SHIVANGI✨

*Slap. "I told you to do the dishes, didn't I?"  

*Slap. The sharp sting of the second blow radiated across my cheek. 

"I'm sorry. I'll do all the dishes next time," I whispered, my voice barely audible, choking on the tears that threatened to spill. 

Slap. "What did you say?" she demanded, her voice cold and unyielding. 

"I'll do all the work from next time," I repeated, my tone submissive, the words laced with desperation. 

"You won't learn your lesson so easily. Today, you won't get any food," she declared, gripping my already bruised arm. The pain shot through me as she dragged me across the room, her grip unrelenting. 

She threw me into my room and locked the door from outside. I lay there on the cold floor, my hair tangled and covering my face, hot tears streaming uncontrollably down my cheeks. 

My sobs were hard and ragged, but I forced myself to stifle them, trying to remain as quiet as possible. "Maa, I miss you," I whispered to the empty room, my voice breaking. 

"Please save me. I don't want to live here without you." 

I woke up with a gasp, my heart racing, and the vivid nightmare still clinging to my consciousness. 

As the soft glow of dawn seeped through the curtains, I slowly stirred from my slumber. The golden rays of the sun gently caressed my face, casting a warm, ethereal light across the room, reminding me of the hope a new day might bring.

The gentle hues of morning painted my small, neatly arranged space, casting a soft glow on the modest furnishings. As the clock inched towards seven, the alarm rang. 

I reached over to turn it off, my movements careful not to disturb the quietness that enveloped the early hour. 

I blinked my eyes open, greeted by the gentle chirping of birds outside the window and the faint scent of jasmine wafting in the air, reminiscent of the night-blooming flowers in the garden. 

I lay there for a moment, savoring the peacefulness of the morning. The sheets felt cool against my skin, and I stretched languidly, feeling the delicious pull of my muscles waking up. 

With a content sigh, I sat up and took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for another day. 

I swiftly moved through my morning routine, heading straight to the kitchen to tackle the day's chores. After a couple of hours, I had completed my tasks and returned to my room. 

I selected a simple yet elegant outfit, a reflection of my practical yet compassionate nature. With practiced ease, I deftly braided my long hair and glanced at my reflection in the mirror. 

My eyes, though determined, betrayed a trace of weariness, hinting at the emotional toll my daily struggles exacted. 

With my teaching materials gathered, I descended the stairs and entered the hall. 

There, on the large couch, sat my father, Suresh Oberoi—a construction site builder and the man I harbored the deepest resentment for. Beside him was Surekha Oberoi, his second wife and the woman who called herself my mother. 

On the next couch sat Shanaya, her daughter, the girl who had nearly ruined my life. She never missed an opportunity to trouble me. 

Known as one of the most beautiful girls in our school and college, Shanaya had also earned a reputation as one of the biggest bullies. 

Yet, thanks to my father's connections, she had never faced consequences for her actions.

Their laughter echoed through the hall, a stark contrast to the turmoil within me. I took a deep breath, steeling myself against the onslaught of emotions and memories that their presence often stirred.

As I was about to leave, her voice cut through the air with a strict tone, "Are you done with the house chores?" I met her gaze confidently. 

"Yes, I have. I've also made breakfast and lunch," I replied, holding my ground. 

Without waiting for a response, I turned and headed out the door, steeling myself for the first day at my new school. 

The morning air was crisp as I walked through the gates of one of the biggest and most prestigious schools in India. My nerves were a mix of excitement and apprehension as students bustled around me, their laughter and chatter filling the air. 

The expansive school grounds were beautifully landscaped, with well-tended gardens and a scattering of benches where students gathered in small groups, creating an atmosphere of vibrant community and intellectual curiosity. 

I made my way to the principal's office, the click of my shoes echoing in the quiet hallway. As I stepped inside, the receptionist greeted me with a warm smile and directed me to a seat. 

A few moments later, the principal, a distinguished woman with kind eyes, invited me into her office. 

"Welcome to our school," she said, her voice reassuring. "We're glad to have you here." 

We discussed my schedule, my responsibilities, and the expectations they had for their staff. As I left her office, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. 

Despite the challenges at home, this school felt like a place where I could make a difference. 

I soon entered my class and asked everyone for their introductions. After a few lectures, it was time for lunch. I entered the staff room and tried to find my designated workspace. 

As I looked around, I heard a voice say, "Can I help you?" A young man in formal attire stood before me. Startled at first, I quickly composed myself and replied, 

"Yes, I'm new here. Can you help me find my desk?" 

"Of course," he responded, leading the way. 

After a few steps, he gestured to a desk. "Here you are," he said. "Thank you," I replied, placing my bag on the table. 

"It's my pleasure. My name is Vinay. I hope we can be good friends," he said, extending his hand toward me. I hesitated but then confidently shook his hand. 

As I finished filling out my register, a girl came running towards me, urgency in her voice. "Ma'am, Pihu fell, and her knee is bleeding," she exclaimed. 

Pihu was one of my students. I quickly rushed to the ground and saw her sitting there, clutching her knee, tears welling in her eyes. 

I hurried to her side, my voice filled with concern, "Pihu, are you okay?" 

"Yes, ma'am," she whispered, her voice barely audible, trying to hold back her tears. In that moment, flashbacks of my own childhood struggles flooded my mind. 

Pushing those thoughts aside, I gently picked her up in my arms, determined to be there for her. 

I took Pihu to the medical room, conveniently located just beside the staff room. Gently, I guided her to sit on the examination table. 

The school nurse had stepped out momentarily, so I decided to handle the situation myself. 

"Let's take a look at that knee," I said, my voice soft and reassuring. I carefully rolled up her pant leg and saw the scrape, which was bleeding slightly. Reaching for the first-aid kit, I took out antiseptic wipes and a bandage. 

"This might sting a bit, but it will help keep the wound clean," I explained. Pihu nodded, her eyes wide but trusting. I carefully cleaned the cut, her tiny hand holding mine tightly. 

"You're doing great, Pihu. Just a little bit more." 

Once the wound was clean, I applied the bandage gently. "There, all done," I said, smoothing the bandage with a gentle touch. "You're a brave girl, Pihu." 

She looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, ma'am," she said, her voice small but sincere. 

I crouched down to her level and smiled. "Anytime, Pihu. Remember, you can always come to me if you need anything." I gave her a warm hug, the kind of embrace I wished someone had given me in my childhood. 

"Pihu, how are your mom and dad?" I asked as I helped her sit on the couch, trying to make her comfortable.

"Daddy is great! He takes such good care of me," she replied excitedly, her eyes sparkling with pride and joy. 

"That's wonderful. And your mom?" 

I inquired gently, maintaining a light smile to ease the seriousness of the question.

"I don't know. I haven't seen my mom yet. Grandma says she's a star, and if I'm a good girl, she'll come to meet me one day," Pihu said, her lips forming a small pout. 

Listening to her innocent words, I felt a lump in my throat. The thought of this little girl clinging to the hope of meeting her mother someday stirred a deep, familiar ache within me. 

I quickly shifted the topic, not wanting to let my emotions spill over. We sat together for a while, talking and laughing as I shared stories of my own childhood scrapes and falls. 

Pihu's smile and laughter filled the room, and seeing her happy reminded me how much a little care and attention could mean to someone.

 When Pihu was ready, we walked back to the classroom together, her steps lighter and her smile brighter. 

At that moment, I realized that being a teacher was about more than just imparting knowledge; it was about being there for my students, providing the support and care they needed, especially when life felt uncertain. 

As the school bell rang in the evening, signaling the end of the day, I stood by the door of the classroom, bidding farewell to my students. 

"Bye, everyone! See you all tomorrow," I called out, watching as their happy faces filled the hallway, their laughter and chatter echoing through the corridors. 

A few minutes later, Pihu approached me, her tiny feet carrying her swiftly to my side. 

"Bye, teacher," she said, her eyes gleaming with the innocence and joy that only a child can possess. 

I knelt down to her level, my heart swelling with affection. 

"Bye, Pihu. Take care of yourself." 

"Yes, teacher, I will," she replied earnestly. Then, without hesitation, she leaned in and kissed me on the cheek. 

Overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, I hugged her tightly, returning the kiss on her cheek. 

"Thank you, Pihu," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. We embraced for a moment longer before finally parting. 

As Pihu waved goodbye and skipped away, I made my way towards the staff room. Immersed in my work, I was soon surrounded by a group of female teachers, their curiosity evident as they bombarded me with questions about my background and experiences. 

We chatted amicably, sharing stories and laughter, forming the bonds of camaraderie that come with shared experiences. After finishing our work, we all left the school together, parting ways as we headed to our respective homes. Homes for them, but not for me.

As I walked, I couldn't help but reflect on my own situation. My home had been taken from me the day my mother died. 

My father remarried just two days after her passing, a move that left me feeling rootless and adrift, and since then, I've never truly felt at home. 

The pain of those memories was always with me, but moments like the one with Pihu reminded me of the joy and purpose I found in teaching, and the hope that perhaps, one day, I could create a home of my own. 

An hour later, I arrived at the Oberoi residence, a house that appeared lavish and inviting from the outside, but inside, it was inhabited by people whose actions often felt heartless and cruel. 

The grand facade of the house stood in stark contrast to the emptiness and pain I felt within its walls. 

I checked the time; it was 7 PM. A sense of dread washed over me as I sighed, mentally preparing myself for the ordeal I was likely to face. 

It was the first time I'd arrived so late, and I knew the scrutiny and the scorn that awaited me. But I was determined not to let it break me. 

Not this time. I wouldn't be the weak, frightened girl I used to be. As I stepped through the front door, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever lay ahead. 

The familiar voices of my father and Surekha filled the air, and I braced myself for the inevitable confrontation. But despite the anxiety gnawing at me, I reminded myself that I was strong, resilient, and capable of facing whatever came my way. 

Author's POV- 

"Where were you?" Surekha demanded as Shivangi entered the house, a place that felt more like a prison than a home. 

"It was my first day, and there was a lot to do," Shivangi replied, her voice steady as she looked straight ahead, refusing to meet their eyes. 

"Hmm," Surekha replied dismissively, gesturing towards the kitchen. 

"Now get back to the work you're made for." Her words were laced with a cruel satisfaction, knowing Shivangi wouldn't dare challenge her authority. 

Shivangi's eyes flashed with anger, but she swallowed her retort. Surekha smirked, fully aware of the power she wielded. Shivangi turned and made her way upstairs to her room. 

She quickly changed her clothes and headed to the kitchen, where a mountain of dirty dishes awaited her. With a heavy sigh, she rolled up her sleeves and got to work.

After hours of cleaning and cooking, she finally sat down to a solitary dinner. As she climbed the stairs, her steps heavy with exhaustion, her sister Shanaya emerged from her room.

"Oh, it looks like dinner is ready. Are you done with the dishes?" Shanaya asked, leaning casually against the wall, her tone mocking.

Shivangi glanced at her with annoyance. "Yes, I am," she replied curtly before retreating to her room.

After dinner, Shivangi stepped into the shower. As the warm water cascaded over her weary body, she sighed, letting the tension and fatigue of the day wash away. The shower was a rare moment of peace, a small escape from the relentless demands of her life.

Once she was refreshed and changed into comfortable clothes, Shivangi returned to her room. She sat at her desk, penning out plans for the next day, trying to find solace in the routine of preparation. 

Her thoughts drifted to Pihu, and she couldn't help but think about the little girl's strength in the face of loss. Shivangi understood all too well the emptiness of growing up without a mother.

After half an hour, she finally lay down on her bed, reflecting on the day. Despite the challenges, the moments with her students, especially Pihu, made it all worthwhile. 

With these thoughts in mind, Shivangi slipped into a restful slumber, her dreams a hopeful escape from her waking reality.

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The second chapter is here!!

I know this chapter is long, but I really wanted to write more about Shivangi's story. This is just a glimpse of what's to come, as we have many more stories ahead that will unravel Shivangi's life. Stay tuned!!

Do let me know about your thoughts in the comments. 

Peace!!🍀✌️

-Abhii 🖤