Lalima was returning home from school. In her area, this was the only school that offered free education for girls. Her family couldn't afford the financial expenses required for private education, so she was grateful to attend this government school.
When she reached home, she heard her parents talking. Though she didn't pay much attention at first, as she was about to put her school bag on the veranda, she heard her name mentioned in their conversation.
She listened carefully.
Her mother, Savita, said softly, "She's already eighteen years old, and her studies are almost complete till Class 10. The school doesn't provide higher education, and she wants to continue further. But we need money, and we can't support two children's studies. So, she has to leave and stay home."
Her father replied, "My friend Shravan's son is also looking for marriage. If this alliance works out, everything will be fine."
Lalima froze. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She didn't want to marry yet — she wanted to study and build her own future.
Though her heart felt heavy, she remembered what her teacher had said earlier that day:
"If you score first place in the exam, you'll receive a full scholarship — free education till college."
Hope flickered in her heart. Thinking about it, Lalima decided she would study harder than ever before. That night, she told her parents about the scholarship and her dream to continue her education.