Chapter : 04
Riddhima looked at the post office just few feet away from her. Should she visit and see if she received any letter ? The better judgement in her stopped her. The way the sender clearly stated that he has no intention to communicate, it would be unfair to expect a reply. But the lonely heart in her surprisingly kept looking forward to that unexpected letter. Something she couldn't understand. Heck, she yet to understand why she opened the letter in the very first place that solely belonged to Kuhudi. But didn't she throw it away ? The reasoning came instantly. But why she wrote a reply is yet a mystery to her. She kept thinking for days why she did that. May be it was the no nonsense tone that gave everything away or the way the letter was wrote almost stabbing the pen on the paper told the anguish the sender was holding. But something snapped inside her and she had to tell him something . Something to soothe him. The otherwise Riddhima who always hates confrontation or being put in the spot for the first time wanted to be there for someone. May be her pain of holding a secret for many years taught her the torment one feels when they have to suppress something. She could exactly see the same torment in those words .
And thus Riddhima found herself in front of the post office on a bright evening after school. She was alone today as Kuhu di came home early and Oni da was back at his hostel in Delhi. Riddhima sighed. She missed her Oni da or Annu da as Kuhu calls. Initially even she used to call him Annu da but after one day Kuhu made a scene saying only she can call him that, she refrained herself from doing that. And thus he became his Oni da. She hardly argues with Kuhu. To be honest, she hardly argues with anyone. The anxiety she has in her since childhood keeps her in check always. Not that she is naïve or just a typical damsel in distress, she just hates confrontation. In a very small age she had learned to appreciate the blessings around her. She understood the sacrifices people make everyday. She understood the inner war people fight every day. So she tries to stay away from people or crowd a much as possible in case she mistakenly presses on a wrong nerve. Or someone comes to close to her only to abandon her just like her father . But it was different with Oni da. Oni da is her happy place. Only person she could be cheerful around. Not that she doesn't smile and joke with rest of the family, but with Mama and Mamima it comes with gratitude from her side. But with Oni da, it was never gratitude. Mama & Mamima took responsibility of her, but Oni da chose her to be his sister. And she can say it even with closed eyes that no one is so protective of her as Oni da, and no one could ever be. A reason Kuhu is miffed about thinking she took away what was hers. Only if Kuhu could see he loves both of them equally. In return she loves Oni da and Kuhu di to the moon and back. In fact Oni da was the one who made her open the post box in the post office. Oni da started his higher studies at the beginning of this year and this 5 years of bachelor studies will keep him away from home. Riddhima was really sad thinking how far Oni da will be only for him to come up this idea to keep in touch. It was initially for fun and to cheer her up but this is the same address she used to receive letter from that stranger. With a thudding heart Riddhima went inside the office
An hour later
Riddhima stood frozen in her room. She could not believe she actually got a reply. When she opened her designated box and saw an envelope she almost thought it was Oni da. But as soon as she saw the handwriting she knew who it was. She somehow managed her breathe and ran to her home. She couldn't wait to finish her lunch and run back to her room to read the letter. With deep breathes, she opened the letter
Ms. Bee
Hopefully you won't mind calling me that. It just came instantly just after writing the letter B. To be honest I am surprising myself by writing back to you. I don't know what is making me do it. Because everything around me is a mess and all I want is to break everything. Talking let alone writing to someone is the last possible thing I imagined myself doing but here I am , sitting in between my mess and writing back to you.
Did you see the weather outside ? It's Autumn. The leaves are falling. There are sounds of dry leaves everywhere. The air has a hinge of loneliness. Just like my life. I am not a people's person but never have I ever faced loneliness. But this Autumn is different. This year is different. Nothing makes sense. Just like this letter which is making absolutely no sense at all. I don't even know why I am talking about weather. I don't think I should write anymore or else you will call me a lunatic. Let' s just stop , okay?
Regards
Mr. S
P.S. Mr. S sounds weird
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Hopefully will be excused for the elaborate thoughts of Riddhima. As the story is still on its build up zone, few chapters will have elaboration on individuals thought process to understand the character better. I will eventually add Animesh's POV given he will be playing an important role in the lives of the sisters. Hopefully you will bear with me 🙈🙈🙈🙈🙈
Also I have no idea about Indian schooling system so please excuse me for the mistake I will be making in future 🤦♀️
As they are teenager, of course their schooling will be a part of their life and I will add them according to the story convenience. If it doesn't match with the actual scenario , please do not mind 🙈🙈🙈🙈
Also if anyone could teach me how to add pictures or song links here would be really helpful ♥️
Edited by jisa - 4 years ago