Main Character's POV:

"What are you doing here?" I asked her. It's not like I don't know her and never had any word with her. 

I met for the first time during my father's last rites. She was there along with a small boy near her who was hiding near her legs. She stood quite far from the whole site but I remember every little detail of hers. 

She was a fair lady, some years younger than my mother and looked so weak. The 1st time I saw her I didn't have any thoughts or opinions because I was too numb and exhausted to feel any kind of feeling toward her. 

I remember my grandparents talking to her or saying many things to her and might blaming her and she never opened her mouth to say anything apart from holding her kid close to herself.

And after that meeting, I saw her again in court during my Maa's hearing. While Maa is been taken away to jail she again stood afar. When I saw her then she kept her head low. I can understand that she was feeling guilty and I wanted her to feel so. 

After that day I haven't seen her again. But I have heard about her from my grandparents quite a few times in the years that followed. She was a doctor by profession who worked along with my father and that's how their relationship started. 

But keeping the past aside I wonder why she was here at this moment. How did she even know where I am living and what is the reason for her sudden visit?

"How are you?" She asked me dodging my previous question with a small smile on her face.

"That's not what I am expecting to hear from you as an answer," I retorted, much rudely rather. Her face fell hearing my response but she covered it immediately with the same smile.

"I came here to check on you," she replied and walked towards me which made me walk backwards. 

"And why would you do so?" I asked her as confusion clouded my mind. Out of all people in the world, I can never imagine her coming and checking on me. She was the last thing I can wonder about after all the things that happened in the past few days. I almost forgot about her as a person in my life. 

She looked hurt listening to my response. Guess I should have felt bad for hurting someone but I lost such emotions towards everyone. Especially for a woman like her because even I couldn't help but blame her like everyone.

We both remained still for a moment when she cleared her voice and said, "Actually, ... you may not have an idea about this but... your grandmother called me during her last days. She wanted me to take care of you."

As soon as she said this my breath got stuck in my throat. This sudden revelation is too much for me to handle and too unbelievable. Why would my grandma call her to take care of me? Out of all people in the world.

"Excuse me? What are you even saying?" I questioned her unable to control my emotions. What the hell is she even talking about?

She sighed and began speaking, "I know this might be too big for you to take in but... I have been in constant touch with your grandparents ever since ..... ever since that incident took place. I know you must be hating me for everything that happened and trust me even I blame myself for all of this."

"But the most I am accountable to is to you and your mother. No matter how much I repent it is never enough. So I have been in contact with your grandparents so that I can do any kind of help to seek forgiveness at least from them. They rejected my every helps them and kept hating me but I never complained about any of this.

And a few years ago when your grandfather fell ill I was the duty doctor in that hospital. Though you failed to recognize me, your grandmother didn't mistake me. She pleaded with me so much to save your grandfather with me. The least I could do was to save him, but I couldn't even do so. I couldn't even repay in that way. That day I broke down completely in front of your grandmother and begged for forgiveness. The guilt for becoming more and more burdensome for me every breathe I take. 

Though that day she didn't say anything as she was broken too much. And after that, your grandmother called me a few days ago to come alone that too at midnight to the hospital. I never expected her to call me or see my face again, but that one call made me run to your grandmother. There she looked so weak and I can sense the life leaving her body. 

That's when she asked me this favour to take care of you. She said that she doesn't hold any grudge against me and she, your grandfather and your mother also will be at ease that there is someone to look after you. She took my word for that and asked me to make sure you won't be left alone. And that is the reason for my arrival today. I gave my word to her."

By the time she finished her version of the story, I became dazed. It felt like she was narrating a whole different story to me where I was unaware of many things. I don't remember anyone coming into grandma's room in the hospital as I was on constant alert every moment in case of any emergency. Then when did she even come?

And grandma asking her for help? I would never believe this. Never in my life. She must be here for some other motive. For any other reason except to take care of me. I looked into her eyes to find any other negative intentions she might have but it's not like I am an expert in judging people. 

Mustering up my voice I replied, "I won't believe you." My voice came so low and unsure from what all I have heard. But I shook my head and continued, "I won't believe even if you are telling the truth. And I don't need anyone to look after me. I am old enough to take care of myself on my own."

Though the words went out of my mouth on their own there is a lingering fear inside me too about how my future ahead will be. Though I have a property in my name I don't have any control over it because I am still a minor. And still, 9 months are pending for me to become a major and handle my shits. 

While many thoughts were swirling in my mind I noticed some moment from the person ahead of me. She took out two boxes from her side bag which I didn't observe till now and placed them on the dining table placed at her left. 

"I know it's been a day since you have eaten." 

Saying so she turned towards me and came real close to me. Though she was elder than me she and I are of the same height which allowed her to hold my face by placing her hand on my cheek. Sudden warmth surged through me as she held me. And I could feel the affection in her touch. Like my Maa's touch. 

"I know you won't trust me. I know you don't like me. But I am ready to face your hatred towards me in any way. The only thing I ask you is to trust your grandmother if not me. And by trusting her I will make sure to live up to the word I have given to her. I know you need some time to gather and process all your thoughts and I will not force this upon you until you agree to this. 

But I will come here daily. I will bring food for you daily even if you don't eat. I will wait for you to forgive me for my whole life. I will wait for you....Kanha."

Saying this she caressed my cheek and left me alone not before giving her phone number to me on a piece of paper. I was too stunned to say another word and got rooted to my place. 

'Kanha'

That's how my Maa used to call me and hearing that term after such a long time was pure bliss to my ears. At that moment I didn't care who was the person who was comforting me, caressing my face, calling me with such dearness, I cared about nothing. 

And at that moment I wanted to turn selfish for the bliss I was enjoying. 

At that moment I wanted to be at home. A True Home.  

Hello Everyone.

Another quick and long update from me. Well, I am trying to cover the lost time and creativity.

And a different version from 'Her'.

Did you like it?

I know this story is not for everyone even though I wondered many times why I started this but this story is something I want to explore despite the results I am getting.

Ok coming far from that Do you have any name suggestions for 'Her'? I am thinking of the name Sanjana. Do tell me if you like the name of any of your preferred choice.

Please do Vote, Comment and Share.

Thank you.

Stay Safe.