The early rays of the sun had just begun to peek through the bedroom window when a powerful voice thundered through the house.

"Yalieeeeeeeeee! Wake up! It’s 7:30 AM! Time for school!"

Yalie groaned under her blanket, refusing to open her eyes.

"Five more minutes, Amma…" she mumbled sleepily, hugging her pillow tighter.

Little did she know, it was actually just 7:00 AM — classic Amma style. Indian mothers had their own time zones, and in this one, five more minutes often meant thirty.

In the next room, her elder and younger sisters were already stirring. Yalie smirked slyly to herself.

"Amma! Wake up elder and younger instead of me!" she shouted, hoping to shift the attention.

But her plan failed.

Ten more minutes passed. Then another ten. Amma returned with the determination of a warrior.

"Yalie! Enough of sleeping! You’re getting late!"

With a deep sigh and puffy eyes, Yalie finally sat up. Dizzy and drowsy, she dragged herself out of bed.

"Amma," she said, half-conscious, "Did you keep hot water for washing my face?"

She freshened up, followed by the younger sister, then the elder. A perfectly practiced routine. Backpacks were packed, hair was braided, and water bottles filled. Appa, always ready in his crisp shirt and office bag, waited near the door.

The whole family stepped out together — Amma waving goodbye as she locked the house behind them. Appa dropped the girls at school and drove off to his office. Amma headed to her work too, beginning her own long day.

This was Yalie’s life. A whirlwind every morning, ruled by Amma’s alarms and school bells.

But today felt a little different.

As she walked through the school gate, Yalie noticed a boy standing across the road, watching her. He had a curious look, and something about him felt... familiar.

She looked again. He was still there.

And just like that, her ordinary morning took a mysterious turn.