Manvi's POV

Will my whole life be like this? Full of tantrums, people hating me because of my mother been transgender? They now question my identity too. I just can't handle all this. Why am I getting punished?

I walked towards the corridor and saw a poster on the notice board "Annual Day contestants wanted". I moved to the theatre to get my name for it.

"You.. wanna act with us? How can you think of that?" the leader raged.

"Why can't I?" I questioned her.

"Because nobody wants to work with "kinnar ki beti" (daughter of a trangender)" others replied, while surrounded people laughed.

"No wait.. Actually, people like you dance on occasions right.. Do one thing there is a birthday party at my house come and dance" the guy misbehaved.

Tears brimmed down my eyes and I left the auditorium. I came out of the college and reached the park nearby. I sat down on the bench and more tears spread all over my face.

Someone came and sat beside me, he forwarded his handkerchief, I looked up at him and he signalled me to wipe my tears. I held it and cleaned my eyes.

"Till when will you hear all this? Don't make your life miserable" he said.

I questioned him "then what should I do? I can't fight with everyone"

"But, you can free yourself from these tantrums" he exclaimed.

"That can never happen.." I answered him and walked away from there. I stopped for a moment and turned behind.

He handed me my bag which I forgot inside the auditorium. I smiled at him, at least someone genuinely cares for me.

"You.." I don't even know his name.

"Arijit.. Do you want to go for some coffee?" he asked.

I was in a bad mood and would end up shouting at people at home. I agreed and went along with him to a nearby cafeteria. I really wanted to be part of the annual day functions but the team leader won't let me.

Arijit said "I am sorry about what happened there"

I smiled and replied "that's fine.. I am used to this since childhood"

"But, you don't want to bear it your whole life right?" He questioned.

"I don't have a choice!" I exclaimed, he said something to which I was left totally surprised. My phone was ringing, I disconnected the call.

We drank coffee and just began to walk on the road, he cracked some jokes to which I laughed. I glanced at the time it was 7pm, I said "Thanks for your time Arijit, I really appreciate it"

He smiled, I sat inside the auto he insisted to drop me but I denied it. I waved him bye and the auto moved. I reached the street in 20 minutes, paid the auto driver and walked inside the colony.

The house door was open, I entered inside and found everyone gathered into the hall. They all stared at me, Ahana approached near and asked "Where the hell were you? Why is your phone switched off? Your college ends at 4 right?"

I just ignored her and was about to leave to my room but she held my wrist and said "Mannu.. I am asking something!"

"And I don't find it necessary to answer your questions" I gave her a firm reply.

She looked at me in a state of shock at my rude behaviour but I just couldn't help it. I had started feeling suffocated in this place.

"What kind of behaviour is this Manvi? We all were so much concerned for you! How can you be so irresponsible?" Sneha questioned.

"You have no right to scold me!" I replied and went to the room, I just slammed the door and threw my bag on the chair.

I remembered his words and smiled.. "He was right.. Everyone will just scold me"

Ahana's POV

It was 5 pm and she was not yet back home. I called her but she disconnected my call. After some time, her phone switched off. I was getting worried, I sent Sneha and a few others to look for her but they returned empty handed.

Around 7 pm, she came back and I asked her where she was but she didn't bother to answer me. Her behaviour is turning rude, arrogant day by day towards me and others in the house.

She slammed the door on my face leaving me totally stunned.

I remembered during school days..

She was busy with her assignment and hadn't returned from school. She returned after three hours and I scolded her "What behaviour is this mannu? Why are you not answering my calls? Is this the time to return?"

She kept her hand on my shoulder and said "mumma relax.. I was busy with a school project.. Where will I go without informing you?"

"But you didn't inform me about this," I said in an angry tone.

"Sorry Mumma I really forgot about it and needed to submit today," she said holding her ears and making an innocent face.

I sighed and lightly slapped her head "don't do this again! I was so much worried"

She hugged me from behind and said "I won't Mumma.. You know I can't hide anything from you"

I smeared her head..

I came out trance of my thoughts with my eyes turning moist. I was feeling like a stranger in front of her for the past few days. I opened the door and found her lying on the bed.

She was busy on her phone, I moved to her and said "mannu"

She eyed me for a second but again got engaged on her phone. I asked in a calm tone "mannu.. Will you tell me where you were?"

"I don't find it important to tell you everything" she replied in an adamant tone.

I was just astonished at her reply. I questioned "why? I am your mother and I have the right to know"

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath "please.. I am really tired.. Leave me alone for some time" she said low but with a touch of anger was visible in her voice.

"Really mannu? You spend so much time at college and when you return home you don't even sit with me for a few minutes.. This really hurts me" I said emotionally.

She stood up and moved to the bathroom without answering me. I took a deep breath and ran out of the room. I sat down on the stairs with tears in my eyes.

Nisha approached me and said "I told you Ahana.. One day this girl will make you cry!"

I glanced at her and said "don't interfere it's a mother-daughter issue we will sort it out"

"Let's see Ahana.. But this time I won't be quiet because you have put our life at risk for her!" She reminded me and I was worried.

I must know the reason for her changed behaviour, she can't leave me and go. I moved to the room and found her sleeping. I lay down beside her, pulling her into my embrace and asked "how will I live without you mannu? Please don't prove them right"

I just prayed nothing would break us apart. 

To be continued..