Family of Vampire
Every day Rita used to go in balcony just to sense touch of fresh air. It was not unique to her now. But when she came first here. She was so scared. She used to feel scared by sound of every horn. Their Mom kept them that way. They never able to see sun except from locked window. Their Mom was a strange lady. She never liked it when they tried to play with other kids. She wanted to keep home tutor for them. But their uncle advised against it. Uncle told her that it wouldn't be proper education for kids. So she finally got chance to go out for school. She could never forget that how did she felt shocked when one day her Mom told her that she could go out to school. She started shivering " Mom what happened? Why are you punishing me like that?" " Honey I am not punishing you. You are going to school." She was so confused. " School? What is it?" They stayed locked in house so they didn't know anything about school. She shivered. " Mom what is school?" " There you have to study with other kids." Rita shivered once again. She didn't want any kid to harm her. She saw it on TV. But she knew that when Mom told her to go out then there was no option. She nodded and got ready. Her Mom started to dress her in perfect way. She still remembered that dress. It was made in such way that she couldn't catch any sunlight on her body. Her Mom " Reema, remember one thing. Sunrays are not good on body. They could burn you. They are not safe." Rita nodded. She went in that dress. When she came inside, whole class bust out laughing. She sensed something was wrong. She started crying. When teacher gave angry look to those kids, then she smiled towards her and asked " Reema why did you dress like that?" " Mom told me that sunrays will burn me." Other kids started laughing again. But this time they stopped soon since they sensed that teacher might punish them. Teacher" But you are in room and sunrays will not enter here." Rita nodded. " So remove those things whatever you call them." Rita nodded. She removed all. She suddenly felt so free. She felt like bird who was freed from cage. She started enjoying it. She began to do all that teacher told. Then finally recess started. In recess she sat alone in class room while others ran out to play. She soon began to look around in class. Just few kids were sitting and eating their lunch. She took her lunch box and joined that girl. She was not that brave but she was scared to sit alone. She gave smile to that girl. " Hello I am Reema." Then girl smiled " I am Natasha." " May I join you while eating lunch?" Natasha started laughing. Rita was confused. Natasha " This is not round table conference or broad meeting. No need of such formalities. You can just drag yourself in that seat any time." Rita smiled. Then they started chatting. Natasha was perfect friend for Rita. Rita soon understood that Natasha didn't like playing much on ground. Natasha " Actually I am too slow. When I started to play something den always come on me and I kept trying to catch them for entire recess." " Now that isn't fair." " What is unfair in it? This is rule of game and they wanted to play by rules." Rita nodded. She didn't know much about rules. She never played on ground and she was not even planning to play now. She was glad that she found someone who likes indoor life like her. It was such relief. She could stay with Natasha entire time. She started chatting with Natasha regarding many things. She didn't know much about world but Natasha knew many things. She felt so ignorant before her. Rita " I never went out of house." Natasha was shocked. " What you never went out of house? Why? Don't you want to go on picnic?" " Well I saw it on TV and it looked interesting. But Mom said sunlight will harm me." Natasha started laughing. Natasha " You are so pale literally white like paper sheet. Sun will help you to get little colour on your face. Let's compare our hands." Then they put their hands together. They started comparing them. Reema sensed her hand was too pale. She didn't have that dark touch which made them alive at all. Reema " You feel I need sun?" " Of course!!" " It will not burn or kill me." Natasha began to laugh again. Rita felt so hurt. She didn't like the way Natasha laughing on her. She began to feel scared. She started to feel that she did mistake of telling everything to her. Then school bell rang and she returned to her bench. She sat on bench teacher told her to occupy. Then a girl came and sat beside her. She didn't share smile with her like Natasha. But then soon she sensed that Natasha was pointing at and they were joking about her. She knew that trusting Natasha was mistake. But she didn't had option. She looked around. She sensed that she was not going to get any friend. Reema still felt fear when she remembered those days. She was too scared to go out. But when Natasha and her friends started calling her vampire and bat. She felt that it was enough. She had to go in sun then finally one day time of sports came. Her PT teacher called them out. She was so scared but she was without option. On that day she first time went in sun. At beginning it hurt in her eyes. She had to shield them. She was strange in eyes of every student. But she was glad when she forced herself to walk in sun. It hurt at beginning but then she liked that heat. She smiled and every one lost interest in her. It was good as well as bad news since after that she was not existed for them. She never made good friend or any enemy. She just studied in her school and passed with good marks. But on that time she began to like sun. Whenever sun touched her body she remembered that day. She felt happy. Even today she was enjoying heat and those sunrays.
Rita was now grown up. She had completed her graduation. She was doing nice work which she loved. She tried her best to find friends but she never found one. She wanted to find a life partner but she never managed to find one. She just didn't find a boy who could understand her. Her Mom was always upset with her. When she started walking in sun, she began to scream. She pulled her inside. She was punished so she began to avoid doing it before Mom. At first she tried to convince Mom but soon she sensed that it was useless and started moving ahead in life. She felt that she could go out when her Mom went for work. But soon she sensed that her Mom never went out during sunny hours. She just went out when sun was set. It was strange hour for work but Mom get more money for night shift. Her Mom even learnt self defence to protect herself. She started to sleep during day. Rita still hoped that she might go out for at least few seconds. Until now she never cared for going out. But now she wanted to go out. Then she decided that she would do when her Mom was fast asleep. One day finally she found one chance. Her younger sister Purva was playing in corner. She ran to her. " Mom is sleeping let's go out." " In sun!! Are you mad? Sun might manage to kill us." " Sun don't kill human beings. It give us nourishment we needed to grow up otherwise we will remain weak in bones. It gives us vitamin." Then she got confused. She didn't remember if it was D vitamin or E vitamin. " Wait I will check in books." Purva " But I don't want to go." " Come I will show you. It's in textbook." " Don't start teaching me just because you go in that school. I am not illiterate. I study in home and my tutor teach me a lot better." Rita knew Purva's tutor was intelligent. But she also knew if she kept herself locked in house like that it was useless. But Purva was stubborn. She didn't listen to her. Finally she gave up. Her Mom never let Purva enter in school when she learnt that Rita was going in Sun for sports. But Rita was not willing and she made it clear before principal. Mom sensed that now if she stopped her then she would tell everything. On that point Rita realised her Mom was doing something wrong. Something which she wanted to hide. Soon she sensed that it was not going in sun. She knew that her Mom was not truthful. She wanted to convince it to Purva when Mom came out. Mom started cursing her. Then she pushed her in storage room. She was locked in that dark room for entire day. Rita still shivered by remembering that day. When finally Mom took her out, she kept quiet. But in school she told all to her teacher. She listened to her. That issue went to principal. Then they called her Mom and convinced about sending her in nice hostel. Mom looked upset at beginning but finally she agreed. After that she spent her entire life in hostel. When she came out, she immediately took one job and shifted in working woman's hostel. She never went back home. Her Mom was also not interested in having her back. In her mother's eyes she was evil. Mom wanted to keep her away from Purva. Rita was satisfied with her life. She didn't have everything but she was happy with what she got. She was so confused. She didn't understand why did she suddenly wanted to think about them. She had her flat now. Her Mom didn't deny her from her inheritance. She personally called Rita and told her to buy flat for her. She still remembered her words. " Honey I don't hate you. You are always special to me. I love you but you are so different than us. You love sun. While we hate it." " I don't love too much Mom I hate when it comes heavily in afternoon but you hate sun too much. You don't like even in morning and what about Purva? You never gave her chance?" " Yes I have not but you have given it did she took it?" Rita was so shocked. She wanted to scream on Mom but Mom stopped her. " Stop arguing and just listen to me. I don't want you to lose your share from our earning. But since you decided to move ahead your way. I feel I must give you your share at beginning of your life so I want you to purchase a flat and I pay for it ." Then her Mom explained her about investment in her name. Soon she sensed that she was financially secure person. She smiled happily. Then she started job of her choice. Her Mom just insisted on one thing that she must avoid Sun. She started to laughing by thinking about her family. They were strange people. But still it was her family. She needed to call them once in while. She was not tense about Mom but Purva's future was serious question. Then she heard her mobile ringing. She decided that she would ignore on that moment. It must be some advertisement. She just kept enjoying Sun.
After sometime Rita came inside. She picked up her mobile. It was call from her Mom. She was shocked. Her Mom never called her. Rita knew that it had to be something serious. Rita called her back. For long time no one picked mobile. Then finally Mom took call. " Thank God. You have called." " Mom I have called you at least 24 times before. You can see in missed calls." " Ohhhh actually I was helping Purva in bathroom to take bath. I am not getting young so it is getting harder for me." " Why? What happened?" " Purva had fracture again." " Again? How many times she had fractured her bones?" " It's third time." " Mom don't you feel it is too much." " I know. That's why I call you for better Doctor." " Fine. Bring her when she get fine. I will find some specialist here." Before Mom could say something else Purva started calling her and Mom said bye. Rita was so upset. She didn't like it at all. She sensed that something was totally wrong with her sister. She was staying alone in this flat for long time. She was not as talkative as her Mom. Her Mom was strange lady. She never went out in sun but still she kept relationship with every one in perfect way. She was regular user of internet. It was so strange. She was against sun but she didn't mind computer. She never sensed any fear due to it's rediation. Rita never questioned her why she felt computer was safe and sun was risky. She wanted to enjoy at least computer and most importantly it kept their Mom busy. She was not much fond of Mom. Purva loved Mom. Rita felt that Purva's love towards Mom managed to destroy her future. She locked herself in that house. No one ever felt anything wrong with their Mom since she was well connected. During daytime their house was locked cage but in evening and night it was most alive. Every one was busy during day so they never visited their house. Mom many times gave parties on weekends. She always hated them as child. She felt so scared when those people came. One day one uncle entered in their room. She started shivering out of fear. Then he came ahead step by step. She managed to hide herself under blanket. She heard lots of things. She was so scared. She smelt Alcohol clearly. Then she sensed that person went in wash room. Then he went away. From that day she began to lock her bedroom door. But she could hear loud sound of music and laughing every time. She looked at Purva many times she was sound asleep. She just didn't want to think about those things but they kept coming in her mind. Those nightmares were not easy to forget. Specially when Mom told her that Purva was coming there. She felt more scared. It was not easy for her. But Purva was her sister she had to do it for her. Then her mobile rang. Mom's number appeared " Hello Mom what did you want to tell me?" " I am not Mom. I am Purva." " Ohh Purva how are you?" " Perfect and what about you? Still suffer from your cold and cough or is it acidity this time?" Rita was so shocked. Purva was taunting her while she was sick. Rita was speechless. She never expected such attitude from Purva. Purva " Any way I am coming tomorrow. I hope everything will be fine in that flat. I need one room." " This is just one bedroom flat so you can't get one entire room for yourself." Purva clearly sounded shocked after hearing this. "How could you give parties in such a small house?" " I can't but I never give parties." " But why? Don't you have any friend?" It was so strange. A girl who never set her foot in sun telling her how did she supposed to find friends. Rita began to feel so nervous and low. " What about boyfriend? Did you find someone to marry with?" " No I have not and I am not interested in marriage." " This is shocking. Why?" " Will you let me live my life?" " No problem I just wanted to ask you will it be okay with you if I invite my boyfriend in your house?" Rita wanted to avoid this but she knew that she didn't have much option since her Mom seemed to agree regarding their marriage. She didn't ask Mom but she could guess by Purva's confidence. Rita had to say yes. " Sure." " Okay by see you tomorrow." Rita was so upset. Her nightmare had began. She wanted to tell Purva to get lost since finally this house didn't belong to her. Rita " Okay see you tomorrow." Then Rita looked around her house. It was simple middle class house. It was too simple for Purva. She was scared of sun but Rita was scared her. Her attitude managed to depress her many times. She wanted to avoid her. She didn't want Purva to destroy her paradise. But she knew that it was impossible. She went in kitchen and looked at food available in refrigerator. She knew that Purva was going to bring anything. She had to do all. But still she never able to get admiration. They were scared of sun but that didn't make them less in fact they kept calling her inferior. She knew that she was not less but still this attitude kept hurting her. But she didn't have option. She had to invite her sick sister who was behaving as she was sick one. She wanted to cry. She decided that she must not control her emotion since she had to do it on every day when Purva came to stay with her. She started crying loudly. She sensed that sunlight was no longer promising.
Rita was feeling so sleepy. Purva told her that she would come in night. Rita tried to convince her that it was risky. But Purva didn't listen to her. Purva " I know how to handle myself. Stop teaching me. I have one regular cab. I will come by it." So she was waiting now for that cab. It was so frustrating for her. Purva kept showing off as if she was perfect. Then finally she heard sound of Taxi. She looked down. Purva was looking like model. She was laughing and behaving just like some famous person. There was one boy with her. He was average looking, smart boy. Rita wanted to feel jealous but she didn't like the way that man was acting. He was reminding her of pet. But then she thought that it was just her thinking. When Purva came, she welcomed her with smile. Purva's hand was still in plaster. Purva " I want to just relax. Did you found that Doctor?" " We must go physician.." " I know you can never move fast. Don't worry. I have found Doctor for myself. He is smart and intelligent. Honey will you take my bags?" Her boyfriend Sandip " Yes of course. You must not use that hand." Then he took bags and started to go in flat. When he looked at Rita, he gave her sweet smile. Rita didn't like the way he was smiling at her. But then she felt that she was imagining too much. Rita went to Purva. " So how was your journey?" " Perfect. I am so happy without sun. I just hate sunlight." Then Purva went in house. She adjusted in few seconds. Purva " Sandip you can go in hotel now?" Sandip " Well.. I thought I might stop here." Rita felt upset. She didn't want that man in her house and he was not even Purva's husband. It was not right in her view. Purva" Just go away. She is not your type. And take this ring too." Sandip wanted to argue. But then he nodded and went away. Rita was so shocked. She waited until Sandip didn't left room. Rita " Did you just broke up with your fiancee?" Purva gave sad look. " He wanted me to go out with him during day too or he want some other girl during day" Purva was terrifically shocked. Purva " He is wrong man for you!!" " I know but I want to marry and every man want wife who will go out during daytime." " Did you considered going out?" " Why? You are going out but you have not found husband?" Rita wanted to bang her head on wall in frustration. She wanted her sister to become normal but she was concerned about just marriage. Purva didn't let Rita talk further. "I want to sleep now. We need to go to Doctor tomorrow. I can't imagine how does I manage to avoid sunlight? I don't understand why did they keep appointments during day?" " Since every one work during day. I want to go to work too. But I can take one day off you want me to come with you." " Of course you have to come. I can't go out in sun alone? I am not like you." " Yes you are vampire!!" " Shut up. Don't joke on me like that." " Come on sun is not going to hurt you. It will help you and improve condition of your bones." " I heard enough. Close those curtains. Sun is going to come soon." Rita was so frustrated but she obeyed her sister. She closed all curtains. Then Purva went to sleep in bedroom. Next day Rita woke up early. She cooked lunch for them. She took it in Purva's room which was shining due to tube light. Rita " Why don't you let at least little bit sun to touch you." " It will kill me." It was so frustrating for Rita. She just went out of room. Then finally time for their appointment came. Rita called cab. Purva started screaming " Tell them cab must have dark glasses sunlight must not enter inside. " Rita told it. That person " Is it some patient?" " Yes. My sister have complicated genetic disorder that she couldn't go out in sun." Rita lied. That person immediately developed sympathy so they got closed cab for hospital. Driver was nice fellow. He put extra curtains on window to protect Purva from sun. Purva was behaving in such strange way that everyone felt that she was truly sick. Many people from society came out to watch. Watchman asked. She repeated lie which she told taxi driver. When they entered in hospital, Purva started to create more drama she was not ready to come out. Driver was so tense. Rita tried to pull her out of cab. But Driver screamed on her" Don't do it Madam you might hurt another hand." Rita was confused. Purva took chance and hide herself inside cab. Rita"Purva you have to come out. You can't stay inside Taxi. " Now Driver started to get frustrated. Driver "Madam I am getting late. Next customer is calling." Then Rita started arguing. Their voices became loud. Finally few nurses and ward boys came out. Nurse " This is hospital how could you scream here like that? Don't you have some sense?" Driver " Madam that lady is not coming out of Taxi?" " Why?" " She had some problem with sunlight." " What? Let me check?" Rita started shivering. She knew nurse would sense truth. Nurse went inside. Then she came out. Nurse " Don't worry I will call Doctor." Rita and Driver both took breathe of relief.
After some time Doctor came out from hospital. He was looking totally upset. He went inside. He checked Purva little bit. While he was checking, Nurse slowly injected her. She fall asleep in few seconds. Then stretcher came out. They took her on it. Rita paid charges to him. Driver looked at with anger and said " You told me sun hurt her. But they took her out without any cover." Rita " Actually her sickness is going above my head. Thanks. I am going inside to ask Doctor what is wrong with her?" Driver nodded. " Her sickness is strange but Doctor knew all. She will get well soon." Then Rita went inside. She did all formalities to admit her in hospital. Then she went it Purva's room. Doctor checked her. Then he turned to her. Doctor " Why didn't she go out in sun? She needed sunlight." Rita nodded and told everything to Doctor. " My God your Mom needed psychaitrical treatment. She never went to Psychiatrist?" " No. She pretended to be normal. It all started when our Dad left us. " " Why did he left?" " Actually he was not nice man. He used to have affairs but still Mom kept adjusting with him. She began to give parties to please him. She used to do everything to bring him back. But one day we went on beach. Mom sat on beach for long time. My Mom got sunburn. It was horrible mark on face. My Dad was shocked to see it. He started calling her ugly. He started making faces whenever he saw her. Every time Mom used to go with him to late night parties. He always used to come drunk but my Mom was always sober. During that picnic my Dad didn't want to take her due to her sunburn. I still remembered how Mom used to cry. On that entire picnic Dad kept us locked in hotel room. He didn't want Mom to show ugly face to any one. Mom tried everything but Doctor told her that it needed time. Those were worst days of our life. I don't remember them clearly since I want to forget it. My Dad was abusive towards Mom. My Uncle tried to control him but nothing worked. My Mom never talk with him much since she was scared that he would go to other girls. On that picnic Dad went away and never came back. We came back from that day we closed every curtain. Sun was never allowed in house." " But what happened to your Dad?" " Well. Truthfully I got strange answer from her she said he died due to sunlight. I don't know much. But I always assumed it must be drunk driving." " Will you give me number of your Uncle?" " Sure." Then Doctor called him. He told all to Uncle. " So I want to know what happened to their Dad?" " Nothing." " What?" " He just left his wife and kids. He was living life without caring for them." " So he is alive?" " Yes. Alive. he still goes to parties and get drunk." " Then why your sister didn't file divorce?" " Since she didn't want him to marry again after cheating her." Doctor " Okay thanks." " But will you cure Purva?" " Yes we need to do both treatment physical and mental so we need to keep her in hospital for few days." " But what is wrong with her?" " She developed Heliophobia. It happened due to her Mom. Your sister needed treatment." " I know but she didn't agree." " Bye." Then Doctor turned to Rita. " I am psychiatrist. Will you tell me about yourself? And how did you tackle with your Mom?" She told all. " So she hated me for entire life." " But I feel you have handled this very well. Look at your sister." She nodded. " Her body is suffering due to lack of D vitamin. It was going to be hard for her." " I can see it. But I can't stay with her." " She had to take mental treatment so you don't need to come. We will call you when we need it." She was nervous but she nodded. She had no option when she went back in Purva's room. She saw Purva was hiding under bed. Purva was screaming " Close windows sunlight will kill me." When Rita saw it, she sensed for first time her sister was not normal. She needed treatment. She tried to console her but she started abusing her. She began to say that she wanted Sandip so she was trying to kill her. Rita heard enough. She took deep breath and went away. Then she called Mom and told her all. First time her Mom agreed with her. " I can't change my life but you can change Purva's life do it?" Then Mom disconnected call. Rita looked at watch and ran to catch train for work.
The End
Every day Rita used to go in balcony just to sense touch of fresh air. It was not unique to her now. But when she came first here. She was so scared. She used to feel scared by sound of every horn. Their Mom kept them that way. They never able to see sun except from locked window. Their Mom was a strange lady. She never liked it when they tried to play with other kids. She wanted to keep home tutor for them. But their uncle advised against it. Uncle told her that it wouldn't be proper education for kids. So she finally got chance to go out for school. She could never forget that how did she felt shocked when one day her Mom told her that she could go out to school. She started shivering " Mom what happened? Why are you punishing me like that?" " Honey I am not punishing you. You are going to school." She was so confused. " School? What is it?" They stayed locked in house so they didn't know anything about school. She shivered. " Mom what is school?" " There you have to study with other kids." Rita shivered once again. She didn't want any kid to harm her. She saw it on TV. But she knew that when Mom told her to go out then there was no option. She nodded and got ready. Her Mom started to dress her in perfect way. She still remembered that dress. It was made in such way that she couldn't catch any sunlight on her body. Her Mom " Reema, remember one thing. Sunrays are not good on body. They could burn you. They are not safe." Rita nodded. She went in that dress. When she came inside, whole class bust out laughing. She sensed something was wrong. She started crying. When teacher gave angry look to those kids, then she smiled towards her and asked " Reema why did you dress like that?" " Mom told me that sunrays will burn me." Other kids started laughing again. But this time they stopped soon since they sensed that teacher might punish them. Teacher" But you are in room and sunrays will not enter here." Rita nodded. " So remove those things whatever you call them." Rita nodded. She removed all. She suddenly felt so free. She felt like bird who was freed from cage. She started enjoying it. She began to do all that teacher told. Then finally recess started. In recess she sat alone in class room while others ran out to play. She soon began to look around in class. Just few kids were sitting and eating their lunch. She took her lunch box and joined that girl. She was not that brave but she was scared to sit alone. She gave smile to that girl. " Hello I am Reema." Then girl smiled " I am Natasha." " May I join you while eating lunch?" Natasha started laughing. Rita was confused. Natasha " This is not round table conference or broad meeting. No need of such formalities. You can just drag yourself in that seat any time." Rita smiled. Then they started chatting. Natasha was perfect friend for Rita. Rita soon understood that Natasha didn't like playing much on ground. Natasha " Actually I am too slow. When I started to play something den always come on me and I kept trying to catch them for entire recess." " Now that isn't fair." " What is unfair in it? This is rule of game and they wanted to play by rules." Rita nodded. She didn't know much about rules. She never played on ground and she was not even planning to play now. She was glad that she found someone who likes indoor life like her. It was such relief. She could stay with Natasha entire time. She started chatting with Natasha regarding many things. She didn't know much about world but Natasha knew many things. She felt so ignorant before her. Rita " I never went out of house." Natasha was shocked. " What you never went out of house? Why? Don't you want to go on picnic?" " Well I saw it on TV and it looked interesting. But Mom said sunlight will harm me." Natasha started laughing. Natasha " You are so pale literally white like paper sheet. Sun will help you to get little colour on your face. Let's compare our hands." Then they put their hands together. They started comparing them. Reema sensed her hand was too pale. She didn't have that dark touch which made them alive at all. Reema " You feel I need sun?" " Of course!!" " It will not burn or kill me." Natasha began to laugh again. Rita felt so hurt. She didn't like the way Natasha laughing on her. She began to feel scared. She started to feel that she did mistake of telling everything to her. Then school bell rang and she returned to her bench. She sat on bench teacher told her to occupy. Then a girl came and sat beside her. She didn't share smile with her like Natasha. But then soon she sensed that Natasha was pointing at and they were joking about her. She knew that trusting Natasha was mistake. But she didn't had option. She looked around. She sensed that she was not going to get any friend. Reema still felt fear when she remembered those days. She was too scared to go out. But when Natasha and her friends started calling her vampire and bat. She felt that it was enough. She had to go in sun then finally one day time of sports came. Her PT teacher called them out. She was so scared but she was without option. On that day she first time went in sun. At beginning it hurt in her eyes. She had to shield them. She was strange in eyes of every student. But she was glad when she forced herself to walk in sun. It hurt at beginning but then she liked that heat. She smiled and every one lost interest in her. It was good as well as bad news since after that she was not existed for them. She never made good friend or any enemy. She just studied in her school and passed with good marks. But on that time she began to like sun. Whenever sun touched her body she remembered that day. She felt happy. Even today she was enjoying heat and those sunrays.
Rita was now grown up. She had completed her graduation. She was doing nice work which she loved. She tried her best to find friends but she never found one. She wanted to find a life partner but she never managed to find one. She just didn't find a boy who could understand her. Her Mom was always upset with her. When she started walking in sun, she began to scream. She pulled her inside. She was punished so she began to avoid doing it before Mom. At first she tried to convince Mom but soon she sensed that it was useless and started moving ahead in life. She felt that she could go out when her Mom went for work. But soon she sensed that her Mom never went out during sunny hours. She just went out when sun was set. It was strange hour for work but Mom get more money for night shift. Her Mom even learnt self defence to protect herself. She started to sleep during day. Rita still hoped that she might go out for at least few seconds. Until now she never cared for going out. But now she wanted to go out. Then she decided that she would do when her Mom was fast asleep. One day finally she found one chance. Her younger sister Purva was playing in corner. She ran to her. " Mom is sleeping let's go out." " In sun!! Are you mad? Sun might manage to kill us." " Sun don't kill human beings. It give us nourishment we needed to grow up otherwise we will remain weak in bones. It gives us vitamin." Then she got confused. She didn't remember if it was D vitamin or E vitamin. " Wait I will check in books." Purva " But I don't want to go." " Come I will show you. It's in textbook." " Don't start teaching me just because you go in that school. I am not illiterate. I study in home and my tutor teach me a lot better." Rita knew Purva's tutor was intelligent. But she also knew if she kept herself locked in house like that it was useless. But Purva was stubborn. She didn't listen to her. Finally she gave up. Her Mom never let Purva enter in school when she learnt that Rita was going in Sun for sports. But Rita was not willing and she made it clear before principal. Mom sensed that now if she stopped her then she would tell everything. On that point Rita realised her Mom was doing something wrong. Something which she wanted to hide. Soon she sensed that it was not going in sun. She knew that her Mom was not truthful. She wanted to convince it to Purva when Mom came out. Mom started cursing her. Then she pushed her in storage room. She was locked in that dark room for entire day. Rita still shivered by remembering that day. When finally Mom took her out, she kept quiet. But in school she told all to her teacher. She listened to her. That issue went to principal. Then they called her Mom and convinced about sending her in nice hostel. Mom looked upset at beginning but finally she agreed. After that she spent her entire life in hostel. When she came out, she immediately took one job and shifted in working woman's hostel. She never went back home. Her Mom was also not interested in having her back. In her mother's eyes she was evil. Mom wanted to keep her away from Purva. Rita was satisfied with her life. She didn't have everything but she was happy with what she got. She was so confused. She didn't understand why did she suddenly wanted to think about them. She had her flat now. Her Mom didn't deny her from her inheritance. She personally called Rita and told her to buy flat for her. She still remembered her words. " Honey I don't hate you. You are always special to me. I love you but you are so different than us. You love sun. While we hate it." " I don't love too much Mom I hate when it comes heavily in afternoon but you hate sun too much. You don't like even in morning and what about Purva? You never gave her chance?" " Yes I have not but you have given it did she took it?" Rita was so shocked. She wanted to scream on Mom but Mom stopped her. " Stop arguing and just listen to me. I don't want you to lose your share from our earning. But since you decided to move ahead your way. I feel I must give you your share at beginning of your life so I want you to purchase a flat and I pay for it ." Then her Mom explained her about investment in her name. Soon she sensed that she was financially secure person. She smiled happily. Then she started job of her choice. Her Mom just insisted on one thing that she must avoid Sun. She started to laughing by thinking about her family. They were strange people. But still it was her family. She needed to call them once in while. She was not tense about Mom but Purva's future was serious question. Then she heard her mobile ringing. She decided that she would ignore on that moment. It must be some advertisement. She just kept enjoying Sun.
After sometime Rita came inside. She picked up her mobile. It was call from her Mom. She was shocked. Her Mom never called her. Rita knew that it had to be something serious. Rita called her back. For long time no one picked mobile. Then finally Mom took call. " Thank God. You have called." " Mom I have called you at least 24 times before. You can see in missed calls." " Ohhhh actually I was helping Purva in bathroom to take bath. I am not getting young so it is getting harder for me." " Why? What happened?" " Purva had fracture again." " Again? How many times she had fractured her bones?" " It's third time." " Mom don't you feel it is too much." " I know. That's why I call you for better Doctor." " Fine. Bring her when she get fine. I will find some specialist here." Before Mom could say something else Purva started calling her and Mom said bye. Rita was so upset. She didn't like it at all. She sensed that something was totally wrong with her sister. She was staying alone in this flat for long time. She was not as talkative as her Mom. Her Mom was strange lady. She never went out in sun but still she kept relationship with every one in perfect way. She was regular user of internet. It was so strange. She was against sun but she didn't mind computer. She never sensed any fear due to it's rediation. Rita never questioned her why she felt computer was safe and sun was risky. She wanted to enjoy at least computer and most importantly it kept their Mom busy. She was not much fond of Mom. Purva loved Mom. Rita felt that Purva's love towards Mom managed to destroy her future. She locked herself in that house. No one ever felt anything wrong with their Mom since she was well connected. During daytime their house was locked cage but in evening and night it was most alive. Every one was busy during day so they never visited their house. Mom many times gave parties on weekends. She always hated them as child. She felt so scared when those people came. One day one uncle entered in their room. She started shivering out of fear. Then he came ahead step by step. She managed to hide herself under blanket. She heard lots of things. She was so scared. She smelt Alcohol clearly. Then she sensed that person went in wash room. Then he went away. From that day she began to lock her bedroom door. But she could hear loud sound of music and laughing every time. She looked at Purva many times she was sound asleep. She just didn't want to think about those things but they kept coming in her mind. Those nightmares were not easy to forget. Specially when Mom told her that Purva was coming there. She felt more scared. It was not easy for her. But Purva was her sister she had to do it for her. Then her mobile rang. Mom's number appeared " Hello Mom what did you want to tell me?" " I am not Mom. I am Purva." " Ohh Purva how are you?" " Perfect and what about you? Still suffer from your cold and cough or is it acidity this time?" Rita was so shocked. Purva was taunting her while she was sick. Rita was speechless. She never expected such attitude from Purva. Purva " Any way I am coming tomorrow. I hope everything will be fine in that flat. I need one room." " This is just one bedroom flat so you can't get one entire room for yourself." Purva clearly sounded shocked after hearing this. "How could you give parties in such a small house?" " I can't but I never give parties." " But why? Don't you have any friend?" It was so strange. A girl who never set her foot in sun telling her how did she supposed to find friends. Rita began to feel so nervous and low. " What about boyfriend? Did you find someone to marry with?" " No I have not and I am not interested in marriage." " This is shocking. Why?" " Will you let me live my life?" " No problem I just wanted to ask you will it be okay with you if I invite my boyfriend in your house?" Rita wanted to avoid this but she knew that she didn't have much option since her Mom seemed to agree regarding their marriage. She didn't ask Mom but she could guess by Purva's confidence. Rita had to say yes. " Sure." " Okay by see you tomorrow." Rita was so upset. Her nightmare had began. She wanted to tell Purva to get lost since finally this house didn't belong to her. Rita " Okay see you tomorrow." Then Rita looked around her house. It was simple middle class house. It was too simple for Purva. She was scared of sun but Rita was scared her. Her attitude managed to depress her many times. She wanted to avoid her. She didn't want Purva to destroy her paradise. But she knew that it was impossible. She went in kitchen and looked at food available in refrigerator. She knew that Purva was going to bring anything. She had to do all. But still she never able to get admiration. They were scared of sun but that didn't make them less in fact they kept calling her inferior. She knew that she was not less but still this attitude kept hurting her. But she didn't have option. She had to invite her sick sister who was behaving as she was sick one. She wanted to cry. She decided that she must not control her emotion since she had to do it on every day when Purva came to stay with her. She started crying loudly. She sensed that sunlight was no longer promising.
Rita was feeling so sleepy. Purva told her that she would come in night. Rita tried to convince her that it was risky. But Purva didn't listen to her. Purva " I know how to handle myself. Stop teaching me. I have one regular cab. I will come by it." So she was waiting now for that cab. It was so frustrating for her. Purva kept showing off as if she was perfect. Then finally she heard sound of Taxi. She looked down. Purva was looking like model. She was laughing and behaving just like some famous person. There was one boy with her. He was average looking, smart boy. Rita wanted to feel jealous but she didn't like the way that man was acting. He was reminding her of pet. But then she thought that it was just her thinking. When Purva came, she welcomed her with smile. Purva's hand was still in plaster. Purva " I want to just relax. Did you found that Doctor?" " We must go physician.." " I know you can never move fast. Don't worry. I have found Doctor for myself. He is smart and intelligent. Honey will you take my bags?" Her boyfriend Sandip " Yes of course. You must not use that hand." Then he took bags and started to go in flat. When he looked at Rita, he gave her sweet smile. Rita didn't like the way he was smiling at her. But then she felt that she was imagining too much. Rita went to Purva. " So how was your journey?" " Perfect. I am so happy without sun. I just hate sunlight." Then Purva went in house. She adjusted in few seconds. Purva " Sandip you can go in hotel now?" Sandip " Well.. I thought I might stop here." Rita felt upset. She didn't want that man in her house and he was not even Purva's husband. It was not right in her view. Purva" Just go away. She is not your type. And take this ring too." Sandip wanted to argue. But then he nodded and went away. Rita was so shocked. She waited until Sandip didn't left room. Rita " Did you just broke up with your fiancee?" Purva gave sad look. " He wanted me to go out with him during day too or he want some other girl during day" Purva was terrifically shocked. Purva " He is wrong man for you!!" " I know but I want to marry and every man want wife who will go out during daytime." " Did you considered going out?" " Why? You are going out but you have not found husband?" Rita wanted to bang her head on wall in frustration. She wanted her sister to become normal but she was concerned about just marriage. Purva didn't let Rita talk further. "I want to sleep now. We need to go to Doctor tomorrow. I can't imagine how does I manage to avoid sunlight? I don't understand why did they keep appointments during day?" " Since every one work during day. I want to go to work too. But I can take one day off you want me to come with you." " Of course you have to come. I can't go out in sun alone? I am not like you." " Yes you are vampire!!" " Shut up. Don't joke on me like that." " Come on sun is not going to hurt you. It will help you and improve condition of your bones." " I heard enough. Close those curtains. Sun is going to come soon." Rita was so frustrated but she obeyed her sister. She closed all curtains. Then Purva went to sleep in bedroom. Next day Rita woke up early. She cooked lunch for them. She took it in Purva's room which was shining due to tube light. Rita " Why don't you let at least little bit sun to touch you." " It will kill me." It was so frustrating for Rita. She just went out of room. Then finally time for their appointment came. Rita called cab. Purva started screaming " Tell them cab must have dark glasses sunlight must not enter inside. " Rita told it. That person " Is it some patient?" " Yes. My sister have complicated genetic disorder that she couldn't go out in sun." Rita lied. That person immediately developed sympathy so they got closed cab for hospital. Driver was nice fellow. He put extra curtains on window to protect Purva from sun. Purva was behaving in such strange way that everyone felt that she was truly sick. Many people from society came out to watch. Watchman asked. She repeated lie which she told taxi driver. When they entered in hospital, Purva started to create more drama she was not ready to come out. Driver was so tense. Rita tried to pull her out of cab. But Driver screamed on her" Don't do it Madam you might hurt another hand." Rita was confused. Purva took chance and hide herself inside cab. Rita"Purva you have to come out. You can't stay inside Taxi. " Now Driver started to get frustrated. Driver "Madam I am getting late. Next customer is calling." Then Rita started arguing. Their voices became loud. Finally few nurses and ward boys came out. Nurse " This is hospital how could you scream here like that? Don't you have some sense?" Driver " Madam that lady is not coming out of Taxi?" " Why?" " She had some problem with sunlight." " What? Let me check?" Rita started shivering. She knew nurse would sense truth. Nurse went inside. Then she came out. Nurse " Don't worry I will call Doctor." Rita and Driver both took breathe of relief.
After some time Doctor came out from hospital. He was looking totally upset. He went inside. He checked Purva little bit. While he was checking, Nurse slowly injected her. She fall asleep in few seconds. Then stretcher came out. They took her on it. Rita paid charges to him. Driver looked at with anger and said " You told me sun hurt her. But they took her out without any cover." Rita " Actually her sickness is going above my head. Thanks. I am going inside to ask Doctor what is wrong with her?" Driver nodded. " Her sickness is strange but Doctor knew all. She will get well soon." Then Rita went inside. She did all formalities to admit her in hospital. Then she went it Purva's room. Doctor checked her. Then he turned to her. Doctor " Why didn't she go out in sun? She needed sunlight." Rita nodded and told everything to Doctor. " My God your Mom needed psychaitrical treatment. She never went to Psychiatrist?" " No. She pretended to be normal. It all started when our Dad left us. " " Why did he left?" " Actually he was not nice man. He used to have affairs but still Mom kept adjusting with him. She began to give parties to please him. She used to do everything to bring him back. But one day we went on beach. Mom sat on beach for long time. My Mom got sunburn. It was horrible mark on face. My Dad was shocked to see it. He started calling her ugly. He started making faces whenever he saw her. Every time Mom used to go with him to late night parties. He always used to come drunk but my Mom was always sober. During that picnic my Dad didn't want to take her due to her sunburn. I still remembered how Mom used to cry. On that entire picnic Dad kept us locked in hotel room. He didn't want Mom to show ugly face to any one. Mom tried everything but Doctor told her that it needed time. Those were worst days of our life. I don't remember them clearly since I want to forget it. My Dad was abusive towards Mom. My Uncle tried to control him but nothing worked. My Mom never talk with him much since she was scared that he would go to other girls. On that picnic Dad went away and never came back. We came back from that day we closed every curtain. Sun was never allowed in house." " But what happened to your Dad?" " Well. Truthfully I got strange answer from her she said he died due to sunlight. I don't know much. But I always assumed it must be drunk driving." " Will you give me number of your Uncle?" " Sure." Then Doctor called him. He told all to Uncle. " So I want to know what happened to their Dad?" " Nothing." " What?" " He just left his wife and kids. He was living life without caring for them." " So he is alive?" " Yes. Alive. he still goes to parties and get drunk." " Then why your sister didn't file divorce?" " Since she didn't want him to marry again after cheating her." Doctor " Okay thanks." " But will you cure Purva?" " Yes we need to do both treatment physical and mental so we need to keep her in hospital for few days." " But what is wrong with her?" " She developed Heliophobia. It happened due to her Mom. Your sister needed treatment." " I know but she didn't agree." " Bye." Then Doctor turned to Rita. " I am psychiatrist. Will you tell me about yourself? And how did you tackle with your Mom?" She told all. " So she hated me for entire life." " But I feel you have handled this very well. Look at your sister." She nodded. " Her body is suffering due to lack of D vitamin. It was going to be hard for her." " I can see it. But I can't stay with her." " She had to take mental treatment so you don't need to come. We will call you when we need it." She was nervous but she nodded. She had no option when she went back in Purva's room. She saw Purva was hiding under bed. Purva was screaming " Close windows sunlight will kill me." When Rita saw it, she sensed for first time her sister was not normal. She needed treatment. She tried to console her but she started abusing her. She began to say that she wanted Sandip so she was trying to kill her. Rita heard enough. She took deep breath and went away. Then she called Mom and told her all. First time her Mom agreed with her. " I can't change my life but you can change Purva's life do it?" Then Mom disconnected call. Rita looked at watch and ran to catch train for work.
The End
No comments:
Post a Comment