Undelivered

Chapter 1

Akshara’s POV

Akshara Sharma stepped off the car and onto the bustling streets of the city. The cacophony sounded blaringly loud, bringing her into an unavoidable rush-the honking cars, chattering pedestrians, and shrieking horns. Having lived all her life in a small town, she had always secretly yearned for this big city. The risky city, finally, here she was, at the age of thirteen.

As she walked toward her new home, Akshara's thoughts flew back to her hometown. She had not heard those quiet streets in so long. Even the faces of her friends from school brought comfort near to her heart.

Her parents had moved to the city for her father's job, a promotion that promised better opportunities and a brighter future. Akshara's mother had been ecstatic, envisioning a life of luxury and comfort. But Akshara's heart still lingered in the past, clinging to the memories of her childhood.

Akshara sat on the couch, lost in thought, staring out the window at the unfamiliar cityscape. She was still trying to wrap her head around the move, as she lifted her eyes toward the majestic skyscrapers and lively markets, she felt a rush of adrenaline .

Akshara's mind wandered to the life she had left behind. The quiet streets of her hometown, where everyone knew her name and her favorite ice cream flavor, seemed like a distant memory now. She missed the familiar faces of her friends, the comforting routine of her old school, and the soothing sound of the river that flowed through the heart of her hometown.

But most of all, she missed the sense of belonging. In her hometown, Akshara knew exactly who she was. Here, in this vast and anonymous city, she was just another face in the crowd.

‘Akku, come to the kitchen beta.’ her mother called out. 

Akshara got up and walked to the kitchen, curiosity piqued. Her mother was busy blending something in the mixer.

"What is it, Mumma?" Akshara asked.

Her mother smiled. "I made your favorite chocolate shake. You've been so stressed with the move, I thought you could use a pick-me-up."

Akshara's face lit up. "Yay, thanks, Mumma! I love youu"

Nisha walked into the kitchen, "What's going on?"

"Chocolate shake time!" Akshara exclaimed.

Their mother handed each of them a glass, topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

"Cheers to new beginnings!" she said, smiling.

Akshara took a sip, the rich, chocolatey flavor comforting her. 

"Mumma, this is amazing!" Nisha said, savoring the taste.

Their mother beamed. "Glad you girls are enjoying it."

As they finished their shakes, Nisha turned to Akshara. "Hey, want to take a walk with me?"

Akshara nodded, and they told their mother, "We're going out for a walk, Mumma. Need some fresh air."

"Okay, beta. Be back soon. Don't forget to take your phone," their mother replied.

"Hey, Akku?" Nisha said, as they walked.

"Yeah?"

"Everything will be okay. You'll find your place here. Just be yourself."

Akshara smiled, feeling grateful for her sister's wisdom.

"Thanks, Didi," Akshara replied.

As they strolled through the park, Akshara and Nisha chatted about everything from school to friends to their parents' expectations.

"Didi, do you think I'll make friends here?" Akshara asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

Nisha smiled reassuringly. "Of course, Akku! You're amazing. People will love you."

Just then, they walked past a colorful toy vending machine tucked away under a tree.

"Ooh, look! A toy vending machine!" 

Akshara's eyes widened with excitement. "Let's get something!"

Nisha laughed. “bachii”

Nisha inserted a coin and turned the dial. The machine whirred to life, dispensing a capsule stuck halfway out. 

“Wait lemme try this time” Akshara saud excitedly. 

Again she failed to grab a toy out of the machine. 

Even after numerous times..there was no progress.

Just then, a boy with messy brown hair and  warm brown eyes and sweat covering his whole face approached them.

"Need help?" he asked, smiling.

Akshara nodded, feeling a bit shy.

“Which one do you want?”the boy asked.

“Uhm the tiger one”  

The boy gently pulled the toy out and handed it to Akshara.

"Thanks!" Akshara exclaimed, beaming.

"Welcome," he replied, smiling back.

Nisha smiled. "We're new here. I'm Nisha, and this is Akshara."

"I'm Sanvik," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. 

It felt like her face was on fire when she took the toy tiger from Sanvik. The fleeting encounter ignited a sense of interest and even eagerness within her. She now, for the first time since she had arrived at the city, felt a tiny spark of bond.

"Thanks again, Sanvik," she said quietly, clutching the toy.

Sanvik smiled. "No problem. This machine is quite problematic." He regarded Akshara and Nisha. "So You're new here?"

"Yeah, just moved," Nisha replied warmly. "Our dad got a new job in the city."

Sanvik nodded. "That must be quite a change. I have lived here all my life, so if you ever need anything or anything, just let me know. I live in the apartment adjacent to this park."

Akshara smiled. "Really nice of you. We'll certainly keep that in mind".

As they strode along, the park around them buzzed with activity. Children played on swings, while skids of teenagers laughed their way by. For a moment, Akshara stopped and took it all in. She realized that although the city was loud, chaotic, and different, it also included a kind of allure — a promise of new friendships, adventures, and memories waiting to be made.

Nisha gazed at her sister with all seriousness, a furrowed brow that made her raise an eyebrow. "Feeling better?"

Akshara turned towards her, a faint smile forming on her lips. "Yeah, I'm feeling okay about all this, I think."

Good, Nisha said with a wag of her finger at Akshara. “You are going to love it here, Akku. Just wait.”

As they walk back home, the weight on Akshara's chest seems to have been lifted; that hollow ache in her heart no longer hungers for the past. She looks down at the toy tiger in her hand, a small token of something new and promising. For the first time since the move, she felt maybe just maybe she'll find where she belongs in this big noisy, thrilling city.