Tag: NaBloPoMo

Chapter Twenty Four: Letting Go

Niveda began enjoying her day to day activities. The lack of college work lightened her mood. Every evening, as Praveena finished her daily assignments, Niveda sat with her, helping her out and sharing random conversations.

One day their History of Psychology professor, Mr Brown, questioned Niveda.

“You girl!” He exclaimed at her. He had quite a bad memory when it came to students’ names. “James told me you were doing some assignment for him,” he shook his head showing his disapproval. “What’s that about?” He peered hard at her through his round glasses.

Niveda stood up wondering what to say. She glanced at Praveena who looked back at her mutely, egging her to come up with a convincing lie.

“Er — ” Niveda began, “I’m doing a research on—er—I’m analyzing the greatest psychological experiments, and writing a paper suggesting alternative experimentation methods.” she smiled weakly.

“Experimental psychology, hmm…” Mr Brown nodded, wondering. “I thought it was the psychological effects of experiments on subjects?” He stared at her over the top of his glasses, as if he had caught her red handed doing something illegal, “that’s what James told me.” He added tilting his head to a side, a nasty grin playing on his lips.

“Er—yes, that too—Sir” Niveda added as an after thought. Praveena noticed her swallow hard. She couldn’t manage a lie without squirming with fear and insult.

“Oh, really?”

Anil stared at Mr Brown with contempt. “He doesn’t buy it,” he whispered to Praveena. She looked at Mr Brown who threw a crooked smile at Niveda.

“Sit.” He barked at her, who cowered with fear.

Praveena was a little astonished to see Niveda react the way she did. She would always speak back and bite anyone who dared to insult her. Praveena saw Niveda wasn’t the same anymore; she had changed a lot, giving in to others to stamp her down. ‘Could it be an effect of the drugs?’ She wondered.

After class, the three friends sat in the canteen discussing the event.

“It was so unlike you, Niveda.” Praveena voiced her thoughts. Anil turned to her disapprovingly. She shouldn’t have said that.

“I know,” Niveda said miserably. She hung her head. “I got scared. For some stupid reason. I feel like a coward. I couldn’t even face the old toad.”

Anil held her hand and smiled reassuringly. “No you’re not,” he said. “You’re very brave, you’re fighting this — this — thing, when the others are worrying about facing the exams. You’re braver than the whole lot of them.” He finished with a smile, and so did Praveena. Niveda, however, still looked unconvinced.

That night, Niveda sat on her bed, sleepless. Praveena lay awake as well. They were quiet, each lost in her own thoughts. Praveena had a sudden urge to speak to Ms Marrie. It had been long time since they had spoken with each other. Though Praveena had never accepted it, Ms Marrie had been a second mother to her. She remembered Ms Marrie telling her about getting married. She wondered if the marriage was over. She picked up her phone. She called Ms Marrie, but she disconnected the call when the phone had rung twice. ‘No,’ she thought. It was almost midnight, and Ms Marrie would be asleep now.

With a deep sigh, she put her phone away, and as she did, she saw Niveda meddling with her phone. She was messaging someone. ‘That’s odd,’ Praveena thought. She had never seen Niveda messaging anyone before. ‘but then again,’ her inner voice piped, ‘you had never seen her doing drugs either.’ She shut the voice down.

“Niveda?” she spoke softly a little uncertain.

“Hmm?” Niveda responded without looking up.

“You’re texting someone?” Praveena asked trying hard to keep the astonishment out of her voice.

Niveda looked up. Her eyes reflected confusion. “Yeah,” she snapped. Praveena remained silent. Then Niveda cast her phone away lazily and said in a plain voice, “I felt like talking to my mother.”

“Oh,” Praveen’s eyes widened. “Oh, that’s — that’s good.” She said. ‘What had she expected? That Niveda was messaging someone else?’ She should have known better than to suspect anything sinister.
“Sorry,” She apologized, “I thought — ” She began, but Niveda cut in with a simple, “Never mind.”

“So,” Praveena continued now a bit happier, “what did your Mom say?”

“She told me to go to hell,” Niveda shook her head in exasperation. Praveena couldn’t believe her ears. How could a mother say something like that? “And you know what I said?” Niveda continued, turning to face Praveena, her eyes sparkling. When Praveena shook her head, she said “I said, ‘I will’.”

Praveena stared at Niveda, now scared. ‘What’s got into her?’ She wondered.

“Come on now, Niveda — ” she began, but Niveda interrupted again.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t mean it.” Even in the dim light of the night lamp, Praveena could make out Niveda’s crooked smile.
Praveena didn’t say a thing for a while. “Okay,” she said at last. “Good night.”

“Good night. Sleep tight.” Niveda smiled widely, lay down on her bed, and turned over to the other side.

“Yeah…” Praveena trailed off as she pulled the sheet over her.

Praveena woke up early the next morning. It was Friday and she was expecting a good weekend. She turned to Niveda. Seeing her lying face down on the pillow, Praveena let her sleep a little more.

She left the bed and got ready. Twenty minutes later, she was combing her hair when she realized Niveda was still asleep. Putting her comb down, Praveena went over to wake Niveda up.

“Niveda?” she called tentatively touching her shoulder. That’s when she saw Niveda’s sheets wet. With ‘blood,’ she realized a split second later. Horrified, she turned Niveda over and saw her bleeding on her slashed arm. Paralyzed with shock, Praveena opened her mouth to shout for help, but no sound came out. She ran away from the room in panic and banged on the warden’s door nearby. Seeing a hysterical Praveena, pointing towards her room, the old lady led Praveena back to the room. There on the bed, they found Niveda’s body, lifeless.

National Blog Posting Month – Day 27

Chapter Twenty Three: Catching Up

For the whole of the following week, Niveda took the medicines Rasheed had prescribed. She looked tired all the time, and though the medicines were supposed to make her feel better, they didn’t help much. When she returned from what others assumed her sick leave, Niveda had a lot of work to cover. They were at the end of their second year, and the lecturers pressured them to work harder. Amidst all this, Niveda had to catch up with her lost work and concentrate on the current projects at the same time.

Niveda was working overtime. None of them had realized that missing a few days would lead to such a heavy workload. Praveena helped Niveda catch up. Every evening, both of them would sit in their room, working and chatting. Praveena enjoyed those few days. She thought Niveda was recovering well. She stressed herself, but at least she managed her work without the drugs.

Every time Anil met Praveena, he spoke only of Niveda, and of her treatment. He warned Praveena never to leave Niveda alone.

“Watch out for her, will you?” he kept saying, sounding a little worried.

“Why are you so worried?” Praveena was curious, “she’s going to be alright,” her confidence grew with every day.

“Perhaps not,” he relied, ominous. When Praveena responded with a quizzical expression, he continued, “She’s vulnerable now, coping without the drugs is hard enough, not to mention the assignments and the curious looks. She could easily lose herself.” Praveena had never seen him so serious. She nodded. She took his word for it; he had been there, and he knew Niveda well.

Another uneventful week went by, and on a Sunday morning, James phoned Praveena.

“Hello,” she yawned, her eyes opened in slits.

“Hi Praveena, it’s James.” came James’ muffled voice taking Praveena by surprise. “Hi, Sir—” she sat up in bed hoping it might help her sound a little more awake. Not knowing what to say she asked, “what’s up, Sir?” She became queasy at the awkwardness of the situation.

“Rasheed’s here, he wants to meet Niveda. Could you come along?”

“Sure, we’ll be there, Sir.” she disconnected the call.

“What was that all about?” Niveda was staring at her, nonplussed. She had woken up to the sound of Praveena’s phone, and now propped up on her elbow.

“Rasheed.” Praveena stood up, adjusting her hair and walking to the dressing table. Seeing Niveda laying dumbfounded, “get ready!” she added in surprise.

“Praveena,” Niveda sounded a little unsure. Praveena turned to her confused, “do I have to do this?” Niveda beseeched.

Praveena stood in the middle of the room with hands on her hips looking stern, “We have to do this.” She said decidedly. “Now, where is my comb?” she wondered aloud turning back to the dressing table.

Niveda smiled at her, and got ready.

Twenty minutes later, they met James in his room. Anil joined them a little later. “Good, let’s get started.” Since it was Sunday, the corridors were all deserted. Niveda had her session of therapy in the same classroom as before.

When James spoke to the trio, about an hour later, he looked grim. “Guys,” he said folding his arms across his chest, “this is going to be more difficult than we imagined.” he paused and took a deep breath. He then turned to Niveda, “Rasheed thinks your progress is slower than it should be. Are you straining yourself too much?”

Niveda shook her head, looking worried.

“Yes, you are,” Praveena spoke up. Looking at James she continued, “we stay up late catching up on her assignments”.

James was quiet for a while before saying, “I’ll talk to the other teachers,” When the trio looked shocked, he said, “I’ll tell them I’ve given you a special, time consuming assignment.” Catching the look of glee on Praveena’s and Anil’s faces he added smiling, “The assignment is only for Niveda.”

James and Niveda smiled at Anil and Praveena’s crestfallen looks.

“But then,” James turned seriously to Niveda, “I want you to has as much fun as you can; enjoy the small things. Read a book, eat well, sleep early, and take your medicines regularly. You’ll feel better in no time.

“Yes, Sir.” Niveda affirmed. It was a nice feeling, to imagine what James said. She was excited to experience her life like that; in a way she had never done before. But she was still unsure if she could manage without the drugs. It had been the life in her, she was scared to give it up. She never spoke of her doubts with anyone though. She felt guilty of not confiding in Praveena and Anil. She knew she ought to discuss with them. They might perhaps have a simpler solution, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it. She had learnt to keep herself private.

James was still talking, “Rasheed’s increased your dosage, Niveda. Remember that, and stay strong.”

James was motivating her to help her give up the addiction. Praveena had learned from Anil that encouragement did a lot to help someone get out of the habit. She kept that in mind, and every time she got a chance, she used it to boost Niveda’s will power.

Praveena was confident, Niveda would recover for sure. The treatment would work well, and the three of them would be friends forever. Even as a girl, Praveena had loved fantasizing, but she knew this was more than that. There was something more than a mere friendship between the three; it was a family that none of them had had.

‘Aren’t you sleepy?’ her inner voice questioned her, stifling a yawn. It was late, and Praveena had to stay awake at class the next day. She turned over, and closed her eyes.

National Blog Posting Month – Day 26

Chapter Twenty Two: Help Arrives

“What did he say?” Niveda sat on her bed, bombarding Praveena with questions about their conversation with James. Praveena answered patiently, “he said he’d talk to a therapist friend. He’ll see you and then he’ll tell us what to do.”

Niveda bit her lip doubtfully, “you think it’ll work?” Her dark eyes widened in horror.

“Come on,” Praveena reproached, “it’ll work.”

Niveda smiled. She was glad to have Praveena and Anil by her side. They were her pillars of support. She felt lucky they hadn’t thought of distancing themselves from her after knowing about her addiction. She had thought they would, along with the others, hate and abandon her. They didn’t and, for that, she was thankful. She didn’t know if Anil had meant what he had said the other day; about being a drug addict himself. She didn’t care though, it was great of him to say that, and she was happy to be his friend.

Praveena smiled at her. She wanted this to work; it had to. Niveda was the first real friend she had had. She had even made future plans for them. She imagined Niveda and herself, practising together as psychologists, and remaining as best friends forever.

Then all of a sudden, Praveena thought of Anil. He had proposed to her and she still couldn’t believe it. She had never though of Anil that way. Whenever she thought of Anil, she always pictured Niveda standing next to him, and the both of them waiting her to join them. ‘Maybe you could think about it a few years later, after Niveda’s back to normal—‘ ‘Yeah, yeah. Maybe,’ Her second inner voice overrode her first. She had more pressing matters to think of.

The next day, Niveda again stayed back in the hostel while Praveena left for college. She met Anil in the canteen, and after a half-cooked breakfast, they left for class. The first session was James’ class. Praveena and Anil still maintained that Niveda was too sick to come attend classes, and the other students attributed their hushed conversations and not-so-happy faces to Niveda’s prolonged absence. James too showed no sign of having spoken to them. He continued his lesson, appreciating a few students for their exceptional observations about the infamous Milgram experiment. Praveena was surprised James liked her essay as well.

All the students strove to get James’ approval. He wouldn’t appreciate a piece unless it was worthwhile. He was an excellent judge of psychological analysis and the mind behind it. As the bell rang signalling a break, almost all the students rushed outside, eager for some fresh air. Anil and Praveena stalled however.

James called out Anil. Glancing at Praveena, he went over to the teachers’ desk where James was collecting his things. When Anil was close enough, he stopped his work and spoke in a quiet voice. Praveena watched as Anil nodded once and turned towards her, his face impassive.

Suddenly Barry Bedbreath, another student, cut in Anil’s path. “What did he say?” the boy asked wheezing through his massive body.

“That my essays are no good, and I should concentrate more,” Anil shrugged.

“Did he really say that?” Praveena asked him in disbelief.

“No,” Anil whispered in triumph. He picked up his books, and turning to Praveena added in a lower voice, “the therapist’s here. He want’s to see Niveda.”

It was lunch break, and Praveena ran up to the hostel to get Niveda. When she opened the door to their room, she found Niveda asleep. She woke her up.

“Niveda?” she called out gently, her hand on Niveda’s shoulder. When Niveda was awake, Praveena noticed her eyes swollen and bloodshot. “What’s wrong with your eyes? You’ve stopped taking them, right?” she asked concerned.

“No,” Niveda defended herself, staring hard at Praveena as if she were an insane suggestion. “I’d go mad if I stop it.”

“But you have to,” Praveena insisted. She was confused, how could Niveda kick the habit if she doesn’t even make an effort?

“Not before I start treatment,” Niveda said sternly.

Praveena wanted to argue, but decided against it. If Niveda was under drugs, it was best not to say anything. The two of them left the hostel. When they caught up with Anil outside James’ office, he thew Niveda a concerned look, but said nothing.

They knocked and hearing approval from within, entered.

Inside, along with James sat a balding and much older man. He wore horn rimmed glasses too big for his beetle eyes. James made the introductions. The therapist, Dr Rasheed, had had experience in the medical field for more than fifteen years. He would be a good adviser, James assured them.

Dr Rasheed wanted to speak with Niveda in private, and James led them to an empty class room nearby. James, Praveena, and Anil gave them some privacy as they waited outside the locked class room.

Some thirty minutes later, the duo appeared. Dr Rasheed spoke with James back in his room while Anil and Praveena stayed with Niveda.

“How did it go?” Anil asked Niveda.

Niveda shrugged unconcerned, “It was OK. He just asked me about the type of drugs I use, and a bit about my family. He then called my mother, who advised him to ditch me to rot.”

Anil frowned as Praveena covered her mouth in shock. “Your mother really said that?” Praveena whispered, too shocked to say anything more.

“I told you; they don’t care.” Niveda didn’t seem to care either. It was like she knew all along this would happen. Praveena saw Niveda was discontented, and said nothing.

As they sat quietly, James came in to the class room. “What are you all doing here? Come on in, we need to talk.” He led them into his room, while Niveda hesitated at the doorway, “Should I join you, or do you want to talk alone?” she asked her eyebrows creased in doubt.

“Of course you should be here.” James looked surprised at her disbelief. “C’mon” he gestured her inside.

They sat facing James, who preferred to stand.

“Now,” James began, “Rasheed says Niveda’s condition is on the edge. We can get over it, but it requires discipline. That’s where you two come in,” he gestured at Praveena and Anil, “Remember, we’re doing this as a team.” He turned to Niveda, “Rasheed wants you to stop using those drugs and try this instead. Whenever you think you need drugs.” He gave her a piece of paper. Anil and Praveena leaned over, and read the name of the prescribed medicine. Anil took a sharp breath, “That’s the same one I took,” he observed. “It’s good, really helps,” he added as the other three raised eyebrows at him.

James nodded at him, “Good. We’ll try this, and then a couple of weeks later, Rasheed will meet with you again, Niveda.”

Niveda nodded, “Thank you, Sir” she said her voice constrained with emotion. She tried hard not to tear up.

“You’re always welcome,” he smiled, “now do us a favor,” he said as he walked over to her. Niveda looked puzzled, “chuck this thing out.” he said patting her on the shoulder.

Niveda smiled, and assured him, “I will.”

National Blog Posting Month – Day 25

Chapter Twenty One: A Call for Help

They didn’t know where to start. Praveena didn’t want people to judge Niveda, and Anil agreed. They wondered if they should speak to the principal; they could imagine his reaction, “Drugs!” he would exclaim, “Oh, goodness! If the management hears about this, I’ll lose my job. You’d better leave the college and then take whatever medication you want!”

Praveena signed as she imagined his big eyes rolling in fear.

“He’s a chicken,” she told Anil when he suggested talking to the principal. The two of them sat in the canteen, sipping dreadful coffees while Niveda remained in the hostel. She had taken the past two days off from college.

“Is Niveda alright?” Anil was concerned about Niveda, he hoped Niveda wouldn’t have to undergo the difficulties he had faced.

“Not really,” Praveena replied, “it’s really difficult for her to get through even a day without the drugs. She’s depending on it.”

Anil nodded, he knew how it was, he understood, only too well, what she would be going through. “It’s good that she decided to stay in the hostel, she’d be vulnerable and could easily be provoked if she comes to class. Someone might just annoy her.”

Praveena looked at him, thoughtful. Was he saying the truth or just pretending?

“Anil?”

“Hmm?” he asked without looking up from his coffee.

“Were you saying the truth the other day?”

He looked into her eyes. “Yes,” he said simply. “I love you.” It was easier the second time, much to his surprise.

Parvena remained emotionless, “I meant when you said you were addicted to drugs.” she said with gritted teeth.

“Oh,” Anil smiled sheepishly, “I thought — yeah, that was true.” he said and shrugged it off.

“How did you — ?” she shook her head, unable to say it.

Anil smiled, “It started out as fun, and then went out of control. Lucky I had a good teacher to help me out.”

Praveena smiled, and then all of a sudden, shouted out, “That’s it. A good teacher! Let’s ask James!” Everyone else in the canteen stared at them as Anil too shouted in ecstasy, “Yeah!”

They gathered their things and left the canteen. There was still fifteen minutes left in their lunch break. James would be in his room. They hurried, their footsteps echoing in the hallway. They reached his room and knocked.

“Come in,” said James’ muffled voice. They entered.

“Hello Praveena, and Anil” he said courteously. He sat behind his desk, going thorough a few papers strewn across his desk. The walls were covered with students’ assignments and news paper clippings. There were long articles of famous studies and research results.

“Thanks for the appreciation, Praveena.” he smiled, looking at Praveena’s look of admiration. “but that’s not what you’re here for, right?” he sounded a bit more serious.

“Good afternoon, Mr James. Could we talk to you? Praveena heaved, breathless. “It’s important.”

“I’m free, go ahead.” it was this attitude that impressed Praveena and the other students. He was always enthusiastic about students approaching him for just about anything.

“Sir,” Anil began, a little tentative. He took a quick glance at Praveena, and when she nodded, he continued, “it’s our friend, Niveda.”

“What about her?” Though Niveda wasn’t the most attentive in class, but James didn’t sound annoyed or angry; he was just curious.

“Sir,” Praveena spoke. She told him all about Niveda’s family issues, and how she had become dependent on drugs.

James listened without interrupting. When she had finished, he asked, “you’re her room mate, right? You didn’t notice anything?”

Praveena hung her head in embarrassment, “No. I couldn’t recognize.”

“Don’t blame yourself” James advised lightly, “just be careful from now on.”

“So, what do we do now, Sir?” Anil asked.

“She has to see a therapist, of course,” James said gathering the papers on his table. He put them in a drawer, turned to them and said, “I know a friend, I’ll have him come over.” he assured them. “Have you told anyone else about this?” he added. When they shook their heads he said, “good, these people would only care about the reputation of the school. You two tell her not to worry. Keep encouraging her to hang on. We’ll sort this thing together.” He ended with a confident wink.

“Thank you, Sir.”

They closed the door behind them, their hearts much lighter.

National Blog Posting Month – Day 24

Chapter Twenty: Unnoticed Signs 2

Praveena stared at him, as his smile faded away. “That wasn’t what you were about to say, was it?” he asked, looking upset and, at the same time, concerned about her look of exasperation.

She shook her head.

“Is there a problem?” he asked now more serious. She nodded. “what is it?”

“It’s Niveda,” and Praveena told him all that had happened earlier. “I think there’s some problem she’s not telling us.” Praveena finished, worried.

Anil looked thoughtful. “I think you’re right,” he said slowly, “she’s even stopped doing her assignments,” he rubbed his anchor beard. “You think we should talk to her?”

Praveena nodded, “we should.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” he asked standing up. Praveena stood up as well, and together, they walked towards the hostel. Once outside, Praveena called Niveda saying something urgent had come up.

About five minutes later, the three of them sat on the grass in silence.
“What is it, you two?” Niveda was irritated. They had disturbed her work, and she didn’t like it.

Praveena took a deep breath, “Is there a problem, Niveda?”

“Yes,” Niveda cried defiant, “you two disturbed me.”

“Who was the woman who came to meet you?” Anil took her off guard.

Niveda stood up fast. “I’m not talking about this.” there was an unmistakable finality in her voice that Praveena was used to. Anil caught her by the arm, “Oh yes, you are” he said gently looking into her eyes. Praveena was surprised, he wasn’t annoyed or irritated. He was so genuine. “Sit,” he said. And she did.

“Please tell us, what’s bothering you?” Praveena pleaded. She was so close to Niveda that she couldn’t stand to see her in pain.

“Nothing,” Niveda responded growing more defensive.

“Look,” Praveena tried coaxing her, “I’ve seen you tossing and turning at night. You’re not sleeping, you’re not eating, and you’re telling us there’s nothing? Have you seen yourself in the mirror?”

Niveda remained impassive.

“Are you doing drugs?” Anil asked all of a sudden.
“What? Anil! What are you saying?” Praveena exclaimed shocked. She couldn’t believe her ears. Anil held up a hand silencing her, and turned to Niveda who looked in the verge of tears. He looked right into her eyes, and she broke.

Niveda began weeping incessantly. She rested her head on Praveena’s shoulder and cried more. Anil held her hand reassuringly. “That’s it, is it?”

Niveda nodded.

“How long?” Praveena’s voice was strained.

“Three years.”

There was a shocked silence. Anil’s face was sympathetic. Praveena was wondering how Niveda had adapted the habit. She still couldn’t believe she hadn’t noticed her best friend had been doing drugs all the while. She thought of the many incidents she had caught Niveda sneaking away to the balcony or neglecting her work, or staying awake all night. She couldn’t believe that despite the countless indications, she hadn’t identified it sooner. She blamed herself for failing to recognize Niveda’s symptoms, and felt guilty as if she had somehow encouraged Niveda.

“We have to do something about this, maybe rehab —” Anil began, but Niveda interrupted. “No, forget it. Just leave it, I’ll be fine.” she wiped the tears from her face in a hurry as if to show it wasn’t a problem.

“You won’t be,” Praveena spoke up gently. “We have to do something to get away from those stuff.”

Niveda looked alarmed now. She didn’t want anybody else to know about this; they’d hate her, they’d throw her out of college. Her whole life would be destroyed. “I’ll take care, it’s easy really — to dump those stuff.” Even as she said it, she knew she couldn’t do without those, even for day.

“Who’re you kidding? It’s not easy, and you know it.”

Both Niveda and Praveena turned to stare at Anil. He cast his eyes towards his feet, not meeting their glances.

“How would you know?” Niveda asked incredulously.

“Because—I’ve been there, and done it.” His voice was flat.

“What?” This time it was Praveena. “What the hell are you talking about?”

Anil looked at Praveena apologetically, “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before. Two years ago, I was addicted to drugs. I had a teacher who helped me recover.” he turned to Niveda, who looked like someone had slapped her on the face, “And it’s not easy. You should want to give up, and that’s never easy.”

“We should try it.” Praveena said with an air of finality.

Niveda remained quiet. She knew they were right. Catching the other two glaring at her, she nodded.

It was past midnight and as Praveena lay awake on her pillow, she realized Niveda wasn’t on her bed. She had thought Niveda was already asleep. Reaching out, she switched on the lamp between their beds. In the dim light, she could make out Niveda, sitting on the study table overlooking the window. She was staring at the moon.

Praveena went up to her, and touched her shoulder gently. “Hey, aren’t you sleepy?” Niveda turned to face her. She had been crying. “I’m a freak.” moaned in pain.

“What? — no! No, you’re not.” Praveena didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t tell Niveda how much she mattered to her. Niveda, however, continued to cry, her breath coming out in gasps.

“Hey, don’t worry. Everything’ll be ok. We’ll talk to your parents, we’ll help you get out of this. We’ll do this together,” she said earnestly. It was sad see her friend shattered.

“My parents?” Niveda laughed, a dry hallow laugh. “they don’t care about me at all. You know, it was because of them that I got into drugs. They never spoke to me, they even forgot they had a daughter. I was so lonely and miserable. I never laughed, I was depressed. It was my classmate who got me into this stuff. He said it’ll help me forget my troubles. He’s the only one I spoke to about my problems at home. I trusted him, and he —” she broke off crying hysterically, “he destroyed my life!” she wept. “Now look at me! I’m a freak!” she ended with a shout, a short whining shout like an injured dog.

Praveena didn’t know what to say.

National Blog Posting Month – Day 23