I Never Asked ..

Chapter 7

I'm not shy,
I'm just not open with everyone.

I don't love,
I just care about other's feelings.

Liking is not the feeling I ever had,
But trying to do things that do not hurt others is my priority...

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Care

Sometimes, we've all been told that things aren't always as they seem. But when we try to protect our own feelings by looking at situations from a more negative perspective, we can unintentionally become emotionally distant or "stone-hearted." Imagine, it's like putting up a shield around your heart to shield yourself from getting hurt, but in doing so, you might start to feel less connected to your emotions and those of others.

During difficult times, when it feels like nothing good is happening in your life, and you're desperately in need of someone to support you, it can be incredibly tough to stay strong. It's in these moments of vulnerability that we long for someone, just one person, to stand by our side and offer a comforting word or a listening ear. Sadly, I found myself in a situation where I needed this support the most, but it was nowhere to be found.

I remember those days when tears seemed to be my only companions, and the weight of my pain was almost unbearable. It was a time when I felt so isolated that it seemed like nobody even knew I was going through such a tough ordeal. What made matters worse was that, in the midst of all this, my own family turned against me. My dad and brother placed blame on my shoulders and even threatened to cast me out of our home. It was a heart-wrenching moment, and what added to the pain was that none of our neighbors stepped in to intervene or offer a helping hand.

I owe my life to my aunt and her family who lived right next door. If it weren't for them, I might not be here today. I can't be certain of the exact words they used or the conversations they had with my dad, but whatever it was, it had a profound impact. Their intervention was a ray of hope during those dark days.

At that crucial juncture, my aunt and her family extended an incredibly generous offer—they wanted me to come and live with them. They saw the turmoil I was going through and wanted to provide a safe and supportive environment. It was a tempting offer, but I was just a child, deeply attached to our family home. I clung to the hope that things would get better, that my dad would eventually understand me and love me as a parent should.

In my young heart, I held onto the belief that our family could find a way to heal and be happy again. So, despite the lifeline my aunt's family offered, I hesitated to leave my home. It was a difficult decision, driven by the longing for better days and a father's love that I hoped would one day return.

I made several attempts to reach out to my brother, hoping for some understanding or support, but sadly, my efforts were in vain. It felt like a wall had been built between us, and communication had broken down completely.

During this tumultuous period, I also had a pressing concern about the whereabouts of my mom and Prisha. Leaving the family during such hard times didn't sit well with me. My mom had always imparted a valuable lesson to me – to stay strong and be there for the family, no matter what challenges we faced. Her words had left a deep imprint on my heart.

However, as I grew older, my perspective on life and my values began to evolve. I realized that I couldn't stay in that difficult situation forever. There comes a point in life when you have to prioritize your own well-being and growth. It wasn't an easy decision, but it was necessary for my own mental and emotional health. I had to find a way to move forward, even though it meant distancing myself from the family temporarily.