It has been a while since I wrote a fiction series in parts, and the topics at the BarAThon challenge felt perfect to try and do one. The words seem to flow better now, and this is the sixth part of this seven part fiction, for the Day 7 topic, “Promise.”
Index of Posts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
~ 7 ~
When Smriti stopped writing, she realized that she had been writing all night. The light of the rising sun fell through the open window, and the garden outside looked greener than before. It had been a long time since she stayed up all night, writing. She looked at the other photos on her bedside table and remembered the days.
Janak had been the opposite of what her first husband had been. He was caring, involving her in his life, being there for her when she needed him. He trusted her decisions, and supported her biggest decision – to quit the job at the MNC. The company hadn’t wronged her, she knew that, but she didn’t want the off chance that she would run into him at meetings. On the first year anniversary of her best friend’s death, he had accompanied her to the cemetery in Bangalore, and stood by her as she placed flowers on the grave. When she cried, he had let her, but held her hand to let her know he was there. Almost on their second year marriage anniversary, she had had a baby boy. He had been the happiest. He had been surprised at the choice of name, but didn’t protest a lot.
As she contemplated the past, her son rode into their compound on his bicycle. He seemed enthusiastic and excited for something. Ninad pushed the door open, and hurried inside.
“Amma, I met my teacher on the way here, and I showed him my story. He read it and told me it was good, and that I should continue to write. I’m happy.”
Smriti gave him a pat on the back, and applauded his effort too.
“He said it was missing something too, Amma. But he wouldn’t tell me what it was. Can you read it? I thought about it all the way back, but I am not able to find it out.”
Smriti patted him on the cheek, and told him she had already read it.
“Ninu, if you were writing a story about your football game, would you write only about the goals you scored?”
She watched as he thought about the question.
“No. I’d write about the tackles I made, or the times I fell and got back up too,” he said at last.
She laughed as she pulled him into a hug.
“You have your answer about what is missing from the story, then.”
Ninad nodded, understanding the missing link.
“The story is about Appa and you,” he told her, though he knew she’d know that after reading. “But I don’t know about the times you fell. Could we talk about that sometime? I mean, not about everything, but at least about some things.”
“Yes. I’ll tell you about some of it. I couldn’t have told you everything even if you asked, Ninu. But first, you have to tell me something. I’ve wanted to ask you this for a long time.”
Ninad smiled, as if he knew that she would ask this question to him someday.
“Ajji told me how you used to love writing, how good you and Ninad anna were at it. She even showed me some of your old stories, which she had saved. That’s when I thought of becoming a writer too. I didn’t want you to read my stories till I felt they were as good as yours, or Ninad anna’s.”
A lone tear slid down Smriti’s cheek as she recollected those memories of writing. Ninad, though, reached across and wiped it away.
“Ajji thinks you stopped writing after Ninad anna’s death,” he whispered, letting another secret out.
“Well,” Smriti sighed, “She’s not completely wrong.”
Ninad left her side and went to his study. From his desk, he took out a brand new diary, something his best friend had given him on his last birthday. He wrote something inside it on the first page, and then came back and gave it to her.
She turned to the first page and saw what he had written.
“Smriti and Ninad | Amma and Ninu”
She looked at him, surprised and feeling overwhelmed at the same time.
“Maybe you can write with me instead. I’m a Ninad too, right?” he asked her, sounding more mature than his age.
Smriti embraced him again, and the tears flowed faster that time. But she made a promise then, to herself and to him… that she would write again.
Index of Posts: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
(© Vinay Leo R. @ I Rhyme Without Reason, 7th August 2016)
Vinay Leo R.
Poetry & writing are to me, a breath of fresh air in a life that is sometimes covered by the smoke of sorrow or self doubt. They also become the sweets I share to celebrate when life offers me a reason to. But most of all, they are to me, my life. For each word I write is a piece of my heart, a thought that just had to find its way into the world.
Perfect ending ! <3 Ninad really is wise for his age, and Smriti’s promise is one that will help her greatly to get over the past. She’s gotten what she deserves. Loved how you weaved a story out of these seven prompts, awesome job! 😀
(Dashy recently posted…A piano story)
I think writers mature a bit faster at times, Dashy. 😀 Glad you liked the ending to the story. It was fun weaving one out of the prompts!
Ah.. this is just how a story should end – with tears but happy ones!
(Beat About The Book recently posted…Go Read a Book)
🙂 I’m glad that it worked out that way. Thank you, Tulika.
Whistles!! An absolute perfect finale, Vinay 😀 it has everything that we as readers could have hoped and imagined in the end. Especially adored the scene where Ninad gifts her the diary and says those wise and loving words to her 🙂 Beautifully penned. Congratulations for completing the Smriti series 😀
Thank you. 🙂 I enjoyed writing the short story series and I am glad I could complete it too, Sanaa. Happy that you enjoyed reading it as well.
Nice story,I liked it. True, making a beginning to pursue a hobby, after a long gap ,is always welcome and refreshing…
(Rupali recently posted…Shades and hues of experiences.)
I hope it is for Smriti too. 🙂 Glad you liked the story, Rupali.
Perfect ending. It’s wonderful to read a lot of good blogs like yours due to this #BARaThon challenge.
(Ramya recently posted…Nightlord Sunset by Caron Whited – Book Promo)
I’m quite delighted to read and be read via such challenges, Ramya. 🙂 Thank you very much.
I loved this. I felt like hugging that child and never letting him go for being such a caring child. He’s every mom’s dream. Awesome work Vin. 🙂
Yes. Sometimes kids understand us and our needs too. 🙂 Thanks, SSJ.
That was a beautiful story…loved it.
Thanks, Nayana. 🙂
And with that, the ending your readers needed and wanted. 🙂 Simply superb, Vinay. This was more than I hoped for and as is your usual, perfect!
Glad you liked it, and that you felt the conclusion was good. 🙂 Thank you, Dhivya.
Loved the story..Most of the writers struggle in coming up with the perfect ending. You always know how to end the story on a good note and that’s your strength.
You have captured so many emotions that could have been enough to make a novel.
Keep writing Vinu. Now I know your novel could be on cards too..very versatile writer
Novel? Yes. Could happen. 🙂 I hope it does too, Janie. Glad you loved the story and that you read it all at once.
What the heck! This just made me cry! There I was, reading this story, after just having finished part six….and bam! The child’s words and his diary made be cry. You are an amzaing writer, my friend. Hi5!
Thanks! 😀 Glad you loved, Apeksha. I do like weaving longer stories, but don’t do it that often. 🙂 Hi5!