After twelve years of school, their childhood was finally ending.
One afternoon...
The two best friends sat on the balcony of the Singh house with cold drinks in their hands.
The same balcony where they had spent countless hours talking about school, dreams, secrets, and their future.
But this time...
Their conversations were different.
More serious.
Because soon, everything was going to change.
Shanya looked at Hania.
"So, scientist madam..."
"Hmm?"
"What will you do after results?"
Hania smiled proudly.
"Malaysia."
Shanya nodded.
"Your internship?"
"Yes. Then university."
She looked toward the mountains.
"I always wanted to experience a different country."
For a moment, both girls became quiet.
Then suddenly Hania smiled mischievously.
"Ek interesting baat bolo, Shanu."
"What?"
"Now I don't have to see your brother for at least eight or nine years."
Shanya immediately looked offended.
"My brother?"
"Yes, your strict officer brother."
She laughed.
"Kuch hi months mein main Malaysia mein hongi."
"Then?"
"I'll come back after my post graduation."
Shanya stared at her.
"Eight or nine years?"
Hania nodded casually.
"Most probably."
"You're really not planning to come back in between?"
"No."
She shook her head.
"First graduation, then masters. I want to build my career properly."
Then she added dramatically,
"So congratulations, Shanu. You are finally free from me."
Shanya rolled her eyes.
"As if I believe that."
Hania smiled.
"And I am finally free from your brother's lectures."
That evening...
Both families gathered for dinner.
The table was filled with everyone's favorite food.
Hania sat beside Aashi, helping her with dessert while Shanya kept stealing pieces from her plate.
"Shanu!"
"What?"
"That's mine."
"You have enough."
"It's still mine."
Everyone laughed.
During dinner, Isha looked at Hania lovingly.
"Hania beta..."
"Yes, Aunty?"
"When will you come back?"
The table became slightly quiet.
Everyone knew this was not just about a trip.
It was about growing up.
Leaving home.
Creating a new life.
Hania smiled softly.
"Aunty, mostly probably after eight or nine years."
Isha looked surprised.
"That long?"
Hania nodded.
"After graduation, I'll do my masters as well."
"Why?"
"Because I want better opportunities."
She continued,
"I don't want to rush. I want to learn properly, gain experience, and become independent."
Imran looked proudly at his daughter.
"That's my girl."
Naila smiled quietly.
She was strict with Hania...
but she was the first person who believed in her dreams.
Colonel Arvind looked at Hania.
"Eight years is a long time."
Hania smiled.
"I know, Uncle."
"But I'll come back."
Isha held her hand.
"This house will always be your home."
Hania's eyes softened.
"Thank you, Aunty."
Just then...
The main door opened.
Everyone turned.
Eshaan had arrived home.
His leave had started unexpectedly early.
He stood there in his Army uniform, listening to the last few sentences.
Eight years.
Malaysia.
No return.
He looked at Hania.
The same girl who once called him a monster brother.
Now she was an eighteen-year-old woman with dreams bigger than herself.
For some reason...
Her words bothered him.
Not because she was leaving.
Because he realized...
Time was moving faster than anyone expected.
Hania noticed him.
"Oh."
She smiled slightly.
"The strict officer is back."
Eshaan raised an eyebrow.
"Still calling me that?"
"Obviously."
Shanya sighed.
"Nothing changes."
Eshaan looked at Hania.
"Malaysia?"
"Yes."
"Long time?"
"Eight or nine years."
He simply nodded.
"Good."
Hania narrowed her eyes.
"Good?"
"You'll finally learn discipline."
She immediately replied,
"And you'll finally learn how to smile."
The family laughed.
But behind their usual argument...
Something felt different.
Because this time...
They both knew goodbye was coming.
And neither of them knew...
that eight years would not pass the way they imagined.
- Writer
