The unwanted letter
The unwanted letter


(doing my household chores)
"Hustle days are something I love, because that's when you feel nothing, they keep me moving. I might sound heartless but don't you think this is the best way to keep yourself away from sadness?
But today is a sunday, the day I hate the most..."
(On my desk) *Clicking sound of the pen*
"Okay so to-do list
1- buy groceries
2- take toro(my dog) to the vet.
3- clean my shelf.
4- completing my remaining office work." (While writing it in a notepad)
*Get's up*
She let's out a sigh "Gotta go there's a lot to do.."
*Sprints with car keys*
(After few hours, back home)
Opens the door while holding toro, rubbing his neck; toro snorted happily, "Ahh.. toru feeling good, having a good massage toro is feeling good.."(toro licks my cheek and jumps down to play with his favourite toy)
I smile and head to the kitchen to keep the groceries.
(In my room)
"Ohh finally time for the shelf.."
I start wiping the upper shelf having vases and photos on it and then the second one full of books. Even the third one had some books and some work files and a box which accidentally falls open while cleaning, all the things spilling out of the box.
I quickly kneel to put those things back while being nostalgic about them; the keyring of panda I had, my old sunglasses, few diy earrings I made and that's when I touched the letter... Covered with dust, the paper has turned slightly pale at the corners, it's rough texture pricking me with the weight of a truth I had buried deep...
The one I have been avoiding...
My hands started trembling...
Panicking I shove it back and run to the kitchen..
I gasped some air, and opened the fridge for water.
(Phone ringing)
*picked up*
Rhea(my colleague) - "hey Mira! Are you done with the presentation, if yes please send me so I can reassure our team lead!"
Me- "yes I am almost done, just the last part needs some retouch and then I'll send you."
R- "ohh okay, speed up kiddo or his bp gonna be up.."
(giggling)Me- "yes yes it's done." (Hangs up)
(Back to desk)
I started working... Thoughts piling up, glancing towards the shelf time to time and quickly focusing back on work. After few hours I sent the ppt and look at the clock it's 9pm then head to the kitchen for dinner and went to sleep.
(Next morning)
Hurriedly packing my laptop and accessories as I was getting late for the office, slept a little too hard last night.
(In the office)
During my presentation to the client my phone kept ringing, because of which the distraction was is frustrating. But somehow I manage to crack the deal. Work-life balance.
Back at my office desk I took out my phone, it was mom. I called her back while setting the desk.
Mom- "hello Mira?"
Me- "yes mom."
Mom- "how's you honey?"
Me- "I am fine" (Toneless voice)
Mom- "you remember today's date right?" (Concerned voice)
My hands freeze, everything I have been running from.. flashed before my eyes.
Me- (my voice cracked) "Daadi...."
*Flashback*
My daadi wasn't just a grandmother; she was my safe heaven. After baba was gone, she stepped in for everything—comforting Maa when she cried silently at night and shielding me from the storm our life had become. She never spoke about her own pain, but her eyes carried it, hidden behind the kindness she poured into me.
When I turned twelve, Maa had to go abroad for her work. I remember the morning she left—her hug lingered, and her words, “You’ll be okay with Daadi, my brave girl,” echoed in my ears long after she boarded the plane. And she was right.
Daadi made sure I never felt alone. She taught me how to knead dough, letting my tiny fingers press into the soft flour. She combed my hair every morning, humming her favorite bhajans, and told me stories of her youth—tales that were always sprinkled with wisdom, like the tiny sugar crystals on the laddoos she made.
There was this one night I still think about often. I had flunked a math test and couldn’t stop crying. Daadi sat beside me on the bed, her hand softly stroking my hair. “Do y
ou know why the moon still shines even when it's surrounded by darkness?” she asked. I shook my head. “Because it believes in itself, even when the stars seem far away. You’re my little moon, beta. You’ll shine too.”
* Back to present*
My eyes blinked and a drop of tear slides down on my cheek...
Mom- "beta ? Mira are you there? You listening to me na?"
Me- ... "Yes mom I am here. I am here."
Mom- "beta it's been three years since daadi passed. It's high time you accept the truth and come back beta.."
Me- (wobbly voice) Maa I've... I am busy I'll call you later. *Disconnects the call*
Wiping my tears and I sit down, motionless I don't know what to do, after pretending to not care, after trying every possible way to avoid thinking about her, this day pulls me back to emptiness.. emptiness of her hands around me; comforting me in her lively voice...
Half the day passes. Driving back home I can't stop thinking about her. I've been living away from my mom in the same city.
3 years back, I was away from home for my studies and by that time my mom also had shifted to India, so I was much relieved for daadi not being alone, also she used to write letters to me every now and then like old times and I used to write her back because she loved it, she used to keep all of my replies in her small chest—' lifetime achievements ' she called them. I smile at the memory; but that one day has changed my life ever since (my eyes misted up again), it's been 3 years I have left what is called ' home ' because after her death that house feels so much like her that it became impossible for me to breathe a single air without her being around.
(At home)
Unlocking the door, I head straight to my room and stand in front of the shelf for a long time. Hanging my head low; tears falling down relentlessly.
I looked up to the box; my hands shook reaching for it. I pulled it out sat down on the floor *whimpering* the memories inside spilling as soon as I opened the box, took out the envelope.. I broke down.
Trembling I pulled out the letter from the envelope, choking back my tears; I unfold it...
*The letter*
" Dear Beta,
How are you, my little moon? I hope you’re eating properly and not skipping meals in your busy schedule. You know how worried I get about you! Remember, good food gives you strength—not just for your body, but for your heart too.
Yesterday, I found that old photo of us in the garden—you were trying to climb the guava tree, and I was laughing so hard I could barely hold the camera straight. Do you remember that day? You were so stubborn, refusing my help, and I was so proud when you finally managed to grab a guava on your own. That’s what I’ve always admired about you—you never give up.
Life is like that tree, beta. Sometimes, the sweetest things are just out of reach, but with patience and effort, you’ll always find a way to climb. Don’t let the world dim your spirit. You’ve always been a fighter, and I know you’ll continue to shine, no matter what challenges come your way.
When you have time, come and visit me. I miss hearing your stories, your laughter echoing through the house. Bring your favorite book—we’ll sit together, and you can read to me like you used to. Those moments are my treasure, more precious than gold.
Take care of yourself, my moon. And remember, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, my love and blessings are always with you.
Yours always,
Daadi "
By the time the letter ends I can't stop my tears from falling down.. I kissed the letter; my trembling lips whispers "I love you daadi". Pressing the letter to my chest; feeling her hands wrapping me around and whispering in my ears "I love you too, my little moon".
(A different house)
A lady in her late 50s was sitting on a sofa watching TV.
*Doorbell rings*
She turns her head towards the door, unsure who could be. She lowered the TV volume and walks up to the door; as she opens the door tears filled her eyes, she softly whispers "beta.. "; it's Mira. Smiling at her mother while her eyes are telling a different story; they embraced eachother.
For the first time in years, the house felt alive again, as if the emptiness had finally lifted.