The first monsoon rain had just arrived in the city of Pune. Raindrops tapped on the windows of Starlight College like a soft ha

Lina had always loved her small house filled with her parents’ laughter. Every morning, the aroma of her mother’s cooking and her father’s cheerful greetings made the house feel alive. But one winter, her mother fell seriously ill, and soon after, her father too became weak. The warmth and joy slowly faded, replaced by silence and sorrow. Lina tried her best to carfor them, cooking meals, giving medicines, and sitting by their side. Yet, one stormy night, both her parents passed away quietly, leaving Lina alone in the empty house. She wandered from room to room, touching old photographs, listening to the faint echoes of laughter that would never return. The walls, once comforting, now felt cold and distant. Neighbors brought food and tried to console her, but nothing could fill the emptiness in her heart. Lina spent hours staring at the silent house, crying quietly, realizing that the place she once called home had lost its soul. The memories remained, but the warmth and love she once knew were gone forever.Lina had always loved her small house, filled with her parents’ laughter and warmth. Every morning, the smell of her mother’s cooking and her father’s cheerful greetings made the house feel alive. Their presence was the heart of her life. Lina remembered how they used to sit together in the evenings, sipping tea, sharing stories, and laughing about small, silly things. The house seemed to breathe happiness, and she felt safe and loved. But one harsh winter, everything began to change. Her mother fell seriously ill, and despite Lina’s constant care, the illness worsened. Her father, heartbroken and weak, tried to stay strong for both of them, but soon his own health began to fail. The house that once echoed with laughter became silent and cold. Lina spent endless nights awake, holding her mother’s hand, whispering comforting words, and praying for a miracle. One stormy night, both her parents passed away quietly, leaving Lina completely alone. The emptiness hit her like a wave. She wandered through the rooms, touching old photographs, listening to faint echoes of laughter that would never return. The walls that once offered comfort now seemed distant and lifeless.Neighbors brought food and tried to console her, but nothing could fill the void in her heart. Days turned into weeks, and Lina realized the house she once called home had lost its soul. Every corner reminded her of moments she could never relive. The memories remained, but the warmth and love she once knew were gone forever. Lina understood that some absences could never be filled, and some silences would haunt her for the rest of her life. Lina had always loved her small house, nestled at the edge of the village. It wasn’t a large house, but it was warm and full of life, especially because of her parents. Every morning, the smell of her mother’s fresh bread and tea would drift through the rooms, waking Lina gently. Her father, always cheerful, would greet her with a smile, joking about her messy hair or sleepy eyes. The house seemed alive with laughter and love, a place where Lina felt completely safe. Evenings were Lina’s favorite. She would sit with her parents in the little living room, sipping tea while they shared stories of the past. Her mother often recounted tales of Lina’s childhood mischiefs, making her laugh until tears rolled down her cheeks. Her father, with a gentle voice, would add small lessons about life, kindness, and courage. They were not just parents; they were friends, companions, and anchors in her life. But one harsh winter, everything began to change. Her mother fell ill, initially with a slight fever, but it quickly worsened. Lina spent long nights sitting beside her mother’s bed, holding her hand, trying to comfort her with whispers of love. She cooked special meals, made herbal teas, and prayed silently for a miracle. She watched helplessly as the vibrant woman who had once filled their home with laughter became pale and fragile. Her father tried to stay strong, but Lina could see the worry etched deep in his face. He would force a smile when she looked at him, but there were moments when she caught him staring silently at the empty corners of the house, his heart heavy with fear. Lina felt the weight of responsibility pressing on her young shoulders. She was not just a daughter anymore; she had become the caretaker, the hope, and the shield for the family she loved dearly. Days turned into weeks, and the house that once resonated with laughter now seemed quieter with each passing day. Lina would wake up to the sound of the wind against the windows, wondering if her mother would be able to smile at her today. Even the sunlight, streaming softly through the curtains, felt weaker somehow, as if it too mourned the loss of warmth inside the home. Lina realized that life was fragile, and happiness could vanish in the blink of an eye. --- The days that followed were even harder. Lina’s father tried to maintain some semblance of normalcy, but it was clear he was struggling. His once strong hands, which had built so many memories in the house, now trembled while preparing simple meals. His cheerful voice had grown quiet, replaced by sighs and long silences. Lina watched him with a mixture of worry and helplessness, wondering how she could support the two people who had always supported her. Even small tasks felt overwhelming. Cooking, cleaning, and taking care of her mother drained Lina physically, but it was the emotional toll that weighed most heavily. She often found herself sitting in the empty living room after her parents had gone to bed, staring at the photographs on the walls. Each picture was a memory, a fragment of the life that had seemed endless until now. She could almost hear her mother’s laughter echoing faintly, and her father’s gentle voice reminding her that everything would be okay.