Aadhira had only a moment to decide. Her heart told her to stay and help the village, to protect this breathtaking land with its endless fields of flowers, towering trees, and the crisp, refreshing air. But another part of her clung to the fear of never finding a way home. What if she was stuck here forever?


    Just as the battle within her raged, Tanmay looked at her and asked, "Right? We’ll help save this land—it can’t survive in the world outside."


    Aadhira hesitated, but the words left her mouth before she could second-guess herself. "Yes."


    Diya wiped the tears from her cheeks, her expression hardening with resolve. "Come with me," she said, leading them through the village to her house.


    Stopping at the neighboring house, she knocked on the door. The same little boy Aadhira had helped earlier with his kite—Akil—opened it. Diya called out, "Samarth!" Moments later, a man stepped outside.


    "Would you let Aadhira and Tanmay stay with you?" Diya asked.


    Samarth smiled warmly. "With pleasure. You’re welcome, kids."


    Aadhira stepped inside, her mind still tangled with doubts. Samarth’s house was large from the outside, yet inside, there were no chairs, no table—just a simple mattress on the floor. For a second, she thought she had walked into the wrong room, but Tanmay sat down on the mattress without hesitation. Reluctantly, she followed.


    As Samarth entered with food, he looked at Aadhira and, as if reading her mind, said, "I’m not his brother."


    Aadhira’s eyes widened. "W-what?" Thoughts rushed through her head at twice the speed—How did he know what I was thinking? Does he have some kind of magical power too? I already have a million questions, and now this?


    Akil grinned. "He’s my father. But since he looks so young, people always get confused. You misunderstood too, right?"


    Aadhira let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, I did."


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    But curiosity still gnawed at her. Finally, she found the courage to ask, "Where’s your mother?"


    Samarth’s expression darkened. "She passed away when Akil was very young," he said quietly. "Now, let’s eat before the food gets cold."


    As they ate, Aadhira found herself swallowing more questions than food. Every bite was delicious, yet she couldn’t shake off the lingering thoughts. After dinner, Akil took a folded mattress and carried it upstairs to sleep. Aadhira followed, missing the comfort of her own room—the wooden bed, the chairs, the familiarity.


    "I’m sorry about your mother," she told Akil softly.


    Akil shrugged. "It’s okay. Will you fly kites with me tomorrow?"


    Aadhira smiled. "Yeah, I’ll fly the one I rescued."


    They both chuckled before lying down. As she rested on the rooftop, the gentle night breeze melted her stress away. The sky stretched above her, a blanket of stars shimmering in the moonlight. It was nothing like home, yet strangely comforting.


    But her fears weren’t so easily silenced. You know what’s right, she told herself, so why can’t you make the right decision?


    Her own voice argued back. It’s not that easy. Sometimes, you know every answer in an exam, yet you still fail.


    Before she could continue debating with herself, sleep pulled her under.


    The first rays of sunlight kissed her eyelids awake. She groggily turned away, trying to go back to sleep—until a sudden realization jolted her. Aadhira, this isn’t your house!


    Downstairs, the smell of freshly made aloo paratha called to her. Tanmay was already sitting on the mattress, eating. She joined them, taking a hesitant bite—and instantly, she was lost in the taste. Bite after bite, she devoured the paratha, each one somehow tasting better than the last. She only snapped out of it when her plate was empty.


    Feeling guilty for not thanking Samarth, she opened her mouth to speak—but before she could, another thought popped up. What should I call him? Uncle? Brother?


    Samarth chuckled. "You can call me either—or just Samarth."


    Aadhira froze. Again?! How does he always know what I’m thinking?!


    Akil smirked. "Your dilemma was written all over your face. Anyone could tell."


    They all laughed, and Aadhira finally said, "The paratha was sooo tasty, Samarth."


    Akil jumped up. "Let’s go play something!"


    "Don’t you have school?" Samarth asked.


    "No, it’s a holiday! And I’ve already learned almost everything, Dad," Akil replied, dragging Tanmay with him.


    As Aadhira turned to follow, Samarth called out, "Wait."


    She stiffened. "Yes?"


    He met her eyes. "You’re not from here, are you?"


    Aadhira’s heart pounded. "N-no… but I didn’t come here on purpose."


    Samarth nodded. "Relax, it’s alright. But… I can see something’s bothering you."


    Aadhira hesitated, then sighed. "I miss home. My family. But at the same time… this place… it feels like family too. Your kindness, your bond with Akil—it tells me you had a great family with his mother." She hesitated. "What was she like?"


    Samarth’s face changed, his expression distant. "Akil is waiting for you," he said simply. "You should go."


    Taking the hint, Aadhira nodded. "Thank you… for everything."


    As she walked through the village, she observed everything—the children playing in the sand, climbing trees, women working in the farms, the air filled with life and laughter. This place was unlike anything she had ever known. Even someone uninterested in nature could feel the serenity in the air.


    Reaching the hill, she gazed at the entire village below. The diversity of its people, its culture, its untouched beauty—it was a world of its own.


    And suddenly, she knew.


    When you know every answer in an exam,


    You''ve to find out the result. And I’m going to attempt this one—the biggest test of my life.