I came home with an extra pencil
and eraser today, he picked me up, my dad, and put a hand on the left cheek and
rubbed gently.
It’s not good to take other’s
thing, give it back tomorrow, he said with a loving smile. He pulled me closer,
you shouldn’t do that again, he said and kissed. I was five years old. Who was
I to listen to him?
I was eating chocolate, looking
here and there, hoping no one was watching me. How was the chocolate? He asked
when I came home. Colours of happiness on my face replaced with a blank
expression.
He didn’t ask how I got the
chocolate. He probably knew I must have stolen it from somewhere, from someone.
He got angry, he wanted to slap but my mom couldn’t let him do so. I was just
seven years old. He threw a few words in anger. I got more homework and no
dinner. But who was I to listen to him?
I was playing cricket with
friends on the street. My father came from the office, watched us play for some
time. He smiled and taught me the right way to do bowling. I came home once the
match was finished. I was happy. I didn’t realise, I came with the ball which
was mine but it wasn’t supposed to be mine.
Is it yours? he asked he was calm
this time. I searched for a lie but couldn’t make a sentence. I nodded. From
where did you get the money for this? He raised his voice. I couldn't answer.
The expression on mom's face changed. “Tujhe Sab Hai Pata Hai Na Maa”
She was able to connect the dots.
Hundred rupees were missing from her purse a week ago. It wasn't the first time
I took money from her purse without permission. It wasn't the first time my dad
was asking. It was my habit. It had happened a lot many times and it was
happening more frequent now. But who was I to listen to them?
He slapped me. Mom couldn't save
me this time. She didn't want to, I guess. I could read her face.
Slap..slap..slap. It didn't stop till I fell on the floor. It followed with a
long lecture.
Mom used to stop him. She used to
console me. She used to advise me against such act. But she didn't do anything.
Father left home in a disappointment. I didn't care for him. But something was
troubling me. Mom's silence. I cried her name. She just stood there, leaned
against the wall, silent. She didn't help me stand up. She didn't say a word. I
was there, looking at her, reading every expression on her face. Her silence on
that night was speaking louder than words. I was there to listen to her silence.
And it never happened again…
Indeed, silence speaks louder
than words…
My novel "Love: it never
ends" is available on Amazon on the below link. If you like fiction books,
please give it a chance. Thank you 🙂
Wow Interesting!! Congratulation's on your book "Love: it never ends"
ReplyDeleteCheck mine if yo are interested " Things We Remember" A Memoir by Shantha H.N
Good luck!!