Me+You=We

Anu's POV

I didn't have enough money, so I was in dilemma what to do. If I stayed in a hotel for today then I won't have any money left tomorrow. I cannot even sleep on footpaths because it won't be safe for a alone girl. So I had no option left and decided to stay in a hotel to spend this long night. I bought some packet food from the small grocery store on my way and finally booked a room in a small motel.

As soon as I entered the hotel I room, I fell flat on the bed and tried to reduce my tiredness of the entire day. I tossed and turned around the bed. For some reason I felt the bed uncomfortable and I couldn't sleep properly. Constantly the thought on my mother was coming on my mind. I was feeling sad for leaving her. No matter what she was my mother who gave birth to me,fed me and gave a roof under my head.

But somewhere deep inside my heart I was happy for escaping from 19 years of abuse. I came this far now there is no way that I am going to turn back. I have fought with 19 years of abuse gracefully and I will be for sure able to fight with the upcoming challenges in life.

I don't remember when I slept yesterday. I woke up at around 8 am and checked out of the hotel. I was hungry. I had no money. I didn't know what I was going to do. I was wandering on the road aimlessly but suddenly something caught my attention. There infront of me was a cafe where "Workers needed" poster was hanged. I was delighted and tried to apply my luck. So I prayed to God and arranged my dress and entered the cafe to confront the owner. 

When I entered the cafe, I was fascinated by its design. It had mid 90's aura, with beautifully hand crafted designs. There on the right was the counter where I came through an old lady who was in her late 60's. She had brown eyes and had a little wrinkled face. Her hair was half black and half gray. As soon as I confronted her she gave a cheerful smile and asked ;"How can I help you my child".

I felt a little nervous and said stammering;"I am here in search of job".

The smile on her face became more wide and said;"Oh! Thank God you came because recently one of the workers is on her maternity leave. You see this is a small cafe so we can afford only small numbers of workers only. It was hard to manage this cafe recently because we have only 3 workers at the moment".

I could see the ray of hope of me getting this job was growing.

The again she asked;" Can you do this job dutifully? we need a decent workers"

I happily nod my head.

Then she asked me ;"When do you want to start?"

Then I realized I was homeless with no money at the moment.

I played with the hem of my shirt and said;"I am new here I have now where to go and I have no money too".

She just smiled and said;" Now worries we give our staffs their own quarters here if they need. You can stay in the quarters and live till you want."

I was in the cloud nine after hearing her. I thanked her.

She asked;"What is your name child?"

I said ;"Anu! My name is Anu". 

She stared me for some time and motioned me somewhere. I obediently followed her. I noticed that we were going to the back door. Then climbed the stairs and reached the second floor. She then showed me my quarters and said to take rest for today and start the work from tomorrow.

The old woman left. Then I checked my room. It was a small room for a single person with a small bed and a small closet. Thankfully there was a small attached toilet and bathroom. I laid on the bed and slept as soon as my head touched the pillow.

I woke up by the knock on the door. I went and opened the door only to be greeted by the owner of the cafe. She lovingly smiled at me and invited me for the dinner. I was surprised that I slept for so long. It was 8 pm already. 

I blushed with embarrassment. And said;" Sorry ma'm". She frowned listening to me and I got worried thinking what wrong I did. She noticed my worries and said with a smile;"There is nothing to worry. Just don't call me ma'm. Call me "Dadi" (Grandma)."

I was stunned hearing her. This old lady is really very kind and generous. She is showering me with love from the moment I entered this cafe. It made me think why is she being so kind to me. Was she trying to seek any benefit from me or shower me love and sell me later like my mother tried to do.

I was let out of my thought when she literally dragged me towards the dining room. She made me sit on the chair and sat bye my side.and started to serve me food.

I was so curios that I couldn't stop myself from asking her why she was so kind to me.

She just smiled and replied;"I had a granddaughter whose name was Anu too. But she died when she was 5 years old. When I saw you  entering the cafe today morning I felt as if my granddaughter have returned back to me. Coincidentally name was Anu too. So I couldn't stop myself showering love to you."

Then everything made sense to me she was doing this because she saw here granddaughter in me. I had my dinner and returned to my room. I watched out of my window and saw the beautiful city of Jaipur shining in the night lights. I saw the view for some time and started to study for some time. Yes I am not going to leave my study. I will continue my study once I get financially stable here because I have forever believed that education is the only thing that is gonna give me courage to escape this suffering. 

I slept at 12 am wondering about the upcoming days of my life..............