Manvi's POV

I was so amazed with the laptop which my mother bought for me. I was heading towards the room, I stopped at the door when I heard her conversation with Sneha Maasi.

"Ahana how will you arrange 50 lakhs? For laptop also you took an advance from school and some from Gurumaa" Sneha said.

"That is the thing, for that outsider she is now going to sell this house too!" Nisha interrupted

"Nisha! How dare you call her outsider?" Ahana shouted at her.

Nisha said, "you can't deny the fact, the day she will get educated she will run away from here.. Disobeying us!"

"Stop it.. Leave from my room" Ahana said..

I sighed and moved to the corridor, did I demand too much from her? But, my school friends all had expensive laptop, phones and I always felt bad about it. I never complained to her about this, but thought in college I will not be lacking behind.

I filled up the college application form and then submitted it. I was so excited about studying in no.1 college of Mumbai. Everything will be new for me, new friends, new environment and a new beginning for me.

No one will taunt me there as been a transgender child because I won't tell anyone about it. I can't bear my insult anymore. The humiliation I faced in my school days I don't want to face in my college.

It's not that I hate my mother, it's just that the world doesn't understand our bond. I was sitting on the couch when someone touched my head.

I recognised the touch and said, "nani no.."

"What?? I am applying hair in your hair, it's good for them" she said and forcefully did my massage. I hated this but couldn't deny it.

I closed my eyes and felt a bit relaxed later on. She smiled and said "now you are enjoying it.. Shaitan ladki"

I smiled, I saw Ahana entering the house. She seemed to be tense. I stood up and went to her.

"What happened mumma?" I asked her.

She just passed me a smile, I looked at her carefully trying to read her facial expressions. There was something worrying her which she was hiding from me. I questioned her "say mumma... what's wrong?"

She took a deep breath and sighed. She went straight into the room leaving me totally bewildered. I moved to the room and found her scattering the wardrobe. She pulled out all the jewellery and money she saved in the past 18 years.

I questioned her "What are you doing mumma??"

Ahana looked at her but didn't utter a single word. I was just astonished at her behaviour, Wait a minute. Is she having trouble organising fees for my institute? Yes, this could be the reason.

I moved closer to her and held her wrist. She glanced at me and said "Mannu don't disturb me"

"Mumma what's the matter? Are you having issues in arranging my institute fees?" I said straightforwardly.

She eyed me for a second and sat down on the bed closing her eyes. I kneeled down in front of her and held her hand "yahi baat hai na??" I asked.

She kept her hand on my head silently.. "Sorry mannu I can't afford to pay huge amount"

I was disheartened hearing it. I really wanted to study in that institute, I sighed and said "mumma you can get the education loan"

She looked at me, just then Nisha entered inside and said "Mannu.. You want her to spend her whole life repaying the loan?"

Ahana eyed her and said "Nisha.. Please"

"Ahana! This girl will finish her education then she won't bother to look at you! You will be left to pay bank loans your whole life... " she commented.

"Shut up! If I have to do it.. I will do it. She is my daughter, not yours just leave" Ahana shouted at her.

I eyed her and asked hopefully "can't you get the loan? For me?"

She tapped my cheek with her soft palm and replied "I will.. Don't worry submit your admission form"

A smile appeared on my face and I hugged her tightly "Thank you mumma.."

Ahana said "mannu.. Just to be secure please also apply to some cheaper institute too!"

I eyed her and asked, "why?"

"I don't want any delay in your college.. So better apply to at least 2-3 institutes to be on the safer side" she explained.

I was thinking about it but then agreed. I filled four institutes forms and sent them to the admission department of the respective institutes. I was so excited to study in my dream institute, I had dinner with Ahana and slept..

Ahana's POV

I had done a few FDs for Manvi for 18 years, but I can't break them as they will be useful in her marriage in near future. Manvi's idea to take a loan will be helpful. My job in school is permanent and I won't have any issues taking education loans for my daughter.

I had asked Manvi to apply to some other institute too, as the college she wants to go only takes in high society students and with scores 95%+ in 12th. Manvi lacked behind this with 85% so I had a doubt, she might not get the admission there. This is what Arushi (the principal) of my school told me.

I didn't want to disappoint her by telling this but hoped she would understand. I went to the bank with all the documents and met the manager.

He checked all the documents and looked at me. He said "sorry Miss Ahana, I can't give you 50 lakhs loan"

I questioned him "why?? It is for my daughter education"

"Yes mam.. But your salary is below the requirement of the policy. I can only give up to 30 lakhs" the manager exclaimed.

I sighed, I picked up the documents and was about to leave but stopped.

No other bank will give me a loan, this manager knows me and Manvi and understands our relationship. I turned and said, "please proceed.."

The manager smiled, I kept a copy of the documents and went out of the bank signing the papers. I had a sigh of relief that at least 30 lakhs have been arranged but what about the other 20 lakhs how will I arrange that?

My salary is not enough to arrange for two loans and no one would lend me such big amount because of my identity of being a transgender.

I received a call from home, I picked up "yes Maa.."

"Come home quickly, Manvi had locked herself into the room," she said in a concerned tone.

I hurriedly took an auto and headed towards the home. I reached home within 30 minutes, I entered the hall and saw most of the ladies gathered around the room.

I was shocked to hear the breaking sound, Sneha said "mannu are you alright beta?? Please don't hurt yourself"

I moved and knocked on the door "mannu...."

I heard a loud glass breaking sound. I panicked and asked, "what happened?"

"I don't know," Gurumaa replied.

I said in a soft tone "mannu please open the door.."

Finally, I heard a click sound. The door opened and I was left shocked to see the scenario in front of me. I hit my head on my forehead and took a deep sigh.. 

To be continued....