2: Life in the Kirloskar Home—London
Pari: *to herself* Oh, my god! That lunch was so good! But I ate too much again! Grr!
This is almost a daily routine for me. I get up every morning and get ready for school. Then I usually have either football practice or a game—then I come home and shower and reflect upon recent events. Now that the football season was over, I would have a lot of free time. School will be out within 3 weeks as well. Then what?
Other than that, I dragged my exhausted self to the mirror. I was different from my dad in so many ways—but the same! My hair? It was neat and thick, while my dad's was unkempt. My eyes were also lighter than my dad's and my frame was definitely not his. I don't exactly know where I got my athletic abilities from either. All I know is that neither of my parents played sports.
All I know is that the one thing I seemed to have inherited from my dad was the one thing I was proud of—his smile. He's not the kind of person that smiles often, but I fill in for him. I mean, when we have the same smile, why not?
There's a lot I don't know about my mom. All I seemed to pick up was that she was simple and judicial. My dad doesn't talk much about her. Why does he need to, anyways? The only thing he stresses over is that I haven't gotten my mom's sense of thinking. That's great for me! No drama, no tears, no stupid decisions. I have received my dad's sense of thinking, which is rather arrogant—except for me, it's in the more feminine kind of way. I have received my mom's passion for remaining simple and out of the spotlight, though. You could say that I looked more like my mom though acted more like my dad—I was an equal balance!
The only thing I can't seem to understand is where I got my love of science if my entire family is into business. Oh well, it's not like I'll be meeting them anytime soon.
This is all apart of my daily thinking routine. But that can wait. My 14th birthday is tomorrow, and this year, I want it to be special.
********
Pari: Peter? Where is my dad?
Servant: He is in the study, Miss Pari.
Pari: Thank you, Peter.
____
Pari: *walking into the study* Dad!
Arjun: *looking up from his work* Oh, Pari. What happened?
Pari: Nothing! *flops onto a couch* Why do you assume that because I decide to come see you, something happened?
Arjun: Let me rephrase that. What do you want this time?
Pari: That's more like it!
Arjun: *looks up and half smiles* So, Miss almost Birthday girl, how may I assist you?
Pari: Well, as you know, tomorrow is my birthday—
Arjun: Oh, how could I forget? *sarcastic*
Pari: Da—ad! Anyways, and I haven't asked you for anything this year. Yet.
Arjun: I was going to ask why that was so. I mean, coming from you, that's not normal!
Pari: *laughs* Well, I was going to ask you….
Arjun: Yes…
Pari: For…
Arjun: Okay…
Pari: I was going to ask you for you to get the day off tomorrow.
Arjun: What?
Pari: I mean, if you get the day off tomorrow, we can spend the whole day together. Just you and me.
Arjun: Oh. That's—sweet. And why the sudden change of heart there, Pari?
Pari: Well, I was thinking, every year I ask you guys for something that isn't going to stay with me forever. Dad, you're special to me. So in that regard, I want to spend my entire birthday with you.
Arjun: *thinking about* So in this almost twisted kind of way, I'm your birthday present?
Pari: Uhm… sure! *smiles* And if you think about it, you'll be the most special birthday present ever!
Arjun: Well, Pari, my little fairy, for you I'll do anything. So, consider this done.
Pari: Thank you so much Dad! *hugs him*
Arjun: Okay, now, it's not your birthday yet, so, you know that you have homework, right?
Pari: Yes, sir. I will finish that and then be free from torture! *smiles and takes off*
_____
Tomorrow. Tomorrow would have been the 13th anniversary of when I came to London with Pari. Tomorrow would be the 14th anniversary of when Pari was born. But on top of that, tomorrow would have been the 15th anniversary of when I met her—when I met Purvi.
Pari's grown up thinking I'm fine. But I'm not. Pari doesn't know anything about Purvi. In fact, she doesn't even know Purvi exists. To her, She was born, and then about 7 months later, her mom left her. She doesn't know about either of the sisters.
And how they both messed with me.
I don't need Pari in that environment. I don't want Pari in that environment. To think, I've raised her these 13 years all on my own. And she's an amazing young lady.
Just like Purvi—or just like Purvi was.
Purvi… Pari. They look exactly the same—as if they were photocopies. Only, Pari gets her expressions from me. Everyday, Pari is the constant reminder of what happened to me 14 years ago. And how I still haven't gotten over it. Pari thinks I'm strong, when really I'm just built up by her. I don't know, but this time around—I can't seem to be able to get the feel of anything.
Pari is my life. Purvi was my life. I live to see Pari smile and be happy. I used to do the same with Purvi. But that was before she hurt me—before she hurt everyone. But more importantly, Purvi cheated her own daughter—which hurt me out of everything the most.
********
Are things a little clearer now? Sorry if they aren't—they'll get better as things explain themselves.
How do you like this whole "14 years later" take on the story? What do you think is to happen? I know it's quite early, but reading predictions would be really interesting, as this is a bit "out there".
Once again,
Esha ;)
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