Enwrapped in a lie |A to Z Challenge – Day 5

Day 5 | Letter: E

Aahana loved her father so much that she was broken into pieces when he abandoned her and her mother. Aahana was 14 when he left them and she decided not to love or trust any man ever. She grew to be a strong woman and undoubtedly a tough one.

Singlehandedly, she took care of her home and mother, putting her dreams aside. She led a very boring life with just one best friend, who knew everything about her but never judged her. Aahana’s world was a small one with a mother and her best friend.

It was December, and Aahana and her mother were busy decorating the Christmas tree when her phone rang.  “Hello?” she answered. “Are you the daughter of Mr. Banerjee?” said the voice on the other end. Aahana wanted to yell and say, “NO”, but instead she gave a verbal nod. She disconnected the call with an ‘Okay’. Her mother asked her, “Who was it?” Aahana looked at her mother and said, “Pappa is serious and is admitted in a hospital in Bangalore.” Her mother felt like her life fell apart. She cried and told Aahana, “I want to see him once, please.” Aahana gave up in front of her vulnerable mother and booked two tickets for Bangalore. She received the address on her phone from the person who called them.

After 10 years, Aahana was nervous to see her father; she didn’t know how she would react. The man who received them at the hospital had a humble smile and he took them to the ICCU. He said, “There he is.” Aahana’s mother didn’t bother to look at Aahana, but instead walked towards him to see him. Aahana looked at them, while they held hands and cried. Her mother pointed towards Aahana while her father found it difficult to recognize her.

The man who stood with Aahana said, “He missed you every day. He still has a photo of you as a kid with him. The doctors said his diabetes has risen to the level that it is difficult to see him here for another day. Go and meet him.” Aahana walked towards the man lying on the bed. She had all the memories of her teenage when she was all alone right in front of her eyes. She was in tears, the tears of anger, the tears of abandonment and the tears of pain. Her father said in a low voice, “Maa, you look just like me. I am sorry. I know you cannot forgive me.” Aahana looked at her mother who with her eyes told Aahana to talk to him like nothing happened. Aahana said, “Pappa, I missed you every day. I still have your pictures in my room. I love you.” Her father closed his eyes and tears rolled down his cheeks. She held the hands of her father and said, “I will never forget you papa. I and Maa love you a lot.”

Aahana’s father died in peace in the presence of his family. Aahana along with her mother did the last rituals and got back to their life in Mumbai.

Every night, even today, Aahana thinks of her father and cries because she lied to him when he was on his deathbed. Aahana stopped loving her father from the day he left them and she burnt all the pictures of him, but she didn’t want him to have the pain. Aahana was enwrapped in this LIE for the rest of her life.

This blog post is a part of the A-z challenge. Thank you for being a part of the reading spree and I hope to see you all for the remaining days and beyond. Do leave your blog’s link below in comments and I will definitely peek into your blogging world.

Keep Writing! Keep Blogging! Love Thyself!