Love in simple things

Love meets torment

I am a problem to a solution. I don't recognize myself like that but according to my father, I am a mistake. He proudly talks about my brother and neglects me everywhere. I was born into a very misogynistic family yearning for love and care. I belong to the parents who should have been divorced as soon as they married. Here I am. Surviving till I could move out. 

My mother is a very innocent woman. She came into this family with a lot of hopes and dreams. She makes beautiful garments.  My father asked her not to work when she made good money. My father is a very arrogant man. His life turned around when one of his close friends emptied his life's savings by choosing the wrong business investment. He trusted that man with all his money that he started to beg for a job within a week of their new business. 

"Maa, Can I borrow a hundred rupees?"

"Sure"

"Do you have money left?"

"I do. You can take this."

"Please don't lie to me."

"Okay, tell me why do you need this hundred rupees?"

"I have to buy a second-hand book."

"Then, this was the last of the money for this week. I am happy that you are spending it on education. Now, is that alright?"

"Okay."

"Hey."

"Yes, Maa"

"Are you studying well?"

"Yes, Maa."

"I don't want to bother you but I want a new bank account. Can you help me open one?"

"Sure. We can go tomorrow."

"Okay"

"I am studying well, Maa. I am one of the toppers in the class. I am also spending only inside my budget."

"I know."

"You don't have to worry."

She worries. She constantly worries about my studies and well-being. She prepares me the delicious food. I will have the most authentic food every day at my college. I am grateful for her. Every day she checks up on me. I will take care of her. My father barely talks with us. He only fights with both of us on a daily basis. 

I remember, when I was so young, he started to yell at my mom, She went inside a room and didn't open the door for a while. I was crying outside in the hall till she opened the door. She came and hugged me. I still think about that day. I still imagine what it must be to see your daughter crying out loud because she couldn't see you for just thirty minutes. My mother always says that she lives this life for me. 

"Maa, take the documents out."

"Yeah. Here it is."

"Did you bring a passport-size photo?"

"I did."

"You can write your name here." She knows a little bit of English

"Here?"

"Yes, here"

She praises me for little things. She talks about me to everyone. She is so proud of me. My simple achievements are her whole life. 

"Here, have this"

"What is it?"

"Apple"

"When did you start buying apples?"

"I went to a function, they gave me three apples there"

"Oh, that's good. Did you eat one?"

"No, I saved two for you and one for your father"

"You should have one. I will have one and we can save one for Dada"

"Okay. I will. Now, you eat."

"Don't lie to me. Bring that apple and sit with me" She went outside and brought the apple. Started to cut it. 

"Here, happy?"

"Yes"

"Why are you so stubborn?"

"I am not stubborn. I am just taking care of you."

"You are stubborn. Just like my mother."

"Was your mother stubborn?"

"She was. She always stood her stand. She never made a promise she couldn't keep. A strong woman. She raised me to be independent. She leads by example."

"I have never seen her. My bad"

"She died when I was 19. She didn't get me married. She didn't see me as a bride. She wanted me to earn well. She wouldn't have married me when I was 20 if she was alive by that time."

"Didn't you want to get married? Why did you agree to it then?"

"My father is a very calm person who was sick at that time. He just wanted to settle me somewhere before he passed away. He saw me give birth to you. He died when you were around two years old."

"Maa, I will take care of you like your mother."

"You don't have to be my mother. I had one already. You can be a good daughter."

"What would make me your good daughter?"

"Be independent"

I never know what love is. I see this woman in front of me and experience it now. I want to be able to take good care of this lady for all the love and care, I received. To see her suffer an emotionless married life and a poor lifestyle, makes me want to become independent enough to give her the life she deserves. The love meets the torment of my mother's life. I am sick of it so I am working for it. 

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About the story

Welcome to "100 Days of Short Love Stories," where love comes alive! Each day, for the next 100 days, I will share a unique, heartwarming short story that explores the many dimensions of love. From sweet first encounters to bittersweet goodbyes, from fantasies to adventures, these stories will take you on an emotional journey through the highs and lows of love.

Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a daydreamer, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, there's something here for everyone. Join me on this adventure, and let's celebrate love! Love through my eyes.

About the author

📚 Fiction, YA, Romance, Fantasy, & Thriller Writer ✨ | Storyteller at heart ❤️ | Sharing my worlds, one tale at a time ✍️ | Follow for your next adventure!

Disclaimer

© Saranya G. All rights reserved. This story and its content are the intellectual property of the author. No part of this story may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the author, except for brief quotations in reviews. Unauthorized use is prohibited.

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