Chapter 1:

"Every day was a New Beginning. Take a Deep Breath, Smile & Start Again."

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Sheeba's P.O.V.:

I am happy that my sister, I mean my cousin Ishrath's marriage was fixed. I didn't attend the engagement ceremony as I was busy with my final year semester exams. She scolded me a lot and the whole family was upset with it. When I explained to them that I do need a degree in future they nodded and sent me the pictures of the groom and his family in WhatsApp.

WhatsApp. Ever since this app came into existence, everyone in my family had gone crazy and created a group named 'Family passenger' with a train emoji next to it. Not only young people, even my aunties, uncles were present. Even that arrogant, rude Khayyum is also present. Nonetheless I never chatted in that group but I used to read the banters and laugh whole heartedly. I replied only when any of my cousins mentioned my name in the chat.

I could quit from the Group but I was hanging onto it only for one purpose that was whenever EID Celebrations happened they all posted their pictures and videos in that group so that everyone were connected and stay close to heart.

I totally forgot to introduce myself. I am Sheeba and I completed my degree just two months ago but I didn't get my last semester results and graduation will be held after 6 months. I was popular in my friend's circle. Only they knew about my secrets and behavior. Other people in college think that I was a silent, smart and a girl with attitude and an angelic heart. It's correct though.

I have three besties named Sana, Nazu, and Keerthi. Nazu got married in 3rd year and she was quite happy. She is an introvert and she never accompanied us in any pranks. In our gang, she is the goody and matured girl. Whereas I and Keerthi were known as 'Partners in crime'. Sana will accompany too but not if it is any serious.

But one day she became so furious that she yelled at a professor despite my constant pleadings to calm her down. The professor threw Sana out of the class and gave detention to me. Don't ask me what happened. From that day other professors never dared to raise their voice against our Sana. Sana is closest to me the most. We both were like those friends who never get bored of each other's company and whenever we talk we crack jokes and laugh a lot.

I was sad that I was leaving them behind for two months as I was going to my native place for my di's marriage. Sana was also accompanying me. Keerthi went to her native town and Nazu went for a long vacation with her husband. I am on a train and Sana was sleeping next to me. I am happy that I am going to meet my whole joint family again after 10 years.

Yes, you heard it right. After my grandma's death, everyone moved out of the home and spread all over India. Our ancestral home was locked since then and now it’s going to be open and I can see my old room and relish my memories.

In these 10 years, I have seen my other cousins and I met some of them in person too when they came to my place. But I never met and talked with Khayyum. I know I need to face him now because of marriage and no one can skip it. I am dreading to meet him. I hope he changed. I hope he won't be too much of himself and arrogant as he used to be. 

I went to our ancestral home which looked completely different now decorated with flowers, lights and new paints. I silently tiptoed towards the entrance, all were busy in arranging things and my aunties were busy in discussing food items and gifts.

Uncles were busy in giving orders to the servants and yelling at them. I shouted loudly saying "I'm here". They all turned around and gave me large, warm smiles and everyone hugged me one by one. Some of them complimented me and my aunties complained that I became thin. 

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