The room was small.
A bed.
A desk.
A wardrobe.
A bookshelf.
A window overlooking a courtyard.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
It was hers.
Completely hers.
The moment the door closed behind her, another memory surfaced.
Check everything.
Rohan's voice.
Arvind's voice.
Be careful.
Trust slowly.
Protect yourself.
With complete seriousness she inspected the room.
Behind the curtains.
Inside cupboards.
Under the bed.
Near the smoke detector.
Inside drawers.
Nothing.
No hidden cameras.
No surprises.
Only silence.
Only safety.
She smiled for the first time that day.
Then she opened the new phone and called India.
Dr. Sumitra answered immediately.
"Did you reach safely?"
"Yes, Amma."
The old doctor laughed softly.
"Good."
"I reached the university."
"Good."
"I reached the hostel."
"Good."
"The room is nice."
"Good."
For several seconds neither spoke.
Then Dr. Sumitra said quietly:
"We are proud of you."
Alankrita cried immediately.
Not because she was sad.
Because she needed to hear those words