The next day, Maruva was getting ready for her new academic year at college. She had put on a cream-colored chudidaar with a golden border, an orange dupatta , and a curved metallic hair band that added to her elegant look.
Mridula had always felt the usual motherly concern for her. Her words of wisdom for the day cautioned Maruva to be careful with choosing friends and staying true to her values without getting influenced by her peers. Maruva casually asked her mother to relax, drawing attention to the fact that she already had friends and that her introversion would ensure there would be no new ones. She waved her goodbye and set off enthusiastically for the day. On stepping out, she met Richu, gave him her usual kiss, and swooshed away on her Activa.
She parked her scooty in the c
