The Myth

Anu was amazed by the love and generosity with which Hema had created every little corner of her massive home on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Anu always knew Hema to be such a happy and content soul who brought out the best in anything that she laid her hands on. Two decades since the best friends met; however, nothing had changed about what they felt for one another. Anu believed Hema to be a blessed one with the most loving family, all the riches one could amass in a lifetime and a perfect life-things people like Anu couldn’t even dare to dream of. Nonetheless, Anu loved Hema very much since she was absolutely unaware of her own significance; an unassuming and humble soul who never let status affect their beautiful friendship.

“Wow! Look at the amalgamation of family pictures there on the living room’s wall. Hema, I really wish I too had such memories to cherish. I haven’t shared this with you, but really, I always longed for a childhood like yours.” Anu revealed her excitement seeing Hema’s family pictures and her long-time wish to have a life like that.”

Anu belonged to a lower-middle-class family; for the most part it was a hand-to-mouth situation. Except for the occasional Sunday luncheon and annual Christmas dinners, her parents were never home at the same time. Whenever the family was together, it was great and her parents loved each other very much. But they loved Anu lot more. In order that she gets the best education, they worked hard sacrificing their own moments and eventually the family moments too. Anu imagined how fortunate Hema must be. Hema belonged to a wealthy family and her parents were always home when she got back from school. They were at school day functions, quarterly meetings, sports day events et all. 

For a little while, Hema did not say a word. Although a few minutes later, Hema burst into wild sobs. Anu was taken back fearing that she had offended Hema. She immediately attended to her best friend trying to console her as well as endeavoring to ascertain the reason behind Hema’s sudden change of state.

“Anu, there is also something I never opened up throughout. Do you remember I left school in class seven? It was not because my father got a job in a different city. My parents separated and my maternal grandparents took me away with them so I could live in peace. I have shattered all along, for so long as I remember, I had seen my parents fight; they abhorred each other’s presence; there was not a single day they ceased fighting over trivial things. Little did I expect it to take such an ugly turn. When they started to physically harm each other, my grandparents understood that time had come to bring their marriage to an end. Helplessly, I relinquished my strong desire to have a beautiful family. At that tender age, I couldn’t comprehend what was happening; I would only cry myself to sleep. As time passed, I began gathering strength and sorted myself. One year after my parent’s separation, I met them with my grandparents. It felt weird because I met them individually. “

Anu sank in her seat, shocked. Her friend had only said wonderful things about her home, her family and her life. Even when Hema wrote letters to Anu, Hema had never once shared what she was going through. Anu was bewildered how someone, with such scanty experience in life, could be so strong and mature so as to not speak a word wrong about their life.

“I am a weak person, Anu. I am kind of a fool, you know. Sweet little fool, though. My family took me on luxurious trips and pampered me with countless gifts. All I wanted though was, for them to play a part in my drama series. I took a promise that their hatred and separation not be known to any one of my acquaintances; I brought my parents under one frame for all the important events. Whatever I could not get in my life, I imagined and recreated through a series of lies. Those are the proof (pointing at the amalgamation of family pictures on the wall). “

Hema’s tears had dried up. She was gazing gently at the floor, unable to meet an eye with Anu.

Anu hugged Hema. Both cried their hearts out.

“Who said they are lies, you fool! Look at me. I was impatient and angry that my life was incomplete and imperfect. I did not know how to value it and be grateful. You, despite all the agony, you knew what to seek from life. Like the most wonderful daughter ever, you gave a new lease of life to both your parents. Those pictures are real. The pain is real. The emotions are real.” Anu did not console Hema but spoke her heart out to let Hema know how pure a soul she is.

Hema, who had always suspected that her life was but a long list of myths felt like a free bird that day. A humongous load was taken off her back.