"My future shan't be as dry as my parents have predicted it to be like. I believe in the beauty of my dreams and I'm all set to captivate my inner space with what I love," said Shivin as he sat at his cluttered study desk, surrounded by stacks of textbooks and college brochures. He had his laptop on the table and he knew what to do with it. The soft glow of his desk lamp cast a focused light on his face as he feverishly researched universities abroad.
He had big dreams, dreams that extended far beyond the boundaries of Bangalore, the city he lived in with his parents. He was proud of his tallness. His ordinary appearance was enhanced by his enticing slanted brown eyes, which were particularly admired by his friends and schoolmates. However, Shivin nurtured a longing for what he considered to be "ordinary yet attention-grabbing" eyes, particularly desiring the vivid blue eyes. His fascination with blue eyes was boundless.
Settling down with his laptop, Shivin eagerly delved into researching UK universities, with a primary focus on those in London. He turned to Google to gather the necessary information. Among them, King's College London captured his attention, especially because one of his favourite authors, Virginia Woolf, had studied there. Shivin dreamt of pursuing a degree in English Literature or Media Studies at KCL, longing to follow in the footsteps of the literary greats who once walked its halls.
He held onto the hope that his parents would be able to secure an educational loan to fund his education in the UK. Shivin's tired eyes darted from one university website to another, devouring every piece of information that could bring him closer to his dreams. He imagined himself walking through the hallowed halls of prestigious institutions, mingling with students from around the world, and immersing himself in a world of knowledge and opportunity.
As the clock ticked past midnight, exhaustion crept into Shivin's bones, but his mind was still buzzing with anticipation. He pushed aside the brochures and closed his laptop, hoping to find solace in his dreams. The weight of his aspirations pressed heavily on his chest, fueling both excitement and anxiety. Shivin's room, adorned with posters of famous landmarks and inspirational quotes, provided a glimpse into his desire to explore beyond the confines of his hometown. The vibrant colours and images served as a constant reminder of the adventures that awaited him.
London, with its iconic landmarks and rich history, held a special place in his heart. It symbolised the epitome of his dreams. Lying in bed, Shivin closed his eyes, willing himself to drift into a deep slumber. He let his mind wander to the streets of London, envisioning himself strolling along the Thames, gazing up at the towering Big Ben, and getting lost in the bustling crowds of Piccadilly Circus. The allure of the city captivated his imagination, promising a world of possibilities and experiences.
As the night wore on, Shivin's thoughts melded with his dreams, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy. In his sleep, he found himself walking the streets of London, every detail vivid and vibrant. The aroma of fresh pastries wafted through the air, and the sound of British accents filled his ears. He meandered through the bustling markets of Covent Garden, his steps guided by an invisible force that seemed to know the city intimately. His heart swelled with joy as he immersed himself in the vibrant energy surrounding him.
For a brief moment, Shivin experienced the euphoria of being in the place he longed for the most. But even in his dream, a subtle unease tugged at his consciousness. It was as if he was torn between the reality he knew and the tantalising illusion he was living. Shivin questioned the authenticity of his experience, unable to fully surrender himself to the blissful mirage. Yet, the allure of London proved too powerful to resist. Amidst the dream-like delusion, Shivin's sleep grew restless. Whispers of doubt intertwined with his fantasies, reminding him of the challenges that lay ahead. He knew he was a single child and that his parents would not easily embrace his dreams of studying abroad. Their voices echoed in his mind, urging him to stay grounded, to consider more practical paths.
Suddenly, a jolt ran through Shivin's body, breaking the fragile equilibrium of his slumber. He woke with a start, his heart pounding in his chest. The room, once bathed in the comforting glow of moonlight, was now shrouded in darkness. Disoriented, he fumbled for his phone, its screen illuminating his face. It was already past dawn, and the world outside his window was slowly awakening. A mix of relief and disappointment washed over him as he realised that his dream of London had dissipated like morning mist. The allure of the city still lingered, its memory etched deep within his soul. Just as Shivin began to contemplate the reality of his aspirations, a gentle knock resonated through the room.
The door creaked open, revealing his mother, her face etched with concern.
"Shivin, it's time to wake up," she said softly. "You have a long day ahead of you."
Her words punctuated the end of his dream, but they also marked the beginning of a new chapter. Shivin sighed, pushing himself up from the bed, groggily stretching his limbs as he rose from his bed, his mind now focused on the challenges that awaited him in the light of day. The morning was a pleasantly cold one. With a radiant smile, he turned to his mother and replied, "I'm awake, Mom."
"Today, I'll take my first step toward making my dreams come true," Shivin was firm to make an announcement to his parents. As the morning sun cast its golden rays through the window, Shivin felt a flicker of hope ignite within him. It was a new day—a day brimming with possibilities, obstacles, and the unwavering pursuit of his dreams.