Withering Heart

15

Okay guys, don't ignore this note. I have made some changes in the first prologue so do check it out.

Vote before you read.

Dancing or singing?

Taylor Swift or Shreya Ghoshal?

Laila majnu or Rockstar?

                     AUTHOR

The wooden rusty door made a cracking sound when he slightly pushed it open. Chirping of birds and an old classical Bengali song welcomed him. Stepping inside, he sighed looking at the condition of his house.

It seemed like the house has not been dusted for a while. The familiar spicy smell of fishes getting fried filled his nostrils, making him sneeze. Wiping his nose, he took a left turn and entered the kitchen.

There standing was the woman of this house with her back towards him. She was humming a tune, particularly copying the one which was playing in the radio. He remembered it's her favorite song and there was a time, when it used to be his favorite as well.

"Maa."

The woman stopped moving the spatula and slowly turned around. A huge smile covered her wrinkled face. Few strands of her slightly grey hair were covering her face as the rest of her hair was tied into a bun.

His jaw clenched seeing the fresh bruises on her face. Her left eye was slightly black and swollen, her lips had a small cut and her right cheekbone was bearing a red patch as if she got pinched by someone.

Knowing that someone is none other his own father, made him see red in fury.

"Shona..."

She ran in his direction and hugged him tightly.

"When did you come? I didn't hear anything." She muttered with a smile feeling the embrace of her son after so long.

Kabir slowly embraced her. Her head was resting on his chest, he parted her back feeling so many emotions rushing through his veins. A part of his mind told him to push her away. However, the other part urged him to hold her closer.

"Few minutes ago." He replied.

"You have became so thin. They don't give you healthy food." She complained finally looking at his face.

"And what about you?" Kabir muttered staring at the wall behind her.

She smiled not knowing what he meant or atleast pretended to.

"What about me? I am perfectly fine."

A chuckle left his mouth as he shook his head. There was no humour in his chuckle.

"The bruises on your face says otherwise, Maa." He claimed sarcastically.

The smile vanished from her lips as her eyes slightly widened in realisation.

"What? Forgot to conceal them with makeup?" He seethed.

Tears filled her eyes but she tried to hide it by lowering her head. She completely forgot to hide those behind makeup. She thought Kabir would arrive by the afternoon but he arrived early and thus, she didn't get
the time.

Leaving his hand, she walked back towards the stove and started stirring the curry. Kabir's fist tightened feeling an uncontrollable rage burning inside him. 

"I have cooked your favorite prawn curry. Should I serve it with rice or roti?" Her cheerful voice fell in his ears making him more furious.

Apart from him, anyone would say how cheerful and happy she was sounding. But, only he knew the truth.