6 Word Fiction - WAIT

"My wait prolonged. He moved on."

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100 Word Fiction - I Left the Keys on the Door

“That’s it Yash. I can’t take it anymore. And I am sorry that I trusted you.” I left the voice message, put the phone down and turned to take my bags.

I looked around the house, my home and left the keys on the door with tears rolling down my cheeks.

 

We built our dream home. Even the tiniest thing in our home testifies the love we shared; every corner witnesses our vows, our happiness, our sorrows, our passion, our trust.

We weaved a perfectly beautiful dream that just silently crushed under the betrayal of Yash.

Dreams are an illusion.

Linking to Friday Foto Fiction

A White Flower

(Source : Internet )

What else do you want in life? A peaceful Sunday with a cup of coffee and a nice book to read sounds great. Add a light drizzle outside your window. Your day is made. That’s a perfect Sunday for me. In the month of February came a Sunday similar to this. When life surprises you with such small cherish able moments even you feel like make others happy. That’s when I thought I should make this Sunday a little special for my mom too. 

For the past couple of months my mom was trying to convince me to clean up my old wardrobe. But I managed to avoid this every time with the same ‘every working women favourite alibi’ – “I am very busy with my office stuff. Give me time and I will definitely do it”.

Finally I was free and in a good mood so headed towards my wardrobe. It was a complete mess. It contained what not- My old projects from school, school badges, few diaries from my school days, my badminton racket (which papa gifted me when I won the inter college badminton championship), all my trophies since school, some from college and university too, few certificates, one of my school tie, some gifts from friends and a book gifted my Mehek on my 22nd birthday. 

I was experirncing the moments that disappeared in some faded corners of time. 

I opened the book. I like the smell of old books. It transports me to another world. The world, I sailed through with the eloquent authors. 

Books also remind me of small incidents happened while reading the book. Like I still remember when I was reading harry potter and the goblet of fire, Kasturi narrated verbatim how Fleur Delacour was introduced in the book. I used to count whenever she did that. I guess more than a dozen times she did that with the same intensity.

Oh I found harry potter and the chamber of secrets on the right shelf. I didn't know I kept this book here. This was and is my favourite of all times. I flipped through the pages and I found something unexpected. A dry white flower. 

I almost forgot this until I saw it. But which one is that?

I was in 7th standard and was a newcomer. The school environment was different for me and there were people who made it more difficult. One of them was Kabir. Reasons are still unknown. He wrote my name with any random guy from class and would enjoy my embarrassment. One day when I couldn't take it any more and tears trickled down my eyes he apologized with a white flower. 

Once when he lost a game of badminton, he pushed me in frustration then realized his mistake and apologized with a white flower. 

On that excursion he accidentally locked me inside a washroom attached to the restaurant. I was found after 20 minutes. I had an asthma attack. Doctor was called and almost an hour later my breathing came back to normal. He apologized with a white flower.

Whichever is that, it surely beholds some of the most torturing experiences of my life. Sometimes you don’t just preserve good memories but the bad ones too.

I kept that flower in the book back. And put all the stuff in the wardrobe again.

When mom asked me why didn't discard anything. “There’s nothing to discard”.

AN EPISTOLARY RELATIONSHIP

30th April 2014

Hello dad,

Hope you are enjoying your vacation. I am good. My summer vacations are on so I am at home right now. Missing you badly.

Anjali came to see me yesterday. She is supposed to leave for Kashmir with her Mom and Dad today. She said she would tell me everything about Kashmir once she is back. I know she will, as always narrate how she enjoyed there with her parents, which will upset me more than ever. Don’t worry dad I am not complaining. Even me and Mom went to Victoria Memorial (may be for the 17th time).

Dad I want to ask you something. I don't know if its the right way to ask you this or not. I don't even know whether you would like me asking this question or not. But of course as the days pass and I see people happy around me with their families I become curious about you and Mom.. 

Why did you get divorced? Why was it so difficult for you both to live together? Why didn't you both considered me and my opinion?

Was this relationship business was too fragile to handle or too dangerous to carry on.?

I wont force you to answer. So please don't ask me to not ask you this question again and again.

Stay safe and reply soon..

Yours,

Ruhi

*********************************************************************************

2nd May 2014

Dear Ruh,

Yes I am enjoying my vacations. I am here for past 5 days and the experience is great. I feel relieved here. No cacophony of the racing life. No burden of living. No suffocation of stringent and confused human emotions.. Life is simple here.. I like it this way.

Yet I know I will have to be back in another weeks time. Then the fight for life would resume. The knife of deadlines would continue. Still it feels good.. 

Yesterday I met a girl here. She is a weaver. What an extraordinary craftswomen she is. She weaves shawls with all vibrant and lively colours (which are your favourites too). You know what mesmerized me the most? The way she was weaving that shawl with so many colours at once was incredible. Not a single knot could be seen as she kept on weaving. In a matter of few minutes she seamlessly weaved a great length of the shawl retaining her innocent smile on her face. You know even I tried to weave a relation once; unfortunately the seams could be found everywhere and by everyone...

I know being such a mature daughter you wont force your parents to answer questions that are difficult to answer. And thus even I wont ask you to not ask questions which are not only difficult for us to face but bother you for life...

Take care and remember we both love you a lot...

Yours and only yours,
Dad..

SIX WORD STORY - TESTIMONY

Dilapidated House Testify Its Glorious Past.  

THE LONGEST DAY OF MY LIFE

Five Sentence Story

Waiting area was full of people; anxiety, fright, helplessness; were some of the common expressions I could read on the faces of families who's one of the family members were fellow surgery patient to my mother.

We have been waiting for this day for the past six months, since the visits to the doctor and multiple tests have started its course; almost two decades had witnessed sleepless and painful nights for my mother.

It was supposed to be an hour and a half affair but it turned out to take a lot more time than that; my mother endured sleepless nights for almost two decades but past three hours have been the most elongated time span I have experienced.

My mother's name was announced; we were supposed to report at the entrance to the operation theatre; fidgeting along the corridor we reached.

The doctor was waiting for us with a broad grin, "surgery was successful. patient is absolutely"; finally the door opened after almost three hours later and I could see mother peacefully drooling over the stretcher.

5 word fiction - Horror Story

i was with my friends one day. we were celebrating our togetherness. it was our final year of masters degree. after that we knew we would hardly meet. it was a fun filled at same time very emotional moment for us. we had lunch, went to a shopping mall then a park, clicked almost hundreds of picture. what a day it was.

seldom it happens that when you are emotionally so charged you tend to miss few things happening around you. well i also missed one thing consecutively eleven times when i had already surpassed the 'curfew time'. consequence was quite horrific for me. i was literally grounded for one month. no phone, no computer, no contact with my friends.

so this is my 5 word fiction and its a horror story because my spines went numb after this.(well not really) :-

Eleven missed calls from Mom.

SUNSET

I stood near hill cliff till I saw the sun sinking in the horizon into dusk. I shouldn't be here I know. Everybody is expecting me at home. Still this red, orange sun which blends in strange melange of golden hue entrapped my imagination and I was compelled to stay there. I tried to remember the last time I saw a sunset. 

It was when I came to this same place with grandma six years ago. I so used to enjoy my visit to this place with her. I remember how it used to elate me to see the smile on her face while she endlessly stared at the sunset till the sun buried in the skyline. Her face lit up with that strange melange of golden hue. It was the most cherished site of my life. She once said that she would love to die watching this picturesque moment. Who knew her wish was going to be true someday. 

One day while returning from the hill cliff she had a stroke. Even before she could reach the hospital she died. This came as a shock to me. I couldn't even cry that day. The person around whom my whole world stood was no more. 

Since then hatred was itched in my mind for this place. Yet, today, I found myself compelled to come to this very hillside again. This hill side reminded me of her. Here I sensed her presence.  This sunset reminded me of her smile. I vividly could visual the golden smile that this sunset brought on her wrinkled face. 

I know she is no more yet her memories will be with me forever. Because everyday this sun would set and would remind me of her lively smile.

Slowly and gradually this golden hue turned into a mix of blue and purple and I came back from my reminiscence. I started walking towards the slope which headed towards my home.

Two Nights at Neempani

I drove all night and did not stop till I reached Neempani. I know the name is strange but the place was too familiar to me. First time I came here was with Sonal. The night was surreal. It was our first date and I drove 55 kms from Betul, just to give us a chance to know each other without any interference. Call it bizarre or just unusual; the date was arranged by our parents. Not completely though. They decided the date and time and I was supposed to take her some place nearby but eventually we ended here at Neempani.

I had heard that she liked long drives. So we took the highway towards Bhopal with her permission of course. The ice between us broke after we crossed Sonaghati. We talked without any agenda. A moonlit night, endless roads and large and ancient trees arching the roads and a beautiful companion to share your thoughts; the night was truly surreal. As we reached Neempani I realised we were too far from home. I suggested we should go back. It was her idea to dine at Neempani. She said she had heard of this place and food here was good. I must say she was right. 

We got married within 5 months from that night. we shifted to Bhopal to commence our nuptial journey. Everything was so perfect: too good to be true. With the passing time, the equation of our relationship changed, so did we. Our initial compromise to make each other happy gradually turned into complains and dissatisfaction. As the charm of our marriage withered out, none of us could restrain the urge to pour our bitterness out. There no particular reason we fought; rather it was simple differences that aggravated. One strange day we decided to be civil to each other and came to the conclusion that it would be better if we part our ways mutually. Yesterday we got divorced. 

Tonight as I waited for my order to be served I wondered the enigmatic nature of life. Two nights and the meaning and connotation of my life changed. Both the nights are so different yet so similar. Both the nights changed the course of my life. That night witnessed the budding bonding between us and tonight avouches the end of the bitter and spiteful marriage we were in for past 7 years. 

I recommenced my journey. While driving through Ghati I could not clear out the thoughts of my married life. As the meandering roads lead me towards the end of this story I thought about the key chapters that twisted this tale forever.

I am Happy Again

A 55 words Fiction.

I walk down the streets. I don’t need anyone to hold my hand while I walk. My legs don’t go numb any more. . I sleep peacefully at nights. I have dreams again. I smile without any pretence. I am tasting freedom after two decades of excruciating pain. One surgery and I am happy again.

FRIENDS NOT FOREVER

Seven are the colours in rainbow. Seven are the wonders in the world. Seven were we the best friends forever.

It was early July when we all met under the roof which witnessed beginning to this wonderful friendship which blossomed within no time. It was as if some magic spell has been cast upon us; whose lives changed drastically as we came closer. Seldom were they seen by ourselves.

The whole college within a month envied us as we roamed around the college premises. Some wanted to become a part of this group. never stopped anyone to join but none stayed for long. Then we realised that there remains no place for anyone else cause we were seven; we were the rainbow.

We enjoyed our togetherness, we were one. We vowed to be together till the end of our final journey. As it is said- vows are meant to be broken or let me put it this way- vows find its own course to get broken.

Sometimes when wheel of fortune turns we remain nothing more than pawns in hands of Time.

It was a normal day for us, faintly any of us had any idea what fate had for us in store. We were standing in front of the college library when one of started off the conversation to apparently clarify few misconceptions among us muddling over a few weeks. Initially everything went well, everybody started putting their own point of views, everybody was patient enough to listen to what the other had to say. But n no time situation started slipping out of control. everyone started blaming other for what happened and also that they might have happened. Everyone misunderstood what the other said.

One misunderstanding took place and all limits were crossed of friendship, manners, words, respect and what not.

Broken threads of love and affection ended up in knots that could never be mended.

By no means we had a clue that our friendship would end in a disaster.

That day came like a storm in our life. Storm that came as a blindfold of misunderstanding fogged their vision, feelings and hearts.

A long time ago I read a quote (I don't remember any more where, I don't remember who wrote it but true it is) - "After every storm, there is a rainbow. If you have eyes, you will find it. If you have wisdom, you will create it. If you have love for yourself and others, you won’t need it.”

That day we lost our eyes thus lost ourselves forever. We lost our wisdom thus forgot how to recreate it. We lost all the love we had for us and now need it like never before. Since then I have never seen a Rainbow

We were friends not forever.

The Bet

"Get up. You are already late"

"Just 5 more minutes ma"

"No. Get up."

"Promise I will go tomorrow. Let me sleep."

"You know what your 'tomorrow' will never come."


This is a regular scene in our house since I came back home after my graduation.

My mother had a obsessive compulsive disorder regarding me getting obese. She was always apprehensive about me becoming obese just like the 90% Bengali girls in  our family, neighbourhood or in the community as a whole. so the first thing she did was she put me in a dance academy even before enrolling my name in school. but due to my father's job the family have been travelling all across India for the past 30 years of my father's service (obviously even since before my birth). Well I don't regret it nor does ma except that for that my dance training was very much hampered. For example I have repeated my 1st, 4th and 7th twice as i failed to even sit for my exams. many a times it happened that i my father came back from his office with his transfer certificate just before a week or a fortnight before my exams.

anyway the point is my mother made me dance till I could manage my studies and dance simultaneously. moreover I had already completed my kathak (a classical Indian dance form) training till the advance levels by the time I reached my first board exams. With my mother's permission I left dancing and devoured my entire time on studies. but never returned to dancing classes.

That sent my mother to alarming paranoia about my figure. Which eventually turned out to be right. soon I started gaining weight so she decided to send to hostel so that I will start taking care of my figure. well that plan succeeded but again ma was disturbed by the deteriorating health but she made sure that I am fine.

But again when she thought I have gained the perfect figure and that I am also becoming very conscious about my figure I came back home to pursue my masters degree. but after three years of rigorous hostel life I also gave up all the restrictions and devoured all the mother made delicious Bengali cuisines. end result obesity.

If my mother was obsessed about the perfect figure then I had a very nasty pride about winning all the bets i ever made.

May be my mother got that idea when I told her jokingly one day if someone really wanted to make me do something then they should challenge me. my mother did the same. And we ended up with a bet.

The challenge was that I should loose 5 kg's in one month.

Well my mother forgot that I was supposed to live in a hostel from next week for I have opted for an intership. well my boss helped me out to win this bet. she made me work 12 hours a day for the next one month. I remained so loaded with work that I had to skip my lunch. I used to be so tired by the end of the day that I had hardly anything for dinner. Thanks Boss.

I was able to reduce 7.31 kg's that month. incontestably I won the bet. 

I SURVIVED

After trying for almost 6 six months, I finally got a chance to do an intern ship with India's one of the most reputed news channel. I was overjoyed by the kind of response I got from my friends and class fellows about how great an opportunity it is and how lucky I am to get.

Unfortunately that feeling took less than an hour after joined the office. within 3 hours I was scolded by my boss for submitting junk in form of a report. after 6 hours I was loaded with work that I had skip my lunch just cope up with my work. as the ninth hour of my first working day ended I was given an ultimatum of 10 days by my boss. she said," I am giving you an ultimatum of 10 days. If I don't find any improvement in you then i will throw you out of my office." as if the first statement was not enough for me to comprehend the intensity of the situation, she continued, " when I say it I mean it."

That was perhaps one the longest days in life. I Reached home at 9:30 pm when i started at 9 at the morning.

Lying on the bed I was wondering if I would ever be able reach the 10th day of my internship. 

Miserably I crawled towards the 5th day of my internship when finally my boss without ridiculing my work just said, " it was OK. still room for improvement." I will never be able to explain her what her words meant to me that day. but again within a few hours of that feeble flame of encouragement it was devoured by the wrath of disdainful berating.

Just like my performance weather outside also remained gloomy and discouraging. By the 7th day I stopped counting my days in the office as i knew they were numbered.  regardless of the fact how minuscule the improvement was, my performance improved. thrashing from my boss dropped. I felt less pathetic as the days went on. 

All of a sudden one day my boss called me up and asked that for how many days was I working in the office. I knew what was coming. I mentally took note that exactly what possessions I had in the office and that I should started packing my things. Gulping down my throat  I answered, " 18 days". As I said that I realised that I survived in the office for 18 days when should have been thrown out within 10 days if not the first day. I grinned in my mind.

My boss looked at me and I realised even she was amazed by the same fact. finally I saw her smile for the first time as she said, "impressive. I thought it was just a week was tolerating you. want to continue working here for the rest of the month?" immediately I said "yes" fearing she might change her mind if i delayed my answer.

Well after that even I realised that yes my work has improved and my days in the office because less miserable as they were initially. I must have improved a lot because she gave me a months extension when officially I should have left the office at the end of the 30th day in the office. After such a pathetic performance and a 10 day ultimatum I never thought I would be able to manage such a long way, but I am glad that after all this thing, I SURVIVED.

RENDEZVOUS

I was sitting alone in CCD. I was waiting for someone. Time was playing tricks with me. Every second seemed to be like a decade. Every second reminded me of the moments we spent together. These two years have been the most beautiful years of my life and I wanted my life to remain as beautiful as it was. For that I had to take the initiative or else regret it for the rest of my life.

I never thought my life would take such a beautiful turn on the roads towards an unknown journey ahead.

I have always read it in novels that its one day or one particular moment when your life changes completely. For me it was that day precisely....

It was our fresher's party. Everybody was so excited about it. Talking, laughing, some even flirting (yes I guessed by their facial expressions). Then suddenly seniors called all the freshers to join the dance floor and everyone whether skilled or not danced like crazy. But I stayed back. Though i like dancing but not like this. Just then I saw a guy standing not far from me. I was amazed to learn later that he was from my batch and in fact was my class fellow. But for the starters he looked strangely out of place.. Well no that's not the correct word rather he look unconventional. Yes that's the term. Everyone here was apparently dressed up in their best. Some were really very flashy. Everyone was trying to attract attention from whom so ever possible. But this guy was,, unconventional as i said. He looked far away from this rat race. I liked that. Though we didn't talk that day. or next day.

 

In fact not until professor Sen assigned our first assignment. We were randomly selected to the same group. I was happy to know that. Well I was happier to learn that he was actually a very nice guy. he was not that "haughty" or "snobbish" as everybody thought him to be in the fresher's party. He was actually shy enough to talk to girls.

It all started with a 'hello.'

I got to know him when I started working on our project together in library since the day it was assigned. Somehow a musical chord strung between us and we were not just on talking terms but also became quite good friends.

Since then everybody was curious enough to asks us for umpteenth time whether we were together. though deep down in my heart I wanted that to be true, but for such an introvert he was, it was impossible for me to know his feelings towards me. So I started hinting him about my feelings not explicitly of course but categorically clear enough to fathom the meaning out of it. Soon I realised that I had to take things into my hands or else this is going nowhere.

Obviously even after almost 3 years have passed I could never muster enough courage to relay my feelings to him. though I tried to do even that but every time circumstances conspired against my desire.

Finally, I have decided that no matter what I will express myself. Today he is leaving for his home town and never intends to come back but he promised me that he will keep in touch. Yet I know that if today I fail to express myself then i will never be able to let him know about my feelings.

I was deeply engrossed in my own thoughts when he came and took the seat opposite to me. we greeted each other and unlike him he started the conversation. He said that he is going to miss me and that we should keep in touch. he said that he was glad that our friendship remained unblemished even after those unfair innuendos made by our class fellows.

I remained silent. Regardless of rigorous practice sessions in front of the mirror about "how to propose a boy" went straight into deep cold waters. i felt like screaming at the top of my voice that "moron i love you" but all i could do was sit there and listen to him. Though, all his words seemed as if he was jabbering in some foreign language. Because for once i was about communicate in the language of love but ended up resolving to sound of silence.

It felt like after a century he paused and indicated towards his watch informing that had to leave or else he would miss his train and we parted.

LIFE AFTER DEATH

Damini was about to call Kabir when the door bell rang. She was sitting alone in her drawing-room anxiously waiting for her husband. It was pretty late now though back in her mind she knew why he was getting late she only wanted to know what was happening there.

"How's Nishi?" asked Damini as she sat on the couch beside her husband.

"She is fine," said Kabir letting a sigh.

Damini did not say anything for a long time, She knew it very well that Kabir has a little troubled by the course of the events. first his sister Muskaan's untimely death then his mother's ill state of health and now his best friend Ashok's daughter's accident. everything within a time span of six months. now, this was too much he could take.

After a long silence she said "I think you need some rest. get up and freshen up first." she got up but didn't move as she noticed that Kabir didn't make any sign of moving. "Anything wrong?" inquired Damini as she looked tense.

"Nothing," replied Kabir. Then turned to look at Damini and asked her "Kids off to bed?"

"Yes."

"Something strange happened," said Kabir now looking at the glass he was holding.
"What," asked Damini arching both her brows.

"Ashok kind of thanked me."

Damini kept silent still bearing the look of inquisitiveness.

So that Kabir continued "For something which I never did."

"What do you mean by that?"

"He thanked me because Muskaan was my sister." he paused.

Then he was kind of searching for words as he could not understand how to put it in words what seemed to hurt, confuse, make him proud- all at once.

"He thanked me because as he said he could not thank her himself."

Finally, Damini could not resist her curiosity and asked: "Why he wanted to thank Muskaan."

Kabir did not reply for another few moments then said "because he thinks it was Muskaan's eyes that his daughter got.

He let out a sigh and then continued. "Actually he is not sure whether those corneas belonged to Muskaan or not but he was thanking Muskaan for her gesture. God, I never thought I would get my answer this way. He choked "remember how I castigated her when she said she has donated her eyes."

Kabir gave a jitter of unease. Damini put her hand over his shoulder to console him.

"I was being such a moron. I belittled her noble gesture. I don't know what got into my mind then."
Again turning to look at Damini he said: "Remember how she used to say that she wanted to do something for which people would always remember her."

As he said that a smile went across his lips as he slid into a reminiscence about Muskaan.

"That simple idea took so long to penetrate through my thick skin. It never made sense to me that why people are going to remember anyone for whatever they did? But obviously, she was talking about something exceptional; something that is going to touch someone's life."

He had tears in his eyes as he said "Ashok's words made me realize what she meant when she used to say that she wanted to live even after her death. Now I know. After all, this is Life After Death."

Down The Memory Lane

I was coming out of a shop when I saw him. He was parking his bike.

I don’t even remember for how long I have been waiting for this. And it did happen when I was least expecting it.

He stood there looking at me with a smile. I smiled backed as I didn't know what else to do. He came closer. He had not changed even a bit. His warming smile still melts my heart. His intense eyes still makes me stare at them; nothing had changed.

“What’s up beautiful? Remember me?” he asked me with a broad grin.

“Of course I do? How can I forget that guy who fought with me at every single opportunity he got his hands on? You were the migraine for me at school. I thought you forgot me. No messages. No calls. Nothing.”

He laughed.

“Really was that me? Who just vanished after school? You didn't even bother to talk to on the last the day when we went to collect our result,” he said that with a comical accusation tone.

“That’s not my fault. You were too busy gathering phone numbers of your next ex-girlfriends.”
He raised his eye brows and then replied.

“Oh really!  And what where you doing? You were busy chatting to your new best friend.”

“New best friend?” I repeated a little confused.

“Oh come on. Don’t pretend you don’t remember anything? I am talking about Shekhar.”

Oh Shekhar!" I said. I was amazed at the fact that he still remembers what I was doing almost half a decade ago. "I was talking to him because he was supposed to leave for Australia next day. That was the last I met him.”

“Really I thought you are still in contact,” he said teasingly.

“No. Hey listen why we are fighting in the middle of a street.”

“Don’t exaggerate we are standing on the footpath," he said in a matter of fact tone. 

We both laughed at this. I felt like I was back in school again. I felt I was alive again.

We went for walk on the bank of Ganges.  We chatted for awhile. Gradually we saw the sun set behind the other bank of the Ganges over the thick  trees. The sky went from a concoction of red,orange and pink to a strange mixture of purple and blue with a tinge of pink. While we walked through the bank I realised not only me, he also remembers everything from school. Every fight, every badminton match, every single taunt, everything.


                                                    BACK DOWN MEMORY LANE

ABANDONED

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.

The Choice

I was asked to sit on a bench in the corridor. At end of the corridor there was a room. I was supposed to enter the room after someone came to fetch me. I was a little scared. Father told me to be calm and quiet. Mother said there was nothing to worry about. They both said everything will be fine after I answer the questions correctly. I had some vague idea what they would ask me. What I didn't know was the “correct” answer to that question.

After a long time, a lady came to me and asked me to follow her. I could see something in her eyes. Was it sympathy or pity? I don’t know. As we approached the door, I could hear some voices; one was my mother’s second my father’s, there were few other unknown voices as well. As the lady opened the door, the room felt silent. Lady gestured me to enter and I did so. I was a little relieved to see my parents. They looked at me and remained silent. They were sitting on one side of a table and one man each were standing behind them and there was a third man who was sitting on the other side of the table.

The third man asked me to come and sit on the chair near to him. I did what I was told. He then started talking to me quiet pleasantly. He said, “Hello son. I hope you know why you are here?” I nodded and he continued. “Then tell me with whom you want to be: your mother or your father?” I remained silent. He asked me again to answer. I still remained silent. He asked,” why are you silent son? You must have a choice? Whom do you love more? With whom you would like to be for the rest of your life?” I remained silent. A little irritated he said,” say something, anything? Tell me what you are thinking.”

Finally he asked something for which I had an answer. I said hesitantly,” I.....I am a little.... confused sir.” I didn't know what to say further. I swallowed before I could gather my thoughts. My class teacher in kindergarten had taught me this....This had worked when I forgot the poem I was supposed to recite in annual day function last year. I took a deep breath, gathered my words and said.  “I wonder what would be the “correct” answer to this question...Sir. On my last birthday mom and dad took me to the Zoo. There were lots of animals... elephants, giraffes, and tiger too.” All the good memories of six months ago flashed in my mind. I could speak more freely and felt happy. “And there were lots of cages and dad held me up while showing me the animals over other people’s shoulders. Mom used to hold my hand while we walked from cage to cage.”

I almost didn't notice that the man in the black coat was getting irritated at my rant. “My child”, he said sternly, “I don’t wish to hear about your last birthday, just answer my question”. I had grown in confidence a little by the memories. I told him, “Sir, please...please let me say...it’s very important to me”. I saw his face soften a bit. He curtly said, “Go on son”.

I continued with renewed vigour. “We spent the whole day together. Mom gave us the sandwiches she had packed from home. Dad said we all can have ice creams after that. I love ice-cream sir”. 

“We all do son”, this time the man was more kind.

“But I always get confused between a vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream. I asked Mom and dad which one I should take. They helped me out with all the cones and bars and cups and I finally chose one”. He again got a bit impatient and asked, “Drive home your point son”.

I swallowed again and said, “Sir, every time I chose my toys, my ice-cream, my dresses and even friends, I was always helped by either mom or dad”.

I paused as my voice choked, “But... But today sir... none of them told me whom to choose.....”

I Cannot Say No

“Every morning is a new beginning and comes with a new promise.” said mother while we were preparing the breakfast. “Every day you get another chance to fulfil your dreams. Knocks on your door and seeks your permission. Don’t let the opportunity go away from you.” just when she said that the call bell rang. Perfect timing I must say. “See I told you. Now run and open the door. Let see what this morning brings for us.”

I opened door only to find my neighbour cum classmate, Shalini. We had a conversation and she asked for a favour.

“Hey! What’s up? Hey I need a favour. I was In the middle of a very important conversation with my aunt from Jabalpur. You remember her right? She came last summer and we had a family get together were you met her. So the land-line hung up. I tell you this digging up the whole grounds for so called repairing of wire system is taking on my nerves. Anyway so where was I? Oh yes my aunt. So now what I need to do is finish my conversation. Otherwise you know I will have a heart attack out of suspense. So can I use your land-line? I know you would not deny me. I was asking just out of courtesy. Thanks. “

And before I could say something she was already dialling the numbers. I knew a thrashing was coming my way.

“Who’s there?” asked mother while coming out of the kitchen.

‘Maa its Shalini. She wanted to use our phone and so she is....”

“You should have at least asked me once before allowing her. You know how she is, a complete chatter box. Now she would talk about petty things as if she is discussing world economy with the Prime Minister.”

“I tried to stop her but she didn't gave me a chance to even say a word.” 

“You should have said a no.”

“What I can do, I cannot say no.”

Shalini discussed about her new fairy dress for next half an hour and mother continuously gave me that stern looks of her.

In the afternoon I went for a cycle ride. In winters with some of my friends I always like to do so at this time of the day. That day nobody turned up. Later it struck me that we decided not to come because later this evening we were supposed to attend New Year’s party organised by Central Bank of India. That’s where my father worked. Disappointed I turned my cycle towards home when I saw Subodh coming this way. I stopped to say hi (I shouldn't have done that).

“Hey Damini! Happy new year!”

“Same to you Subodh.”

“Coming for the party tonight?”

“Yes of course. That’s why returning home early. Just came for a cycle ride.”

“Lucky you. My cycle is in garage thus can’t ride mine. Huh Damini can I borrow your cycle? Just a round. Please for five minutes only.” He said with a puppy face.

“Okay.” I said with a hesitation but that was an invitation enough for him. I waited for him about 45 minutes sitting under a tree. I was wondering what mother would say. Second thrashing of the day and this year. I decided not to tell her about this incident. Again she would scold me for not using the word ‘no’ and again I would end up saying the same thing-what I can do, I cannot say no...

After a long wait, evening came, and we were all dressed in our best attire. I chose my pink frock. It had frills at the bottom end and a pink flower on left hand side of the waist. When I entered the Hotel venue everyone said I looked pretty.  I met my best friend. Best quality about a friend is that they never ask you anything to which you would wish to say a ‘no’.

 After a while my friend wanted to go to the wash room so we went there. I waited at the lounge sitting on a sofa. One of my mother’s acquaintance came with her little daughter and asked me to take care of her for a while till she uses the wash room. As you all know by now I said “yes”. Well the baby was so cute, cuddling, beautiful, and wet? No way, that baby used my lap as her toilet seat. And just then my mother and the baby’s mother came. One apologised and went back to the venue hall and the other gave the second thrashing of the day (which could have been the third) and yes it was the thrashing of the lifetime too. I just didn't ruined my dress but the first day of the year too.

“This is heights. Why can’t you say a ‘no’? A short and simply ‘no’?”

By that time my friend came to my rescue and convinced mother that she will definitely make me say a ’no’ whenever it would suffice. Mother left the lounge a little irritated. And my friend ended up asking the same question with a naughty smile on her face-why can’t you say a ‘no’?

And I ended up giving the same old answer with immense helplessness-what can I do? I can’t say no.