The Sun & the Stars Aligned

37: I trusted you.

TARA

"Mumma, I'm home!" I called out, swinging my trophy in the air with glee.

I had won the dance competition, which Mumma had helped me prepare for. I had been so stressed, forgetting all the steps, but she calmed my nerves. I had to win, especially to show Riya, who had laughed at me in front of the whole class. And today, I proved her wrong by winning.

"Aunty, where is Mumma?" I asked the cook, who came out from the kitchen, hearing my excited shouts. But her usual smile was replaced with concern, a deep frown etched on her forehead.

Aunty is older than Mumma, and Mumma always says she's like a friend to her. After Mumma, Papa, and Arjun bhaiya, I'm very close to her.

"Look what I brought home!" I said, showing her the trophy with a big smile. She placed her hand on my head, caressing it, her pretty smile finally returning. "Aunty, where is Mumma? I have to show her; she will be so happy."

"Tara, why don't you first go and change your clothes and freshen up? I'll get your food ready," she said. I nodded, doing my little happy dance as I headed to my room. But then, I heard a loud sound, like something breaking.

I turned around, stopping in my tracks. Again, a cracking sound. My heart raced as I walked slowly toward their room. Their voices grew louder with each step. The door was slightly ajar, enough for me to peek inside.

"Manish, you don't understand! I'm tired of all this, and I can't do it anymore," Mumma cried loudly. "I'm fed up with these daily fights. I can't take it anymore."

"And what you were about to do was right, Anu?" Dad's voice boomed. "If you had told me once, maybe we wouldn't be in this situation."

"Really, Manish? When are you even home for me to tell you anything? Your work is all that matters to you. You forget that you have a family waiting for you," Mumma said, standing up and moving toward him.

"Who do you think I'm working so hard for? It's so I can give you, Arjun, and Tara all the happiness," he replied, running his fingers through his hair in anger.

"What happiness are you talking about? Do you even remember the last time we were happy together? When was the last time you spent time with the kids?  With me? Our children are growing up, Manish. If we're not with them now, they will drift away from us forever. Don't get so lost in your work that you forget us," she said, wiping her tears.

"When I needed you the most, you weren't there for me. Maybe not for me, but the children need you desperately," she added, taking his hand in hers.

Dad's face twisted with anger. "Enough, Anu! I'm doing everything for this family, and all I get in return is your complaints!" he jerked her hands away.

Mumma's face crumpled, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Manish, please try to understand—"

"Understand what? That you want to leave? That you want to give up on us?" he yelled, his voice echoing through the house.

I took a step back, my heart pounding. The room was a mess, things broken and scattered everywhere. And then, I saw them—pills on the floor. My eyes widened in horror. Mumma, what were you trying to do?

"I can't live like this anymore, Manish. Sometimes, I feel like it would be better if I just—" Mumma's voice broke, and she didn't finish the sentence.

Dad's face contorted with fury, and for a moment, he raised his hand as if to strike her. Mumma flinched, closing her eyes. But he stopped himself, his hand trembling in the air.