In the Margins of My Mind
Ch :- 1 [ Goodbye to home]
( ) :- Thinking
{ } :- Translation
** "" ** :- Doing
[ ] :- Author note
The bedroom was a scene of chaos
Late morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a soft glow over Saher as she stood in front of the full-length mirror.
Saher
**catching her breath, and adjusted the top again**
( ignore what you should )
Saher
He Bhagwan...
{ oh god }
She smoothed down her flowing, blush-pink skirt, her heart fluttering violently—
A chaotic blend of wild excitement for what lay ahead and a suffocating, heavy anxiety about leaving behind everything she had ever known.
She was leaving home to pursue her future
Saher
Mummy, please hurry up! It won't zip up if you keep adding more clothes. 😫😩
Sitting at the edge of the bed was her grandmother.
Maya—whom Saher had affectionately called "Mummy" since she was a baby, learning to speak in a household where warmth was the primary language.
Maya Devi
**neatly refolded a thick, warm woollen cardigan for the third time**
Saher
The weight limit is already about to cross. And by the way...
Saher
Where is Daddy? I'm getting late, the cab could be here any minute, and there's no sign of him!
Maya Devi
**paused, letting the cardigan rest in her lap**
She looked up at her granddaughter, her soft eyes glistening with suppressed tears that she refused to let fall.
A comforting, timeless smile spread across her face.
Maya Devi
Oh my child, have some patience. Your Daddy isn't running away.
Maya said softly with the calmness
Maya Devi
He knows his favorite girl is leaving...
Maya Devi
He just went outside for some important work for you. He’s been worried since morning that something might be left behind.
Saher
... 😮💨 But doesn't he know how long it takes to reach the airport on time?
Saher grumbled, pacing near the edge of the rug, though her restless energy was less about time management
Just as she pulled out her phone to call him, the heavy wooden bedroom door creaked open.
In walked her grandfather, Mr. Singh—the patriarch of the family, and the man Saher had lovingly addressed as "Daddy" her entire life.
Mr. Av singh
**He was carrying two large canvas bags stuffed to the brim, the handles digging into his hands**
Inside were carefully sealed jars of homemade snacks, roasted dry fruits.
Sealed packets of her favorite sweet and savory treats, and small pouches of spices he knew she wouldn't find across the ocean.
Saher
**eyes widened and Her face lit up instantly**
But true to her nature, she covered her emotion with a dramatic, exaggerated sigh.
She dropped her phone onto the bed and hurried across the room.
Saher
**Wrapping her arms tightly around his chest in a desperate, clinging hug, burying her face into his chest**
Saher
What was the need for all of this, Daddy?
Saher
My luggage is already so heavy! 🥹 The check-in people at the airport will charge me an extra baggage fine.
He didn't answer right away. He carefully set the canvas bags down on the floor before
Mr. Av singh
**Wrapping his arms around her tightly, holding her as if to anchor her to the spot**
Mr. Av singh
**patted her hair gently, absorbing the moment**
Before slowly pulling back just enough to frame her face in his worn, weathered hands.
Mr. Av singh
How is there no need, Saher 🤨?
Saher
it's too much for one person 😭
Mr. Av singh
Who will take care of you in a foreign land? When you get hungry studying late at night, what will you eat?
He said softly, staring into her eyes with pure, unfilted warmth.
Saher
(wow... I can't even get mad. 🤧... Tho when do I study that hard ? )
Saher
everything is available there...
She whispered, her voice faltering as she saw the sheen of tears in his eyes.
Mr. Av singh
Listen to me carefully... Everything might be available, but home's love isn't.
He interrupted, his tone shifting from tender to fiercely protective as he looked deeply into her eyes.
Mr. Av singh
And remember one thing always—if you face any kind of trouble over there, no matter how big or small... You could just come straight back home.
Maya Devi
Yes, You don't need to fear or worry about anything. **Speak up**
Maya Devi
This home was yours, our child. is yours, and will always remain yours. 😊
Mr. Av singh
Also, If you run short of money or need anything at all, just make one phone call.
Mr. Av singh
You never need to ask anyone else for help. 🙂↔️
Mr. Av singh
And most importantly... take care of yourself, eat on time, and call us every single day.
Mr. Av singh
Not a single day should be missed, do you understand?
Maya stood up from the bed, quietly wiping the corner of her eye.
Maya Devi
**She walked over and wrapped a gentle arm around Saher’s shoulder, pulling herself into the embrace**
Saher bit her lower lip hard, fighting a losing battle against the tears that threatened to overflow and ruin her glasses.
Looking at her grandparents—the two pillars of her life who had raised her, protected her, and loved her unconditionally.
The painful realization settled in that tomorrow morning,
She wouldn't wake up with her Maya Mummy, nor would she hear Daddy reading the newspaper aloud in the living room...
Saher
I promise, Daddy. I'll call every day... as soon as I land, I'll call you first. 🥺
Saher
**she whispered, squeezing his hands back with all her strength**
Saher
And these snacks you brought... I won't even share them with friends, if by chance I made any. I'll finish all of them myself before them. 😌😌😌
Mr. Av singh
**gave a faint, emotional laugh, a stray tear finally escaping down his cheek, which he quickly wiped away**
He leaned forward and pressed a warm, blessings-filled kiss onto her forehead.
He said, taking a deep breath to compose himself as a car horn honked outside the house.
Mr. Av singh
That's all I want. Always keep smiling
Mr. Av singh
Now come on, the cab is here. Wipe your tears, and get ready for this new journey.
Maya Devi
Our blessings are always with you.
Saher
Don't cry... And also don't miss me... I'll come back soon to bother you both again 😗
Saher
(I love you both so much after all...)
Author
I hope you enjoyed it.
Thought, it was a family moment 🤧
Author
And in chapter end, I'll be giving an introduction for others.
Name :- saher Kaur
Age :- 22
Height :- 4' 11.
Like :- her phone, family and friends and snacks, making friends etc.
Dislikes :- insects, rude mean people, who ignore her, or someone who don't have manners, judgmental type etc.
Personality :- honest, childish, overthinker, friendly, short-tempered.
Job :- none.
Relationship status :- single from birth
Mr. Av singh
Name :- Mr. Av Singh
Age :- 78
Personality :- caring, over protective, honest, smart, mature father.
Always put his family and wife before himself.
Job :- government job.
Maya Devi
Name :- Maya Devi
Age :- 75
Personality:- calm, loving, thoughtful, a mother figure.
love her family alot.
Author
Their family history will be seen later. it's enough for now
Author
see you soon in the next episode
Ch :- 2 [ London, second home coming. ]
The steady thud-thud of the tires against the tarmac signaled the end of a ten-hour flight, but for Saher, time had completely lost its meaning.
While the rest of the passengers unbuckled their seatbelts and scrambled for the overhead bins.
She remained frozen in her window seat.
Saher
**Clutching her phone like a lifeline**
The moment the cabin crew announced that mobile devices could be switched on, her thumb flew across the screen, turning off airplane mode.
Her fingers trembled slightly
Saher
**As she typed out a quick message to her grandparents: **
* landed safely, Daddy. off to clear customs now. love you both.*
Stepping out of Heathrow Airport into the crisp, chilly London air felt like walking into an entirely different dimension.
The raw, cool wind nipped at her face, making her feel chilled
Saher
**Wrap her cardigan tighter around her shoulders**
Saher
( Damn it's cold... )
She pushed a trolley stacked high with her oversized hard-shell suitcases
—and the heavy canvas bags stuffed with her grandfather's carefully packed snacks—toward the bustling arrivals gate.
Saher
**Searching through the sea of driver signs**
Loved ones holding flowers, and tired travelers, Saher's eyes scanned the crowd.
Her short height made navigating the dense crowd a challenge, forcing her to tip-toe over her luggage stack just to get a clear view.
Standing head and shoulders above most of the crowd was Jyoti.
Jyoti
**shouted, her voice cutting right through the airport chatter**
With her tall figure, she looked like a model standing near the exit gates.
Holding a handwritten sign that read "WELCOME HOME, SAHER!" complete with poorly drawn little hearts.
Before Saher could even park her trolley,
She closed the distance between them in three long strides and nearly swept Saher off her feet.
Jyoti
**pulled her into a tight, lifting hug**
That briefly left Saher’s shoes dangling an inch off the cold airport floor.
Jyoti
**pulling back while keeping her hands firmly on Saher's shoulders**
Jyoti
You haven't grown an inch!
Jyoti
I swear you’ve actually managed to get shorter since the last time I saw you. 👀✨
Jyoti
**Looking down at her with wide, glowing eyes**
Saher
**laughed, as she smoothed down her outfit**
Saher
I'm standing on my toes, okay? 😑
Saher
It's just the London air flattening me out. God, it is so good to see you, My dear... 🤧😗
Jyoti
Come on, hand over the heavy stuff. 😂
Jyoti said, effortlessly grabbing the handles of the two biggest suitcases.
Jyoti
You look like you're about to be crushed under your own luggage.
Jyoti
your sister Rose and my brother Rayaan are waiting at home, and if we take too long....
Jyoti
Rose will convince herself our car got swallowed by the Thames. 😑😐
The drive from the airport into the city was a blur of slick asphalt, grey skies...
Jyoti chattered happily from the driver's seat, filling the car with updates about life in the UK, while
Saher
**leaned against the window**
watching the English countryside slowly give way to rows of elegant brick townhouses.
Saher
( how might they be doing? )
Her cousin Rose had married Rayaan—Jyoti’s older brother—two years ago, settling down in a quiet, leafy suburb of London.
Over the last eight months, their home had been completely overtaken by the chaotic joy of their baby girl, Eimi.
When Jyoti pulled the car into a cozy drive lined with blooming hydrangeas, the front door of the townhouse flew open before the engine had even turned off.
Rose
**Stepped out onto the porch, wrapped in a oversized beige knit sweater**
Rose
**Holding a tiny, soft bundle tightly against her chest**
Right behind her was Rayaan, wearing a warm, welcoming smile as he walked down the steps to help with the bags.
Rose called out, her voice filled with relief as she walked down to meet them.
Rayaan
Welcome to London, Saher.
Rayaan
**said warmly, leaning in for a gentle, brotherly side-hug**
While taking the heaviest bag right out of Jyoti’s hands.
Rayaan
You made great time. How was the flight?
Saher
Long... **admitted, smiling through her exhaustion**
Saher
But the moment I saw dear waving that ridiculous sign, I forgot how tired I was. 😌
Jyoti
Hey, that sign was a masterpiece 🙂↔️
Jyoti
**protested, grabbing the last remaining shoulder bag**
Saher turned her attention to Rose
Saher
**Her eyes instantly softening as her gaze fell upon the tiny baby resting in her arms**
Eight-month-old Eimi had a mop of soft dark hair, chubby rosy cheeks, and huge, curious dark eyes that blinked up at Saher in solemn inspection.
Saher
Oh, sister... **breathed, stepping closer and gently touching the baby’s tiny, warm mitten-covered hand**
Saher
She’s absolute perfection... 😍
Rose
She’s been awake waiting for her auntie all morning. 😌
Rose
**smiled softly, shifting Eimi so Saher could get a closer look**
Rose
Come inside out of the cold. The kettle's already boiled, and your room is all set up. 😄
Rayaan
Yeah, we can talk later, after you get some rest.
Jyoti
I'm going in, first.
Stepping inside the warm, wood-scented hallway of the house, the lingering chill of the journey instantly melted away.
Between the soft gurgles of baby Eimi
The familiar laughter of her extended family, the daunting weight of being in a foreign land began to ease.
Saher
**slipped off her shoes, took a deep breath, and thought of her grandfather's words**
She was far from home, but standing here, surrounded by family.
Saher
( maybe, It's not so bad, after all... )
She realized home had a way of finding her anyway.
Author
I hope you enjoyed it, and thank you for waiting (◕ᴗ◕✿)
Author
Let's give the new character's introduction again.
Name :- Jyoti
Age :- 19
Height:- 5'9...
personality:- intelligent, kind, chill, caring, funny, also savage sometimes.
Job :- none.
relationship status :- single, not interested in being mingled too
Name :- Rose (The Wife)
Age :- 24
Height :- 5'6
Personality:- kind, loving, understanding yet Bold, stylish, nice and sweet only to those she loves.
Profession: Professional model and fashion designer.
Name :- Rayaan
Age :- 27
Height :- 6'2
personality :- caring, kind, utterly obsessed with his wife, protective to family,
Cold to the world, but completely melts for his family.
Profession :- Elite Bank manager and hidden Mafia Boss... (nobody else knows other than his wife)
Name :- Eimi
Age :- 8 months old.
Personality :- Breathtakingly cute and looks exactly like her dad.
Favorite Word :- Loves babbling "Papa, Papa!" all day long.
Author
It's enough for today.
Author
See you again in the next chapter. 👋🏻
Author
don't forget to
Like
Comment
subscribe
And support us 🙏🏻
Ch :- 3 [ Fast asleep ]
The moment she stepped further into the hallway, pulling off her heavy boots and setting them neatly by the door.
Rose insisted, steering Saher toward the plush gray sofa in the living room.
Rose
Rayaan, put those heavy bags by the stairs for now. Saher looks like she’s about to faint from exhaustion. 😐
Saher
**Protested with a soft chuckle**
Then sinking into the deep cushions with a satisfied sigh.
Rayaan
**chuckled as he set the two largest suitcases down near the entryway**
Rayaan
Don't argue with her, Saher. 😐
Rayaan
She’s been pacing the living room for two hours, checking the clock every five minutes.
Rose
My little cousin sister is finally here!
Rose
Now, what can I get you? Tea? Coffee?
Rose
I bought that fancy hazelnut creamer you might like, or I can whip up a fresh pot of cardamon milk tea. ✨🤭
Saher
Oh, none of that for me, You know me—no milk tea, no coffee, nothing fancy.
Saher winced playfully, holding up her hands in a soft decline.
Saher
Just a simple glass of water would be heaven right now. 😅
Jyoti
Still a water purist, huh?
Jyoti teased, a broad grin spreading across her face.
Jyoti
**Leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed**
Jyoti
Not even a hot chocolate in this freezing weather? 🫤
Saher
Plain, cool water is superior and you all know it. 😌✨
Saher
**replied, adjusting her round glasses**
Rose
**shook her head affectionately and headed toward the kitchen**
Returning moments later with a tall, chilled glass of water.
Saher drank it down gratefully, the cold liquid instantly reviving her tired throat.
Eimi, resting against Rose’s chest, let out a tiny, high-pitched gurgle.
Eimi
**Her large dark eyes staring fixedly at Saher’s tiny gold nose ring**
Which flickered in the soft yellow living room lighting.
Rose
**whispered, a warm smile gracing her lips**
Rose
She’s fascinated by you. 🤭
Saher’s heart practically melted.
Saher
**She leaned forward slightly, wiggling her fingers toward the baby**
Saher
Hey there, little princess... Remember me from the video calls? I'm your auntie Saher.... 👀
Rayaan
She start liking you, maybe... Tho still I'm her fav 😌 **proud father**
Eimi
**gave a soft, toothless gummy smile and waved her tiny, chubby fist**
Making Jyoti drop onto the sofa right next to Saher.
Because of their height difference, Jyoti towered over her even sitting down.
Jyoti
**Effortlessly throwing a long arm over Saher’s shoulders and pulling her into a half-hug**
Jyoti began, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she used the familiar term of endearment,
Jyoti
So, saher didi. { didi means sister in Hindi }
Jyoti
Are you ready for Monday? Orientation day is going to be wild.
Saher
**turning her head to look up at her tall companion**
Saher
**said softly, her eyes shining with genuine enthusiasm**
She loved calling Jyoti Dear—it was a habit she’d picked up back home, a sweet, soft name reserved exclusively for her sister-like friend.
Saher
I still can't believe we're actually going to the same university.
Saher
Having you there is the only reason I'm not completely terrified right now... 🤧
Jyoti
Oh, please! You’re going to crush it **bumping her shoulder lightly against her**
Jyoti
And don't worry, once we get on campus, nobody calls me Jyoti. Everyone calls me AJ. ✨
Saher
**raised an eyebrow**
Saher
AJ? Very fancy. Sounds like a action-movie hero or a cool campus athlete. 🤨
Jyoti smirked, tossing her hair dramatically over her shoulder.
Jyoti
Plus, 'AJ' is just easier for the folks here to throw around. But you... you can call me whatever you want. 😇😇😇
Rayaan laugh out loud from the open kitchen doorway, where he was unpacking a batch of fresh fruit onto the counter.
Rayaan
Good luck getting her to call you AJ with a straight face, Jyoti.
Rayaan called out teasingly.
Rayaan
To Saher, you'll always just be her tall shadow. Lil sis 🤭
Jyoti
Hey! I am a very protective shadow! 😒🙄
Jyoti
**wrapping both arms around Saher’s shoulders and squeezing her tight**
Making Saher squeak in surprise.
Jyoti
I’m going to show her all the best quiet study spots, the best library nooks—
Jyoti
And the bakery near campus that sells those amazing glazed pastries.
Rose
Just make sure she doesn't get lost on her first day. 😐
Rose added gently, resting a sleeping Eimi against her shoulder as she patted the baby’s back.
Rayaan
You know how vast the university grounds are, AJ.
Jyoti
I won't let her out of my sight, **promised, her playful tone softening into genuine warmth**
Jyoti
We’re in this together.
As the chatter in the room quieted down into a comfortable, warm hum,
Saher
**phone began to vibrate softly against her thigh**
The caller ID glowed with a picture of her grandparents weathered, loving face.
Saher
**Her heart did a small flutter**
Saher
It's Daddy! **she announced, her voice filled with sudden emotion**
Rose
Go on. Answer it.
**Whispered softly, not wanting to wake the now-dozing Eimi**
Saher quickly slid the screen to answer and brought the phone close to her face.
Mr. Av singh
Saher! Child...
Her grandfather’s rich, anxious voice boomed through the speaker, crisp and clear despite the thousands of miles between them.
Mr. Av singh
Are you safe? Have you reached your sister's home? Did you find your luggage alright? Is the weather too cold?
Saher
**She couldn't help the warm, tearful laugh that escaped her lips**
Saher
Daddy, slow down! Yes, I'm completely safe. 😄
Saher
I’m sitting on the couch right now with Rose, brother rayaan, Eimi, and Dear. We just got home from the airport.
In the background, her grandmother Maya’s gentle voice filtered through the line.
Maya Devi
Ask her if she ate anything, Ask her if she put on her sweater!
Saher
Mummy, I hear you 🤭! **called out to the phone, her heart swelling with affection**
Saher
I'm wearing my warm clothes, I drank my water, and Rose is taking super good care of me.
Saher
You don't have to worry about a single thing. 😌
Mr. Av singh
Ah, thank God.
Mr. Singh let out a deep, audible sigh of relief on the other end.
Mr. Av singh
The house feels so quiet without you, my child. Your Mummy kept going into your room looking for you...
Saher
I know, Daddy... I miss you both so much already.
Saher whispered, her thumb gently tracing the edge of her phone case.
Saher
But I promised I'd call every day, didn't I? I'm keeping my promise.
Mr. Av singh
Now go get some rest. You’ve had a long journey. Take care of yourself, and give everyone our love.
Saher
I will, Daddy. Goodnight... I miss you both.
Mr. Av singh
miss you too, beta. God bless you.
The line clicked off, leaving a sweet, quiet stillness in the room.
Saher
**stared at the darkened screen for a moment**
The heavy anxiety that had been clutching her chest all morning finally dissolved, replaced by a deep, peaceful sense of security.
Rose
They really love you so much. **said softly, looking at Saher with fond eyes**
Saher
Yeah... **murmured**
Saher
**Leaning her head back against the plush cushions of the sofa** They really do.
The soft hum of the heater, and Jyoti silently scrolling on her phone right next to her.
Without even realizing it,
Saher
**Head tipped sideways, resting gently against Jyoti’s shoulder**
Her glasses slipped slightly down the bridge of her nose, her dark, wavy hair spilling softly across her face.
Jyoti
**froze for a second, then smiled softly down at her sis asleep against her**
Jyoti
**Carefully reached over, pulled off her glasses**
She set them gently on the side table before pulling a plush fleece throw blanket over her.
Jyoti
**Tucking the blanket around Saher’s shoulders**
Rayaan
Fast asleep, **whispered to Rose**
Rose
Let her sleep **smiled softly, holding Eimi close** She's home now.
Rose
we hope you all enjoyed it. author will be back soon with the next episode ☺️
Download NovelToon APP on App Store and Google Play
