A scent-less flower

Chapter 3

Chapter -3
( Ananya immediately excused herself and ran into her bedroom. She picked up the call and held the phone near her ears.)
"How are you?", were the only words that blurted out of the man's mouth from the other end of the phone. I did not know how to react to this sudden call and above all, the question. I was not okay, but I did not want to have him worried, as he had done way beyond what he could for the life I am living today. " I am fine, Dad. Hope everything is okay there as well.", I said . "Yes, everything is fine. Just wanted to check on you. I could not bring it in me to stop myself from calling you. Shreya was constantly asking for you. I some how handled her, but not sure as to how long I can do that", he said very worried. "Oh! I will definitely come to visit her tomorrow. By the way Dad, hope mom will be okay with me dropping by", I said in a low tone. Dad thought for a few seconds and then said, "Don't worry about Mala, she doesn't realise how much of a favour you are doing for us. We are lifelong indebted to you, child". Listening to those words, tears rolled down my eyes. "Please don't say that Dad. It is my responsibility. See you tomorrow. Bye", saying these words I cut the call.
I turned around to go to the kitchen but spotted Kavya at the doorway, looking mad at me. She said," I knew you were hiding something from me for the past 4 years, but I neither tried to question you nor ask you about it. You keep getting these phone calls. Who are they? What are you hiding from me, Anu?"
I was taken aback and was in loss of words. Her eyes showcased determination, determination to find out the truth. I could no longer hide.
I told Kavya everything. I told her that Shreya was my daughter and that my husband cheated on me and I was divorced and my daughter was with my husband who lived in Delhi.

".. and my mother in law did not like the fact that Shreya would live with me. She tried everything possible to take her away from me. She also threatened to kill herself if I took Shreya away from her.Eventually I lost the battle of custody as they proved that she would not have good education and a sophisticated life if she lived with me. The court granted me permission to meet her whenever I wanted to. But my father in law was so good to let me meet my daughter. He knew that my husband and mother in law were wrong. He considered me as his own daughter". Kavya wore a look of shock on her face. (Kavya could not believe the fact that her friend was married and had a daughter). Kavya said, " whoever that husband of yours might be, is a bastard. He did not know the worth of a gem like you and let you slip off his hands." Her words made me emotional bringing back the thought of my past. Kavya later cheered me up with her jokes.

Later that night, I opened my cupboard and pulled out a small sling bag. I dug into the bag and pulled out a bracelet with the letters VS inscribed on it. A pool of memories made it uneasy for me to breath. I cried and cried the whole night and never realised when I fell asleep.....