The Strings Of Heart

11

Sitara POV

I silently ate my food as everyone spoke continuously with each other. I look at the plate disliking the curry on the plate.

"David and Aarav are family members. They have been a part of our family from years now," Mum says probably looking at everyone.

"Elora is like our own daughter. We became family friends through their friendship," Aarav's mum Lavanya said.

Aarav's parents and David's mum are also invited to this family dinner. I never met their parents before so this is my first time.

They don't even know why they are here. My mum invited everyone for a family dinner.

Then I realized these family dinners are very common. They frequently meet twice or once a month.

The only new member is me... I can't even explain how I felt when there wasn't an extra f*****g chair to sit. They forgot to add a chair for me. I felt so out of box watching all these people.

"Don't you like curry Sitara?" Swarna aunty asked. If only I can swallow...

"Nope." I sat beside my parental aunt Swarna and Pihu. Pihu is two years younger than me. Her best friend c*m cousin is Rishi. They both are of the same age.

"Pihu and Rishi are in their ninth standard. Their academics are really good." Rithika aunty praised her daughter and Rishi.

"Rishi and Pihu are bookworms of our family. They are the toppers." My mum added.

"Even Elora was a bright student in her school and college days. She graduated with top marks." Priya aunty glorified my sister.

"But Aishu, why did you send Sitara to boarding school? I mean no-one from your family did residential schooling except her." I kind of tensed as the bob-cut formal lady who I learned is David's mum asked.

Dramatically everyone became silent as my mum gazed at me. Ugh... Let's hear what she is going to say.

"Sitara wasn't the bright student and she never liked books. It was hard to control her, she never did her homework and I couldn't handle her." My mum started saying as I didn't look up from my plate.

"She was the naughtiest girl and hard to tame. Thankfully, she wanted to go to boarding school and a burden left Aishu akka's shoulders." Rithika aunty who is close to my mum said. Burden... Wow, I never knew I was a burden.

"Among all our kids, Sitara never listened and don't forget her antics to do everything. Her academics were zero." Pratham uncle continued.

Okay, it was true, I never liked books and reading. The teachers used to beat me with a stick and I was stubborn so I never did any homework given by them. I always failed and these people are still making fun of that.

"David said you graduated. What was your score?" David's mum asked with a smile which is irritating to me.

I stayed silent as they looked at me for answer. "She scored the third highest in the class," Elora said.

My aunts and uncles chuckled. "Really? Third highest? Are you saving her from humiliation Elora?" Pratham uncle said with sarcasm.

"There is no humiliation in the family. I don't believe that she got the third highest. We won't judge her if she got fewer marks." It was from Priya aunty. Mocking? cool...

Before my sister can say anything I left my spoon which made a loud sound. Letting out a heavy sigh.

"Yes Priya aunty, there is no humiliation in the family. Actually I failed my high school just like you and your husband. Thankfully I can take a re-test next year."

Everyone looked shocked as I placed my chin on my palm. I smiled "Isn't it sad that you can't take a re-test... At least I don't have kids who would feel ashamed of my failure." She got the hidden message under my words as her eyes widen.

"Okay, my dear family peeps, off I leave." I gave a dramatic bow to everyone with a huge smile before going towards the stairs.

I didn't miss the looks on their faces. Aarav coughed to hide his laugh, David is looking at me like he saw a ghost.

My mum is looking down at her plate. I don't care who they are and what they are. If they mock me then they have to deal with my ego and witch side.

A heavy sigh left my mouth as I shut my door with my leg. I pulled my t-shirt and pants down as I went straight for the shower.

It was the anger which made me read books, the anger of being called the brat when I wasn't. I worked hard to improve my academics, to lose my weight, to be ahead of every accept. I wasn't a sports kid but I joined sports. Learned music to gain my mum's attention but I never got her attention nor she knows about the music which I learned. I'm still the brat in their eyes.

I did everything just to remove the zero and loser tag off me. It hit me hard in my childhood when they disliked me but not anymore. They don't even know about my basketball championship, they aren't interested in knowing because I'm not my sister.

To them, I'm always the failing kid who doesn't listen to anyone. Yes, I still don't listen to anyone and honestly, I don't care.

•

It's been a week, all I did was create my f*******: account, added all my friends. Texted them and went through the photos and posts.

"Hey, mum wants to talk." I looked up to see my sister in her formal clothes.

"Yup." I left the laptop as I followed her to mum's room.

"Tired?" I asked her.

"Yeah, we are working on a new project and it's a huge process," Elora said as we both walked.

Elora started working when she was in the first year and now she is doing her masters.

"I'm warning you mumma is going to ask about college." I groaned.

"Can't I enjoy my holidays?" She chuckled opening the door. Mumma was sitting on the sofa.

I sat down beside Elora and waited for mum to speak. "How are you doing?" She has black circles and bags under her eyes. She looked tired.

"Bored."

"What you decided about next?"

"South Korea."

"Huh?"

"I decided to spend my summer in South Korea, Sung and Joel's home."

"I'm asking about your college Sitara."

"I'm not sure about college, I need time to decide." She leaned against the sofa.

"You will be doing your college here or?"

"Gaurav and Krishika are living in Bombay. Sung and Joel are going to states along with Becca. Abhinav and I aren't sure yet but I will be doing my college in Bombay."

"Sitara, I can't send you to Bombay."

"Why?" I asked.

"I want you to do your college here in Hyderabad. I need you here to help me."

"No... No, I can't stay here. I'm not interested in business and I want to go to Bombay."

"Sitara... Try to understand, I just need you here for two years and after that, it's your wish. You can go aboard for higher studies."

"Two years? why?"

"We opened a new company and we are working on the projects which is important so I need you here."

"Congratulations on your growth mum but I won't. Hire someone." Mumma scrubbed her head looking at me.

"Please Sitara, it's very important and confidential. It's about two years, I won't allow you to Bombay."

I'm angry but I controlled myself, she is tired and I can't argue more. "Will see." I say getting up to leave the room.

"What about my South Korea trip?"

"Will see."

"Mum, you didn't give my graduation gift and this trip is the gift I want." I closed the door leaving to my room. I don't want to think about what she said and spoil my mood.