7th Sept.
Sorry I did not write the last page. I was really upset actually. Early in the morning, the nice lady left the house without telling anyone. I was the first to wake up. I went to search for her, but she was nowhere. I went to her room, but she wasn't there either. I stood by her photo and then went to the balcony to see whether she was down. Papa tried to ask me what was wrong. I couldn't tell him.
At the breakfast table, I was feeling so morose. The lady had left because of me. I was sure of that. Why can't I do anything well in her eyes? I like her, but I can't express myself. Now she's angry with Abhi too. Oh….. Papa tried to feed me cornflakes but I threw it aside and began to cry. I was feeling so miserable…….And the whole day was spent in the same manner.
When we returned, Billo and Abhi started to count the money. They are so poor at counting. But they realised that they were falling short of money. Billo said he remembered how his mother had whacked him the last time he had taken money and besides she hides her purse now. They wanted to know from me what gift a girl would like. Now who did they want to buy a gift for? Then Billo said he liked me, and Abhi said he liked me too. Oh God, these two know how confuse an issue. That Billo said there are different ways of liking…….. Really? Diary, this guy really talks in riddles! They then put on their thinking cap. Abhi thought of ringing up his granny. He asked her what his mother liked as a young girl. His Gran said ----- chocolate.
Papa came and announced he had the ice cream for us. He told Abhi to give me one cone. Abhi tried to coax me into taking it. But I didn't want it. There seemed no joy in eating ice-cream today. Papa also asked me to have it. However I didn't take it. The bell rang and Papa went to get the door. Abhi was insisting that I take the ice-cream. Oh! The nice lady had returned. She came forward and urged me to take it. She took it and offered it to me. Did this mean that the lady was not angry with me anymore? She peeled off the paper and handed the cone to me. I took it. I hoped that things were fine now. I licked my favourite food. Papa looked relieved. He told the lady that he'd be late tonight.
After the icecream, Abhi Billo and I went to the kitchen. Abhi asked her if the three of us could go down to play. She didn't want me to go but then allowed us. She warned that we shouldn't go outside the gate. We went down and to a shop. Both the boys started to look for a suitable gift. I was on my own. Billo chose a card and Abhi bought a chocolate. But my eyes were on some pretty yellow flowers. The gift was packed. We returned home. Abhi's mom was angry because we had gone out. She went to her room to lie down. We went there and Abhi offered her the gift. She smiled but she had tears in her eyes. What did that mean? Smiling and crying? She pulled Abhi close and kissed him. She looked at me and extended her hand and stopped short. Papa had entered the room. I waited for her to touch too. But she didn't….. She got off the bed and went away. Looks like she was annoyed once again.
At night Papa started with my family book. It was like school. He showed me the first page. This is Papa. I tried to move my lips. Then he showed me the lady's picture. That was Vidya. Again he tried to make me talk. Vidya …. he said. I tried again. I concentrated on the picture. But I couldn't articulate. He then showed me Abhi…..my brother. Next was Billo. He asked me to say his name. He said he was my friend. But Billo said he was not just friend…….but a boyfriend. Papa went to give him a good whack (in jest). What is boyfriend? What was Billo cheeky about? Anyway his mom came and dragged him home. Of course she never missed the opportunity to call me mad. But I am not……. Papa looked sad. Abhi looked sad and his mom looked sad. Why? Papa stroked my hair and kissed me on the head. He's so sweet……na?
Goodnight, Diary. More to write tomorrow……
Indian Idol 15
