The Promise - A Raksha Bandhan Story

                                               The Promise

He hit her, she bit him.

He teased her around, she frowned.

He hid her toys, she stole his candies.

She troubled him, he secretly didn’t mind.

But even if there was a single tear in her eye, he made sure the reason didn’t survive.

                            A Raksha Bandhan Story

“No Mumma, you’re wrong!” she cried in agony. “He will come!”

“But dear, it’s not possible.” her mother said trying to sympathize.

“He promised me.” she said with tears in her eyes.

“Shivi.” Her mother sighed but she wasn’t ready to listen. She looked at her father who too shook his head. She didn't like any of it so she stormed off to her room and shut the door with all her strength. She wanted everyone to know how angry she was.

"Everyone’s lying." she said out loud as she jumped on her bed and hugged her teddy tightly.

“You know that too right, Mr. Snuggles?” she asked her baby pink coloured teddy bear which was given to her by her elder brother Aayan.

Aayan had been recruited into the army last year. It was the first raksha bandhan in the twenty years of her life that they would be spending apart. She just wasn't ready to accept it.

The very next minute, her phone began to ring. It was her best friend calling so she had no other choice but to pick it up.

“Happy Birthday Best Friend!” Raghav exclaimed from the other side of the phone.

“Thanks.” she muttered.

“Thanks? You have been eating my head about this day since the last four months. You can't just be saying thanks!” he replied in shock.

“It’s Aayan bhaiya.” she sighed.  “Mom is saying he won’t come.”

“Okay let’s meet up.” he said. He was ready for Mission: Rescue Best Friend.

“Not now." she replied. "I’m in no mood.”

“I’m coming over then.” he announced.

“No Raghav. I just want to be alone for a while.” she pleaded.

“Fine." he said but was in no mood to leave her alone.

“Thanks.” she said but heard the dial tone. He had already cut the phone by then.

An hour later, she heard a knock on her door.

"Go away. I don't want to talk to anyone!" she yelled.

"It's me Shivu!" Raghav said. "Open up."

She unwillingly got up and walked towards her door.

"I thought I made it clear that I wanted to be alone." she said opening the door.