Chapter 2
1680 Words
After 16 hours of t*****e, I finally arrive at the Delhi airport. Upon leaving the airport, I wait patiently for my big brother to grace me with his presence.
'Oh god! Where is he?' I mumble, tapping my foot there impatiently.
My gaze darts around before catching sight of a familiar silhouette approaching.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Bachi. We got stuck in the traffic." Vihaan bhai apologized. Every time he made a mistake, he would call me Bachi.
"I have come after so many years,but here you are making me wait," I said, trapping him in guilt.
He rolled his eyes looking past my mischief, and said,"Oye, drama queen. Come on and hug your bhai,"
I run into his waiting arms and embrace him tightly; enjoying the protection he gives after a long absence.
“I missed you bachi.”
“I miss you too, bhai.” My voice came out muffled.
“What do you think of me, Vihaan? Am I your driver or what?” An angry voice broke my bubble of joy.
When I pull back from the hug, I see my father's friend's son, Siddharth, standing there with his hand on his hips.
I see him glare at Vihaan bhai, but his eyes lighten when he identifies me.
“Hey, Ridhu, how are you?”
"Fine" is all I can say.
Siddharth and I used to be friends, but an incident turned my relationship with him soured since that incident. After that, we never got along.
After a while, the wheels in my mind turned back to the beginning.
Though our ages were five years apart, we used to be good friends. Siddharth used to visit us with his father, and since he was friends with my brother, he also became close to me. Even though I regarded him as my brother, he brutally broke my heart when I was ten. I couldn't get rid of the haunting memories of that day.
In the school cafeteria, I was eager to enjoy lunch with my friends when I bumped into him.
While rubbing my sore forehead, I looked up and smiled at him.
"Hello, Sid." I greeted sweetly.
He sneered, "That's Sidharth for you bitch.".
His reaction caught me by surprise. Never in my life had I heard any curse word spoken at me in such a harsh manner.
I asked, teary-eyed, "Siddharth... why are you being so mean to me?"
Honey-soft eyes that used to warm me were now distant and cold. There was no longer any softness or smile, and the scowl replaced them both.
A smirking he replied. "You brat, I will call you whatever I wish. You orphan, a piece of trash."
Red was all I could see.
I tried hard, I really did. His words, however, broke my heart and my self-confidence. The rage coursed through my veins. A jackhammering sensation went through my rib cage due to anger.
"Just shut up, "I shouted, grabbing everyone's attention.
At that moment, I didn't care about my surroundings or those around me. I didn't care about being the center of attention.
My friends came for my support and stood by me.
Shivika, one of my friends, said angrily, "Back off, Sid. Leave her alone."
"Why are you taking her side, Shivika? Do you know her true identity? She is an orphan whom uncle found on the street, and took her in as a charity, and..."I ignored him, wiping my tears laden cheeks harshly, and sniffed softly.
'How dare he say that? Do I not have a family? What makes him say that I am an orphan, a charity case?
In a rage, I poured the juice over him, which I found on the side table, shouting, "You are lying.”
"You..." He said angrily, but before he could say anything, our principal came and took us with him.
The call was made to our parents, but I couldn't bring myself to care or even to fear the consequences, as my mind shut itself off from the world around me. It was very loud, but I didn't pay attention to it. Like a broken tape recorder, all of today's events keep circling in my head. All of a sudden, everything went black.
I didn't know when we got home and how I changed into my clothes. When I came to my senses, I found myself tucked in bed.
Standing up on my bed, I tried to think everything through, but the screams of frustration coming from the living room made the process difficult.
The pain in my body felt like a bulldozer ran over me. After struggling so hard, I dragged my feet out of the room where everyone was shouting.
Standing in the corner of the living room, I saw Papa and Ramesh uncle fighting. The two of them never fought before, nor did I ever see my father angry. Throughout his life, he was gentle and humble.
On that day, I discovered my greatest secret. Siddharth wasn't lying when he said I was an orphan. In fact, my parents adopted me when I was a child. I was found somewhere in Rajasthan, but they did not tell me when and how? Their hearts melted when they first saw me crying, and they adopted me as their own.
On that day, I sobbed myself to sleep. It took me weeks to get out of my depressive state. I witnessed my parents' tears. My brother battled his best friend for my dignity. While I denied playing with my sister, I watched her cling to me, crying.
Whatever happened made our world tremble. Eventually, everything was redeemed. We got our lives back on track. I learned to accept the reality of life. Though they were not my biological parents, they were my parents nonetheless, and I loved them no matter what. I was always grateful for what they did for me. My parents were not only my parents but also my gods. There is nothing I can't do for them. I loved them.
"Ridhu? Hey, where are you lost?"
My reverie broke when I heard my brother's voice. I blinked my eyes before glaring at him.
“Why did you bring him?” I whispered.
“Sorry, kiddo, at the last moment my car broke down, and he was more than willing to help me.” He said apologetically.
“Okay. I am tired, take me home.” I whined.
“Okay let's go”
We all get into the car. Siddharth and Bhai sit in the front while I sit in the back.
As I look out of the window, I am enjoying the cool breeze of Delhi. So much has changed over the years, but something remains the same.
*****
At home
Here I am outside my childhood home, where I spent most of my time. My heart is racing with anticipation as I wait for them to open the door for us.
Vihaan Bhai pressed the doorbell. Since I want it to be a surprise for them, I hide behind the pillar.
After dropping us at home, Siddharth left. Thanking my stars for this, I couldn't tolerate him any longer.
After a minute or two, the main door is opened by Mehar bhabhi who is grinning ear to ear.
After catching her eye, he hugs her tight and steps inside without closing the main door. I enter the house secretly in order not to be seen by anyone.
I walk behind them, softly treading, and enter the living room. My father is sitting on the white couch with his spectacles on, reading some files with dedication. Slowly, I reach toward my dad and close his eyes with my palm.
“Guess who?”Asked, Vihaan bhai.
My father touched my hand to guess. As the realization dawns on him, his hand starts to shake.
He turns to me and whispers, "Princess," with tears running down his cheeks. He does not attempt to hide his true emotions, and the overwhelming feeling he feels at the moment.
His protective arms tightly wrap around me as he pulls me closer to him. The feeling of security I have in his arms is unbeatable.
In the end, I feel at home.
His lips brushed my forehead lovingly as he murmured, "I miss you so much, Beta."
"I miss you too, Papaji"
"You didn't miss me? I hear the voice I have been looking forward to hearing for a long time.
"Maa!" I ran towards her, and she immediately wrapped her arms around me.
She pepper kisses all over my face which makes me giggle.
She sobbed, "Meri bachi."
My ears vibrate with the little devil's voice saying "Yehi hai ap ki bachi, me nahi."
“Avi” A petite body crashed into me, making me laugh.
"I miss you very much, Ridhi di. Why have you taken so long to come back?" she questioned.
I replied, "Now I'm back, and I'm not going anywhere."
"Sweetheart," said Bhabhi.
"MB" I always called her MB (short form of Mehar Bhabhi).
"You got so skinny, dear. Didn't they give you enough food?" She complained.
I roll my eyes at her comment. It's always like that for her, always worrying about Avni and me.
"I am fine MB, but you look radiant and gorgeous than before" I joke, and see a reddish flush form on her.
"I am also saying the same to her, but she doesn't believe me."Vihaan bhai winks at her, making her turn into a beetroot.
"MB," I exclaim excitedly, "You are glowing. Did I miss something?"I enquire.
She nods her head in agreement.
I squeal with delight when I hear "Really? A new family member will be joining us."
"Where is Rudra? I miss him so much.” I inquired about Vihaan’s son.
"He's been to summer camp," Maa replied.
I pouted, "I wish I could meet him."
They all laugh at my childishness. I love my family. They know how to make me happy.
After a long time, I'm glad to be at home.
- Writer
