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Packing Day
The day had finally arrived. Rahul stood in his room, staring at the scattered piles of clothes, gadgets, and personal items strewn across his bed. Today was the day he would leave for the USA, and he felt a whirlwind of excitement and anxiety.
“Rahul! Are you ready to tackle this packing?” Amruta, his mother, called from the hallway, her voice filled with a mixture of enthusiasm and concern.
“Not yet, Mom! I’m trying to figure out what to bring!” he shouted back, shaking his head in frustration.
“Let me help!” Amruta entered the room, her hands already on her hips. “You know how you always forget the important things.”
“Yeah, like that time you made me pack five pairs of socks for a weekend trip,” he replied, teasingly rolling his eyes.
“Hey, those socks saved you from a foot disaster!” she shot back with a playful grin. “Now, let’s start with your visa. Did you get it?”
“Right here,” Rahul said, pulling the document out from under a pile of clothes. “I just hope everything goes smoothly at customs.”
“Of course it will,” Amruta said, reassuringly. “Just remember to keep it in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.”
As they sorted through clothes and books, Aarushi, his younger sister, peeked in, clutching her phone tightly. “Are you really leaving today? What if I forget what you look like?” she asked, her voice laced with mock seriousness.
“Forget what I look like? I’ll just be a video call away,” Rahul laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “Plus, I’m sure you’ll miss my face way too much.”
“Ugh, fine,” she said, crossing her arms. “But who will help me with my homework?”
“I can still help over video chat! Just make sure to call me whenever you’re stuck,” he replied, winking at her.
Amruta chimed in, “And I expect you to video chat us every week, Rahul. No exceptions!”
“Alright, Mom, I promise!” he said, folding his favorite hoodie. “But can I have a little freedom to adjust to my new life?”
Aarushi rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah. But you better send me cool stuff from America, or I’ll be really mad.”
“Deal,” he chuckled, picking up a few snacks from the pantry. “I’ll send you the best American snacks I can find!”
Amruta held up a small pouch. “And here are your favorite snacks from home. Just in case you get homesick.”
“Thanks, Mom. I’ll need these,” Rahul said, feeling a swell of gratitude. “You’re the best.”
As they continued packing, Amruta paused, looking at him thoughtfully. “You know, I’m really proud of you, Rahul. This is a big step, and I know you’ll do great things.”
“Thanks, Mom. It means a lot to me,” he replied, feeling a lump in his throat. “But I’m going to miss you both so much.”
Aarushi jumped in, trying to lighten the mood again. “Just promise you won’t forget to call me during my drama club performances!”
“Of course! I’ll be your number one fan, even from miles away,” he reassured her, a smile breaking through his apprehension.
After an hour of packing, Amruta glanced at the clock. “Okay, we need to hurry. The car will be here soon!”
“Let me just grab my laptop and charger!” Rahul darted back to his desk, grabbing the essentials. “I can’t believe I’m really doing this.”
“Neither can I,” Amruta said, her voice slightly shaky as she hugged him tightly. “Just remember, no matter how far you go, we’ll always be here for you.”
Aarushi rushed in to join the hug, squeezing her brother tightly. “You better come back with amazing stories!”
“I promise,” Rahul said, his heart full. “I’ll make sure to bring back some unforgettable adventures.”
As he zipped up his suitcase, he took one last look around his room, filled with memories and moments that had shaped him. This wasn’t just a trip; it was the beginning of a new journey.
“Let’s go!” Amruta said, grabbing his suitcase. “We can’t keep the cab waiting.”
With Aarushi trailing behind, they made their way out the door. Rahul felt a mix of excitement and sadness wash over him, knowing that this was just the start of something new.
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