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Chapter 16

“Be a realist, in every way you find possible. Even in the times, you don’t want or need to be.” [Jacqueline]

…..

Jacqueline’s POV:

The fear engulfed me from inside making me breathless.

‘Who can it be?’

As my thoughts wandered, A name flashed in my mind.

‘Rohan.’

‘Who said things that happen in desperation can be good. The whole scene replayed in my mind in the spotlight.’

‘Oh God, please save me.’

My whole body shuddered as the realization dawned upon me.

‘I’m so done. He will probably kill me.’

Closing my eyes, I took deep breaths to calm down when the door of my bedroom opened and a head peeked inside. It was Nikki.

Her black eyes instantly connected with mine.

“Jacky, I made Gajar ka halwa. Would you like some?”

I gathered my wits to refuse her. But her hopeful gaze stopped me. Unable to say a word, I nodded at her. Smiling a fake smile.

And stepped forward walking outside and closing the door behind me. As I faced her in full light.

“What’s wrong you look pale Jacky?”

Though Nikki was everything a sister should be, She was never a calm person. Telling her how a cla**mate of mine had stopped me from leaving the school premises and so I had stabbed him with a pen. To get out safely. It was a wrong idea. Too wrong. Because then who will save him? From her? I have already done the worst to him. I didn’t want to elevate it. So I lied with a straight face.

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“Eh. Nothing.”

Her brows furrowed as she looked at me skeptical about my response. While I maintained my expressionless face. For her to believe me, I even gave her a sweet smile.

“Are you sure? you look like you have been through hell.”

Nervously I smiled at her secretly wiping my sweaty hands at the t-shirt I was wearing.

“Yeah. It must be because of indigestion.”

“Only if you say so. By the way, I met Swati Aunty outside and she said, Mama, had called her to inform that Papa can return early. So make sure to cook a dish for him.”

Noticing that she looked pretty convinced with my answer I breathed a sigh of relief.

And finally spoke. “Oh. Okay. I will cook something for him.”

She held the door open for me as we walked up to the kitchen.

“Great. Let’s try Gajar ka halwa.”

“Yeah. Let’s eat.”

Saying this she served me a bowl of it. While taking out some for herself too. She sat on a stool keeping the bowl on the brown kitchen slab. And I followed her activity.

Silence. Utter silence. After a few minutes, She spoke first.

“Yesterday Mommy beat me up with a wiper. She thought I stole her something.”

I paused instantly. And stood up. Wanting to fetch a first aid box for her.

“I. Did you get hurt? Why didn’t you tell me earlier? Let me see where are you hurt?”

“Sit down first. There was a very little injury, So I am good. Don’t worry about it. Besides, it wasn’t the first time that I experienced something like that.”

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My eyes turned a little saddened by the fact. It was true, She had sometimes the tendency to hit people without a reason. And it wasn’t the first time. Even I was hit severely many times by her. With the broom, wiper, slippers, a brush, and whatnot. There were a few faded marks on my face. My eyes turned a little red but I maintained my feelings. Losing the calm in front of her would only break her. And I didn’t want that.

“Where was I at that time? Tell me exactly what happened?”

“Yesterday, When I returned home she was searching for something in her Almira. I came across her room to check on her. When she started screaming at my face.”

A few tears escaped from the corner of her eyes, as she continued.

“She said, that I am a thief. And she will kill me for stealing her things. Initially, I wanted to pacify her, but she didn’t let me speak a word. Without me noticing she took a hold of my hair and screamed at my face. Exactly at that moment when I understood it was futile to argue with her. So, I struggled to get out of her hold and ran outside in the verandah but she surprised me again, by attacking me with the wiper from the back. Though even after the hit, I didn’t stop and sprinted towards my room and locked the door.”

I understood, The word surprise was just a sarcastic remark of her. I imagined the whole scenario in my head. And my eyes turned redder as I closed my eyes.

Her tired voice compelled me to open my eyes. “When will it all stop, Jacky? I am tired of all this.”

Standing, I walked up to her stool. And engulfed her large body in my small one. Giving her a little of the love that was still inside me.

As an elder sister, my heart hurt at the helplessness of the situation. How much I wanted to do something for her. Something that would have turned our situation a little better. No matter how much she grows up, she will always remain a kid for me. A kid for whom, even a bullied girl like me, fought with everyone who tried hurting her. I could never fathom that she had grown up to the point of getting wounds without even letting me know about it. Wasn’t it the eldest one who will be the scapegoat for the youngest one? Not to mention she was supposed to be careless and irresponsible. But now the destiny had done such great injustice to us, that she had turned to be the responsible one.

I promised myself, ‘one day, I won’t let you get hurt.’

Her voice brought me out of my reverie.

“Ouch. My head hurts. Are you going to crush me to tears?” As she uttered a teasing question. Grinning. A mischievous glint in her eyes. That she used to mask her sad feelings.

“Eh. Sorry.”

Taking back my arms awkwardly I smiled at her. And sat down, smiling.

“It’s so delicious. I am loving it.”

Her response surprised me.

“I love you, Jacky. ”

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“I love you too my dear sister.”

Her next words surprised me, “By the way, I punched a boy today.” And the halwa got stuck in my throat as I coughed hard. While she patted my back.

“Are you okay?”

Glaring at her, I drank a few gulps of water.

“Why?”

“He was eve-teasing a girl. And you know how much I hate guys who do that.”

Giving her a small smile I looked up at her. Thankful that I haven’t told her about Rohan yet. Otherwise, I don’t want to imagine what will happen if they fought.

“I know. But you don’t have to punch him for that. Just tell the teacher about it. Or do something else. Don’t use violence.”

“I will try to stop myself from hitting someone again.”

I glared at her hard, trying to show her that I was serious while she laughed harder. For I knew what she said was something she would never be able to work upon. She had the habit of using her hands more than her tongue.

I can’t seem to think as to where we would be in a few years. Perhaps we would be happy somewhere. Or perhaps we won’t. The only thing I understood was that at least we were moving forward even if it was without a path or a destination. By weaving dreams of happiness.

…..

Dear Readers,

I hope you are loving the story. And if you are! Please make sure to leave some honest reviews for it.

What to expect in the upcoming chapters: Suspense, Drama, and A little Romance.

Mama here means Maternal uncle. While Gajar ka halwa is a carrot-based sweet dessert pudding in our Indian subcontinent.