divya

[కుమార్]

Monu sat on the sofa watching cartoon on TV. He laughed at funny parts. Divya went to bathroom. She took bath. Hot water. She washed body well. Tried to clean last night shame. But it stayed in mind.

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‎She came out. Dried hair. Wore light blue saree. Simple. Neat pallu. Bindi. Mangalsutra. Looked like good wife again.
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‎She went to Monu. Kissed his head.
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‎“Beta, Mummy will come in ten minutes. You watch TV. Don’t open door. Okay?”
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‎Monu nodded. “Okay Mummy.”
‎
‎Divya took deep breath. Heart beat fast. She opened door. Looked left-right in lane. No one watching. She walked quick. Out of colony. Into slum gali.
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‎Narrow road. Dirty. Smell of cooking and drain. People sat outside houses. She kept eyes down. Pallu tight. Walked fast.
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‎She reached Beedaa house. Small tin roof. Door open a little.
‎
‎She stopped. Looked inside.
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‎Empty.
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‎No one there.
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‎No Beedaa. No friends. No sound.
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‎Just old charpoy. Dirty blanket. Few clothes on nail. Empty beedi packet on floor.
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‎Divya stood at door. Heart still fast.
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‎She whispered to herself: “He is not here.”
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‎She felt little sad. Little scared. Little empty.