Anshika's POV :
I was wearing my favourite white top with blue pants. I don't look that bad - I hate this feeling - even though I don't want but everytime I stand in front of a mirror I start analyzing my whole self - and to be true I don't want to do that but my mind always does that.
" Are you ready, Anshika? " A knock on my door came with this voice.
"Yes dad"
"Then come down to eat breakfast. "
Dad has come home.So he finally came back after - one whole year. After all he promised me that he would come back home during my summer vacations. He has finally fulfilled his promise.
I came out of my room towards the dining area. I don't even remember when was the last time we all three sat together to eat. Sandwiches. Yeah! they are my favorite breakfast. I wish that nothing bad happens this time and we three can live these two months together peacefully- they had promised me their time during this summer vacations.
"Finish your breakfast quickly and pack all your important things. " Dad said while still staring at his phone.
" Are we going somewhere for a trip after visiting Swati aunty.
"Actually you asked us to spend time with you during your summer vacations but we both have important work and we have to go out of town so we have decided to let you go to your aunt Swati's house for your vacations. " My mother answered.
My chest tightened. I couldn't even swallow the last bite of my sandwich. So that's it—another promise, broken like a twig.
I had been waiting for this vacation since last year. I thought they would at aleast not disappoint me this time but no. They have proved me wrong. I am such an idiot to believe them.
Last summer, they promised a trip to the hills. Dad even showed me pictures. We never went. I should've known this year wouldn't be any different.
I was burning with anger now " So you have decided to get rid of me by throwing me at someone's place. If I am a burden for you both then why did you even give birth to me? "
" We are doing this for your good. We both have our own work. We have to go to another city for work and you are just fifteen - we can't leave you alone for two months and there is no one more better than Swati. She will take care of you and you will be with Sumit there. He is like your brother. You will love living with them. You will surely not hate us once you go there. "She replied with confidence in her voice.
" I don't want to. I can stay here. I will be happy. I am used to staying alone . Can't I live by myself for just two months?"I know it is no use arguing with them to stay because I know they will not listen to me - but atleast I can prevent myself from going to someone else's house whom I met around a decade ago.
" Can't you understand our condition. You live alone only during day because your mother came home every night but this time she too has work and she has to go to another town. You are a grown up now. Don't throw tantrums. Is this what your mother has taught you? "He said heartlessly staring at mom.
" Why are you questioning me? Is it only my job to take care of a child?"
I don't want them to continue their fight . I have no choice but I have to do this. " Stop. I will go to their house. I am going to pack my things. I need your help mom. "I really don't need her help but I have no choice because I hate when they fight.
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I dragged my suitcase with shaking hands. Each wheel turn felt like a countdown. To what—I wasn't sure.
I sat inside my mom's car . The car started moving . The rearview mirror held the shrinking image of my home—quiet, distant, disappearing. I didn't cry. I didn't wave. I just stared until it vanished.
The sun hit the car window just right, casting moving shadows across my lap as we sped past open fields.
I hated my parents right now. But I hated myself more for still wanting to run back and ask them to stay.
It was a long ride. My mom and I didn't talk much during the ride. She was mostly busy with her phone and I was busy in my own thoughts.
Why did the car stop. There is no traffic light.Have we reached? This fast - but it is not fast. Actually I had not realized a long time has passed because I was busy - yup busy in thinking tons of useless things.
If someone would give a award for a person who thinks all sorts of useless things in their mind and then does nothing but only repeat the process then I think I could get the first place but then what would they name that award?Ummmmm.Maybe Overthinkonaut - yeah it sounds nice. It is like a person travelling in their own space or maybe galaxy of thoughts.
My mom called someone and got off and signalled me to come out too. So I followed her. This area doesn't have a lot of houses.
We stopped at a tall gate. Mom rang the bell. My stomach twisted. Why am I nervous? It's not a job interview.
A lady opened the door - it was Swati aunty.She was wearing a sky-blue apron with sunflowers printed on it. Her hair was tied in a messy bun.Mom hugged her and then they went inside and I followed them.
There was a faint aroma of turmeric and jasmine - it reminded me I was not home.
They have been talking for a while and sometimes aunty asked me some questions and I replied accordingly. I even came to know that fatty has gone out to his friend's house to play.
Suddenly mom's phone rang. It was a call from someone related to work. She looked at her phone and then stood up.
" Don't disturb your aunty. Behave nicely. I will come to visit you if I get a holiday" She hugged me. I hugged her back. I hate her but I don't know why everytime she comes in front of me - I forget all those things and I even feel sorry for her. She is a working women. It's not her fault completely.
" Sorry. Mom really loves you. "
I can feel her tears. " I love you too. I understand. Don't worry mom. I will behave."
She then bid goodbye to aunty and left. I wanted to cry but I didn't.
"It's okay. If you want you can cry. Don't worry. I understand." Aunty wrapped her arms around me, warm and steady. Not too tight, not too loose—just the way a mother should hold you when you're trying your hardest not to break.
Her arms didn't just comfort me—they held all the broken promises I'd been pretending didn't hurt.I couldn't control my tears. I started crying. I might seem strong from outside but I am not. I am very much weak from inside.
" You are a very brave child. Come on. Don't worry. I am not that bad." She said while giving a sweet smile. "For these two months consider us as your family. "
I stopped crying and wiped my face thinking about her words. Family?
Suddenly I noticed a thin boy around my height wearing dark brown trousers and a black t- shirt staring at me. We both were staring each other .
Suddenly Aunt's voice interrupted our staring competition" He was very fat at the time you met each other. Do you remember him Anshika?"