Antara's Diary.... 31st Aug to 4th Sept

Aug 31^st

Dear Diary,

I am really so tired.....it's been a long time since I've eaten properly or had a bath. I really miss Papa. Where are you? Why am I being taken by all these people here and there? Why am I given this funny food to eat instead of my cornflakes? And why aren't you here Papa to feed me and take care of me?

There was this Police Uncle who tried to get me to say my name. But I couldn't tell him. I forgot what my name was. Suddenly someone said the word "Aditya" and a thousand bells rang in my ears. What was that? Aha .....Papa's name. I started repeating his name, his birth date, and his phone number. But no one seemed to listen. When the man finally heard me, I was too tired to speak. What was the use anyway? Where was Papa?

They took me in a jeep. The journey was long.....but I could hear someone shouting my name. Was it Papa? I wish it was. I am so tired.

Papa....Antara ... Papa ..... Antara

2^nd September

Dear Diary,

You don't know how happy I am to be home at last with Papa, Abhi and his mom. And I had a clean bath too after so many days………. I felt clean and human again. I am so relieved today. Papa told me he'd never lose me again. He left the room for some time. And then Billo came to take his place. I didn't understand what he was actually saying. He said he was lonely without me….. I remember not long ago how he used to cheekily pull my hair. And now he says he missed me! He had a snap of mine on his mobile. He showed it to me. I was too tired and hungry. Abhi's mom called out that we should all have dinner. Oh Billo's dad was also there. He's my best friend. Abhi had covered all our plates and warned that nobody was to touch them. One….two….three. Everyone removed their covering plates. Cornflakes!!!!!!!!!!! Oh my God…..my little bro had prepared cornflakes , my favourite dish in my honour. What a sweetie pie! He then began to feed me. I usually like Papa feeding me but today I allowed Abhi to do the honours because he's been so concerned. He's quite cute na?

But something was wrong. After putting me to bed, Papa went out. I tried to sleep, but voices woke me up. I left my bed and went to the living room. Papa and that nice lady were having arguments. Both were unhappy and both were saying sorry. I couldn't understand their words, but I noticed that Abhi was there too. After a few minutes, he came to me and we both went to my room and sat on the bed. Abhi told me that Papa and his mom were both very worried about me and used to cry.

Papa came and sat on the floor and took my Family Scrap Book. Abhi told him that we were both not talking to him. Hey Abhi, I don't talk anyway. Papa explained to me that he had scolded Ma that is the nice lady and was sorry about that. Abhi took him to task and asked him why he said and did things that hurt Ma. The nice lady came into the room and asked Abhi to go and sleep in the other room. Abhi went to her and asked her why they couldn't sleep in one room. Oh! Maybe if that happens, the lady will sing her nice songs.

Goodnight Diary……………..