_RiAnshCommunity_

Making sure nobody saw the envelope in her hand, she safely inserted it in the red big letterbox and ran back before anyone could see.

Opening the small iron gate she entered inside and all her family members watched her her close the gate again and sit with them around the bonfire.

"Where did you go at this time?" The only person sitting on the chair asked.

"Nothing Dadaji, just a little walk." She replied feeling the warmth on her hands.

"But be careful and tell us next time. Ok?" He asked and Riddhima nodded in yes.

"Tomorrow we will be celebrating the 5th year of our independence! I am very excited." A young man which looked same as her age came and sat next to her.

"15 August, 1947...it was a memorable day." The old man remembered with a smile.

"The line was finally connected to Papaji, but only Ma could talk to her. Oh yes, Riddhima, she was calling you inside." He said and she left the place running inside.

Riddhima knocked the door twice and slowly opened the door, her mother was sitting on the rocking chair looking out of the window.

"You called me Ma?" Riddhima said putting her hand on her shoulder.

Hearing a sniffles she was amused to see her mother crying, Riddhima sat on the floor infront of her and held her hands, her warmth passing into hers.

"Ma? What happened! Tell me I will sort it out." Riddhima said wih glassy eyes as she rubbed her mother's back.

"Your father has left us. He said he is never come back to India, he has started one more family with some white girl." Her mother said and Riddhima gasped, how could he?

"Ma.. did he cut the call or the line went off?" Riddhima asked.

"The line was disconnected." She said wiping her tears.

"He must be pranking us then, I know Papaji is not like that." Riddhima said with a small smile, but enough to make her mother agree on it.

"I think you are right. Shishir loves you both very much, I will wait for his call now. Don't tell anyone about it. I am going downstairs." She said running away from the room.

How innocent her mother is, married at a small age to her father who never gave her any mind, being only 17 she gave birth to two beautiful kids, and was left alone as he went away to England.

Moving into her room, Riddhima turned all the lights off leaving her table lamp and sat on it taking out a piece of paper and a pen.

14th August, 1952

How lucky I am, to be born in an open minded family. To get all the rights every second girl is fighting for. I am thankful to my family, but not to my father.

The last time I saw him, was when I was 13. And I am 21 now. Couldn't he get time to come here once in the couple of years? He could have. But he didn't. And what he said to Ma today can for sure be the truth. I know that.

Then why did he swore on every star?

Went to put my letters today, hope it reaches before the camp starts.

Tomorrow is Independance Day, the 5th year of our freedom! The more I think, the more I feel lucky to view something from my eyes that is a big part of Indian history, to meet Mahatma Gandhi once in my life! Sadly, he is happy in heaven.

"Riddhima! It's late night you should sleep now dear..do your work tomorrow morning." Her mother said marching here and there doing some work.

"Yes Ma." She replied closing the door of her room, and went back to her table. Taking out another copy from her bag, she wrote.

I would like to live
And I promise not to rely
I would like to have my aim
And let the dreams die
The toughest phase hasn't came yet
And I don't want to regret

When I would be sitting on a rocking chair
Having no stories of myself to share.
-|Riddhima|

Closing everything she went to her bed and pulled the duvet till her head. How excited she was to get a confirmation letter, and too become successful.

The next morning, 10 a.m.

"Please stand up for the national anthem."

The announcement happened and everyone stood up, it felt a wave of pride to sing the National Anthem which was loved by all 2 years ago, when adopted in 1950.

The drum gave three beats and so many instruments presented the national anthem while everyone sang with dignity.

"Bharat Mata Ki!"

"JAI!!"

"Bharat Mata Ki!"

"JAI!!"

"Thankyou everyone for giving these precious moments to us. Please do take a packet of snack before leaving. Have a good day all." The host announced and the musical appearance of Vande Mataram took place.

Everyone was going in a line one by one as the food packets were given to all, but Riddhima was so lost to stand in the line, she was sitting on her place, adoring the flag which was waving with the soft breeze.

Her eyes were glassy with some unsaid emotions, the flag was the only thing which she saw but a drop of water fell on her cheeks bringing her back to earth.

Riddhima looked above and saw black clouds gathering around, it was going to rain heavily; everyone guessed so. Riddhima stood up to get back to her house before it rains, but it started to drizzle heavily and she had to take place in a bus stand where no bus arrived.

It was a national holiday, and she had insisted to come here all alone. Riddhima sat on the bench near waiting for the rain to stop. She peeped out to look if someone could help her, but there was no one.

"If you don't mind we can share this Umbrella."