ADHURI KAHANI: A tale of an amnesic bond

30. REALIZATION

INAAYA'S POV

I was six years old, and it was my birthday. I was thrilled because I was finally going to be a "big girl." I had begged my parents to take me to my favorite restaurant, and they agreed. Both of them worked for the government and were usually very busy, but they made time for me that day, promising to do whatever I wanted for 24 hours. I was over the moon, feeling like I was on cloud nine. It was going to be a perfect day, and I couldn't wait to share every detail with my best friend, Ishani. But little did I know that what started as one of the best days of my life would end as one of the worst.

That night, after a day filled with all the activities I had planned with my parents, I was finally tired. It had been the best day of my life. We were heading back home, and I had one last thing to cross off my to-do list: sleeping with Mumma and Papa. But that box never got ticked off; the list remains incomplete to this day. I lost my parents that night. My father tried to save a woman who had jumped in front of our car to commit suicide, and in his attempt to save her, our car veered off and ended up in the river. No one survived except me-the one who probably shouldn't have.

I don't remember much after that. When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed, surrounded by Ishani's parents. I cried and begged to see my own, but no one said a word. Whenever I asked about them, they would just lower their heads in silence. How do you tell a child, make her understand, that her parents are gone forever?

Maa and Papa, Ishani's parents, and my own mumma and papa were the best of friends, as I've heard from Papa. My mother had struggled with infertility for years, unable to conceive despite trying every method available. Finally, they turned to Maa and Papa, who were specialists in fertility-Maa dealing with female fertility and Papa with male fertility. After their treatment, I was conceived, and what began as a professional relationship gradually evolved into a deep friendship. Over time, they became best friends, and Ishani and I naturally followed suit. My parents included Ishani's family in every family event, big or small.

After my parents' death, Maa and Papa made the decision to adopt me, welcoming me into their family as if I had always belonged.

In all the years I've been with them, they never once treated me like an outsider or someone who was adopted. Not once in these 19 years have I ever felt like I didn't belong. When I first arrived, I was silent, shutting myself away in my room for months. I didn't even speak to Ishani. But they were all there for me, helping me work through my trauma. After a few years with them, I was almost okay, though the nightmares still lingered. They still come sometimes, but much less frequently now.

They supported me in every aspect of life, and for that, I'm deeply grateful and happy. Yet, there were times when I couldn't help but feel like a burden. Ever since I became aware of the financial challenges of raising a child, that feeling has lingered. But what Bhaiya said today-it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. My heart felt lighter, and I smiled to myself as my heart quickened with relief.

I finally looked up at Bhaiya, who was standing beside me, already smiling down at me.

"Thank you, bhaiya. If I face something, I will definitely tell you."

"Haa mujhe bolna zarur. Tumhara bhai Surgeon hai uske purze nikal lega" He said exaggerating
(

He extended his right arm, bending it at the elbow and flexing his biceps in front of me. I burst into laughter, and he joined in with a grin. After lowering his arm, he gently patted my head.

Just then maa called for me.

"Inaaya beta, come here. Taste this"

I dashed over to her, eager to taste whatever she had prepared. By the time I reached her, she was already holding a piece of chicken, poised to feed me. I opened my mouth, and as I bit into it, the smoky aroma and the burst of spices danced across my taste buds.