En Anbu Thozhi (SriDivya+KeerthySuresh)

Chapter 8 - Her Secrets

Keerthy's P.O.V

"Her mother passed away when she was 15." My heart felt heavy at those words. Divya's mom is dead? "What?" I asked the question that kept on resonating in my mind. "I'm her mom's younger sister. I'm sure you have no idea that she had an 8-year-old younger brother too. His name was Shiva. Akka and Shiva died in the same accident. One day when they went to pick Divya from school, they had to cross the road. A car knocked both of them down. It happened right in front of Divya's eyes," she said with almost tears in the eyes.

"Is that the reason why Divya behaves like this?" I asked when I could finally find some words to speak. "It paved the way. Divya was a talkative girl, everybody loved her. She was very caring, intelligent and loved her brother so much. It was a perfect family. The accident changed everything. Anna (her father) became more involved in business, because he couldn't take away his mind from the huge loss. Divya became lonely. After the loss of her mother and brother, she was unable to get her father's love. Her grades dropped and she preferred to stay lonely and quiet all the time. They shifted to Chennai, hoping that it would change their mind. Divya joined her new school. She was constantly bullied there, but she couldn't tell it to anybody because Anna was never at home. We only got to know about it after she attempted suicide by cutting her wrist. The doctor said she had been suffering from depression for 3 years since Akka's death. Anna was regretting so much, he didn't want to lose his only family. I too moved in to help Divya. Her doctor advised us to make her go out more, feel the fresh air and socialize with people. We made her join college. Anna wanted her to join his college to make sure she won't go through depression again. I always ask her how college is. She never speaks a word. Later on, one of her teachers told me about what she actually does in college. She was a bully. I was scared to warn her in fear that she'll stop recovering from depression. I know hurting anyone is wrong, but I have no way of stopping her," Aunty finally finished.

I stayed still, trying to absorb every single word I heard thoroughly into my mind. "I can't believe she had to go through all of this. Sometimes life is so unfair. But don't you think you have to take some action? A lot of students have been suspended because of her. What about their future?" I asked. "Nobody was ever suspended. It was all rumors that Divya had spread. It made the students' fear for her grow more. I know she's being a bully, but she also knows her limits," Aunty replied smiling.

I looked down without knowing what to say when I remembered the reason I'm here. "So where's Divya? Why didn't she come to college for a week?" I asked. "Ah don't worry about her. Anna went on a business trip to US. He couldn't leave Divya behind. She has gone with him. She'll be back in two days," she replied. "Oh okay. Then I'll leave as well. Thank you so much for trusting and taking me in," I turned to leave. "What did you say your name is?" she asked. "Keerthy." "Keerthy, you're the first girl who actually came looking for her for real. Are you her best friend?" She asked. "No," that reply was so spontaneous, it just came so quick, "I'm just another girl..." I wanted to say that I'm just another girl that Divya bullies, but now after knowing Divya's situation, I changed my words, "We're classmates." "Well, this is the first time I'm hearing anything about her classmate," Aunty said and came forward to hold my hand. "Please take care of her in college. Divya has a big heart. She's just lost it on the way. I have complete trust that she'll find it soon. She's more than a daughter to me," there was tears in her eyes. I didn't have a reply, but I nodded firmly and left. I didn't know what that nod was supposed to mean. I didn't know if I really agreed to look after Divya. But I felt Divya's pain deep in my heart. Family is everything to me. I can't imagine myself living without Ma or Appa. I can't imagine myself in her shoes. It was a horrible feeling. By the time I reached the hostel, I had finally decided to keep the promise I made a few hours ago. Yes, I will take care of Divya.

"So you are really going to walk into lion's den? I thought you were kidding!" Sam finally said after I spilled everything what I just found out. "Well, I was joking in the beginning. But now I feel Divya needs some help," I replied. "Everybody knows she needs help. Come on, she's a bully. She's rich and spoilt and she can do anything to you. Who are you anyway. You're not a specialist doctor," Sam said waving her hands in the air in disagreement. "Divya's not sick because of any illness, she's sick because of her emotions. All she needs is some love and care. You know love can cure anything," I still haven't convinced Sam. She just rolled her eyes and sat down on her bed. "Listen Sam. If I was in such a situation, will you just let me be?" I asked her. "You and Divya are different," she let out a deep breath and finally said, "Fine. I'm not really into this, but I'll be there whenever you'll need me." "ooooooooooh I love you Sam," I squealed and hugged Sam. So now it was time I did some real planning. A plan to twist the plot of the story!

Hey guys! I know it's a very small chappy... Please bear up with me, will update a long one next time. Until then read, vote and comment :)