The morning sun peeked through the small windows of their little house behind the big one. Today was a big day for Abhi, Nagesh, and their parents—but not for MK, who was still too small to join the adventure.
"Are you ready, Abhi?" their mother asked, tying his little scarf with trembling fingers. Her eyes were glossy, but she forced a smile.
"I'm ready, Ma," Abhi said, trying to sound brave, though he could feel the tightness in her chest.
Nagesh tugged at her saree, fidgeting. "I don't want to go!" he whined, making a face.
"Of course you do, little rascal," Abhi teased, ruffling Nagesh's hair. "You'll make friends. You'll have fun."
Their mother let out a shaky laugh. "I'll miss you so much… I can't believe I have to leave you here for the first time." She dabbed at her eyes.
Abhi and Nagesh exchanged a glance, both trying not to laugh at their mom's overdramatic gestures.
"I'll be fine, Ma. Don't worry," Abhi said, taking Nagesh's hand and leading him toward the desi kindergarten, just a few meters from their small house.
The school courtyard was alive with children running around, teachers calling names, and the smell of chalk dust mixing with morning dew. Abhi and Nagesh's faces lit up.
Their mother hesitated at the gate, looking at MK sitting on the doorstep, clutching his tiny blanket. At three years old, he was too small to join yet, and she knew he didn't understand what was happening.
"Oh, my little baby," she whispered, pulling him close. MK hugged her back, giggling, completely oblivious to the drama of his older brothers being left inside.
"Come on, kids, inside now," their father said, kneeling to adjust Abhi's cap. "You'll have fun. You'll make friends. And don't forget what we taught you!"
Abhi and Nagesh waved at their parents, their small backpacks bouncing as they walked inside. Their mother's eyes were watery now, and she could barely speak, mumbling, "Grow up strong, my little ones… please be safe…"
MK reached out his tiny hands, tugging at Abhi's sleeve, as if saying, "Don't leave me behind!"
Abhi bent down, smiling at him. "One day, you'll join us, little MK. And then… you'll have double the fun."
Nagesh added, "Yeah, and I'll beat you in running races!"
MK giggled, clapping his hands.
As the parents watched the kindergarten gate close behind them, they laughed through their tears, the morning sun shining down on the little trio, full of energy, innocence, and tiny adventures waiting to happen.