Riya's pov:      

           The  first period was almost finished because of the introduction speech and then settling these students right on their desks.I started to call each student  to collect few details.I called a girl and when I got no response, I looked up to see the girl  staring at me blankly.Looks like,I have seen her somewhere,then it strikes me she is the one I saw at the entrance.Currently she is glancing at me with her cute eyes.

Though badly I wanted to pull her cheeks,I refrained as it was against my teacher attitude.And definitely students will disobey me thinking that I am not a strict one.I asked her patiently as she is really nervous.

Finally after completing the task ,I taught them few basic things.When the time was thirty minutes past twelve,I realized it was time for them to leave.After a chorus thanks,all the students left except one whose movements are really slow.

"Isha " I called her.She turned back with a startled face.

"You must go now, your parents must be waiting for you".I told gently.

Her face immediately paled which confused me.Before I can observe more,she walked out of the classroom.I sighed and started arranging the papers when Anitha came to me and called me to join her for lunch.

"I have already submitted the list and my period starts after two hours.When is yours?"She asked when we finished eating.

"I have one right now." saying this I hurriedly walked to the Class room and decided to submit the list after this hour.

After submitting the final attendance list and other details for ID Card,I turned to head towards the staff room,but stopped myself seeing Isha standing in the corner.What is she still doing here?

It has been nearly two hours since her class got dispersed.When I went near her,she looked at me.I got shocked to see her dull face with tear stained cheeks.

When I asked the peon,he informed that she has been standing alone in the entrance all crying.It seems like no one from her home came to get her.I went near her and asked,"Did your parents know about the timing?".

She looked at me and nodded.I sighed and asked the respective staff to make call to their home giving them the phone number from those list I submitted.

Soon they told that both the numbers are out of reach.I was about to ask if she knows any other number of their home.But stopped myself mentally slapping my head.How can a 6 year old child remember a mobile number?.That is why those details are  asked to fill  in the diary by parents.

But anyhow I asked her as I am not finding any other option right now.She surprised me by saying yes.They tried that number and told everything.The staff turned and informed us that he is on the way.

I patted her head and  said,"Your father will be coming here in some time.Okay"

She nodded with a confusion ,but looked delighted to go home.I went towards the staff room and sat before my desk for sometime relaxing myself.After thirty minutes,I decided to check on Isha in office room.

Seeing me,the peon stood up and informed that she left with her dad few minutes ago.I nodded and went  back to my seat.When the clock showed 3.30,I informed Anitha and we both packed to leave.

When we reached the bus stop,"I took leave for tomorrow",She said with a thoughtful face.

"But why?",I asked wondering why she wants to take leave on the second day itself.

"My mother just now messaged me.The guy's family is coming tomorrow to see me".She said slightly tensed.

"Don't be tensed.Your parents will not force you right?",I asked patting her shoulders.

"No they won't.But still it will be difficult for me.I will not feel bad,if they reject me.But when the proposal goes on,I will fall into trouble,if they want me to quit my job after or even before marriage itself."She expressed her anxiety.

"You are thinking too much.Decide everything in a slow pace".I advised her.

She nodded and bid bye to me,when her bus came.

Her agony somewhat reminded those days,which till now ,I can't conclude good or bad.

###Past###

"Since,I got my course certificate,I will look for a job.And after working for two years.You guys can happily get rid of me forever".I said twitching my lips.

"You really think that we will be happy if we send you away" My dad told in a disappointing tone.

My mom interrupted,"Both of you can stop your drama. Riya,we are not asking you to marry tomorrow  itself.It will take time and we are just letting you know what we have decided".

I slumped my shoulders down and finally nodded to what she said.

After Mom left the hall,dad came and side hugged me," Your mom is right.It will take atleast a year to find a perfect groom .And you are my princess,hence more time is guaranteed.Remember that I am always with you."

I couldn't say no to my parents,when they announced that they posted my profile in matrimony.I couldn't help but to stay quiet ,when all of their reasonings are valid

I trusted my dad's words  like I always do.

##Past Ends##

Shaking my head,I boarded the bus and checked the mobile for Racheal's message.

She had texted that she will be late for tonight.My doubt of her seeing someone is getting strong in recent days.Grinning,I decided to wait till she confirms it.

Ajay's pov:

I was having lunch with John,my phone ringed displaying a unknown number.

"Hello,We are calling from Holy Faith Matriculation School,Is this Isha's Father?"

I stumbled a second.John patted my shoulder gesturing what.I shook my head and asked him to continue.Firstly ,I need to confirm that Isha is okay.

I was about to say that I am her  Uncle,but choose to skip that and asked the reason of calling me.

Their reply  irked me and my mind is filling with anger and frustration.My stupid brother and SIL can't even look out for their child.

My Poor Innocent Niece,She might have informed her timings to her neglecting parents.

After informing them that I'll be coming there,I rushed towards my vehicle  and drove off to the school.

When I reached their Office room,I saw my baby girl sitting in the corner.Once her eyes fell on me,She swiftly came to me and held my hand.When the staff asked to confirm that I am her parent.She nodded her head.

I can see that she is smiling  in relief and hence didn't mind to correct that I am her uncle.

                                                                 ****

She must have cried a lot waiting for her dad or mom ,but now pretending to be normal.I wish if their parents carry the same maturity she has in her tender age.

"Small Dad,Why did you stopped here?",

I smiled at her name for me and replied,"we will have our lunch and then ice cream.Okay?"

She nodded her head vigorously.She is starving for more than two hours and that reminded me to knock some sense in my brother's head.

I took her hand and went inside the restaurant.

                                ************************************