*Nisha Pov*
“You should have told me, Bhai.” I stated for the millionth time.
“Don’t you have anything to say other than that?” Bhai said glaring at me.
“Chaithanya! Don’t talk to her like that.” We heard the warning from the back seat.
I turned towards my Bhabhi Sangeetha saying, “Thank you Bhabhi.”
“And you Nisha, stop stating something which he already knows.” She said and then continued to hold safely the sleeping form of my one-year-old nephew Jai.
“You don’t know Bhabhi. Mom and all the relatives will say I don’t even have a heart like always.” I said, thinking about the memories where I was told the same words again and again.
“You are not close to her so it was not compulsory for you to be there before because we were told she would be fine.” Bhai said calmly.
“But she is the only cousin Bhai and is elder to us. We were close to her when we were kids.” I said.
“No! We were never close to her, but you tried to be close to so many years until six years back, and I don’t know why.” He said rolling his eyes.
Of course how can I forget that silly day. I didn’t see Indu Di for two months because of my tenth standard preparation. So one day I went to her house immediately after my exams got over.
As no one was downstairs, I started talking to some man who is older than me and sitting in Indu Di’s house.
He was listening to everything calmly. Then later I got to know he is actually her fiancé for the last two years, and the surprising thing is I didn’t even know she is engaged. And also got to know what he thought about me in those few minutes of encounter along with Indu Di’s.
“How much time does it take for you to be ready? I was stuck here hearing about some silly kid chatter.” He said to Indu Di.
Indu Di frowned and then realized saying, “She is like that always. We all are fed up with her behavior and just want her to understand no one wants to speak to her.”
Until that moment, I used to look up at her but after hearing those words from her, I kind of gave up to even make friends with her.
“Nisha! We are here.” Bhai said, bringing me out of my thoughts.
I glanced at the hospital building and said, “I am terrified, Bhai. Even though we are not close I don’t want her to leave us.”
When we got out and started walking inside, he calmly said, “Before she was completely fine and out of danger, but after one-week doctor is saying that we need to pray for god, and that’s all we can do.”
I saw Mom and Aunt sitting beside each other holding hands slowly crying and there are few other relatives along with Uncle.
I kneeled in front of Mom and Aunt holding their hands and they both looked at me. Mom brushing her tears away pulled me up and made me walk to some far place.
“What were you doing the whole week? Don’t you have at least a little respect for your cousin?” Mom asked frowning.
“Mom! I... my exams finished today morning.” I replied, looking down hiding the fact that I didn’t even know.
“Are exams the only thing that is important for you? Don’t you care about the other people around you?” She asked with a disappointed tone.
“Parvathi! Indu is asking for all of us.” We heard my Aunt saying.
“She is talking to Sudhir right?” Mom asked frowning.
“He came outside now. Let’s go!” Aunt said they all started walking inside.
I stood beside Bhabhi not knowing what to do any more looking down. I suddenly heard Mom’s voice saying “You may have forgotten us as your family, but you too need to come inside.”
I flinched and walked inside taking a deep breath. I looked at Indu Di and stopped myself from crying. She is attached to all these wires, and she has the pale face with her skull covering completely with a bandage.
“Mom! I have a wish.” She said wetting her lips.
“What is it Indu? Tell us anything you want.” Aunt said, holding her hand.
“I want Sudhir to get married to someone.” She said looking at all of us.
“Don’t talk like that Indu! Nothing will happen to you.” Mom scolded her.
“That’s what even I wish Aunt, but I know I don’t have the time. So before leaving I want you all to assure me that my wish will be fulfilled.” She said with blankness in her eyes.
“Indu Di! These things should be discussed with Sudhir and not us. It should be his wish, and he will fulfill it, but not us.” Bhai said trying to make her understand.
“Please…” She pleaded and they finally nodded.
“I even have a girl in my mind.” She added, making us all look at her in shock.
“I already told Sudhir.” She said smiling a little.
“Who is she?” Aunt asked frowning.
“Nisha!” When she replied that my eyes went wide, and I just stood there with mouth wide open.
“No!” Bhai said along with me.
“Please, Mom! I, really… want this wish.” Indu Di said gasping for air.
“Di! He will find someone eventually and get married to her. Don’t stress yourself, please.” I pleaded with her.
“Promise me!” that’s all she said even after my pleading.
Mom and Aunt just dragged me near her and said, “Don’t worry, Indu! She will fulfill your wish.”
“Mom! No…” I said shaking my head.
“If you have a little heart, then just don’t disrespect a dying person’s wish Nisha.” Aunt said making me close my eyes.
“Please Nisha…” Di pleaded and I slowly placed my hand on her still closing my eyes.
“Marrying him… you should take care of our daughter… and that’s all…” She said, and I looked at her in shock while her life just left her body slowly.
Everyone heard her words but seeing that she is no more in this world they all burst out crying holding her.
I slowly released my hand and walked back still with shock filling my mind with her word's ringing.
“Bhai! She is dead.” I whispered to him looking at the lifeless body, and he hugged me nodding.
“Shh…” He mumbled and I cried on his shoulder.
*Nisha Pov* “Please eat a little bit more Aunt.” I pleaded her like everyday, but still she pushed away the plate after eating little. “Mom! Please make her eat.” I said, giving Mom the plate. “How is she doing?” Bhabhi asked, and I took Jai from her. “She is still mourning. It is just one month, right.” I replied, and she nodded. “I have been meaning to ask you but didn’t get time. You are not thinking about going through Indu Di’s wish right?” She asked frowning. “No Bhabhi! She was under emotional stress and with fear because of which she talked about all those things. And it is wrong if I go through that.” I replied. “Thank god! You are too young to get married right now Nisha, and you also have dreams to study more.” Bhabhi said, and I nodded at her. “Be careful about what you are saying Sangeetha. If Mom hears you, then you are dead.” Bhai suddenly said coming behind us. “I know, I know! Stupid tradition in this family.” Bhabhi said scoffing. “I can’t hate that complet
*Nisha Pov* “Are you mad?” Bhai said again, which he has been doing from yesterday. “Don’t you have anything to say other than that.” I said looking at him. “Both brother and sister are the same.” Bhabhi mumbled from beside me. “Yes, that is a wrong question from my side. You are actually mad.” Bhai said packing his clothes. “Will you not attend my wedding?” I asked him sighing. “Yeah! Such a huge celebration, which I need to attend.” Bhai said rolling his eyes. “Many people get married in a register office so it is not such big deal.” I said shrugging. “I will kill you with this.” Bhai said coming towards me. “With Jai’s play toy?" Bhabhi asked and then I realized that he is holding Jai’s small music toy. “Don’t encourage her Sangeetha.” Bhai replied, closing the suitcase. “Where is the other suitcase?” He asked, looking at us. “Why? You packed yours, mine and even Jai’s clothes. Now do you want to pack Jai in one or what?” Bhabhi asked him. “No! To pack Nisha’s. We are
*Nisha Pov* “She is really a cute girl.” I said looking at him. “Yes!” He said looking at her who is sleeping at present. When we reached the airport, he took her from me saying, “There are too many people, and she will get hurt.” I nodded and gave her to him. We both walked towards the terminal after the checking and sat inside the flight. “My name is Nisha.” I informed him after a few minutes when the plane took off. “Why are you telling me?” he asked, looking at Ayesha, who is sitting between us. “I saw that on the ticket, it was Anisha.” I replied. “I know your name. My secretary must have mistaken it.” He said, and I nodded at him even though he is not looking at me. I just kept my gaze on the window even though I am actually not seeing a thing. My mind is running with the news finally settling that I have actually got married. I glanced at him immediately with that thought and saw him, caressing Ayesha’s cheek with a smile on his face, and I smiled looking at it. He l
*Nisha Pov* I went inside the room where I saw my luggage taken inside by a helper here. When I went inside I saw that this room was already used a little as his clothes were there inside a few cupboards. I opened my bag and first sent the changed address to my college using my Laptop so that they will send me any news regarding my applications I have sent to the college address. Then I called Bhai to inform him I have reached here. I freshened up a little and started unpacking my bags. I placed them properly in the empty cupboards and sighed in relief as they will finish soon. Then I walked inside Ayesha’s room to see that she is sleeping. I smiled, walking towards her and placed a small kiss on her forehead, and she immediately opened her eyes. “Were you not sleeping?” I asked her smiling and she shook her head. “Are you hungry?” when I asked that she nodded. “Let’s make something.” I said and picked her up in my arms. “What do you want to eat?” I asked her looking at littl
*Sudhir Pov* “I am going to die just because of you Sudhir.” Indu said with so much anger. “Don’t stress yourself Indu! You need to be calm.” I slowly said and her anger just rose. “No! I never wanted to die at this age.” She said suddenly with tears. “You are not going to. Just take a rest.” I calmly said. “So Mr.Sudhir Arora knows how to lie then.” She said, shaking her head and hissed in pain. “Don’t move your head like that.” I said stopping her. “Ayesha is here to see you. She has been crying for a few days.” I added, remembering my daughter’s cries. “No! I don’t have the patience to console her now.” She said closing her eyes. “I will come later.” I said, sighing and was about to get up when she stopped me holding my hand. “Promise me something.” She said, and I looked at her frowning. “Promise on Ayesha that you will fulfill it. Then I will meet her.” She added and I reluctantly nodded. “I want you to...”She started saying. I came out of my thoughts when I felt som
*Nisha Pov* “Oh, god! I can’t laugh anymore.” I said finally breathing and she too calmed down. “So what do you want to do next?” I asked her smiling. “Tom and Jerry.” She replied smiling. “Again?” I asked her frowning, and she nodded. “But this CD is over.” I replied frowning back. I stared at the clock and saw that it is nearly lunch time, but I haven’t cooked anything. Will he come home for lunch? I thought, frowning. “I will cook something for us.” I said, and she nodded. I got up holding her hand, and we both walked inside the dining room. Like yesterday I made her sit on one chair and cooked for us. While preparing it, I thought about morning’s breakfast. I immediately walked towards her and asked, “Did your Dad prepared the breakfast today morning?” “Yes!” She replied, nodding. I walked back inside the kitchen determining that I need to wake up early from tomorrow onwards. After preparing the lunch, I placed them on the table. I mixed the rice with the curry properl
*Nisha Pov* Sigh, Sigh and Sigh! That’s all I have been doing for a number of times like every day. I didn’t lose hope, but I never thought it would be like this. Even as normal housemates, he can have a conversation right? But no! I am worse than a stranger to him. I started getting up a little early by passing each day and first for a few days prepared lunch for him, but he didn’t take it with him for a few days no matter how much I have tried. So I decided to send it to his company, but it returned not at all touched. Today I got up and walked inside Ayesha’s room to see that she is still sleeping. I smiled and walked towards her. I sat beside her and said, “Ayesha! Wake up.” Caressing her hair. After a few minutes, she woke up with a smile, and I just smiled at her back. Walking near the cupboard, I opened it and showed her all the dresses so that she can select what she wants to wear. “You choose.” She said frowning. “No! What do you want to wear?” I asked her and she fin
*Sudhir Pov* I am sitting at the dining table and started checking the letters I got yesterday and Ayesha is drawing sitting beside me. “So how is the new school?” I asked her as she has been going to school for nearly one month. “It’s new!” She replied, making me smile at her. “Do you like it?” I asked, and she looked at me nodding. “Ayesha! What do you want to eat today?” She asked and looked up to see her leaning outside of the gap like usual. Ayesha just shrugged to which she smiled, shaking her head. She walked outside and said, “I will make chicken today as it is Sunday right.” I shrugged continuing to check my letters, and she walked inside. Ayesha got up yawning, and I think she needs more sleep. “Ayesha! Why don’t you go and take a small nap?” She said before I can tell my daughter making me frown. “Ok!” Ayesha said, rushing to her room. “Careful!” She said again before I can. I shook my head and saw that a few letters are on her name. I cleared my throat and said,