The car came to a halt. I didn't even open my eyes to see how it looks like. I was sure no matter how beautiful that place was I was never going to like it.
“Get up. We have reached”, said father, who looked at me for the first time in a fortnight.
I opened my eyes and faced him. I looked straight into his eyes. I was trying hard to find some warmth in it. There was none rather they looked strange.
“See I know you don’t want to stay here. Even I don’t want you to be here but you haven’t left me any choice. I never expected anything of this sought from you.”
I said nothing. He paused a little and then suddenly his tone changed. He spoke as if he wanted everything to be normal again. As if, like me, he wanted everything to be normal as before.
“What happened to you? You were never like this before. You were such a well behaved kid. I was always so proud of you. Contrary to that you have become so difficult to understand now." His tone was again harsh. He continued. "Thus, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle you anymore.”
I said nothing and turned my face. Though I wanted to protest I didn't. I knew it was useless. It’s almost a month I have been trying hard to convince him but he is not ready to accept it. Forget accepting it, he is not ready to listen to me.
“You are a big girl now. You should act more maturely. For god’s sake, you are 15. How many young kids like you have been seen doing stuff like yours?”
Every bit inside me was aching. His words were no less than thousands of arrows. He sounded as if he caught me consuming alcohol or drugs. I know the way I behaved with uncle was not the right. I shouldn't have shouted at him in front of so many people around. But he was continuously asking about my "mothers".
“From now behave properly and stop telling lies. See I don’t want you to get indulge in any more wrong sort of things. So please stay away from things which do not concern you.”
I remained silent. I think he was expecting me to cry or argue or make a scene. He was disappointed. I knew he is not going to change his mind, I also knew the reason behind it. So why waste his time and my energy? I just nodded and got down from the car. He brought my luggage and we went in. He completed all his formalities. And before leaving he came to talk to me.
“Stay safe,” said he.
As he said this I was searching in his eyes for the lost warmth I was trying see for such a long time.
“I don’t want any complaints from this school. They are good people they will take care of you. After all, this is the best hostel in the city.”
I was looking at the floor.
“Listen, look at me.”
I turned to face him. He looked so convincing.
“Promise me you’ll behave properly. If you promise me then I promise you I’ll take you back home forever, at the end of this session. Till then I’ll observe you through your teachers and matron. Okay?”
I was still quite. He got irritated and said.
“Oh, come on say something.”
I had many things in my mind. I wanted to say everything that came up to my mind but I ended up saying this.
“You know Papa what Mum used to say when she was alive? She said not to make promises that we won’t be able to fulfill. I know you are not going to take me home except maybe for holidays. You wanted an alibi and luckily you got it. Don’t try and make me believe things which would never happen.Bye Papa”
I walked towards the door. I stopped at the door. Looked at him and said.
“Congratulations Papa!! On your wedding.”
I saw his shocked expression and then his face drop a little. I closed the door while I left the room and headed towards my new room.
