That's how I met him

The Beginning

No I just cannot see my granny crying like that. I feel nauseated out here. Was it the same place where my stupid sister was jumping around like a mad cap. Indeed it was the same old house which reeked to be renewed. However the renewing was not a major concern. The thing that was eating us all was the sudden (not so sudden because it was anticipated..) the death of my granddad. He passed away at the age of 65. He was such a sweetheart. He will be missed. Just as I was playing with these thoughts the landline phone started ringing.

'Tring..tring' ....
My mother rushed to pick up the phone. "hmm..hmmm... But is she not too young... And we've all just gone through bad times. We're not yet over it.... So how can we just send her... Just like that? "

I heard my mother getting irritated to whomsoever was on the other line. I tried to listen to what she was saying and tried my best to figure out who the other would be. I tried hard and just came to a conclusion that it may be some relatives of ours who would be giving us their damn condolences. So I decided to walk away. Just as I was about to go, I heard my mom saying, "I don't know what to say.. She's a kid. How can I just let her stay on her own. Till date I have to bathe her, she can't even bathe on her own and is even scared to go to the bathroom alone. "

Realisation hit me. "Was she talking about me? Of course she was. Now where am I about to go? No, I just can't leave my family. I just can't. "

I felt uneasy. I glanced at my grandma, then at my father and my sweet sister. How could I stay away from them. They were everything and I was far too small to be left alone. I was just 10 for heaven's sake.

I felt like shouting at the top of voice. When I failed to do so I just stood there and then, I started crying. No, I was not crying at the top of my voice but I cried silent tears. I could take no more so I thought hiding in my room and crying my heart out would be the best option.

With a heavy heart I left for my room. Just as I was turning back, my mom called me. I wiped my tears furiously.

"Priyanka, dear can you please come here. I've got something important to tell you."

I knew what was coming next. So I decided to keep it calm and let my mother take a decision for me. After all she knew what was right for me.

"Listen child, you're the most beautiful child any parent can ever get. I don't want you to waste your talents in this place. I want to see you as a very successful woman who is self dependent and does not rely on stupid men to fulfill their dreams. You need to go out dear. I'll be taking you to your new school for the admission test. If you don't like it, just tell me. Okay? I'll not force you to join the school. You're uncle wants you to join there and you will be staying with him. Is that okay? Will you come with me? "

Now I was lost. Where did all this come from? Talents? Uncle? New school? It was too much. I couldn't say anything to my mother. I just turned away crying bitterly.

I heard my mother calling me but I couldn't stay there any more. I hurried to my room.

I slumped on my bed and cried my heart out. I heard the door creaking. My mom came and sat beside me.

"Priyanka.. Hunny I know it's too much for you but as I told you earlier I am not forcing you. Nobody wants to push you away..but all we want is a better you."

I didn't say anything. I just hugged her tightly and cried some more. My mom was caressing my back. She allowed me to spoil her kurta.

"We don't have a good school out here, Priyanka. I don't want to marry you off at the age of 16, just like the rest of the girls do out here. I don't want you to spoil your life. It's a good school, they say. It's a missionary school, just like the school you're going to. It's a new place, a very beautiful one. Above all the school is also a very big one,the type you always wanted to go to."

"But mummy I cannot stay without you. Please don't leave me " I said in between my sobs.

"I'll come to visit you, my sweet little monkey. How could I stay away from my best friend! " she said.

This made things worse because I was crying like a maniac.

"oh stupid little monkey now  don't you cry anymore. You're a strong girl. You're not my daughter... I have a son. My head strong child. I love you allot."  My mom was trying to console me and I was... Well crying.

Big fat tears were running down my face.

My mom continued to caress me. I didn't say anything. I didn't know when sleep overtook me.