ACKNOWLEGEMENT
Thank you so much mom & dad for believing in me. Without your relentless love and support this book would not have been a reality.
CONTENTS
1 . GROWING UP
2 . LIFE IN LONDON
3 . STATE OF DESPAIR
4 . U.S.A CALLING
5. METAMORPHOSIS
6. FASCINATION
7 . THE IMPULSE
8 . ENTANGLEMENT
9 . CONFESSION TIME
10. ANTICLIMAX
11. RESURRECTION
12. ACCELERATION
13. THE ULTIMATUM
14. HUMILIATION
15. ANIMAL MAGNETISM
16. DERANGEMENT
17. ATTACHMENT
18. SOULMATES
19. IN A RELATIONSHIP
20. GREAT EXPECTATIONS
21. TRYST WITH THE DEVIL
22. SURPRISE IN STORE
23. BITING THE BULLET
24. DO OR DIE
25. WAR & PEACE
26. BIG FAT WEDDING
GROWING YEARS
I was only seven when my parents left me for heaven. They died in a plane crash in which around 166 passengers were killed. But I didn’t know anything about the accident as I was too small to even understand what death is. It was my aunt who became my full time guardian trying to convince me that mom and dad went to visit god in his hometown and they would come back soon. Anyway it wasn’t her fault but she had no choice except weaving new tales to keep her little niece happy. I belong to the “Walia” clan whose origins lie in world’s largest democracy, India. Nevertheless , we have found our calling in United Kingdom where immigration isn’t something new anymore. My dad was an entrepreneur who made it big in Europe with “Walia Industries” which spread its wings all across the continent. My mom loved kids and as expected she was a school teacher in a convent. I was told that my parents had an arranged marriage which I couldn’t digest at first instance. My dad was a workaholic and mom was a happy go lucky woman but still they complemented each other during good as well as bad times. Who would have thought that such wonderful human beings would live short leaving the apple of their eye all alone in a land which isn’t her own ? My aunt did her level best to safeguard me from mental trauma and I must say she succeeded in her attempts as I didn’t question her about my parents death anymore. Like my aunt said they would return soon and even I thought they would but remember I was a kid. “Sia , come on have some porridge”, she chases me from one corner to another but I keep pestering and annoying her. “You naughty girl I’m gonna catch hold of you and don’t think that you are smarter than your aunt” (laughs).
She feeds me with an inexplicable ease which reminds me of my mom. But I try to cope up with the past through my innocence which knows no boundaries.
“Sleep baby” running her smooth fingers across my hair , “ you gotta get up early tomorrow as you have to attend your school” smiling swiftly she drapes me with a blanket and leaves the room reluctantly. I used to sleep with my mom and dad at the centre.Tears rolled out my of eyes as I was lonely in the dark for the first time since my parents left. I tried to get out of my bed but in vain.
I stared at darkness like a blind girl who is helpless and dwelling in the dark. I cried immensely calling my parents and asking them to come back but they don’t. “Mom & Dad , I’m feeling sad , alone and terrible” holding my arms , “Where are you ?” tears flowing hurriedly. It is the worst thing that can happen to a kid who is now an orphan. Just imagine I had to spend my entire life in darkness and that too alone. Morning sun rays hit my face and it was my aunt standing with open arms in front me. I couldn’t resist any further and jumped onto her , hugging her for minutes. “Sweetheart , I know its tough for you but don’t worry as long as your aunt is with you nobody can harm you” wiping my tears she dresses me up for school. My aunt was the only source of strength in my hard times. She descended my dad and worked really hard to maintain the dignity and reputation of “Walia Industries”. She was a perfect woman whether it is cracking deals in office or helping me with my homework . She decided not to get married just for the sake of taking care of me and to fulfill her responsibility post her adorable brother and sister in law’s death. Walia mansion was now the residence of a charismatic and shrewd lady called Simi Walia who ruled the business world.
I grew up to be a spoilt brat who knew nothing but partying and recklessly passing time. I was always reprimanded by my teachers for being carefree and easy going. Thank god I didn’t get into depression mode which most orphans go through especially during childhood. I had everything ranging from a huge mansion to an excellent education but as they say “Nobody can fill the void of parents”. I missed my mom & dad every single day. My aunt who appeared promising in the beginning turned out to be a typical workaholic woman who knew nothing except work ! work ! work !. She never attended my annual functions/sports days/parent-teacher meetings.
I was humiliated by my teachers and some classmates for ending up alone during school functions. I agree that my aunt has sacrificed a lot for my future sake but that doesn’t mean she would start ignoring me. “Mom , dad I wish both of you were with me.” I cry inevitably. A voice calls me from behind and its my best friend , Becky Richardson. “Hey Sia ! Wassup babe ? You’re weeping …. What happened come on tell me.” Becky was my BFF from nursery and it was her who kept motivating me to live life to the fullest. “ Nothing. It was just nostalgia which doesn’t ditch me unlike my loved ones.” Becky knows when I become paranoid and tries to raise my spirits high. “ I can totally feel your pain darling , its disgusting when you don’t find someone around you to share your feelings , experiences and what not.” She held both my hands and stared at me for a while. “Look what I did , I made you cry” Whoa !! “An achievement finally” she changed her expression immediately. “Stop your silly sarcasm , bitch.” (Laughs) “Fine. Lets go and have some snacks , I’m dying out of hunger.” “Yeah , even I’m hungry babe.” Both of us rush to the cafeteria and begin munching our favorite ‘hot dogs’.
LIFE IN LONDON
I spent my high school years in St.Anne’s Convent , Greater London. The best products of Britain belonged to this massive educational institution where there was both demand and supply of knowledge. My first day in school was terrible as I attended alone while other children came happily hopping along with their parents. I wasn’t great in studies and had to struggle to get through each grade. I had a fear of maths and physics as it was more a battle with numbers than mere alphabets. Our maths teacher Ms.Caroline Watts was tiny , stout with dark-brown curls and not to forget her huge buttocks which were the highlight of her body. I used to get petrified during her lectures as she always targeted weak students and humiliated them in front of the class mercilessly. I never got more than 55 in maths and almost failed the weekly revision tests. Embarassing indeed for any student but not much for a slacker like me. I knew that in college I would be free to pursue my choice subject and what was required in school life was a huge amount of perseverance. I didn’t have buddies in school because I preferred staying apart and explore my own world which according to me was the most interesting thing than petty gossiping. I loved watching Popeye , Bob - The Builder , Oswald and The Simpsons during leisure and kept on narrating each episode to my nanny , cook and my aunt. My aunt was often invited to royal dinners , corporate parties and high profile events. But I was barred from accompanying her as she thought that I lacked basic etiquette and was nothing but a spoilt brat. I didn’t feel upset being left all alone as the city made a soothing noise which even the deaf could hear. The Walia mansion was like a maze where one would get lost eve
n after hundred attempts to get out. I dealt with boredom by moving to and fro , climbing the wooden stairs , touching the glass panes , staring at 18th century paintings hung on the wall , teasing the servants in the kitchen and finally ended up in my shell which gave me an identity so to say.
“Sia , look what I brought for you !” my dad’s voice echo’s throughout the house. “Dad ! so many presents , oh my gosh” I hug him tightly as if it were the last. My dad was my guide , philosopher , friend and inspiration. Whenever mom reprimanded me I found solace in my dad’s affectionate arms. He always protected me from all sorts of pain and never did raise a hand on me for even my biggest mistakes. I missed my dad terribly when Aunt Simi accused me of every single imperfection of mine. It was Father’s Day and my pals walked along with their cool dads. There was myself who knew that miracles never happen and dad would never make an appearance both in the Father’s Day celebrations and in my life. Not that I didn’t miss mom during mother’s day. But I promised myself that I would wish my parents on their birthdays , marriage anniversary and during all festive occasions.
Time passed so quickly that I never realized when I became a teenager and was an year away from entering college. A new phase , a new destiny , a new beginning awaited me. In 12th grade I befriended an Indian girl called Anusha Verma who constantly reminded me of my motherland in each conversation I had with her. We used to visit the gurudwara nearby our school and offer prayers to the “Waheguru”. I could smell the essence of my native place in every nook and corner of the gurudwara. Anusha insisted me to visit India if possible as she thinks that we must hail the country where we belong and must pay homage to our ancestors who gifted us this beautiful human life. We watched Bollywood movies every weekend and became overhelmed feeling proud of our culture. I tried local Indian food on the streets of London and saw many Indians walking past me speaking their mother tongues. It reminded me of the enormous diversity which India possessed and taught me a lot about why one should forget anything but not his mother country. London was a giant commercial capital which had everything which fantasy novels depict. The marvelous architecture which causes one’s eyes to stare solely at its perfection is mesmerizing. The gigantic Big Ben , Westminister Abbey comprising the Gothic Church , my favorite place – The British Museum and everything in London is starry , significant , magnificent and a treat for history lovers. There’s always a beeline in London , SW1A , 1AA to have a glimpse of the Royal Family and the interiors of the most spectacular and powerful palace of a constitutional monarchy. Tourists relish every moment spent in Buckhingham Palace adoring its finesse and singing praises of the grandeur of United Kingdom. London stands tall and tenacious on the River Thames reflecting its pre-eminence , lustre and magnanimity. The city was also endowed with culinary delights ranging from the local bread , wine , meat to Chinese , continental and world famous recipes. I loved hanging out in Clove Club , well designed bar located in Old Street which offers delicious buttermilk fried chicken , crispy nuggets , tongue twisting delicacies like a morcilla , fish curries , well shaped pheasant’s egg and an ultimate delight of aromatic cocktails. People who get sick of travelling around the world end up in London as they feel it is a place where nobody gets bored or tired. It is such a wonderful city which appears like an array of mouth watering dishes. It is believed that if one gets fed up with London then he’s fed up with his life altogether. London is known as the ultimate destination for pleasure and happiness on earth. The birthplace of cricket happens to be this glorious city which has enabled to produce the world’s finest cricket geniuses. I was always a big fan of cricket and never missed a single match either on TV or on the epic Lord’s cricket stadium worshipped by all the cricket players and buffs. I cherished watching England Vs India matches in London.I would howl , scream , jump in the air and sing “Jeetega Bhai Jeetega ! India Jeetega !” loudly so that the entire London can hear.
As much as I loved London , I missed India ten times more than that. I craved for the affection , adoration , dedication , friendship , togetherness and every emotion that patriots usually have for their nation. Maybe I was destined to be born in a foreign land as an outsider and live like a nomad in my own house. I also volunteered for a local book club and promoted the need for reading among youngsters. Reading was my favorite activity of the day. It gave me a sense of belonging , satisfaction and serenity which kinda helped in coping up with my parents loss. London was no more a stranger to me as I had adapted entirely to its length and breadth much better than I had anticipated. But this saga didn’t last longer. Destiny had something else in store for me.
STATE OF DESPAIR
It was an early sunrise in the mansion the next day and the servant banged the door more than five times which caused a terrible pain in my ears. “Oh ! could you please stop doing that” I yelled with umbrage. It took me quite a long time to wake up and as I viewed my phone it shows 7:45 AM , that’s it but I couldn’t comprehend the reason behind waking me up beforehand. I hate it when someone disturbs my sleep during any part of the day. Sleep was the most comforting of all activities as it takes me to a dreamy world where I could fall but never get hurt. I got up wondering what if my aggressive aunt wanted me to report to her about my school , exams and of course future plans. I quickly wore a maroon hoodie and light-grey denim. I moved the hair brush swiftly through my messy curls and turned it into a cute pony tail. I ran through the stairs with my eyes rolling here and there but not at my aunt who was perfectly seated on her couch wearing a well-knit blue saree. It’s been a while since my aunt dressed up in a traditional Indian avatar. She was charming in her disposition , well-cut face , fair skin , dark brown eyes and pitch black hair as smooth as silk. Nevertheless , she didn’t consider herself to be a gracious and sexy woman but someone who worshipped her work and family values more than anything else. As I was growing up my aunt became stricter and demanded obedience and discipline. I was gradually losing my love for Aunt Simi due to her imposing stringent rules on me which I was expected to conform with. “Sia , I have something very important to talk to you and I want you to listen carefully” her eyes were sharper than blade. “Am I clear ?” I shrugged a little and then spoke. “Yes Aunt , go ahead.”I wasn’t as confident as I thought I would be. “Next month you’re graduating from high school and I want you to work even harder in college. I reckon you deserve better education , a competitive atmosphere where you would get an exposure to the world outside.” “I didn’t get you. Could you please elaborate ?” An uncanny fear crept into my body making me shiver internally.
“I have decided to send you to Harvard next month where you would receive the best learning experience which only few could afford and many can only dream about.” I was taken aback , moved backwards as if I would collapse in seconds. “Sia , are you okay …. what happened ? It seems you are not happy after hearing this news. Her face became pale and looked as if it would explode If I said a no. “No No …. I mean YYY Yes I’m glad that you are so concerned about my life. After mom and dad it was you who fulfilled my needs , desires and dreams.” “So would I consider it a green signal ?” Sigh. “Are you content with my decision to pursue higher studies in the United States ?” I knew that my aunt always wanted me to choose the right path in life and not get affected by nostalgia. I didn’t have a choice although I started liking London after having frequent nightmares in this very place. But America as stylish as it sounds isn’t bad either. “Aunt , I think you are absolutely right and I comply by what you’ve said.”
“I knew it (smiles) I-I knew it sweetheart that you would never disappoint me and how would you , its not in our blood to defy the elders. I’m proud of you dear and I hope that you would find solace in a new place and get rid of the tragic past.” Her happiness knew no bounds and she hurriedly walked past me to carry on with her work schedule as usual. I rushed like a speeding car towards my room and crashed on the bed which felt rough and too hard to my skin just like the fact that I’m leaving London. At a
period when I managed with lot of effort to accustom with school and early adolescence without parents a new adventure awaited my presence. I sobbed for hours in my room , skipping breakfast , lunch and maybe dinner as well. I pulled the draw and dragged my parents photo which I hid deep inside to forget the pain , absence and sorrow. “Mom , Dad why did you leave me in a hearth whose warmth gives me more loneliness than comfort ?” Tears fell on the picture like a scar on their static faces. “Just when I am feeling sorted and settled , Aunt wants me to shatter again and that too in another part of the world.” I felt dejected , depressed and disgusted with what was going to happen to me in a month. I would land in America and even there as an immigrant. Now I started missing my country even badly. “A rolling stone gathers no moss but is forced to.” Is their an alternative to conformity or dilemma ? I wish. My senses became smartphones with poor battery life , there was a grimace on my face , I lost my appetite for a second. It sucks when things unimaginable take place leaving no option but distress. I was despondent thinking weren’t school years enough to teach me how to deal with struggle , pain and loss. My phone rang six times but I didn’t bother to pick up. After an hour someone called me from downstairs and she finally entered my room without even knocking the door. It was Becky , my BFF since I was a toddler. “OMG ! Sia ! What have you done to yourself ? Look at you , eyes have swollen like you have been crying for centuries.” I cried as if I were in hell. I hugged Becky niggardly and wept continuously. “Calm down honey …. Cmon babe tell me what’s wrong ? Has your aunt scolded you or is there anything which is pestering you?” “Aunt will send me to the US , Becky. Next month. I would have to leave London , leave you.” I held her tighter than before and cried horribly. My days with Becky were incredible , she was the only one who accepted me the way I was and forgave me every time I teased her. I couldn’t imagine not being with her , missing night outs and watching our favorite horror movies together in the theatres. “Sia ! What are you saying ? You are going to the US ? I mean it’s fantastic …..an opportunity to heal your wounds.”
Immortal Love_True Love Never Dies Page 1
