(Reading time: 4 - 8 minutes)

01.You & Me - Sandhya

 

When Thulasi entered her small one bedroom house, as usual her younger sister, Kavya was arguing with her mother, Saradha. Though she was very much tired, she was so very happy to hear the voice of her mother and her sister.

"No, I can't change my mind...."

 

Saradha started saying something and stopped after seeing Thulasi. Saradha's face softened seeing her elder daughter.

"What happened to you Thulasi? You are late today also... I was trying to reach you through your mobile but you didn't pick up...." said Saradha in Tamil.

 

They usually communicate in their mother tongue in their home. But for our story's sake let's hear it in English.

"Sorry amma, tomorrow morning we need to deliver dress for an important client and at the last moment as always we had some issues... and it took some time to fix it... and sorry amma I didn't get time to attend or reply your calls...." said Thulasi removing her sandals.

 

"That's ok.... You have your dinner and go and take rest... I don't know how long you are going to carry this family's burden..."

 

"Come on amma... it's not a burden...." said Thulasi smiling.

 

She smiled at her sister Kavya and said,

"Kavya... What happened? What's the new issue today?"

 

"Nothing new akka... as usual mom is trying to strangle me...."

 

"Don't say that Kavya, mom always advices for our well being only... tell me what's the matter?"

 

"I have my semester exams in a month... So our gang is planning to stay at our college hostel and take up group studies. But mom is not allowing me to stay in the hostel for a month...."

 

"See Thulasi, for a month, we need to spend almost 7000 for her... she is not a small kid anymore... she should also understand our situation and start adjusting...."

 

"Its ok mom let her go and stay in hostel... We can manage it....." said Thulasi.

 

Kavya jumped out in joy. She embraced her sister and said,

"I know akka, you will understand me... Wait for another 6 months... I will get a job in campus interview and I will share the responsibilities with you....."

 

"I know Kavi ma, you don't worry about your sister's responsibilities now... Just concentrate on your studies and enjoy your college life with your friends....."

 

Saradha didn't say anything. She quietly went inside to keep things ready for dinner.

 

After washing her face and changing her dress, Thulasi joined her sister and mom in the hall. She was surprised to see that they have not had their dinner yet.

"Amma, what's this? How many times I have told you not to wait for me...."

 

"Akka, during week days we all meet only during this dinner time... Come on it's ok to wait for one or two hours...." said Kavya

 

"It’s ok for you Kavya, but what about amma, she needs to take her pills after food. It's not good to have dinner so very late...." replied Thulasi.

 

"It’s ok Thulasi... I have prepared your favorite potato fry... Now sit and eat your dinner...."

 

They all started having their dinner. Saradha looked at her elder daughter fondly. After her husband's unexpected death five years back, they were left with almost nothing. Thulasi, who was already undergoing a personal tragedy, shrugged it off and took up the responsibility on her own shoulders. Now she is a qualified fashion designer and owns a small boutique along with her friend Uma. Though she is earning hand fully, because of their debts, it is still 'touch and go' for them. Thulasi is in her late twenties... her mother wondered what future has in store for her....

Kavya is just twenty one now and she will be completing her Engineering degree in another six months. Their family fortune should improve if Kavya can get job in a good company through campus interview.

Saradha is not very much worried about Kavya but deep inside her heart she is very much worried about her elder daughter....

 

The sisters finished their dinner fondly chatting with each other. Saradha too finished her food and started cleaning the vessels while Kavya started cleaning the hall. In this one bedroom rented house, they use the hall as living room cum study room cum dining hall. Thulasi switched on the computer and started checking mails. Thulasi's friend Vimala is now in US and she daily sends mail to Thulasi. And Thulasi amidst her busy schedule, always make sure to spare 15-30 minutes for Vimala.

Even today, she read Vimala's mail and replied to her. When she switched off the computer and returned back, she was surprised to see her mother sitting in the sofa lost in thoughts.

 

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