PICTURE PERFECT
The first few rays of the sun sneak in through the window, illuminating the cold, dark room. Suddenly, what appeared as darkness took shape as a small nine year old dressed in white, sobbing in a dim corner of the room.
Her sobs do not carry grief and remorse with them; they sound more like the girl had lost something. Sadness was something she could not control, she had to let all the emotions drain out of her.
Maya's hands tighten around a small photograph, as if letting go of it would mean leaving memories behind. She brings it up to her and sniffs, knowing that the familiar scent would make her feel at home, make her imagine everything would go back to normal. She can smell something pleasant, maybe a certain perfume, Jhanvi's perfume.
She runs her tiny fingers over the picture, glaring at the smile of her mother, one that seems like it could brighten a dark cave.
Her eyes stray to Ashwin, her father - the man standing beside the lady, smiling broadly at the camera. The most photogenic of us.' Maya thought to herself. In the picture he looks calm, but everyone knew how nervous he was. Worried that one small mistake could ruin their annual family picture.
As Maya notices the beautiful, flowing dress of an older girl with a laid-back smile, it brings back the memories of that day; how her sister made her sit and watch her try every single piece of clothing she owned, in an effort to choose the most perfect dress.
Finally, her gaze settled on the little girl sitting at the end, holding her sister's hand eagerly. It was her. She puts the picture away, it's like looking at another family. Looking at different smiles, looking at a happiness which is lost forever.
The picture is like a fairy-tale, a story where everyone fights together and shines, a happy-ending waiting for them. Everything fits perfectly, not even a single piece seems out of place. But that's what it is, a fairy-tale. A story far from reality. Somewhat like her name - an illusion: false and deceptive.
Maya threw the picture across the room, where it hit the wall and settled near the door. She wasn't ready to accept that something like this happened to a person as simple as her. Not ready to understand that there was a time they were so happy, and now, all that shadowed her life was gloom. Why couldn't she deserve a happy ending?
She hears voices outside the door, and hides behind the bed, wiping away her tears with the sleeve of her top. She closes her eyes, hearing carefully. The door opens and two ladies walk in.
"Just look at this room," Sighs the first one, glancing disapprovingly towards the house. "How can I expect anyone to but it if it looks like this?"
"Come on, the family who owned it lived here for years. It probably has a lot of memories." Said the other.
"Of course, as if memories will get us buyers."
"Don't be so-"
"Take a look at this." The woman picked up an old photograph lying on the floor.
"This picture seems so perfect, like one of the photos that come fitted inside photo frames in shops."
"But then, they're always temporary, sitting peacefully inside until someone slips them out and inserts their own happy picture."
Her companion, in a softer voice explains. "That was the family. The Mehrotras. They were always so happy. Nice neighbours. What happened to them was so unfortunate."
"And what was that?"
"They were all out on a roadtrip, all except the younger daughter - Maya. No one knows why, but she was left with her nanny, here. Their small car ran into a truck... you know." She shrugs unable to continue. "Ashwin," She said, smiling sorrowfully. "Died instantly." She pointed to the man in the picture. "Jhanvi was badly injured and admitted to the hospital. She's still in coma. The doctors are not positive but you can always pray for a miracle." She sighed. "I came yesterday to look for the younger daughter but she's not there. The house is empty."
"And this elder one? Look at her! It seems there is nothing that could make her happier than having a picture taken! What happened to her?"
Maya was listening attentively, still hidden behind the bed. "She was in the ICU until yesterday." Gulping, she continued. "But today, today early morning, she passed away." At this, a single tear made its way over Maya's pale cheek.
--THE END--
Yes, it's a sad story and it will remain that way. Yes, it has a million unanswered questions, but that's how it's meant to be. Feedback is always welcome.
Tum Se Tum Tak
