Every two days, another exam came and went. Now it was time for the management optional subjects. Despite their busy schedules, they managed everything with quiet determination. Each day, they spent hours at their desks, attending to work, speaking with the India tech team, and coordinating with the hostel. For nearly an hour, they remained occupied on their phones, handling responsibilities with maturity.
Afterward, they allowed themselves a short break before retreating to the study room. In this way, they balanced both business and examinations. The optional subjects were tough, demanding deep focus and effort, yet the three friends faced them bravely. One by one, on alternate days, they appeared for each exam. Though the difficulty level was high, they wrote confidently, without fear or tension, steadily making their way forward.
Vikas's father played a silent yet powerful role in their journey. Every day, he personally drove them to the college and waited patiently for more than three and a half hours until their exams were over, bringing them back home safely. He believed that the children should be free from worry so they could perform their best.
During the breaks, they would come out and eagerly show him their answer sheets from Part 2. He would smile with pride, appreciating their efforts. Often, he made calls to Inamina's family, sharing their progress and achievements with joy. Seeing the three of them write their exams so diligently filled him with happiness.
Within eight days, all the optional subjects were completed. It was finally time to rest. After their last exam, Vikas's father gently said, "Children, now you must relax. Have your lunch, take some rest, and in the evening, we will sit together for tea at 5:30 and talk."
They followed his advice. After lunch, they went to their rooms and slept peacefully. In the evening, they woke up, freshened themselves, and gathered for tea. They spoke about their exams—how they had written them, the challenges they faced in the examination hall, and the different behaviors of invigilators. Some invigilators were strict, maintaining complete silence, while others were slightly lenient. They laughed while recalling these small yet memorable moments.
Listening to them, Vikas's father smiled and said, "Take rest for two days—today and tomorrow. The day after, we will go for a long drive. We will explore the places around Chicago for three days. We'll stay in good hotels, enjoy delicious food, and visit all the famous monuments. Be ready and pack your bags within 24 hours."
The three friends were overjoyed. After days of hard work, the thought of travel and relaxation filled their hearts with excitement. That evening, they prayed, had dinner, and went to bed with happy thoughts.
The next morning, at sunrise, they woke up early and went for jogging. After exercising, they relaxed in the garden, enjoying the beauty of nature. The cool breeze, the greenery, and the peaceful surroundings brought them a deep sense of calm.
Vikas's father joined them and said warmly, "My children, this is life. You have succeeded in your education. You have completed your post-graduation in Chicago. Now, it is time to think about the next step. Your fathers have been searching for suitable matches for the past six months. Today, I will show you some photographs of boys. Each of you should select at least two. We will then investigate their backgrounds carefully. If we find any negative points, we will reject them and move to the next option."
He showed them the photographs, and each of them thoughtfully selected two. He looked at them with satisfaction and continued, "A person's background may appear perfect on paper, but we must also understand their nature. We should spend time with them—at least six to eight hours—to truly know their character, their thinking, and their behavior."
They listened carefully, understanding the importance of his words. There was a sense of maturity in the air, mixed with excitement about the future.
With their exams completed and plans for travel ahead, their hearts felt light and hopeful. The next day would mark the beginning of a new journey—not just to explore the beauty of Chicago, but also to step slowly into the next phase of their lives.