To the readers,
This is to tell you that this book is a mirror of the
society and inspired from everyday life events. However, if you are expecting a
melodramatic plot, stop reading now.
Thank you for reading.
Looking forward to your response.
Happy reading!!!
Chapter 1
“Has she left for office already?” Mr Pranav asked from his
wife.
“No but she is leaving now. Why do you ask?” Mrs Sharma
asked from her husband.
“Did she worship the lord and took his blessings?” Mr Pranav
asked concerned.
Neha entered into the hall from her room, rushing for the
office. With an exhausted glance at her father, she replied, irritated, “How
many times do I have to tell you that I only believe in hard work of an
individual? No blessings would work if I don’t work hard.”
“Stop spreading your atheist opinions at once. What harm
will it do if you worship the lord?” Mr Pranav retorted.
“And don’t be an atheist to such an extent. One should not
say such things about lord or they have to face its repercussions.” Mrs Sharma warned
Neha.
Neha replied, irritated, “What do you mean by the extent of
atheism? There is no extent of atheism. An atheist is an atheist. Nevertheless,
do I comment on your belief on God? Do I expect you to convert into an atheist?
Of course not. I understand that you are a different individual and you have
your own beliefs. Our thoughts and beliefs might not necessarily be alike just
because we share a family and that is perfectly fine.”
“God knows who has taught her about atheism! I remember when
she was a kid, she used to believe in God. She, in fact, also stated something
about the presence of God.” Mr Sharma started whining.
“Nobody taught me about atheism. I don’t understand why do
you people have to force your belief of polytheism on me?”
“We are not forcing you. We never did that nor do we do so
now.” Mr Sharma cut her statement in between.
“Then, why do you keep repeating all of this? Why do you
keep questioning my beliefs? Just let me be.” Neha asked, frustrated.
“Kids of today’s generation have no respect for their
elders. Uncultured people, mannerless.” Mr Sharma complained.
“You always respond with this one particular statement when
you fail to find any more arguments to support your belief,” replied Neha.
“He always does this when he has no further arguments to
validate his thoughts. This is a typical behaviour of parents in India,” she
muttered under her breath and left her home for her office in an irritated
mood.
Chapter 2
Neha kept thinking about the argument throughout her journey
in the autorickshaw to Vaishali metro station, in which she used to commute everyday.
As soon as it stopped at the entrance, Neha hurriedly paid the fare and rushed
towards the Metro station. She placed the card on the surface of one of the
entry gates and rushed towards the stairs. She hurried towards the platform but
the door of the Metro train standing there was shut by then. Left with no
choice, she stood and waited for the next metro and observed the crowd
increasing slowly. Crowd increased Neha’s anxiety, which she was diagnosed with
but somehow she had to manage everyday because there was no other alternative.
The metro arrived and she, fortunate enough to board on the
first station itself, found a seat and got seated. A man came and sat beside
her. Neha bent forwards and lay her head on her bag, which she had placed on
her lap, and tried to take a nap during the journey as she was not in a mood to
write something. The train paced slowly than the metros of other routes. ‘This
has become a routine now’, she thought, frustrated.
After two stations, the crowd ushered inside. Chaos was
spread in the metro. People started shouting and fought to get in and out of
the train. The middle-aged women started shifting towards the inside of the
train compartment, where they stood facing the window.
Neha woke up due to the chaos and ran her eyes through the train.
She noticed that the man who was sitting beside her was severely injured in his
leg. She glanced up towards his face and could see that he was in immense pain
due to the injury. Neha could see the half bandage on his leg. The other half
was covered by his trousers. As she was observing her surroundings, she heard the
voice of an elderly woman who was shouting at the man and rudely ordering him,
“Get up. Don’t you feel ashamed?”
Neha shifted her glance towards the source of the voice. A
middle-aged woman was shouting at the man. She continued, “Being a man, you
should have offered the seat yourself. You are just sitting and watching women
like us stand instead. Shame on you.”
Another polite woman, probably her friend, tried to pacify
the old woman, “Let it be. Don’t be angry on him. See, his foot is injured.”
“So what? He should stand up because he can see elderly
women standing in front of him. People of today’s generation have no manners at
all. What kind of an uncultured man is he?” The elderly woman kept shouting
ignorantly.
Another man standing near the elderly woman commanded,
“Mister, give your seat to the elderly woman. You are a man. Can’t you stand?
Why are you making the lady suffer?”
He stood up with a lot of pain, fumbled for a while and held
onto the hanger above him for support. The friend of the lady lowered her eyes.
They were filled with shame because of the uncultured behaviour of her elderly
friend.
Chapter 3
Neha returned from her work.
“Look, she has arrived.” She heard. Her aunt had come from
the village to pay a visit.
“Namaste.” She said, “Where is uncle?” she enquired further.
“I am here.” Her uncle arrived and commanded,“Touch my feet
and seek my blessings.”
‘He is always rude.’ Neha grunted.
“Prepare the food now,” her aunt said, “It’s your duty to do
the household task now that you have grown up.”
This irritated Neha too much— not the responsibility but the
obligation to do it.
“You should have cooked the food before leaving or you could
have come back earlier to prepare dinner. This is your job. You are the woman
in the house.” Her aunt kept ranting.
“Okay, first of all, I was on my job, not doing any leisure
work. Even if I was doing leisure work, it is my time, my job, my work, my responsibilities
and I am aware of them and trying to do my best, which you clearly don’t notice.
Don’t tell me how to do things.” Neha couldn’t hold it anymore and her anger
came out bursting.
“Can’t I even say anything in this house anymore? The
children of this generation have worse manners, rather no manners. They are
totally uncultured creatures.” Her aunt tied to guilt trip Neha through her
ranting.
“And your generation has toxicity in extremes that you keep
spilling on the generations which are more accepting and compassionate and
certainly extremely busy than yours because they have dreams to pursue but
people of your generation can’t see them happy because you weren’t happy
yourselves.” Neha replied, cutting her aunt’s voice in between.
Her aunt was silent. Neha could see guilt in her eyes but
she could also notice how her false ego was holding her back from accepting her
mistake. She gave a wry look to Neha and went to her room.
“I am really tired right now. I will order the food because
I have no energy to go to a restaurant right now. Is this fine with everybody?
I want no complaints or tantrums later.” Neha announced in the air in the room.
‘I will cook when I wish to and won’t when I don’t.’ She decided firmly.
“Yes. It is fine.” Mr Pranav replied.
“Good for me too.” Mrs Sharma said.
Neha took out her phone and ordered the food.
“Too tired.” She muttered under her breath, went to her
room, took out her laptop and started working on finishing her work.
Chapter 4
It was very late at night. Neha was still working. Her phone
rang.
She received the call and said, “Something urgent?”
“You are still working on that project? Take some rest. You
need to be vitalised to present tomorrow.” Arushi, her friend older to her,
replied on the phone.
“Yes, I know. This presentation is important. It can be one
of the main considerations for my promotion. You, too, sleep now. It’s already
very late.” She replied and cut the call.
After two hours, she was finally prepared for the
presentation.
“12 o’ clock.” She said, looking at the clock.
‘I must go to sleep now.’ She said.
Just as she was about to sleep, Mr Pranav entered her room.
He said, disgusted, “You are still awake. I knew it. People
of your generation have no sense of time and routine. You think success comes
by waking up at night. When I was younger, I used to wake up early and sleep
early and do all my tasks of the day efficiently. You should learn from me.”
“And you think you are successful? Don’t you think our definitions
of success would be different? Why do you expect me to be a replica of you? Why
do you even assume that I would wish to be like you? You really think you are
perfect?” Neha’s anger bursted out.
“Talk back to me like that when you live in a house of your
own,” Mr Pranav said coldly and left.
Neha had no answer to it. She had a job as of now but it was
a new job. She was just a fresher there and freshers are not paid much. A
whirlwind of thoughts emerged in her mind.
‘Should I find another job? Like a part-time with a
full-time job? Would I be able to manage it? I need to move out. How much time
and money will it require?’
She instantly pulled up her laptop screen and started
typing, ‘Houses in Delhi’.
‘Oh! They are too expensive.’
‘Cheapest houses in Delhi.’ She surfed. ‘I still cannot afford
it as of now.’
She kept searching rigorously for another two hours and fell
asleep on the laptop.
“Wake up”. She heard her mother’s voice.
She squeezed her eyes shut to prevent it from the sunlight.
“The sun is up.” Her mother said.
‘7 o’ clock’. Neha looked at the time in the clock put on
her table, beside the laptop.
Neha sat upright in a jerk as a thought struck her.
‘She must have woken up by now.’
She picked up her phone and dialled.
The voice from the other side responded, “Hello.”
“Aarushi. Did you wake up?” Neha replied.
“Neha. Good morning.” Aarushi replied.
“Get up. I need to talk to you. It is something very
important.” Neha said.
Aarushi woke up, sat on her bed and asked with complete
sincerity and attention, “What is it? What happened?”
“Do you own your house?” Neha enquired.
“Flat,” Aarushi corrected.
“Yes, your flat. Do you own it? ” Neha asked again.
“Yes, I do.” Aarushi replied casually.
“How many people can be accommodated there comfortably?”
Neha enquired further.
“Two in the least. What’s going on? What are you thinking to
do?” Aarushi asked, smirking.
“Can in move in with you?” Neha asked.
Aarushi was too elated. Her voice choked with excitement.
She replied, “Yes, of course!!! Wow!! So, this is that something on your mind?
Come for sure. That would be so much fun.”
“Yes, this is that something. Are you sure you have no
problem? Don’t be formal.” Neha asked politely.
“Shut up. What are you saying? Why would I have any problem?
Just move in already. I can’t wait for this new adventurous chapter of our
lives together.” Aarushi said, jumping on her bed.
“So, I think I will shift by this week. Is it fine by you?”
Neha enquired.
“No, I wish you shift as soon as possible. A week will be
too much to wait for but take your time. I know you have a lot of work to do
before shifting. I am just too excited.” Aarushi replied, grinning.
“Okay. So, it is decided now. I will move in with you within
this week.” Neha stated.
“Yes!!!!” Aarushi screamed in excitement.
“Okay, okay, relax now. I have to leave now. I have a
presentation in the office today.” Neha said.
“Yes, I know. All the best.” Aarushi replied.
Before cutting the call, Neha asked Aarushi, “Aarushi, even
you believe that I am uncultured?”
“Not at all. Don’t bother yourself with other’s opinions of
you. You are you and that makes you special. Nevertheless, culture keeps
changing its shape. Unfortunately, we live in a toxic one. The problem is woth
them, not with you,” Aarushi boosted Neha’s confidence.
“Really?” Neha confirmed.
“Yes.” Aarushi replied.
Neha was relieved. She needed such support, especially at
this point of her life.
“Thank you. Okay, bye.” Neha summed up the conversation.
“Bye!” Aarushi bid and cut the call.
Neha put the phone on the table and rushed to her bathroom to
get ready.
‘I hope the presentation goes well. All the best, Neha.”
Neha wished herself luck as she prepared to leave for the office.
She picked up her office bag, grabbed a fruit from the
basket on the dining table and walked out of the house.
“Bye, everyone. Please, close the door.” She bid.
“Okay, bye.” Her parents replied.
She sat in an auto and ordered, “Please, drive to reach the
metro station.”
The auto started moving.
‘I may have my own home soon.’ Neha sighed in relief.
Chapter 5
Neha’s presentation was well-appreciated by everyone. She
was promoted.
Two days later, Neha had packed all her luggage.
“Where are you heading to?” Mrs Sharma asked.
“I am going to live with Aarushi from now onwards.” She told
Mrs Sharma.
“What?” Mrs Pranav was shocked.
She told Mr Pranav about Neha’s decision.
“Why?” Mr Pranav enquired.
“Because I want to live independently.” Neha replied.
“But you will not be independent even by implementing your
decision. That is your friend’s house, not yours.” Mr Pranav replied.
He always had this habit of demeaning Neha.
“Why should I live here?” Neha asked, irritated.
“Why? Don’t you want to live with your parents?” Mr Pranav
enquired.
Before Neha could reply, he spoke again, “Oh, this is today’s
generation. They don’t want to do anything with their parents. Good for you.
Why would you consider if your parents took care of you all the years you grew
up since your birth?”
“Don’t try to trap me into guilt. That is your job. You are
my parents. You took the decision of giving birth to me so definitely, it is
your responsibility to take care of me. Don’t act like you did a favor on me.”
Neha was furious now.
“I do not understand today’s generation.” Mr Pranav replied.
“Nobody is asking you to either.” Neha replied.
“Today’s kids have no manners at all. Is this the way you
have been taught in your school and college about how should you talk to your
father, you uncultured spoilt girl?” Mr Pranav taunted.
These words pierced Neha’s heart.
“No. They taught me to talk with kindness. It is people like
you who I met everywhere who taught me that kindness has no value in today’s
time. You taught me to talk like this because you always talk to me like this
but you won’t realise this ever because narcissistic people like you always
think that they are the best and everyone else is nobody in front of them. You
cannot control my life. Laugh now, too, like you laugh always when I get angry
or sad. Laugh now.”
There was silence for a moment.
“You will regret this.” Mr Pranav replied, breaking the
silence.
“I can’t believe you still don’t understand the problem. I
can’t be more straightforward than this.” Neha replied.
She was angry but hurt too. She really thought that at least
this time Mr Pranav will understand the problem and try to work on it for real
than just pretending for a few days in front of a few people to maintain his
good image.
She dragged her bags and left the home of his parents almost
stomping her feet.
“You will return. You will see.” Neha could hear Mr Pranav
calling from behind her.
“I will never return to this home and these people.” Neha
muttered as she slowly kept walking away from her parents’ house.
She didn’t even look at that house for one last time. She
just kept walking as all the moments flashed In front of her. A tear rolled
down her cheeks and all those moments suddenly vanished into thin air.
Chapter 6
Neha reached Aarushi’s house.
“Hey” Aarushi welcomed Neha with a hug.
“Hey, how have you been?” She asked Aarushi.
“I am doing good. How are you?” Aarushi asked.
“I am really tired with all the traveling with this heavy
bags.” Neha replied, exhaling.
“Oh, yes. Your room is ready. Come, I’ll show you.” Aarushi
said, standing up from her sofa.
“Lend me your hand. Help me get up. I am too tired.” Neha said,
raising her arms towards Aarushi.
Aarushi grabbed Neha’s palm and pulled her up. She laughed.
“Thanks.” Neha replied.
They moved towards her room.
“So, how’s it?” Aarushi asked.
“Are there any elders around here to disturb my peace of
mind?” Neha asked.
“Not at all.” Aarushi replied.
“Good for me, then.” Neha replied, “Let’s take my luggage
inside the room now.”
They shifted her luggage in her room and settled them in
their places.
“Your sweet little room is ready, lady.” Aarushi sajd,
bowing.
They chuckled.
“Perfect.” Neha replied as she sat on her bed. “I am too
tired.”
“Okay, so take some rest now. I am in the hall. If you need
something, call out my name.” Aarushi said.
“Of course, my aloo bukhara.” Neha replied, teasing Aarushi
as always.
“You’ll never change.” Aarushi chuckled.
“Never.” Neha replied, lying on the bed while swinging her
legs.
“Sleep now.” Aarushi said as she left the room.
“Hmm.” Neha hummed and went off to sleep.
She woke up from the banging on the door of the house and
went out of her room to see. She saw an old man arguing with Aarushi.
Neha went near Aarushi and enquired, “What’s the matter?”
“They broke the headlight of my car so I complained in the police
station. Now, they need to compensate as per the officer’s decision but they
are refusing now and instead, arguing with me.” Aarushi explained the matter to
Neha.
Neha looked at the man standing in front of her, arguing
with Aarushi.
“Sir,” Neha said, “Don’t mind me intruding but you are wrong
in this case.”
“You shut your mouth up. She needs to give me the money for
compensation.” Mr Reddy replied.
This kind of behavior was intolerable to Neha. She was
infuriated. She tried to resolve the issue by talking to the man politely two
to three times more. Then, she gave up on being patient.
“Don’t you understand…..sir? My friend is right in her
place. She has done no harm to you whatsoever. You, are you understanding me?
You, sir, have to pay her the compensation money rather.” Neha said
confidently.
Seeing the crowd gathering up, Mr Reddy took out his wallet
and paid the compensation money to Aarushi. The crowd dissembled.
As Neha and Aarushi were about to turn around and shut the
door of Aarushi’s house, Mr Reddy called, “Excuse me, whatever your name is.”
Neha and Aarushi turned back to face Mr Reddy.
“Neha”, Neha replied.
“Yes. You, a spoilt brat of today’s generation, has no
manners at all. You should have apologized. You have no respect for elders. On
the top of that, you even churned money out of me. Uncultured people.” Mr Reddy
blamed Neha.
Neha, who had become relaxed for a moment since the fight
was resolved, was infuriated again.
“And what are you of your generation? Some minister to be made
a model of? You think you have manners?
You respect people? Firstly, you make a mistake. Then, instead of apologizing
and resolving the matter, you blame my friend who had to suffer the loss of the
headlight of her car. Then, you gather people and try to blame all the guilt on
us but since unfortunately, you couldn’t do that and your mistake was
recognised by everyone, you have started blaming me for churning money out of
you? I don’t need to do that. I earn my own money and I am woman of
self-respect. I may be just 21 years old but I am not weak and will subdue to your
unreasonable demands. And I think, this is what bothers the patriarch in you
and the narcissistic authoritative attitude you had as an elder. Weren’t you
taught how to behave with people younger than you? I didn’t come to fight. In
fact, I was trying to resolve the issue in a very peaceful manner but kept on
speaking nonsense. It was your fault altogether. Accept it. And you may leave
now. I do not want to fight early in the morning. This is not how I start my
day. I have work to do and I am sure you would too. So, let us both do our
works peacefully. I have no grudges against you and I hope you would too not
hold grudges against me unreasonably.”
Mr Reddy was silent.
Neha stopped mid-way as she was walking towards her room,
turned around and said, “Also, my culture has taught me to respect people, at
least In the beginning and talk to them politely. So, I think, it is pretty
clear who is uncultured in the room?”
Neha shut the door of the house and walked inside her room.
Mr Reddy was still standing in front of the gate of
Aarushi’s house. He was ashamed but couldn’t apologise because his culture
never taught him to apologize for his mistakes if it was done towards a younger
person, especially a girl.
He walked towards his house, staring at the ground throughout
the day.
After two hours, someone knocked on the door. Neha gets up
and receives the visitor at the doorbell. She is surprised. She calls Aarushi.
“Look who has arrived,” Neha calls.
Aarushi comes at the door. They call up another friend of theirs.
She also joins and they spend amazing time together and have immense fun.
Chapter 7
Neha saw Aarushi sitting on the sofa in the hall.
“Hey, Aarushi. What are you doing on the laptop?” She asked
and sat beside her.
She caught Aarushi stalking a page on social media. It was a
professional page and Aarushi was quite surprised.
“Admissions? What is the course?” She enquired.
“Writing.” Aarushi replied.
“Oh!” Neha replied.
“You were about to get an admission in another course in
another university last year, if I am not wrong?” Neha enquired further.
“I dropped the idea. I found this course and this one is
much better than that.” Aarushi replied.
“That is something I know already. Any updates” Neha teased
Aarushi.
“How did I forget to tell you? I got scholarship from the
University as well so I can afford the course on my expenses” Aarushi replied.
“Oh, you have a sharp mind anyways. You would have aced the
test, I know. So, is it full scholarship or?” Neha replied.
“Yes but I have to cover the expenses of travel, which I
will anyway have to do rarely because I will stay in the dorm of the
University. I couldn’t believe my own eyes when I looked at myself in the
mirror. I achieved seat in this college!!!” Aarushi replied.
“You’ll glow even more than that on your first day in the
college. 4th March is not far. I’ll get you dressed for your
freshers too. My makeup will bless you with a happy study life forever.” Neha
teased Aarushi.
“And oh! That girl, who’s name also came around as a
competitor in the tests and scholarship, did she leave?” Neha asked.
“Of course! That was long ago. She found a better course in
another University. I am happy for both of us.” Aarushi answered her query.
“She left forever? Don’t you think she will come back?” Neha
asked again.
“No, she won’t. She left forever for good. She is totally out of my mind and my life.”
Aarushi replied.
“You sound so relieved.” Neha said, smiling.
“Because I am. Now, me and my University scholarship have no
obstructions in between. Finally, I will pursue my dream course.” Aarushi said,
smiling with relief. Neha chuckled.
“What about Sanjay, your brother? How has he been?” Neha
enquired. “I have been so busy in my jobs that I have almost no updates about
your life.”
“He is studying MBA in his desired college.” Aarushi
replied.
“And how are his studies going so far?” Neha enquired
further.
“He is a very studious student and has been excelling in all
that he studies.” Aarushi replied.
“And are Universities on his minds too?” Neha enquired
further.
“No, but he has told about the University he desires to get
admission in to the family. All of us are hoping he passes all the tests which
are about to start next week.” Aarushi informed Neha.
“Wow, now that is something amazing.” Neha cheered.
“Hey, did he tell you about that incident in the metro?” Neha
asked after a while.
“No, what was it?” Aarushi enquired.
Neha told the incident to Aarushi.
“Damn these people. Whatever and whoever doesn’t serve their
toxicity is labeled uncultured.” Aarushi was infuriated.
“And of them are women which is matter of more shame.” Neha
replied.
“Absolutely.” Aarushi said.
Neha’s phone rung. She picked up the call.
“Hey, dad.” She greeted on the phone.
“Hi,” Mr Pranav replied. “Where are you?”
“I am with Aarushi right now.” Neha replied.
“Oh, the girl who keeps focusing on high-class universities.
What was its name?” Mr Pranav enquired.
“Dad,” Neha replied. “How does it matter to you anyway? It
is her life. It is her choice to study wherever and whoever she wants to.”
“She took a gap as well.” Mr Pranav said on the phone.
“Just by a year or maybe some more. Why does it matter to
you, dad? She is happy and that’s what’s important.” Neha replied, irritated by
this typical response of Mr Pranav.
“She is so uncultured. She doesn’t even care about her
family. She knows that her family doesn’t like it as much.” Mr Pranav replied,
as if disgusted.
“You don’t need to force your unnecessary opinions on
anybody.” Neha said angrily.
“I never do that.” Mr Pranav replied. “Did I ever do that
with you?”
“Oh really? Then, why are you bothered? Either give her your
blessings or let her be. And you talk to her very politely on phone. Why has
your behaviour changed now? This is who you are. You just don’t have a single,
static personality.” Neha replied.
“You are talking to me like that because of your friend. She
must have taught you how to speak like this to your elders.” Mr Pranav replied
angrily.
“Nobody except you and your family has taught me to speak
like that to people. I am just standing my ground.” Neha replied.
“You uncultured girl. What a shame that I have a kid like
you.” Mr Pranav replied, infuriated.
“And what a shame that I am the daughter of a man like you
who gives me nothing but shame, under-confidence and unnecessary guilt on
everything that you had to do as a duty of being a father. You lose as a
parent. You lose as a father. You lost when you made me feel grateful to you
for saving my life as a child during my birth—which is your duty—for the first
time. You have already lost the battles you think you are winning at, dad. It’s
a shame that I have to call you my dad with the thinking that you process your
mind with. You never had anything but toxicity and dominance to practice over
me. I am better being uncultured if toxicity is the culture. Don’t call me from
now onwards, dad.” Neha replied, disgusted by Mr Pranav’s thoughts and behaviour.
She cut the call.
“Is everything alright?” Aarushi asked.
“It is becoming so as I am losing toxic people from my
life.” Neha replied.
Aarushi gave her a friendly hug.
“Let’s go out today since it’s Sunday.” She proposed her
idea.
“Sounds good. I am in.” Neha replied.
Both of them got involved in preparing for the day’s
adventure.
Chapter 8
Neha sat in front of her laptop. The page of her admission
in BA Hons Music in Delhi University opened in front of her.
She filled up the form.
‘Now, I will inform about this to Karthik sir today when I
go to the Music class in the evening.’
She filled up the form and submitted it.
“Very good. Now, buck up. You have to be the best. You can
do it, my child.” Karthik sir replied.
“Yes, sir, with your blessings, of course I will. You are my
guru and I need my guru’s blessings for victory.” Neha bowed in front of
Karthik sir.
“Be victorious, my child.” Karthik sir blessed Neha.
“Now, let’s start with the riyaaz.” He said.
They practiced for two hours.
Karthik sir was true guru Neha ever seek guidance under. She
never knew that this healthy bond was going to guide her throughout her life.
He was the only person that whatever he told her, Neha never took offense of
and he too, never tried to manipulate or spread toxicity but guided her even in
her healing throughout her life.
On the day of the entrance exam, Karthik sir went with Neha
to support her.
“Don’t worry. You will get the admission.” He consoled
Neha’s anxiety.
“If you say so.”
Neha suffered the worst panic attack of her life eight hours
before the entrance exam. She got an urgent appointment booked with her
therapist, Ummang, and seeked his therapy.
“You will do your best.” Ummang wished Neha luck.
“Thank you.” Neha felt a bit relieved.
Neha reached the examination center four hours before the examination
and found Karthik sir waiting for her there.
As she reached, she saw a bunch of old people and some other
competitors of her age come towards her. She smiled to greet them. Before she
could utter anything, a girl said, “Don’t you think you should have worn
something Indian since you are going to give the entrance exam of Hindustani
Classical Vocal Music?”
An elder man commented, “You don’t even respect your culture.
How would you respect our Music, our heritage?”
Neha replied, “Just because I wore jeans, you have assumed
that I am uncultured? Does your culture teach you to demean people without any
reason?”
Everyone in the group became silent.
Karthik sir saw the incident happening and couldn’t stop
himself from defending his disciple.
“Excuse me, sir. In my understanding, our Music, which is a
part of our culture, teaches us to spread love and humanity.” Karthik sir
defended Neha.
The group was ashamed. They apologized and left.
“Are you ready?” Karthik sir cheered Neha.
“Now I am.” Neha said but was still feeling nervous. She
kept revising her raga till she had given her entrance exam.
“How was it? Did they say something?” Karthik sir asked.
“They said that they had never heard a performance more
beautiful than mine in their entire lives. They said that in this year, this is
the topmost performance they have heard, the best ever.” Neha answered.
Karthik sir jumped in happiness. Neha felt relieved that she
had finally made her guru proud and his dream fulfilled. She had never seen
Karthik sir so happy before this day.
Neha had never known, even at this time of her life, that this
healthy guru-shishya relationship of her and Karthik sir will sustain as the
healthiest and happiest relationship she had ever had that would sustain
throughout her life.
For the next ten years of her life, Neha excelled in all of
the examinations she gave while studying Music in Delhi University.
Throughout these ten years, Neha also became a performer.
She wrote, composed, released and performed her songs in front of her audience
in the auditoriums throughout the world and India, especially Delhi.
She had also bought her own home at the age of 21 and moved
in there. Then, she had bought a land and got the house of her dreams
constructed through the money she earned through her live performances.
When getting her admission in BA Hons Music, Neha never knew
that she would become the best artists of all time and would be able to see her
name in the list she only dreamt of seeing her name in.
For all psychological issues, Ummang always stayed for her
as her therapist. Their client-therapist bond, too, remained very strong,
healthy and happy. Neha never knew that this bond, though not so frequently
revived, would remain as her support throughout the rest of her life.
Chapter 9
After days, Neha received a message from Karthik sir.
He had sent a photo and Neha replied. They had some
conversation on the same.
Karthik sir called up Neha to inform her about her classes.
“Hello,” Karthik sir said. Neha could hear commotion from
behind him.
“Shh, let me talk, dear,” Karthik sir said to somebody
behind him.
“Is it Kajal?” Neha asked.
“Yes.” Karthik sir replied as he laughed because Kajal was
tickling him.
“She is not so serious as you say she is.” Neha said.
“She is very serious to everybody and everything else except
she is very naughty with me. She keeps cracking jokes. Stop it, Kajal.” Karthik
sir tried to calm Kajal down politely while talking to Neha on phone. Kajal was
still tickling him.
Neha was happy to know that her guru was living a happy
married life.
‘May they have sustain their relationship In a healthy and
happy manner throughout their lives,” Neha wished.
“Ok, sir. I’ll be there on time.” She said and the
conversation was called off.
She recalled how many of the negative people who did no good
in anyone’s lives talked about the age difference of 8 years between Kajal and
Karthik sir. They called the couple uncultured. Neha knew that Kajal was just a
year older than her but she accepted them happily. ‘Who am I to accept them? They
should live happily.’ She always thought.
“Why can’t people just let others be happy in themselves?
Why do they always have to give their unnecessary opinions and force people to
adhere to the ever-changing norms of “society”? I wish this society could be
egalitarian in mind.” Neha wished into air in her room as she muttered while
sitting on her bed.
Chapter 10
Neha picked up the newspaper and read a news story. She
spotted a familiar face in one of the news in a crime newspaper.
It caused her immense pain as soon as her eyes struck the
faces of the two men.
“Bastards,” she said. A tear rolled down her eyes as she
read the news.
She picked up the phone and called up Aarushi.
“Hey,” Aarushi saluted.
“Just look at today’s headlines of The Times,” Neha said.
“What happened?” Aarushi asked, worried.
“Just do it, please.” Neha insisted.
Aarushi read the news aloud while staying on the call, ”Two
different men had an intention to attempt to assault the same girl at different
points of her life. The girl understood their intentions and complained against
them because they followed her and tried to attack on her. The case was heard
today by the Supreme Court and gave the final verdict today under fast track
court trial. The convicts are given a punishment worse than death by the
Supreme Court. She stabbed them nearly to death and let them do no harm to her.
The court ordered that the culprits be castrated in a non-medical manner if
proven guilty in the righteous manner.”
Neha cried with relief. She never felt so satisfied as
today.
“Are they those people who attempted to assault you when you
were a child?” Aarushi confirmed.
“Yes.” Neha replied.
“I am so happy for you. See, there is justice.” Aarushi
said.
“I always wanted to believe that.” Neha said, crying.
“Don’t cry now, please. Rejoice. This is the day you should
enjoy.” Aarushi consoled Neha.
“Yes!!” Neha said, still crying with happiness.
Neha did get justice despite the inability to report due to
lack of evidence in her case which was exactly the same as this one. This is
the reason she empathised with this girl. It was as if she got justice. Neha
had seen her culprits live their lives happily. Now, their lives would become
worse than hell.
As she went out for an evening walk, Neha overhead some
aunties converse.
“The girls nowadays talk so openly about rape. I was never
taught so by my parents. It is so against our culture.” The first woman said.
“What is rape? There is no such thing we heard of in our
times. These are the shams that today’s women wear as garlands. Something
happens and they file a report against rape charges. They can resolve the matter
through discussion but no. So uncultured!” She said, disgusted.
Later in the afternoon, Neha informed Ummang about the news
and the conversation.
“Ignore such people. These ladies have been conditioned to
think like that. It is not purely their fault. This thought has been injected
in them through patriarchy since their childhood. I am so happy for you.”
Ummang said. Neha could see that he was really empathising with Neha.
“So, it is a very big day for you.” Ummang said after
rejoicing for a moment.
“Indeed.” Neha replied.
“Let’s celebrate, then.” Ummang said.
“How?” Neha asked, confused.
“Let’s drink a glass of water each. What do you say? It will
even calm down your anger. Also, one needs to stay hydrated.” Ummang proposed
his idea.
“This is the best and the healthiest way to celebrate this
day.” Neha said, smiling.
“I hadn’t seen that smile in a while. I am glad that it
returned. I am happy that I am doing my job in a good way. Yet, cry it out if
you feel like it.” Ummang said.
Neha broke down and sobbed for a while. She felt better,
healed and very light once she was done crying. Ummang stayed for her as a good
therapist the whole time.
“You are, indeed, the best therapist. You don’t need any
confirmations for that.” Neha passed a genuine compliment at Ummang once she
started feeling calm.
“Thank you. So, how was your week?” Ummang asked.
“It was awesome.” Neha replied.
“Explain it further.” Ummang demanded.
They conversed throughout the session, because that is what
one does in therapy. Ummang was the most sorted out and healed person she ever
met in her life.
She walked out and felt healed for the day, as always.
‘I am healed for today but I know, new concerns are coming
my way. How can my life or even a day be void of any problems?’ She sighed.
‘Let’s see.’
Chapter 11
The next day in the evening, Neha received a call from Ritu,
her college friend.
“Hey.” She said.
“Hi,” Neha replied, excited.
After some formal conversation, they started recalling
college memories.
“Oh, we have seen you transform through the three years of
college. The people who knew you before you met us and met three years later
would feel that you are a different person altogether.” Neha said.
“Yes but the change is positive. I was prepared for the world
through the information I received from you. Your company saved me a lot of
stress that I could have had to handle later in my life.” Ritu said.
“Thank you,” Neha replied.
“Especially in the case of love.” Ritu said.
“Oh, yes. You had a guy in your mind the whole time. The one
who worked and met you on the bus stop mostly. I forgot his name,” Neha tried
to recall.
“Rohan.” Ritu replied.
“Yes,Rohan. Has there been some progress in your matters of
heart or are you still the same as before?” Neha asked, teasingly.
“My issues with him got resolved soon after. I also got a
high-paying desirable job.” Ritu replied.
“Finally, you got your life together.” Neha said, relieved.
“And do you still stress as much as you did before or?” Neha
asked after a pause.
“You know my nature.” Ritu replied.
“So, you still waste your time fighting with people?” Neha
asked.
“I don’t fight with them. They initiate the argument. Also,
the elders call me uncultured, if rarely so but I have to stand on my point,
and complain about my behavior to each other.” Ritu said in defence.
Neha sniffed.
“But I really do have all the aspects of my life in balance,
with peace and happiness all around me and nothing at all to worry about.” Ritu
replied.
“Good.” Neha replied.
“Hey, I and Afreen are making some plans to go out for a
movie before the year ends. Why don’t you join us?”
“I am glad that both of you still stick around as you did in
college. I hope you fight less now.” Neha said.
“We never fight.” Ritu replied.
“Oh, is it?” Neha teased Ritu.
“Yes, we are the best of sisters.” Ritu said.
“From another misters.” Neha chuckled.
“Ritu, aren’t the utensils done yet?” Neha heard someone on
the phone calling Ritu from behind her.
“I really need to talk to her now.” Ritu said on her phone.
“You know, my amma. She is just too toxic. Sometimes, I feel like I will stay
confined within the boundaries of this house, doing household chores I don’t
even like to do at all.”
“What is the issue?” Neha asked Ritu, concerned.
“Same as before. The toxic behavior of my family has
worsened. They have started ordering me like I am their maid. I have no
freedom. I want to be rid of these unnecessary problems that I am dealing with
everyday and really want to enjoy my life.” Ritu demanded. She was upset.
“You will get the life you desire.” Neha replied.
They called off the conversation for the day.
Mr Banerjee scolded Ritu for not performing daily household
chores, as he always did and Mrs Banerjee asked Ritu to stay away from the boy
she liked. Both of them had never even had a proper conversation until then
anyway despite seeing each other from their balconies every day for two years.
“You have to marry him.” Mr Banerjee enquired, disgusted.
“I like him,”Ritu gathered courage and squeaked in front of
her father for the first time in her life.
“Prabha,” Mr Banerjee called. Mrs Banerjee came rushing.
“Ritu shouldn’t be able to talk to Rohan from now onwards.
We’ll have to teach these uncultured people some lessons.” He ordered.
“I’ll make her understand.” Prabha replied.
Later in the evening, Prabha came in to Ritu’s room and
enquired, “What is going on with you and Rohan?”
Ritu told Prabha about her one-sided feelings towards Rohan.
Then, she talked to Rohan about the sane in isolation and asked, “Will you be
able to keep my daughter happy if she marries you?”
“I will fulfil all of her dreams and desires but I will only
marry her if she wants to.” Rohan replied.
After three months, Neha received another call from Ritu.
“Hey. It’s been long. Let’s meet.” Ritu said.
“Okay, we can meet at a good restaurant in Punjabi Bagh.”
Neha proposed.
“Yes. I will bring the money as required.” Ritu replied.
They met at the restaurant and shook hands with each other.
“You are looking very brightened up. What’s the matter? Any
updates that I missed.” Neha asked.
“A lot of them.” Ritu replied. Neha could see that Ritu
couldn’t hold her happiness.
“I got the job as I desired. This is something I informed
you about, didn’t I?” Ritu asked.
“You did.”
“My wedding is fixed right on the time and age I want to
marry with Rohan. I am so happy. It feels like a dream come true,” Ritu squeaked
in excitement.
“You need to be present with me.” Ritu ordered Neha.
Neha couldn’t refused. “Okay. I’ll be there.” Neha replied.
“You, Arzoo and Afreen will be my bridesmaids. You can’t refuse.”
Ritu ordered.
“Why would I? I am honored.” Neha replied.
After a year, Ritu got happily married to Rohan. Both the
families were truly happy for their children and blessed them with their good
wishes.
“Wish you a happy married life.” Everyone wished and indeed,
their wishes were granted.
Chapter 12
“I told you that you will get married to him,” Sangeeta said
to Rashmi.
“No, mom, you completely removed him from my life and wanted
that I should get married to that stupid person, Rahul,” Rashmi corrected.
“Ok but now that everything is coming to a happy ending in
your love story, I am very happy. You are so successful. At least, you are away
from that Ravi who was no good to you.” Sangeeta said.
“But you were always by his side when I was in a
relationship with him. You said you just had a problem with his family and not
with him. Such a hypocrite you are mom,” Rashmi said irritatingly.
“You called me a hypocrite? People of your generation have
just forgotten how to talk to their parents. I thought you were different, my
daughter, but you too became uncultured like them.” Sangeeta asked.
She always had this habit that whenever her mistakes were
called out, she started acting melodramatic.
“Stop acting like this, mom. You know it was your fault
altogether.” Rashmi said.
“Yes but now, everything has fallen into place. Just as you
wanted it to be. Today, you and Dheeren are getting happily married. You are on
the onset of a new journey. Don’t be upset with me now, my daughter. I only
tried to give the best to you.” Sangeeta tried to gain sympathy of Rashmi.
Rashmi remained emotionally cold to her nonetheless.
Usually, she felt bad when she had to react like this towards anyone because
she was sensitive to others’ feelings but she apathy towards her mother. She
knew it was a habit. She had seen her mother blamer her father for the mistakes
he never made. She saw whenever her mother defamed her father in front of the
members of her family and the rest of the society. She was tired of this
behavior of her mother.
Mrs Sharma entered the room and enquired, “What’s the matter,
sister? Come for the wedding, Rashmi. Dheeren is waiting for you. Finally, your
union has happened.” Mrs Sharma teased her.
‘By God’s grace. Otherwise, both of you had almost
accomplished the plan of getting me married to that stupid person called Rahul
that you liked but I didn’t because all of a sudden, being the hypocrites that
you people are, you started weighing money more than the talent of Dheeren. You
could get me married to any person who was rich just to pay off your duties but
I am grateful that I have a cousin like Neha who supported me throughout with
my decision to marry Dheeren and helped me sort the situations out so
peacefully. She is responsible for this happy ending that I am living right
now.”
“And my di will have a married life full of beautiful
moments and laughters,” Neha entered the room, “What are you doing here,
ladies? Getting my di ready? My di can do that herself. After all, she always
got me ready for all the major events. Have you forgotten that she is a fashion
designer?” She said Sangeeta and Mrs Sharma.
“We aren’t denying that. Of course, she will do her makeup
herself. Let’s take a leave and leave these two alone,” Mrs Sharma replied.
Both of them left the dressing room.
As they left, Neha cheered for Rashmi. She was jumping on
the floor in excitement.
“Oh,di.I am so happy. Finally, you are getting married to
Dheeren. Wow.” She congratulated Rashmi.
Rashmi was too excited. She lifted her arm up while sitting in front of the
mirror and said, “That, too, exactly how I wished it to be. This seems so
unbelievable. Pinch me.”
Neha pinched Rashmi. Rashmi squeaked. Then, both of them
laughed.
“Even our families are happy. Thank you, Neha.” Rashmi
thanked Neha. She had a peaceful smile on her face.
The holy fire, the pavilion and the elders blessed the
marriage of Rashmi and Dheeren to be the happiest and the most blessed.
There was happiness in the air that night.
Chapter 13
Aasmaan, Neha’s brother, lived in his own house. He had got
the job he desired through his hard work and dedication. He was one of the best
employees of his company and received several promotions within two years of
joining him. He, naturally, gained the jealousy of a lot of competitors but
none of them succeeded in outshining Aasmaan. Like his name, Aasmaan reached
the heights of practicing his capabilities and got the best results of his hard
work. He received whatever he wanted whenever he wanted them.
When he reached the age he wished to get married in, he got
married to a girl of his new office. He knew instantly that he had to marry Ahsaas.
He called her Kusum and introduced himself to her by his nickname, which by the
way he never revealed in public.
“Kirti,” he introduced himself.
“That means fame, doesn’t it?” Ahsaas asked.
“Yes, it is my nickname. I don’t usually tell people about
this name of mine.” Aasmaan said.
“Well, then. Hi, I am Kusum.” Ahsaas introduced, “but my
official name is Ahsaas.”
“That means feeling. I know.” Aasmaan said.
“Oh, so you are Mr I know everything.” Kusum said.
She had a habit of teasing him like his sister, Neha.
They, too, lived a happy married life. Ahsaas proved to be
another good luck charm for Aasmaan’s family after Neha. The family was filled
with happiness and prosperity after Kusum’s arrival.
The family became more accepting and less toxic after
Kusum’s arrival but Neha still couldn’t stay with them because she knew that
towards her, this toxicity will persist.
Chapter 14
Neha returned home and worked on the final editing of her
book.
“Good that the onset of 2020 will not carry pending tasks of
2019 with me.”
She mailed the final draft of her book to the publication
and called the in-charge.
“There must be no changes in the book without my
permission.” She requested her.
She recalled how the senior editor of the last editing
company she tried to work with called her uncultured because Neha stuck to her
demands and doesn’t let the old man change the plot of her novel as he willed.
“It isn’t in sync with our cultural norms rather against it.
I’ll make some changes to get your book a good response.”
Neha replied, “No. Thank you. I don’t need any changes to be
done.”
As expected, he said, “The people of today’s generation have
no respect for the seniors in their fields. I have to deal with just a spoilt
bunch of uncultured brats.”
He left the office infuriated. Neha just shrugged his off
comment off her shoulders. She could smell the incapacity that he was feeling because
he had failed to dominate over his position and seniority. Nevertheless, Neha
knew that she had a lot of options beyond this man to get her book published.
If she won’t get anybody who can do that for her, she was confident enough to
publish her book herself. She preferred the former to avoid extra
responsibilities and mess.
“There is no editing required.” The in-charge replied.
“I have edited my book already.” Neha told the in-charge.
“Yes, I know. It is perfect and ready to be printed.” The
in-charge replied.
Her book got printed, published and out in the market before
2020.
“The response is awesome.” The publication in-charge congratulated
Neha for her success.
“I thought nobody would read it because it is boring.” Neha
said, surprised.
“Everybody is reading it because it is relatable. The books
might even need to be sent again to print as all the printed copies are on the
verge of being sold out.” The in-charge replied.
Indeed. Neha’s book went out of print and was on demand for
the fourth time.
“Put it online.” She told the in-charge one day.
“It is already and people are buying the reading version
repeatedly. Had it been print, the pile would have been sold out three times
already uptil now.
Obviously, Neha earned a huge profit from her book. She
invested this money on her live shows that she always dreamt of singing her own
songs in. She was very loved by her audience throughout the world.
Neha read the criticism online.
“The plot of this book is written by some uncultured, spoilt
girl of today’s generation,” read one comment of an old man. Some more similar
reviews filled of unhealthy criticism were directed towards the book. Neha
ignored all of them. ‘Unhealthy criticism doesn’t matter to me,’ she thought.
She shut the laptop down and dozed off to sleep.
Chapter 15
Before the end of 2019, Neha achieved her target of blogs.
She told Ummang about the same in the afternoon during her
session.
“I am so proud of you,” Ummang said.
“I wish my parents said that too,” Neha said in a
melancholic tone.
Later in the evening, she opened her laptop and searched for
cheapest 1 BHK homes available in the safest areas of Delhi.
She received a call from her cousin, Urooj, as she was
surfing.
“Hello,” Urooj said.
“Hi, di. How are you? Where have you been?” Neha asked
cheerfully.
“I got the job I desired with the exact salary I think I
deserve.” Urooj informed excitedly.
“That’s amazing.” Neha replied.
“Now, everything I desire will follow suit.” Urooj said.
“Yes, of course.” Neha affirmed.
“I will live a life of my own, with complete control, without
anyone’s dominance or influence over me. I will not remain limited to helping
mother in carrying out daily chores. How I dreaded that life but had to do it.”
Urooj said.
“I am so happy for you. You will live a life of self-respect
now.” Neha said, almost jumping in excitement. She was too happy for her
sister.
“I have even been granted permission by my parents. Though
they really doubted my capability but I can do the job now.” Urooj replied.
“You didn’t need their permission. It is your life. Take
complete control over it.” Neha replied.
“Yes, you are right. Even while adhering to what my parents
say, I can take complete control over my life.” Urooj said confidently.
Neha was proud that now, her sister too was unafraid,
unapologetic, independent, proud of herself and indulged In self-confidence,
self-care, self-respect, self-control and self-love. Now, Urooj lived her life
on her own terms.
Her parents, too, after a while became accepting and happy
towards Urooj which added to the happiness of Urooj. She was initially called
uncultured by them but later they apologised to her for the same.
Chapter 16
Neha was a girl of free will and complete self-control.
Whoever tried to tame her, she threw them out of her life permanently. Solitude
never scared her. Guidance and suggestions were always invited, respected and
followed, at least tried to be followed.
The old people called her untamed, too independent and of
course, uncultured because she always remained like herself. Nobody’s entry or
exit from her life or change of their behavior towards her could make her love
herself any less than she did. People, as always, were jealous of her happiness
but no matter how hard and how much they tried to ruin her smile, they added
another step towards her elevation to another level of peace and joy. She was
confident in her being.
Neha prospered in all aspects of her life. Even all the
people she wished well for lived a happy life ever after in all the aspects.
Neha’s cousin, Snehal, who didn’t like any of the men she
was made to meet for her marriage finally got married to a person of her
choice.
Neha recalled how Snehal’s mother, Sanjana, was always
worried about her daughter’s marriage.
“She rejects everyone. I don’t know how and when will she
get married and to whom? Who will be able to fulfill her requirements and
desires? I am really worried.” She always used to say whenever Snehal’s
marriage was talked about in the family. Now, her worries were put at rest.
Afreen got happily married to her long-term boyfriend,
Arshad and they lived a happy married life.
Chapter 17
More than happiness, Neha just wanted peace in her life. Not
that she didn’t like adventures but the early adventures of her life had
already exhausted her before she had turned 20. Nonetheless, her peaceful life
wasn’t boring at all. She never felt lonely. She loved herself.
She was one of the richest people in the world. She had
earned all of her money from her hard work and shared her profit each time with
all the people who did good to her. Interestingly, all the people who were good
to her—her loving brother, Aasmaan, Karthik sir, Ummang, Aarushi, her uncle and
aunt and her childhood friend—all became rich and successful yet were good and
generous in nature. Karthik sir lived the happiest and most loving married life
ever witnessed by Neha. All the positive people left their toxic families and
lived together in a house as a new family.
This was the kind of life Neha wanted. She became one of the
most stylish yet the most humble of all the famous people ever known. Also, surprisingly,
whatever positive Neha wrote in her book turned out to be true. She had too
much conviction on herself. She created her reality. She had heard from many
people that one should not tell what we wish for others, especially if that is
something good but Neha did so because she didn’t believe in holding back
happiness. She knew that it will be a reality as and when it should be and that
firm belief of hers fulfilled all her desires about herself and others in the
best possible way, whether she informed about her wish before they could be
granted or not. She believed in herself and even told others to believe in
themselves.
Mr Pranav remained toxic throughout his life. For him, he
was always right and his daughter was always the trouble-maker. There, certainly,
were a few moments when he was proud of Neha but those were them. He was
disappointed with her overall. He always projected Neha as a bad daughter. He
realised that he was the problem throughout his family when it was too late. He
could only regret his toxic behavior and mourn over his loss. Neha never
mourned over the loss of her father from her life, even a bit, because she had
never felt his loving presence in her life throughout the various stages she lived
through.
“I can’t believe that my daughter turned out to be so
uncultured,” He defamed Neha wherever he could though nobody believed him
because they personally knew Neha and knew that her father was projecting a bad
image of her because she remained to be herself and didn’t give in to her and
her family’s toxicity. His attempt to hide his guilt was too clear to be seen
by everyone. Nevertheless, he was able to achieve all the goals of socialism
that he had and Neha gave him enough money to fulfill all his desires even
after fulfilling all his goals of socialism. Neha didn’t hate Mr Sharma but she
knew that apart from monetary connection, no other connection could be
sustained between her and her father because he had already hurt her too much
and also that she would again be trapped in the cycle of toxicity she escaped
from.
Mrs Julie Sharma, Neha’s mother, lived in the house Neha
bought for her. All the requirements and desires of Mrs Sharma was fulfilled by
this grand house gifted to her by her daughter. Though, Neha didn’t give
complete rights of the plot to her mother because Neha was skeptical that her
mother could be left alone by her father when all the responsibilities of the
parents would be over and no matter how much she tried, she couldn’t trust her
father with the property of Mrs Sharma. Only person who could actually sell the
house was Neha. Neha had got this house made especially for Mrs Sharma where
there was a very big hall in which Mrs Sharma conducted her exhibitions of her
portraits, as she was a renowned and one of the best artists in the world, and
earned money. Though, there was no contact other than this between Julie and
Neha anymore. Nevertheless, Mrs Julie lived the healthiest, happiest and best
life ever.
Aarushi enhanced her writing skills to the level of
perfection and became a renowned author of romance novels throughout the world.
Aasmaan achieved everything he wanted In life and was
satisfied and happy but never egotist or boastful. He was surrounded by loving
people and all of his reasonable and healthy wishes were granted. He was away
from stress and negativity and built a strong yet happy and healthy personality
and character. He remained loyal as he was always. All the bad in him reduced
and the good in him increased.
BEFORE YOU GO
EPILOGUE
This is a book not very happy
Because it is completely based on reality.
I know that you came here to find an escape from it
But I warned you in the beginning or I didn’t?
It is, however, a happy book, do not feel deceived
Because the end provides alternatives to our sad realities,
Where we may need to let go of some of those in our present—
This may include people, moments or all kinds of unhealthy
attachments—
And replace them with healthy habits and thought processes
But another warning here, it is not going to be easy.
You have some moments in your hands, like these,
When you were reading this book to feel at ease,
You can find similar moments and search what brings you
peace.
If you work on them dedicatedly,
You may achieve all of your dreams.
No book and no guide can help you through.
However the problem may be, only you can help you.
You may lose out on yourself if you always try to be ‘sane’.
So, goodbye for now, we may meet again.
Take care of yourself till then.
Do not do bad but don’t let it be done to you either.
Water yourself to grow and don’t let yourself wither.
