Life rarely unfolds the way we imagine it as children. Back then, we dream big and brim with hope, confident in our ability to shape the future. But as time passes, life—or perhaps the choices we make—leads us down paths where we begin to lose sight of who we are. Dreams that once felt achievable now seem distant, almost unreachable.

Today was no different—a day steeped in routine, with nothing to set it apart. Rupali sat in her small apartment, consumed by familiar questions: What is the purpose of my life? What do I truly want? The answers eluded her, leaving a gnawing sense of emptiness. The life she had imagined felt like a mirage, one she could no longer grasp.

Once, there had been a time when Rupali was full of ambition. She had envisioned a thriving career after her education, driven by the desire to give her family the happiness they deserved. Growing up without her father's support wasn't easy, but her mother's unconditional love had always been her anchor. It filled the gaps and gave her strength to keep moving forward.

After graduation, Rupali moved to the bustling city of Mumbai, hoping to turn her aspirations into reality. She believed the city would hold the answers to her dreams. With relatives nearby, she thought she'd have the support she needed to succeed. But Mumbai had its own way of teaching harsh truths. Slowly, the weight of societal expectations and endless struggles began chipping away at her confidence. The once-determined young woman found herself unraveling, her dreams slipping further from reach.

Her struggles eventually consumed her, leaving her disillusioned and lost. The thought of continuing her life as it was felt unbearable. Regret lingered in her mind like a shadow: If only I had made better decisions. If only I could go back and fix everything. If only I could return to the beginning, to when it all started. These thoughts circled endlessly, a haunting reminder of the life she had once imagined but could no longer see.