The morning sun felt unusually dim today. There was no cheerful chirping of birds in the sky of Shantiniketan village; instead, a heavy silence hung in the air. Ariyan woke up early, his young heart filled with an uneasy premonition.
Suddenly, the sound of commotion reached his ears. He ran toward Tuli's house and stood frozen at the gate. A large truck was being loaded with furniture, trunks, and memories. Tuli's father, Mr. Arman, stood there with a stern, cold face, supervising everything. His expensive clothes and rigid posture made it clear—he no longer belonged in this simple village, and he was taking his family away for good.
Tuli was standing by the door, her fair face flushed red from hours of crying. As soon as she saw Ariyan, she broke away and ran to him, hugging him tightly.
"Ariyan Bhaiya! Father is taking us away," she sobbed. "He said we are never coming back here!"
Ariyan felt a lump in his throat, but he stood tall. He placed a steady hand on Tuli's shoulder. "Don't cry, Tuli. Didn't I promise you? No matter where you go, I will find you."
He quickly reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, folded piece of blue paper. "Here, hide this blue note in your bag. It has my name and the memories of our time under the Bakul tree. Look at it whenever you feel lonely."
Ariyan had written his name and his solemn promise in deep blue ink. Tuli carefully tucked it into the hidden pocket of her frock.
"Tuli! Get in the car, now!" Mr. Arman's voice boomed.
As the car drove away, kicking up a cloud of golden dust, Ariyan stood alone on the path. Tuli leaned out of the window, waving her hand until he became a tiny, vanishing dot. There were no tears in Ariyan's eyes now, only a burning determination.
He whispered to the wind, "Go, Tuli. I cannot stop you today. But I promise, the day I stand before you again, I will no longer be this helpless boy."