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What-if.......

“Most of the things which are left unsaid in the world are probably the chances which destiny gives to us to alter the outcome of our lives. But sadly these chances remain as only “what-if” in many peoples life and the few who do choose it.”

Life started out normal for Ina orphaned at ten, nowhere to go,
Nobody to care destined to end up as a nameless nobody in the streets. But destiny smiled at her as her step mom took her in.
Barely 10 unable to understand the complexity of the situation but pleased with the change in plans Ina realized only in the years to come her step mom’s real interests for her.

Present Day

(Morning)


“Ina, it’s getting late,” yelled Lia.

Possibly only Ina can be this slow with things, why does mom put up with her anyway …such thoughts continued to trail in her mind as her step-sister walked in with the ironed clothes.

“Ina, why do you keep being so slow, for god sake you have been ironing clothes since you were twelve. Why you make me yell at you every morning.”

Lia’s shouting continued to echo downstairs while her mom continued packing lunch for her daughter.

“Sorry it is just that that…”

“Listen, I don’t have time for this “, continued Lia not heeding her sister’s stammering.

How can one be possibly this stupid about things, why can’t she just shut up? God, why do we have to put up with her?

“Lia, come down fast you are getting late...”

“Give me a few minutes mom...”

Hearing her mom’s voice she hurried up with her make-up and then turning to Ina,” Now don’t just stand there, go help mom in the kitchen or don’t you have work to complete….”

Lia left for college on time for her bus, a little while later her step-mom left for shopping. It was ten in the morning and the house was empty except for Ina who stood watching the distant road.
The house was set at a distance a little away from the city, a tiny cottage set amidst beautiful greenery. The long road at a distance linked it to the city.

(Evening)

“How was your day Lia?” her mother asked as she entered the household.

“You left rather in a hurry, you never late in the mornings.”

“Mom, you see it was Ina who made it late today. She spilled coffee in my dress and there wasn’t another set ironed,
Can you believe it…She gets to my nerves nowadays more than ever…” said Lia sitting down next to her mom.

Ina walked in carrying the coffee tray.
“Ina is there some thing wrong. You seemed preoccupied for a few days now…” Ina heard her step mom’s prim and proper voice question her.
Pouring coffee into the cups she answered, “Nothing was just a bit tired or so, won’t happen again. Your coffee” and she walked back to the kitchen.
Chores continued as usual…

(Night)

Dear mom,
You can’t imagine the situation that exists in the house today. I really miss you. You know I am the eldest daughter in the house and I don’t feel equal even to the maid in our house.
I am not complaining but you know ever since Lia started to go to college I feel I am missing something. Rather I feel that I am being deprived of something.
You know I hope that you read these letters; and make way for miracles in my life.
Bye mom.

Ina folded the piece of paper and added it to the top of the stack of previously written ones.
She wanted to leave the place and go away, far enough that nothing reminds her of the place she has spent till now.

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