Eighteen Minus (COMPLETED)

Chapter 11

VANSHIKA
✨

I finished eating the idlis, had some water and lay down on the sleeper bed of the bus that was now travelling through the beautiful yet dark roads of Hassan. I tried to sleep but it looks like my mind was a traitor tonight. I was scared and worried at the same time. I know I have Tikki and Anita aunty there but would Daadu be okay? I did this again. I broke his trust and left without even a word.

But did I really have a choice?

He wasn't ready to hear me out. Nor was dad. I don't know why parents think that only they know what's best for their children. I am not saying they don't. But when kids try to speak up and try to express their thoughts why are they being shut down in the name of family name, respect and society standards.

Wasn't I the one who had already brought their society standards to a new low? How could I forget Mom going low on the phone every time she had to attend a party or a family function. The reason, my strong and fun loving mother who has a fantastic sense of humour and is also a popular writer who tries to run away from every possible family function.

I think other than Kapoors, Sehgals and Sharmas...my mother has forgotten that she has a whole bunch of family and friends. Dad gives back ruthlessly and is proud of what I made of myself in front of everyone but silently I know he has complaints. I know I went horribly wrong twelve years ago but I was a kid. A teenager who was fooled and cheated by a vicious man in the name of love. No wonder my grandparents disowned me. Kisha Daadi loved me a lot and tried to keep in touch but when Daadu found her talking to me, he took a promise from her to never talk to me again.

Twelve years I craved their love and attention. My own grandparents didn't want to see my face. Every festival they ignored me. I was barred from eating the festive meal with them especially the Diwali nights that felt lonely and horrible. I still remember when I went home to celebrate Diwali after 6 big years of settling in Mangalore and after I secured a job in the same college where I studied my MA in English literature, I was excited. I bought gifts for everyone.

Dad and Mom were extremely happy seeing me succeed in life. We decorated the house together, made sweets together but in the evening we had to go to Daadu's house to celebrate Diwali...Dad asked me to stay back home and that they would be home soon. I didn't understand why the sudden change in plan. That's when Mom told me how Daadu is still upset with me for everything I did in the past.

I had tears in my eyes when the pashmina shawl I purchased for him from my first salary was returned untouched. It hurt like a bitch. He didn't want to see my face. He didn't want me to step inside his mansion. They stay next door. Imagine being in the same compound, next bungalow I was celebrating Diwali alone. I could see him burst crackers in the garden and asking everyone to do the same. That Diwali I cried a lot.

Luv didn't want to be a part of this drama and avoided coming home for every Diwali. Neiyat and Nikhil didn't like what was happening with me. They knew I did something but they didn't know what happened back in Somwarpet. Except Luv, no one knew about my past. Luv asked me to come to Mumbai to celebrate Diwali together but I wanted to be there for my family. Although my grandfather made a stinky face I heard he never let anyone touch my items in that house. I knew he was angry but he still loved me and I wanted to be there for my family.

Amongst all this there was one man who made me feel home away from home. The reason why I am in this bus right now. The man who circled his arm around my shoulder saying