Lone Girl

Chapter 3

I was standing on our front porch and having one last good view of our house. It would be a while before we come back here, not anytime soon before we complete our studies.

I heard Trisha calling from behind telling me it's time to leave. After that chat in my room, about a week ago Trisha was trying to be nice to me. ‘It’s a good thing. Right?’ We started off to airport where a private jet had been waiting for us. I was silent all along the journey to the airport. When we got to the airport, our luggage was carried to the jet by the crew. As we were about to follow them dad called me aside by poking me lightly on the hand. It's a gesture we always do when we were worried and wanted to talk about it.

"Hey sweetie, you alright?", worry was evident on his face.

Before I could say anything he continued, "I know you are not fond of Jay and also are not okay with being around him. " He paused for a moment and I stood there silent as if saying him to continue. "Honey, you also know that this is necessary or required and there is no way I can turn my back on this. He is my brother’s son, he is my responsibility.Even you can’t deny the fact that Jay is your brother though you are not very fond of him. So, will you try considering the positive aspects about this and be happy again?"

His eyes searched mine for any little sign and I finally spoke, "Fine dad, I will try". He smiled and we went towards our family.
The jet ride was a long one and by the time we reached, we were totally exhausted. It was about dinner time when we reached our uncle's house. It's a beautiful mansion and I loved it from my childhood. Mukesh kaka, the caretaker of our uncle was waiting for us outside. He has been working here for as long as I know and is almost like family to all of us.  As we had a long flight, we decided to head straight to our rooms and rest. Mukesh kaka escorted us to our respective rooms. When I entered my room, there was a night dress waiting for me on the bed and instantly I knew that it was the work of the cook, Jyothi. I quickly changed, got under the sheets and soon let my eyes shut and fell asleep.

I woke up to the chirping noises of birds outside my window. I had a good sleep perhaps due to the tiredness of the journey. I looked around my room. It's a big room, bigger than the one I used to have. I found my luggage in the room. When I was about to sit down to get my clothes into the closet, my stomach made noises reminding me that I skipped dinner last night. I rushed towards  my bathroom to get my chores done. I changed and went down to have something to stop the growls of my stomach.
When I went to the kitchen I was relieved that Jay was not there. I happily greeted my parents and took the seat beside Swetha. Having finished my breakfast, I kept my plate in the dish washer and stood there talking with mom, hands on my hips when suddenly I heard the front door opening. As my back was facing the door, I didn’t know who it was but the smile on Trisha's face made it evident enough to know who it was.

"Oh God!", I let out a small sigh, low enough that even Mom couldn't notice. I was finally about to face him after all these years. I decided to take the things in a positive way as my dad asked me to and tried to be as calm and as pleasant as possible.

Author’s note:

So much positivity. Is that going to be enough for Anu to forget all the hate?