Antara's Diary ...... 12th Oct to 16th Oct

Dear Diary,

As I told you earlier, both Abhi and I were sitting with Arti bua. Sameer Uncle kinda cleverly ignored us and started looking at Arti bua. He kept looking and looking at her. And she kept looking down. I didn't understand. Then Sameer uncle leaned slowly forward until he almost kissed Arti bua. Abhi put his hands over my eyes but was peeking through his eyes. What a naughty boy!!!!!!!!! And then Sameer Uncle said, "I love you Arti". Abhi jumped off the bed saying we'd be going to our room.

Arre…………once he says he wants to stay put and the next moment he wants to run to Vidya. What a mamma's boy!

Vidya wanted to know why we had returned and he told her because 'they' were doing adult talk….Both Vidya and Papa smiled knowingly. I said what I had heard…."I love you, Vidya" Both of them were shocked and they looked at me in wonder. So I repeated the words. Papa and Vidya both kissed me. Abhi also said, "I love you Vidya." *giggles* What fun ….. Papa put his arms round all of us and kissed both Abhi and I. Both Papa and Vidya are so nice……… We were a family…….a happy family enclosed in a circle of love.

Diary, I am so happy today ……….

Dear Diary,

Papa and Vidya visited the clinic today and Vikram uncle gave them the name of a thra….thrapist ….therapist. But I think there is some problem about money….. what's money?

Papa asked Vidya to proceed with me. We went to her mother's place. I was playing at the table. The two ladies were talking something serious. Again about money I think. Vidya's mum told her to start teaching music to kids. I hope she teaches me too. I love music y'know. Anyway it was time to leave and Vidya hugged her mother. They looked so sweet together. I will also hug Vidya……..later.

When we returned home, some boys were bursting crackers. Boom!!!!!!! My heart nearly stopped beating. I was shivering. I couldn't stand the noise. I began to scream and run helter skelter. Vidya caught me and held me close trying to stop me from crying……..*boo hoo* I was still moaning while Vidya carried me up. Our neighbour was nice. She told Vidya that Abhi was asleep next door. Seeing that Vidya was tired she told her to look after herself. Vidya brought Abhi and we went home and straight to the bedroom. She put Abhi on the bed, took me on her lap and tried to put me to sleep. But the sound of crackers had me up in a flash. Vidya closed the windows and drew the curtains. Only then did I lie down. Slowly my eyes closed and I fell asleep.

Goodnight Diary …………….

Dear Diary,

It was very sad yesterday……………Papa was in a very angry mood. I don't know what had happened but he was furious. He shouted at Abhi…….I did not like that at all. Abhi is a sweet boy and he is small, na..? He felt bad because Vidya took me alone with her and not him. But he is a brave one, he didn't cry. He was frightened when Papa yelled because he hid behind Vidya. Why did Papa shout at him? He never does this so what happened to him today? He took me by my hand and dragged me inside the house. When Vidya asked him why he was angry, he said he didn't want to talk. There would be no more sess….sessi…for me. I think that means less school……..yayyyyyyy!!!!!

I loved going with Vidya to her music class. She sings so nicely.

We were downstairs waiting for Papa to return in the evening. Some people wanted to burst crackers. BANG! I screamed with fear, although Vidya had covered my ears. Oh my ! Why do people make so much noise?

We went home and I started playing my favourite game…..Jigs. Billo was watching me and asked me to say I love you. Huh? Why did he want to hear that? Was he my teacher? But I said…..I love you Vidya. *giggles* Vidya brought milk for all us. Papa came home but was still angry.

Next morning he took me with him. He rang the door-bell. It was the same house as yestdy's where Vidya had taken me. Abhi was sitting there while Vidya was teaching music. Both Vidya and Papa looked at each other for a long time and then we went down. Papa began to weep. We sat under a tree. Vidya was saying something to Papa. Papa had lost his job….what's the meaning of job? We returned home.

Again those Godforsaken crackers!!!!!!! Waaahhhhh! Why don't they stop it? Papa and Vidya were arguing but I don't know what it was …..it was drowned in the sound of my crying.

Boo hoo Diary…… sob sob sob……..