Fate will find a way; through the thorns, to the stars
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The death of her father had Meera spiralling down a black hole of sadness and grief. But when her best friend came to her rescue, she found a new reason.
Now living with her best friend and...
The sea speaks more honestly to those willing to drown~
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October in Dehradun was cold. The breeze flew in through the window causing goosebumps to rise on her hands. The softness of the bed she was lying on didn't let her think about getting out of it.
As the cold air from outside filled the room, Meera regretted leaving the window open along with the balcony door. The sunlight that was coming through them in the morning seemed to be lost now. As her sleepy haze started clearing, she looked around to see a wall clock only to find out that it was now almost evening.
The coldness in the weather now made sense to her. Living in Dehradun for the last two years made her realise that the summer here went quicker than winter.
Wanting to do something else rather than just sit and overthink, she decided it was better to freshen up and go downstairs.
The connected bathroom in this room was nothing big and flashy. It was subtle with boho vibes. Turning on the hot water she took a quick bath to clear her mind.
She found her suitcases lying on the floor beside the bed. Opening one of them she decided to wear a white cotton kurta set, not being comfortable yet to wear her pajamas.
Ditching the dupatta, she made her way outside the room. The terrace gate was open but there wasn't anyone there. The sky was now turning a beautiful shade of pink. It was beautiful. She always loved this beauty about Dehradun. Its peacefulness made her want to live here forever.
Slowly making her way downstairs, Meera decided to just go to the kitchen because now she was feeling hungry. On the stairs, she could hear voices from downstairs. Assuming Saumya was also in the living room she went there.
Saumya was lying on the couch with her head on Dadu's lap. She seemed to have just woken up too.
"You are awake? Thank god, you must be hungry. Come, what do you want to eat?" Radha's voice from behind her surprised her a little. Meera turned to see Radha doing something in the kitchen.
"Yes, if it's not a bother?" Meera asked, hesitation clear in her voice. Radha looked at her with a little frown.
"Why is it a bother? Of course, I'll get you something to eat right away." Meera nodded at Radha. She now stood awkwardly at the entrance of the kitchen.
"Aunty, can I just make a cup of coffee for myself? If I eat something now, I won't be able to eat dinner," Meera said as she walked towards the kitchen counter where Radha was standing. It seemed she was frying something.
Meera had this weird habit that if she ate something in the evening, even if it's a little Samosa. She got this habit from her father. She remembers how she had to forcefully feed him, but eventually, their habits started copying each other. Her father left his precious Tea and started drinking coffee with her. And then they would sheepishly look at each other knowing they won't eat dinner now.
Radha smiled and nodded at her. Meera took the pan Radha was handing her as Radha said she'd get the milk. Meera, remembering something turned to Radha.
"Is it fine if I'm touching your utensils? I'm not purely vegetarian. Saumya had told me you guys are vegetarian." Unsure about her question, Meera scolded herself.
What was the need to say that? If she invited Meera to her kitchen, it would be fine, right?
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Meera that's what you had to say now? Really? How utterly stupid are you?
Still not done scolding myself, I just hesitantly looked at Aunty.
Her face had a small smile, it looked like she was laughing at me. Why, god, why me?
"Hat budhu, aisa kuch nahi hota. Ham brahman jaroor hai, lekin ye sb nahi mante." She looked so beautiful while smiling. As much as I know they are still very much strangers, they felt so much like a family.
I smiled at her idiotically. She chuckled and moved towards the living room with a plate of fries she made. I started making my coffee, putting a pan with milk on the stove.
Making coffee reminded me of my papa. The smile that was on my face now disappeared. The constant ache in my chest, reminding me that now I really am alone in my life.
I never saw my mother. She died giving birth to me. My father has always said I looked like her. He used to tell me all the stories about her. How they met, and their marriage everything.
Her parents had disowned her when she married papa, because she didn't married the guy they chose for her. Who was twenty years elder than her. At that time period, when there wasn't much resources or the women didn't know better specially in rular areas like Bihar.
Their story has been my favourite. Overcoming social norms and loving someone so much to leave your life behind. My father till his death, loved my mother. So much that when I found him dead and cold in his bed, he had my mother's picture in his hand.
That sight will haunt me forever. The terror I felt, would always be fresh in my mind.
"Meera!! The milk is boiling." Saumya's voice bought me out of the rabbit hole I was in. I looked to find the milk just about to fell down. Quickly shutting the stove off, I poured the milk in the cup.
"Sorry, was just thinking. You want some?" I asked saumya who was now looking at me strangely. I raised my eyebrows asking what.
She shook her head, and asked me about my nap. I knew she was changing the topic. I also knew that she would most probably ask me about this somewhere more privately.
As we stood near the kitchen island with barstools, we heard voices from the living room outside. It seems someone came home. I looked at the time to see it was now six.
"Looks like bhaiya is here, come I'll introduce you." She grabbed my hand and we walked towards the living room.
Which bhaiya was she talking about? I knew she had two elder brothers. One was working and other I don't know. Shit.
The reality that I don't really know these people I'm living with came crashing to me. The fact that they gave me all this love makes me even more nauseous.
A man around age of 26 or 27 sat beside dada ji. His hair was prim and proper and he was wearing a nice dress shirt. He was good looking. I guess he was the eldest. And why is it that everyone in this family was so good-looking.
"Arjun bhaiya" Saumya called out from beside me. "Meet Meera, she is my friend. She's going to live with us now." He smiled at saumya and hugged her tightly. Then he looked at me and smiled lightly.
I smiled back at him. He seems nice.
"Where is Akshat bhai? I thought you both were together?" Saumya asked. We all sat on the sofa as saumya talked to arjun bhaiya.
"Yeah we were together. And he is just gone to the garage to keep his bike." He replied to saumya. Radha aunty who now I noticed had gone back to the kitchen, came out with two cups of tea. I guess for both her sons.
"I don't know how many times I've told him to not use that godforsaken thing. It's so dangerous." Aunty scowled at her son.
"Yeah yeah scold me, where does all this scolding goes when your favorite son comes in front of you. You never scold him." Arjun bhaiya said accusingly.
"You are just jealous bhaiya, that mom loves me more." A voice from behind us startled me.
Hii!!
I know, I know I said Tuesday and I'm posting this on Sunday. I'm sorry. But I think this schedule is best. Every sunday.
