Motherhood did not replace her dreams.
It simply sat beside them.
Alankrita was no longer only a journalism student.
She was no longer only a researcher.
She was no longer only the owner of half a bookstore.
Now she was something else too.
A mother.
And somehow she managed to be all of them at once.
Mornings began earlier now.
Feed Raghuveer.
Prepare for class.
Pack notes.
Pack assignments.
Pack diapers.
Pack bottles.
Pack extra clothes.
Pack books.
By eight o'clock every morning she looked less like a student and more like a travelling department store.
Somehow she still smiled through it.