Blogger's end

Anita sat down tired.It had been a long day for her.She had traveled thousands of miles to reach home in time.But then her last leg of flight from the Delhi airport to Hyderabad had been cancelled.The Airline authorities had offered to refund her money back.But that was out of question.She had taken time off her busy schedule so that she could be home for her best friend,Priya's wedding,the next morning.Finally after a lot of requests,the airline people had agreed to offer her a seat in the morning flight.


She scrolled through the contacts list of all the people who she knew were in Delhi.She badly needed the comforts of a home where she could put up for the night.She already had a jet lag and badly wanted to stretch herself.She had heard from her friends in India that Delhi wasn't a safe place for girls.So she thought it wise to stay with some relative or friend.


She went through the entire list.She found numbers of one of her old school friends and a distant uncles,who she had never met.When she was 10,her family had moved to the States.She had fallen in love with the place.Her parents had set up their own business there and were doing very well.In the last 15 years she had never visited India.She had gone off to finish her studies there.She had met Priya during her PG days and they had become the best of friends.Priya had returned to India after her studies.


She had lost touch with her old school friends.She hadn't ever talked to her uncle.She was a lil unsure on who to ask for help.Unable to make up her mind she decided to call up her uncle.

Hello uncle.Anita here.

Hello..who?

Anita.Your cousin Rajiv's daughter.

Who?Which Rajiv?

She was embarrased.Here was a person who didn't recall his father.

Well..

Before she could complete,her uncle spoke.

Look Beta.Your father in the last 15 years hasn't even given us a ring.Whenever he was in town he would prefer staying in a hotel than staying with us.Rajiv and I used to be the best of friends at one time.But things have changed so much.For me he is as good as a stranger now.

Anita was stunned.She could feel the bitterness in his voice.She didn't know how to approach him anymore.She suddenly felt so guilty.

There was silence for sometime before she spoke.

I'm so sorry uncle.I know how you must have felt.I have no excuses or explanations to offer on behalf of my father.But I can tell you,I am sincerely sorry for that.

Saying so,she hung up.She took a cab and checked into a nearby hotel.All the while she was lost in thoughts.She had hoped to get a warm welcome here.But things had been so different.She didn't blame anybody,she couldn't.She realized the pain of losing a friend.She felt guilty for not staying in touch with her old school friends.She thought of all the good times she had with them as a child.


She laid in her bed tired.She decided to call that old school friend of her.

Hello said the voice at the other end of the receiver.

Ratna?

Yes.Who is this?

Anita.Rem the tall girl in the class at St Xaviers school?

Oh my god!Anita..what a surprise..!Where had you been?I hadn't heard from you for a long time now.Your calls and mails have dwindled too.Where are you calling from?

So many questions.okay okay.I'm in town.Can I meet you?There's a lot to catch up.

Oh..at this hour?

I don't have a problem.I can come down.

No..You don't worry.Just tell me where you are put.I shall come over to meet you.I have to introduce you to my husband too.

Oh wow..congratulations.So you are married.

They talked for some more time.After she hung up,Anita had a big smile on her face.She felt a certain peace.The guilt was off her chest.She took out an Italian vase which she had got from abroad and put it a box.This was going to be her gift to her friend.