Hope to Love

Chapter 3 - One Step Closer!

Avni

It's quite satisfying to witness my aunt's shock as she holds my mark sheet in her hands. The absolute silence is such pleasant music to my ears. This is all I ever hoped for my aunt. To give rest to her grating voice.

Her grip on the paper tightens, and I'm glad I made two copies of the mark sheet. She clutches the piece of paper as if she wants to negate the repercussions of those numbers.

I'm satisfied to calm the taunting, even if it's just for the moment. I'm not a fool; I'm aware she'll soon find her voice and the nagging will begin, but I'm more than willing to enjoy the bliss of these few moments.

The front door opens, and my uncle enters the living room, taking in his wife's reaction. I might be wrong, but there's a slight upturn to his lips and a box of sweets in his hands.

Uncle approaches my aunt, and almost snatches the copy from her clutches before perusing it with undivided attention.

Now, this is a watershed moment for me. Uncle's reaction and decision are the ones that matter the most to me.

"I'm glad you kept your promise." He says, handing me the box of sweets, a hint of a smile spreading across his face.

I don't know what surprises me more, the words, the pride in his voice, or the love in his eyes.

It takes me a moment to blink away the moisture. I take the box from his hand and clear my throat before touching his feet and then my aunt's.

"Thank you so much." I express my gratitude and open the box to find soanpapdi inside. A smile slips from my lips, and I instantly control it.

"Don't be so happy. This doesn't mean anything. There are still chances that you won't be accepted in that college of yours." Aunt's nostrils flare as she narrows her eyes at me.

"Enough, Suchitra. She's getting into that college." Uncle declares with his voice, loud and clear. My Aunt goes to say something, but my uncle interrupts her, saying, "That's final." His firm voice leaves no doubt about his decision.

Ignoring my dumbfounded Aunt, I concentrate on the person who permitted me to dream and achieve my goal. Uncle subtly winks in my way before asking my aunt to make tea for him.

I'm still gaping at his whole reaction, and a notion occurs to me. What if the promise was a trick to make me work hard for the college I desire to attend? Yeah, that could be it. The promise could also be a way to show Bhai and Aunt that I've earned that college. That will also nullify the needless arguments in the house.

No wonder everyone in town admires his intelligence and wisdom.

"Here. Call your father. He must be waiting." Uncle says, giving me his phone.

I take the phone to the balcony and dial my Papa's number.

"Hello." Papa's gruff voice comes through the phone, and I take a moment to revel in the sound of his voice. It hurts to love him, especially in the current circumstances.

There's a slight slur to the word, reminding me of all the reasons I stay away from him.

"Hello, Papa." I say with a cheerful light in my voice, "I got my result today. It's 82%."

"Eighty-two?" There's a pause before he continues, "How will you get into medical college with these numbers?" There's no anger in his voice, just concern.

I can't believe he still remembers my childhood dream. It's a bittersweet reminder of the Papa I had in my childhood. The Papa I lost along with my Maa.