“Everything about her was a lie,” Siya murmured and slammed her palms on the table, causing things to fall. She couldn’t bear the weight of betrayal.
As the pieces of her broken trust scattered around her, Siya found herself heading for solace in the garden.
Sitting on a patio chair, she pulled her knees close to her chest and sobbed silently.
The roses swayed and smiled at her. Yet, Siya couldn’t find peace. Her inner turmoil was too loud for her to ignore. She felt peace slipping through her fingers like sand.
Siya’s mother, Pushpa, tried to talk to her, but Siya pushed her away.
“Siya, I am sorry. I know words cannot heal your pain, but please forgive me. I love you,” Pushpa tried to console her.
“The word love doesn’t sound good coming from you. Do you know what love is? Love talks about sacrifice and truth and not envy or wrongdoing. Had Uncle Sam not revealed the truth, I would have never known.” Siya shrieked.
Wiping her tears with her saree pallu, Pushpa retreated inside.
“Hello, Aunty. Is Siya there?” Veena, Siya’s friend, asked.
“Yes, in the garden.” Pushpa quickly replied without looking up.
“What happened, dearie? Why are you sad? Pushpa Aunty also looked upset.” Veena said and sat beside her.
“She’s not my mother. She’s a liar, a thief. She stole me from my biological parents, my sibling. How could she?” Siya bawled.
“OK, calm down. How do you know?” Veena questioned.
“Her brother, whom I call Uncle, revealed the truth. She was working at my mum’s place. She suffered two miscarriages, after which she couldn’t conceive. Hence, one day she quietly took me away from my parents. Uncle Sam knows nothing about my biological parents.” Siya replied.
“Ok. Look, I comprehend she hid the truth about your parents, and that wasn’t right. Has she ever mistreated you or been physically abusive? No, right? She gave you her name, took care of your needs and provided you with the best life.
Forgive her and move forward. Holding onto grudges is not going to help. Only closure will.” Veena urged Siya to let go of her anger.
“If I had been her adopted child, I wouldn’t have felt hurt but would have been grateful forever. But this act of hers was erroneous. Whatever the reason may be; she had no right to take me away from my parents. I…I don’t know where’s my family. How do they look? Will I ever meet them? I don’t know if I can continue to live with her now. Today, I am standing at a crossroads, grappling with the bitter truth.” Siya’s voice quivered, tears welled up again.
Pushpa’s raw emotions couldn’t melt Siya’s heart. Siya remained furious. She decided to stay with Veena for a while until she found a job. Pushpa, accompanied by guilt and grief, clung to hope and believed that someday, things would get better and Siya would return home.
________________________________
Connect with Penmancy:
________________________________
She writes poems in English and Hindi. Some of her poems and articles are published in the Book Speak Your Mind, You are my Valentine, The Road Taken, Hat tip, The teacher I will never forget, Yes boss, Life on track and Lockdown Diaries. She has contributed to many other anthologies which are in the pipeline. She also writes for YourQuote.com. Her poems are deeply appreciated on Social Media. She also writes for the Asian Literary Society group and has received many certificates for the same. She received 2nd prize for her story “Doctor's Prescription” in the Annual wordsmith award 2021, organized by Asian Literary Society. She won 2nd prize for her poem “Never be defeated” and 3rd prize for her article “Ways to Happiness”. Organized by Impish Lass Publishing House.
She loves to listen to music and watch comedy shows/theatre. She can be contacted on shelshri@yahoo.co.in
- Power of Truth - 14 May 2024
- Lost Palship - 13 May 2024
- Our Saviors - 21 Apr 2024