Maturity

Maturity is something that one can never achieve through age but by experience. I'm somehow convinced that Raja helped me gain that Maturity. I wasn't a selfish teenage girl anymore I have tried my level best to be like my mother last I heard from Raja was that he left the place for good after saying an enormous thanks to Ramu Kaaka he still didn't know i was very happy he was going to use that money for good I felt sad also but Rani helped me get through that I have also forgiven my sister. Finally realizing everything was indeed my fault I also began managing my estate because now a days my father has become completely drunk unable to do anything the rare times he is conscious he does selling things for half price or sometimes free. Life was going on it has been six months since Raja left every day has been like hell but I have learnt to endure it I wisely kept away from my father there by saving my hide. But today it has been another milestone of my life me being a good person made the gossiping further worse I have been deemed as a lier because they were sure Raja being handsome hunk had no business with me. I might have done something they were far too suspicious of me thinking the change was one of my dramas.

But slowly everyone has realized I'm genuinely changed and Fanny was very happy. We began spending time together now I was becoming her best friend. Then it happened something no one ever would have dreamed it to happen. Fanny ran from home. It was like every Thursday morning in our home except an important person at home was missing we checked every nook and corner of my home i couldn't find her anywhere. See this was something that was expected of me but never Fanny I was fearful of my father but he wasn't anywhere near me. I hadn't a clue where she was I was waiting for my father's call he sure will beat me to know about Fanny but what was I to say that I don't know and he will believe me not much hope for that either. I waited my heart was beating I was happy she is happy and living the life she always wanted. I was fearful that my father will sent his goons after her. His honor has been questioned and he will not be silent in such a situation suddenly I heard my Father's voice coming from the study. I followed with my heart pounding loudly in my chest. As soon as I entered the room a paper came flying in my direction and came a thundering command "Read it". My hands were shaking my eyes skimmed the paper I recognized Fanny's neat writing

Dear Father,

As you all came to know by now I'm gone and for good. I am sorry for hurting you all it was never my intention me and Benny were going to wait but when you told me about that last night I couldn't take any more chances. it's my life after all not yours and I want to be with someone who loves me genuinely only last night I telephoned him and he being the gentleman readily accepted me we are going to get married and live happily I'm sorry you didn't have with mother what I have with Benny but that doesn't mean love is not anymore. I wish you let go of your bitterness if not for me then for Ashu atleast. I know you love her so much father you should tell her that before it's too late or you will miss her like you misses our mother now. My dear Ashu please forgive me for not telling you anything it was all for your own good. I know you will take care of father like you are doing now. I hope you understand my decision and keep me in your prayers. Father please don't hate me.

Love Fanny

If words have the power to hit then these would have hit us to a thousand miles. I couldn't stop my tears after reading that letter. I wish I could see Fanny once more to ask her forgiveness for hurting her all these years. But I was silent i knew my father will declare his decision soon may be he will forgive her may be he won't but I sure wasn't prepare for his words."Do you think I care about her romance with music teacher that bitch left me no choice but to do this." "I don't understand father," I said. I was genuinely confused i thought he was angry but what I could see was disappointment not at her but at himself for not anticipating this. "Why do you think she ran away from home i fixed her marriage with my friend ". I was shocked these were not the words I was prepared for he fixed her marriage so fast why she was only turning 18 but his next words removed all my doubts. "I was going to escape from all the debts once the marriage was complete he wanted a wife smart enough to scare away all the money hungry fools coming at him. All of it has been finished I have no choice but to forfeit my house now. Get ready to live in out and open". His words were sarcastic he paused to draw more drink i didn't know what to say I just stood there. "What shall we do now that my dearest daughter has left us in this dilemma". I was now thankful that she has made this decision she was lucky to have a guy to hold her while her father makes such blunders. "I'm sorry father "was only the words I could manage to say. How have I missed these all may be I was drowned in my own sorrow that I couldn't see what was happening around me anymore. "How sorry are you " my father asked. I was perplexed what was he thinking did he want them back even if he manage that I found it hard to believe he will marry her not after the gossips that has followed. "Will you do what your sister should have done?" My father's question was hanging in the air it was like a sword coming at me. I stuttered, "I I don't know father I'm allowed to marry I'm only 13" I managed to say. How could he even think that what kind of a father was he? "I will leave them alone like I left your Raja if you marry him". I underestimated him he was a cunning and selfish man he knew I will do anything for Raja and my sister. "You know he is now attending some college i hear not too far from here". What he meant was not far from him so that was it my life was going to get sacrificed for a man who didn't even know what I'm about to do for him. "I will marry him" I answered what I meant is that I will do anything even marry a man whose name also i didn't know.