chapter 8

After having a small chat with Nisha, Vaidehi entered the office, her heart still buzzing with excitement. The day ahead seemed like just a formality, something she had to get through before the real fun began. Her colleagues were just as excited as she was, and it showed in how efficiently everyone worked. Tasks that are usually dragged on were completed in record time, fueled by the collective anticipation of their upcoming trip. The office was a whirlwind of energy, with everyone eagerly counting down the hours until they could leave.By 6 p.m., the staff was out the door, their faces lit with excitement. Vaidehi returned home to finish her packing, her mind already on the road ahead. At exactly 10 p.m., the minibus pulled up in front of her house. She grabbed her bags and, with a final wave to her mother, climbed aboard. The bus was filled with laughter and chatter as her colleagues exchanged stories and jokes. Vaidehi felt a surge of happiness—this trip to Jaipur was just what she needed.The journey to Jaipur was smooth, and by the time they arrived, it was late at night. Exhausted but thrilled, they checked into their hotel. The budget constraints meant that they had to share rooms, but Vaidehi was more than happy to bunk with Nisha. They chatted late into the night, their conversation filled with plans for the days ahead.The next morning, after a quick breakfast, they were off to explore Jaipur. Their first stop was the Amber Fort, where they marveled at the intricate architecture and the breathtaking views from the top. The historic aura of the place made Vaidehi feel like she had stepped back in time. As they walked through the ancient corridors, she could almost hear the whispers of the past, and it gave her chills.They spent the next few days immersed in the rich culture and history of Jaipur. They visited the City Palace, strolled through the Hawa Mahal, and even made time to see the Jantar Mantar. Every evening, they returned to their hotel, tired but exhilarated. They indulged in traditional Rajasthani cuisine and did plenty of shopping, picking up souvenirs and gifts for their families.On the last day, they watched the sunset at Nahargarh Fort. As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city, Vaidehi felt a deep sense of contentment. The trip had been everything she hoped for and more—an escape from the routine and a chance to reconnect with herself and her friends.But all good things must come to an end. The team reluctantly boarded the bus back to Delhi, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that they had to return to their regular lives. Vaidehi, too, was sad to leave but grateful for the memories they had created together.Back home, the exhaustion from the trip hit her hard. The change in weather, combined with the fatigue, left her feeling under the weather. By the time they reached Delhi, she was sneezing and shivering. Despite her excitement to share her stories with her mother, all she could do was crawl into bed. She called in sick to the office and took two days off to recover.During those two days, Vaidehi barely moved from her bed. She slept for hours, waking only to eat or take her medication. Her mother was constantly by her side, fussing over her, bringing her soup, and checking her temperature. Despite the scolding she received for not taking better care of herself during the trip, Vaidehi couldn’t help but feel touched by her mother’s concern. There was a warmth in her mother’s care that went beyond the simple tasks of nursing her back to health.Even though she was tired and a little irritated by her mother's nagging, Vaidehi felt a profound sense of gratitude. She realized that true love wasn’t just about the grand gestures or the romantic stories people often talked about. It was in the small, everyday actions—like the way her mother tucked her in at night, or the way she made sure Vaidehi was never without a warm blanket or a hot cup of tea.As she lay in bed, recovering, Vaidehi reflected on the trip and everything that had happened. The joy, the laughter, the shared moments with friends—all of it was precious. But nothing compared to the love she felt from her mother. In those quiet moments, she realized that her mother’s love was the truest love she could ever know. It was unwavering, patient, and always there, no matter what.By the end of her two days of rest, Vaidehi was feeling much better. She got up from bed, stretched, and felt a renewed sense of energy. Her cold was almost gone, and the fever had subsided. As she prepared to go back to work, she knew that she would carry the warmth of her mother’s love with her, not just as she returned to her daily routine, but always. The trip to Jaipur had been wonderful, but the real treasure was the realization that she was loved deeply and unconditionally right at home.