First Impressions

Chapter Three

Why on Earth is Life so complicated?
Can't things just be simple and normal?. Can't I get back to my good old life? Sadly the answer is no but I wish I could.

I hear a knock twice on my door as I lay in the bed tossing and turning, contemplating my life that is going to change so much. Then comes her sweet voice 'Rhea dear?' My aunt is as sweet as sugar. No. Actually sweeter than sugar.

She can't hurt anyone around her. After the death of her daughter which was as far as seven years back, she looks upon me, takes care of me as her own daughter. But yeah, being sweet doesn't mean she doesn't scold me at all.

I open the door to be welcomed with the sight of her broad glittering smile.

'So what were you doing? I know you must be feeling all strange here but Rhea darling trust me, this house equally belongs to you. And I repeat that if you ever need anything, do not hesitate to let us know'
'Sure Aunty' I hug her.

'I had come here to hand over the AC remote, it's repaired now. Hope it works properly now' She switches it on to confirm and feels contented.
'Aunty you don't need to worry so much about me. I am very comfortable here.You can go sleep peacefully.' I assure her.
'Even you should go sleep now.Good night darling. '
'Good night Auntie'

I am not sleepy. The urge to express the thoughts in my mind by writing them down in my diary forces me to stay awake.
I am actually tired but then my mind does all it can to keep me wide awake, today's eventful day being one of the salient things.
My phone beeps.
Neha: Good Night. It was really nice meeting you today. See you tomorrow. :)

I reply her back instantly. How can people be so sweet? Already, my Aunt hasn't missed any of the times of being as sweet as sugar and now as if that wasn't enough, I even get to have a spoon of honey.

And then I begin to recall the days' events. After my bumping encounter with that Raghav guy, I got late to my class, now that was quite obvious.

The prof looked at me quite mercilessly but took my details and let me in since I had apologised with my puppy eyes.
'You need to be Punctual in my class' he snorted when I walked towards the benches.
'Yes Sir' I had replied mutteringly.

Before going back to our homes we had all our phone numbers exchanged.
Neha asked me where I was living.
I told her I am living with my Aunt and Uncle and it turns out that this house is quite near to her house.
'Your Parents..Do they still live in Bangalore?' She asked the question which I rather wished she hadn't.
'Um..No. My parents are not with me anymore' I had replied quite hesitatingly and in a sad tone. Understanding my low tone and discomfort she apologised and quickly managed to change the topic. She is a real sweetheart.

After I am done penning down all my thoughts and the day's events in my diary I go to the kitchen to fill my water jug since its empty.
I walk down the hallway as silently as I can so that Uncle and Aunt don't get disturbed or woken up from their beauty sleep.

Coming back from the kitchen again silently with the jug, I fill water into a glass and gulping it,I look out of the Window and stare at the sky.
The moon seems to be shinier today. I realize that the moon is a loyal companion. It's always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing continuously just as we do.

Everyday it is a different version of itself. And thus it understands what it means to be a human. Uncertain, alone and cratered by imperfections. And just like the moon, people too have a dark side which they never show to anyone.

I switch off the lights and go to sleep immediately.

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It's the second day and we are at the cafe sitting at the same table as yesterday. This time I decide to accompany fatty Swati to the food counter since I feel so hungry that I feel I can eat the crutch out of a low flying duck.