UNSPOKEN BONDS

11. Fractured Friendship

© archanaj1308 2024. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.

THIRD PERSON POV

Three days after the picnic, Ammu felt an emotional void. The bond between her and Sam had fractured, leaving behind an unsettling silence. No conversation, no eye contact – everything felt dead.

The morning of the Bhajan function at Venkat’s house in Mulund, Ammu busied herself in the kitchen, preparing the pal payasum Priya had requested. Despite the emotional turmoil, she found solace in cooking. Arriving at Venkat’s house, she handed the payasum to Priya, who thanked her warmly.

“Ammu, you’re a lifesaver. Thank you so much for making this,” Priya said with a grateful smile.

Ammu smiled back. “It’s no trouble at all, Priya Mami. I’m happy to help.”

Priya asked, "Has Leela reached Nagpur comfortably? How is your mama feeling now?"

Ammu replied, "Yes, she has. My mama is in bad shape. He has to be on bed rest because of the ligament tear. Mami has gone for Vrindavan yatra and will be back after five days. Anitra needed support and assistance to look after mama, hence Amma is going. Appa, Namrata Akka, and Tarun Jiju will be there on time. Don't worry."

Priya said, "Okay. I hope Raju gets well soon. I will speak to Leela later." Saying thus, she went downstairs to look after the arrangements.

With some free time on her hands, Ammu decided to stay and assist with the preparations. Priya asked her to help the youngsters upstairs with the arrangements as that's where the food was to be served.

Ashwin's parents Priya & Venkat and Sam's parents Usha & Dharmesh were in the society clubhouse where the major arrangements were to be made and the Bhajan was going to take place in the evening.

As she moved around, helping with decorations and setting up, she couldn’t help but notice Kriti, Ashwathy, and Sejal whispering and giving her sidelong glances.

Finally, Kriti approached her, a smug look on her face. “Oh, look who’s decided to play the good girl again. Always trying to be the center of attention, aren’t you, Amrithashree?”

Ashwathy chimed in, “Yeah, always trying to impress everyone with your cooking and your ‘helping hand’ routine. It’s getting old.”

Sejal laughed. “Maybe she thinks this will make her more likable or something. Pathetic, really.”

Ammu felt a familiar pang of hurt but tried to ignore them. She turned back to her work, but Sam’s voice cut through the air. “Why do you even bother, Ammu? If you’re just going to make things awkward, maybe you should just leave.”

Ammu’s heart sank. It wasn’t just the girls; even Sam was against her. She took a deep breath, willing herself to stay calm. “I’m here to help, Sam. That’s all.”

Kriti smirked. “Help? More like trying to show off.”

Ammu’s patience snapped. She turned to face them, her eyes blazing with anger. “You know what? I’m done. I’ve had enough of your petty comments and your attempts to belittle me. If you think that making snide remarks and putting others down makes you superior, you’re sadly mistaken. It just makes you look petty and mean-spirited.”

Kriti, Ashwathy, and Sejal stared at her, stunned. They had never seen Ammu speak up for herself like this.

With that, Ammu turned on her heel and walked away, her head held high. The room was silent; Ashwathy, Sejal, Kriti, and Sam were too shocked to react.