Amrutha, a girl who has a family yet longs for a loving one. What happens when a truth about her life, her utter existence comes to light? What drastic events will unfold? How will she handle it? What will she choose?
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I turned back to see my mother. It was obvious she had overheard our conversation. I could see pity in her eyes - something I didn't want from them. I wanted to love, respect, inclusivity. But, who am I to tell them that?
"See, that's why I tell. Find a job soon." She said.
I gave a confused look. How is Ie finding a job and my father denying going to Mysore even connected?
"If you had a job, you'd be financially independent. You could make your own decisions and not ask us every time." She continued.
Oh wow! That's what she thinks. I agree having a job would give me more respect in this family than what I currently have. But does that solve all the problems? I guess not. I just smiled back at her.
"You are actively searching, right? Should I ask my contacts?" She asked.
"Yes and yes. Referrals are always better." I replied, hiding my emotions of being questioned every single day.
"Anyway! There's a function from my side of the family in another 2 weeks. We have to dress up nicely. So, come let's decide on what to wear." She changed the topic of discussion.
"Ok! What should I wear? And where is it happening?"
"It is near Jog Falls. Why not wear a saree? You can click nice pictures." She suggested.
"Ok, come let's select the saree." I lightened up my mood.
One thing I've learnt the hard way is to let go of my actual feelings even though it is extremely strong and mask them with the feeling of getting the bare minimum.
Selecting what to wear for a function happening 2 weeks later took us almost an hour. Yet we were still left with options to choose from and finalise. I'm guessing that will be done in a day or two.
TimeSkip
Days are just flying away like feathers. It felt like just yesterday we were deciding on what to wear for the function and here we are now, packing for it.
I had to change my outfit to a simpler one last minute. I contracted an eye bug, which to my dismay wasn't contagious. So, I had to attend the function but toned down with no makeup. And no makeup meant a simpler outfit and NO PICTURES!!!
We started early in the morning to avoid the city traffic. My dad was behind the wheel till noon/lunchtime. Post lunch I took to the steering. We had already covered half the distance so, it was my turn to take over the driving.
"I am hallucinating or is that Fortuner following us?" I asked eyeing the rare view mirror.
"Oh just shut up and focus on the road in front." My father commented from behind.
I ignored the car but the feeling of being followed was just getting more evident. Especially after the Mangalore incident. When I took the deviation towards our destination, I eyed the rare view mirror for the other car. And to my relief, it wasn't there.
*You seriously need to cleanse your mind off the stuff you read and the incidents.* my subconscious reminded me.
And for once, I agree with her. The function was nothing special. I was taunted for not having a job even after having a degree from the UK. Pointed out about my weight gain. And asked multiple times why I was dressed so simply.
I was tired by the end of it and all I wanted to do was head back home. Not even to the hotel room but back home, to Bengaluru.
TimeSkip
Finally, it was time for us to head back to Bangalore. We stopped at a highway dhaba, and yet again I felt people staring at me. Was it because of my eye bug? Or was it something else?
*You look like a clown with that eye of yours. That's the only reason they are staring at you.* guess who said this? My beloved subconscious.
Shaking away the feeling and hurriedly getting into the car, we left towards home. By the time we reached back safely, it was past midnight.
We got all the luggage inside and changed into nightwear. The only thing I remember before hitting the bed is, praying for this feeling of being followed to go away. I never pray before bed, but this prayer was so instantaneous, that I only realised once I woke up the next morning.
TimeSkip
To help fulfil last night's prayer faster, I was currently in the temple near my house. Right before entering the temple, I got the eerie feeling again. I shook it off and stepped inside with a sense of safety. It was evening and the breeze was cool.
I stood with my hands together in a namaste mudra, head bowed in front of the lord.
"Please put an end to this odd feeling in my life. All I ask for is love, respect and inclusivity. A happy lovely family." I pleaded.
"Everything you ask, you will have shortly." A manly voice said from behind me.
Did I ask out loud? And who is this man? Why does it feel like he is answering my prayers?
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Hey everyone! I know this chapter is very small. Please don't come at me with it! This was me getting out of my creative block. I promise the next chapter will have the major reveal!!!
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