𝐌𝐫𝐬. 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐞 #𝟏

3~ Memories

📖
"Flashbacks."
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˚ ༘♡ 🪷🪕🪞🦢⋆｡˚ ❀

The morning sun spilled through the curtains of my room, casting a warm glow on the wooden floor.

I dressed quietly in white knee length floral dress. Outside, Chandipur was awakened to the day's activities. Children's laughter was echoing through the narrow lanes, and the scent of fresh chai mingled with the crisp morning air.

It was a serene sight to watch, one that had become the backdrop to my life.

I walked through the street.

My thoughts wandered to Ishita, my closest friend since childhood. Ishita understood the ache of loss, having lost her own parents at a young age. Together, we had forged a bond. It was a sisterhood built on shared pain and support.

I found Ishita at the market, where she was selecting vegetables for the day's meals. Her smile brightened as she saw me approach.

"Siya, you're up early," Ishita greeted. "How are you feeling today?"

I sighed softly, leaning against the stall where she stood.

"I had another dream last night," I admitted quietly. "About my parents."

Ishita's expression softened.

"It's been so long, Siya. Do you think... maybe it's time to find some closure?"

"I don't know, Ishita," I murmured, picking up a bunch of fresh cilantro (Coriander) absentmindedly.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm chasing ghosts! I'm tired living alone. I want a family," I said desperately.

Ishita faintly smiled.

Who else can feel her pain better than me? We both have been living all these alone without any support of parents. Orphanage people is like blessing in our life.

"You deserve to know, Siya," Ishita said gently, placing a reassuring hand on my arm.

"Whatever happened to your parents... you have a right to know."

I knew she was right. The photograph I had with me which I got from Orphanage head lady. The photo of my parents, Suresh and Meera Sharma. She was the one who told me about their name. My parents used to live here only. And they just handed me to her. But why? Was I too burden for them?

Later that day, after helping Ishita with her chores and spending some time at the flower shop, I decided to visit the library, the same place I used to visit since the time I've came here.  A smile formed against my lips as Mrs. Gupta, the librarian, greeted me warmly as I entered.

"Good evening, Siya, what can I help you with
today?" she said with a smile.

"I'm looking for any information about my parents," I explained.

Whenever I come here, I always ended up asking this question. Mrs. Gupta knew my parents. And she had also mentioned, it would take her to find and gather those journal which my mother had left behind. I met Mrs. Gupta through Orphanage head-lady. She introduced me to her, saying when right time would come, she would allow me to  find the truth on my own. Hence, I'm here again, hoping to hear positive answers.

"Finally, I have take out some papers that might be of interest to you," she said kindly. "Feel free to look through them."

I nodded desperately before shifting my attention towards the racks.

I spent hours poring over dusty books and yellowed newspapers, tracing my finger on the faded print.

There were mentions of the Sharma family. And written articles on my father's philanthropic efforts. And also article about my mother's work in education.

I stumbled upon something unexpected; a letter tucked between the pages. It was addressed to my mother, Meera Sharma.

Did she written this for me? What made her write a letter? Was she aware of everything beforehand?

My hands trembled as I unfolded the paper, scanning my eyes on the handwritten words. There was only "R" written on it.

R???

I stared at the letter.

Who was "R"?

And what did this letter mean for my parents' story?

As I left the library that evening, clutching the letter close to my chest, I felt Ishita's presence beside me when I reached area we usually meet. She had been waiting for me.

"Siya, did you find anything?" Ishita began gently.

I nodded slowly, showing her the letter.

"It was from my mother," I whispered, causing Ishita to take a letter from my hand.

"But there's so much I still don't understand," I said.

Ishita placed a comforting arm around my shoulders.

"We'll figure it out together, Siya," she said softly.

"You're not alone in this, babe," Her words echoed in my mind as we walked back to the house.

⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏ T H A N K Y O U ⊹ ࣪ ﹏𓊝﹏𓂁﹏

See ya!