New Beginning

Everyone was restless. Air of tension ran across the faces. Unable to cope with this anymore, I decided to take a walk in the corridor. As I was tolling, something made me more curious and I decided to peep in unaware of what awaited for me. A glimpse that turned into the worst nightmare, I had ever thought of. I never knew that I would come across him like this in my life. He was fighting for his life and I had the slightest clue of this. I wanted to get in and how badly I wished to tell him how my heart craved for him. I wished I could hug him, throw myself on his arms and cry like a new born. And he, in turn, would console me by running his fingers on my hair. He would do all crazy things to make me smile. I stood there unable to decide my next step. He was lying inside armed with heavy machines.

‘Don’t get inside. Let him sleep,’ a lady dressed in white interrupted. I had no option but to follow her orders. I sat on one of the two abandoned chairs outside his room. Suddenly, I wanted to know what brought him there. What had happened to him in last five years? Had he been punished? Did God really hear my silent prayers?  Many questions started ringing in my thoughts. I never wanted to meet him again but destiny brought me to the same track which I left years ago. I realized some chapters of life could be never erased from memories. And he was that chapter which followed me like the shadow.

All memories were still afresh in my mind. I still remember that fateful day when I finally accepted his proposal after several no episodes. At first, I liked the attention and all the love he showered upon me. But as time passed, his love turned into obsession. If I chose to avoid his calls, he would leave his classes and would be there right outside my classroom. He had become my shadow who even without my permission would follow me.

As time rolled on, I was afraid- afraid of everything. His abusive nature was unbearable for me. I became physically and mentally weak. And when I could not deal with the situation any longer, I told my parents everything. But situation worsened. He started threatening my parents. I was under surveillance and one of my family members always accompanied me. I lost self confidence and self respect. I felt pity for myself and I was unable to face my parents. Sometimes in the darkest hour of night, thoughts of putting an end to the pain permanently would cross my mind.

 Seeing me in such circumstances, my parents thought of discussing the matter with one of our family friends who was a chartered accountant and a lawyer by profession. He was young, dynamic and a much matured person. Mr. CA was 4 years older to me and had achieved more than others of his age. He handled my case in a very professional way. And in a few months, the shadow faded from my life. I started reliving my life back. Not only did Mr. CA bring light in my life but also gave new meaning to it. I became stronger mentally and had learnt to decide between right and wrong. And the best decision I took in my life was choosing Mr. CA as my life partner.

I was completely lost in my thoughts when my mother interrupted, ‘Where have you been, Pahi?

I was just...

Before I could complete, my mother told me that our family was gifted with a little princess. And as soon as I heard that, I ran happily towards my elder sister’s cabin. As I ran, my past slipped away and I looked forward towards a new beginning.