Starry Possession : Whispers of the night

3.

Aira's POV:-

Do you know what is the worst part of having a crush? 
When you get to know he belongs to someone else. 

When mumma said his reason for staying out all night might be a girlfriend, I could not agree more. Why would he not have a girlfriend? He is successful, handsome, powerful, rich, nice, supportive, caring, and whatnot.

I felt my heart breaking once again, I like him or maybe love him. It is said that if your crush is for more than three years then it is not a crush, it is love. And how can one get over this feeling?

But I felt relief when he cleared that his sole purpose in going out was his job. I rushed back to the kitchen to prepare breakfast and morning tea. The month of May means typical hot weather.

Once I was finished making breakfast I was so badly sweating. After serving my family food, changing sheets, filling water bottles for badema and Badu, giving them medicine, cleaning the kitchen, bathing badema, and combing her hair my task was finished and I went to take a bath after sending off my father for his work our shop VERMA TRADERS { A wholesale retail counter}

 This is my daily routine till we appoint a full-time maid. Although we have money issues she is a must to take care of my family and   I will join my school next week. I changed into a rough suit and started settling the shifted things individually. 

Once I was done doing both Mumma Papa's and Badema Baddu's room, I went towards the kitchen and prepared fruit chat for all three of them. Today's lunch was to come from Anjali Aunty as she told me in the morning so I went to work next to Chotu's room. 

It was 2 when the bell rang and Mumma opened it to see Chotu arrived back. I went to the kitchen to make him a lemonade. After a few minutes again bell rang and I went to the open gate to see Anjali Aunty along with Naksh uncle, Amy and Aadil. I welcomed them in and escorted them to Mumma Papa's AC room.   

Chotu came after a bath and helped me in serving the food. Once again bell rang and opened it to see Papa had arrived for lunch. I served him water and he also joined the others in a room.

Once again bell rang and I was fuming in anger. 

Pehle toh sabko aana hai, aana bhi hai toh sath mein aa jao na , mere kyu gede niklwa rhe hai itni garmi mein I thought in mind.

{ Why does everybody need to arrive today and even if they want to come why can't they come together? Why are they making me go to and fro in this hot weather?}

I once again opened the gate and my cupcake I mean Mr. Aagastya Mahajan was standing there. I was not knowing that he was supposed to come. 

I was staring at him when he snapped in front of me and I came back from my thoughts.

" Hello baccha, how are you? Are you done with shifting or do you need any help? You can call me anytime you know." He spoke entering into the house and following me.

But his words made me stop in my tracks. He wants me to ask for his help? NO WAY. Even in my dreams, he is the last person I would want to connect with for any of my work. I wanted to shout at him, tell him how much he hurt me and how much I missed him but I maintained my posture and kept on moving.

I was aware of his continuous gaze on me but I did not turn back. I gestured for him to enter the room where everybody was sitting and again left for the kitchen without a single word.

I served the remaining food and joined them. The only seat available was on the bed in between everyone. So climbed the bed and everybody laughed. 

Food is an emotion for me. It is a source of uplifting my mood to show my love. I only cook for my special ones. 

I was enjoying my food and enjoying little chit-chat with Aadil and Chotu about their school when Papa decided to start the tough topic. I sent Chotu and Aadil to my room and joined them again.

I hate it when all the serious discussions have to be done at the food table.

" Naksh, mujhe maaf krna per ek favor chahiye tha. Tum dono iss country ke sbse bade hospital ke shareholder ho. Mein hath jodta hu meri appointment best cancer specialist se krwa do." Papa spoke turning the atmosphere cloudy and there was pin-drop silence.

{Naksh, I apologize for my behavior but I need a favor from you. You both are shareholders of the biggest hospital in this country so I want you to book me an appointment with the best cancer specialist}

" Vishal aisa kya hogya. Kise hai cancer aur appointment ka toh koi chakkar hi nhi. Tu shant ho ja phir btaiyo" Naksh uncle replied.

{What happened Vishal? Who's got cancer here and appointment is a done deal but you need to calm down and tell us everything.}

My eyes got teary hearing this conversation. I am revisiting the phase when my parents are at most bottom of their lives and I need to see them breaking again. When the only two strong pillars of your life, the only purpose of your living are in pain. I can't handle this. I pierce my nails so strongly in my palm to fight the tears that are breaking the barrier to escape.

My father explained everything to them from my mom having cancer to our reason to shift back to financial issues we were facing and he also asked if we could apply for an Ayushman card { card where government provides expenses for cancer treatment for those who cannot afford it.}

I shifted close to my mother rubbing her back as she was not able to hold her tears back. 

Aagastya stood up and knelt before my mother, held her hands and said " Aunty aap mere ma jese ho. Apne bachpan se mujhe woh strong umeed di hai to stand on my own in life. You used to tell me how everything happens for a reason so don't take tension. Now you just relax and wait. Your son is here. He will take care of your treatment ." 

"Aunty, you are like my mother. From the initial days of my life, you were like a ray of hope in my life that encouraged me to stand on my foot.} 

My mother nodded and hugged him. I had a small smile on my lips. He looked towards me and I thankfully nodded my head and a tear escaped my eye. He immediately shook his head not gesturing me to not cry.

I cleaned the tear trace from my cheek and hugged Ma from behind when he went towards Papa and said " Uncle aap bas apna aur aunty ka khayal rakho baki mein dekh loonga." 

{ Uncle, you take care of yourself and aunty, leave other things to me.}

My father lovingly patted his back and he nodded to his parents. Soon they all left and I went back to work. Till evening all things were arranged so I decided to make dinner.

After dinner when everybody slept, I went to the terrace and sat on the water tank looking at the starless sky. But unknowingly even that emptyness provided me comfort and tears escaped my eyes. My bottled-up emotions, my vulnerable side come out when I am alone because I don't want to burden anyone with my feelings."

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Hope you like the chapter ......

Author:- Blithe

Words:- 1302

and don't forget to smile ☺