Life hasn’t been the same for me lately, everything feels different. I miss my family deeply, but living with my grandmother in a new home, in a completely new place, has brought unexpected changes. Good changes. My grandmother takes such good care of me, giving me delicious meals every single day—something I never truly had back home with my family. I’m sure now that Amma receives some money from her as well, which must be helping them.
Grandma has bought me new clothes, and my school life has been nothing short of bliss. I’m in the same class as Priya, wearing a crisp new uniform, and I’ve made new friends. Each day brings a fresh lesson, and my dream of becoming a doctor grows stronger. I’m determined to study hard and make it happen, and I hope Grandma will always stand beside me in that journey.
Priya and I travel to and from school together in the autorickshaw that Kavitha aunty arranged for us. In the evenings, we sit side by side, doing our homework and helping each other learn. I never forget Amma’s words that I should grandma with her work so I wake up early every morning, I finish my lessons and wash the vessels, help her cook, and sweep the floor before leaving for school. On weekends, I help her wash clothes.
It’s been three months now, and I haven’t seen my family since I moved here. The longing to meet Amma, Janani, and Akash grows stronger with each passing day.
Priya’s elder brother, Manoj, is always kind to me. He smiles warmly whenever he sees me and sometimes brings chocolates for both of us when he returns from college. On some days, he even helps us with our homework. Dheeraj uncle never talks much, but on Sundays, he takes Priya and me to the ice cream parlor.
One evening, as usual, Priya and I were playing in the backyard when I felt a sudden sharp ache in my stomach. I couldn’t bear it and sat down on the concrete bench to rest. Priya noticed my discomfort and looked worried.
“Shall I call Grandma or Amma?” she asked, her voice laced with concern.
I shook my head and stood up, deciding to head back inside. But just then, I heard Priya gasp in shock. Turning, I saw her staring at the concrete bench where I had been sitting—there were blood stains on it. Her eyes widened as she looked at the back of my skirt.
“Meeru… are you hurt? Your skirt is covered in blood,” she said, panic rising in her tone.
Fear gripped me. We rushed back home, and Grandma’s face turned pale when she saw me crying.
“What happened, Meera? Why are you crying? Did you hurt yourself while playing?” she asked anxiously.
I couldn’t answer, my voice was trapped in my throat. Priya explained everything for me. Grandma quickly led me to the bathroom, told me to wait, and hurried out again. My fear deepened—was something terribly wrong with me? Was I sick… or dying?
A few minutes later, she returned with Kavitha aunty, who gently helped me bathe and change into clean clothes. I still didn’t understand what was happening, until Kavitha aunty sat me down and explained. She told me I had just gotten my first period—something all girls go through every month, with pain and bleeding. She showed me how to use pads and explained how important it was to stay hygienic during those days.
Later, Grandma came into the room, her arms full of sweets and snacks. She told me I’d be staying home for a few days to rest and that tomorrow, I would finally be meeting my family. My heart soared at the thought of seeing Amma, Janani, and Akash after so long.
There were new rules, though—no one was allowed to touch me and I couldn’t touch anything in the house. That night, I barely slept. The pain in my stomach was unbearable, and wearing the pad felt strange and uncomfortable. But Grandma had been firm—I had to use it, or my clothes would be soiled with blood.
The next morning, voices drifted into my room, Dheeraj uncle, Manoj bro, Grandma, and Kavitha aunty talking in the hall. My heart raced. Today, I would see my family again.
When my parents, Janani, and Akash arrived at Grandma’s place, the sound of their voices sent a rush of joy through me. Without thinking, I ran out of my room and threw my arms around Amma. I turned to hug Janani, but before I could, Amma and Kavitha aunty gently stopped me. I froze, suddenly aware of everyone’s eyes on me.
Amma took my hand without a word and led me back into the room. The joy that had bubbled inside me began to fade into disappointment.
“Meeru, didn’t Grandma tell you? You must stay inside this room and avoid touching anyone or anything until we do the pooja at home in a few days. You must not meet any men either… you’re grown up now.” Amma said softly.
Her voice was gentle, but it still hurt.
“But Amma, I’m still a little girl. Why can’t I touch anyone or anything? Please… I want to meet Janani. I want to show her my clothes and books. I have so much to tell her. I miss her and Akash so much,” I pleaded, my voice trembling.
Amma stroked my hair with affection. “Meera, listen to me. Do you remember when we did the same for Janani and you kept asking why? Today, you’re in the same position. Even Janani didn’t touch you back then. You can’t be the same little Meera anymore, you must behave like a young lady now, just like Janani did. I’ll stay here until the pooja, and then you can hug Janani and show her all your things. For now, you can talk to her from a distance. Come on, I’ll help you bathe. I even brought you a new dress.”
My face brightened immediately. It had been so long since Amma bought me a dress, most of my life, I’d worn Janani’s hand-me-downs. Amma dressed me in a pretty skirt and top, adorned my hair with fresh flowers, and slid more bangles onto my wrists. Everything felt new, festive.
Janani entered the room, and my excitement overflowed. “Janani, look at my new dress! Do I look pretty with these flowers and bangles?”
She and Amma chuckled at my enthusiasm.
“Janani, I missed you, Amma, and Akash so much. Did you miss me too?” I asked eagerly.
Janani smiled and asked softly, “How are you, Meeru?”
“I’m fine. Grandma has bought me so many clothes. My new school is wonderful. I play with Priya, and everyone takes care of me. But… I miss you all so much. Amma, can I come back home with you? Please, Amma.” My voice cracked, and tears spilled down my cheeks. Amma wiped them gently with the edge of her pallu.
“Meera, would you have had all these new clothes, a nice school, and good food every day if you had stayed with us? Your grandmother is looking after you and planning so much for your future. She’s alone in this house, and you are her companion. She sends money every month, and with you here, I can manage expenses better. Finish your studies first. If you decide to return, your father might not agree.”
Janani stayed silent, as she often did.
Once Amma stepped out, Janani sat beside me and held my hand. “Meeru, focus on your studies and take care of yourself. Let’s just enjoy the time I’m here for the next few days,” she said gently.
I looked at her through watery eyes. “Amma and Appa don’t love me, Janani. Why would they send me here all alone? They could have at least sent you with me, I miss you”
Janani chuckled softly. “They didn’t send me because they need me to help at home. But you… you were too young to help them. You said Grandma is taking good care of you, so be happy. You’ve been given a chance for a better future. Make use of it.”
Her words hit me hard. For the first time, I realized the truth, my family was happy to save the little money they had been spending on me. I should be grateful to Grandma for giving me more than I ever had before… and maybe I was no longer a burden to my parents.
A week passed with everyone giving me special attention. I was fed plenty of healthy food and sweets, showered with affection. Manoj brother brought me my favorite chocolates every day and sent through Priya, and Dheeraj uncle bought me ice cream on some evenings. Still, I rarely saw them, since I was confined to my room.
Ten days later, the pooja day arrived. Grandma called a priest for the pooja. Janani whispered that it was to “purify” the house after my periods. I felt a twinge of hurt, but I ignored it—after all, the gifts kept coming. Once the priest left, I was finally allowed to meet everyone. When I glanced in the mirror, I was surprised—my body looked different now. My face was fuller, my cheeks glowed from the care and rest, and even my chest, though not very big, had grown compared to before
In the evening, Amma and Kavitha aunty dressed me in a silk saree, adorned me with jewelry, bangles, and fragrant flowers. When they led me out, I saw the house filled with people waiting for me. I was seated on a beautiful chair while one by one, the women blessed me. Gifts poured in—dresses, bangles, makeup kits, lipsticks, hair clips. The room was overflowing, and I couldn’t stop smiling.
Manoj stepped forward, handed me a gift box, and smiled. But there was something different in the way he looked at me—different from before. And he wasn’t the only one. I felt the weight of everyone’s stares, and my cheeks burned. I tugged Janani closer and whispered, “Why is everyone looking at me like that? I feel shy.”
Janani chuckled. “Because you don’t look like a little girl anymore. You’ve grown up, you look chubby and beautiful.”
Her words made me lower my eyes in embarrassment.
That night, the celebrations ended.
The next morning, I woke to find Amma, Janani, Appa, and Akash ready to leave. I hugged Amma tightly, my tears unstoppable.
“Amma, can I come with you?” I asked one last time.
She simply patted my back and looked at Appa. That was my answer. I wasn’t going home. This was my place now.
Amma took some of the dresses and makeup kits for Janani, while Grandma packed sweets and fruits for their journey. I stood at the gate and watched as they walked away. My heart ached knowing I wouldn’t see them again until Diwali—two long months away.
I wiped my tears and turned back toward the house… only to see Manoj standing outside his home, watching me. He smiled—but this time, it wasn’t the warm, brotherly smile I knew.
Something about it made me uneasy. Scared.
Maybe I was overthinking. Or… maybe not.
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A/N:
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