‘Yes? Can I help you?’ She asked.

Nothing came out of my mouth; I stood silently, my eyes fixed on hers, my heart beat faster than ever.

‘Auntie, can I have some water?’ I said a moment later.

She looked me up and down, frowned for a bit, then smiled – ‘Come in.’

Once inside, I looked around the living room which had two wooden chairs, a small table in the center and a long floor lamp; it was a tiny house having one small room, visible through the sheer curtain on the opposite end, a stove in one corner and a small wall cabinet above it. I saw her pouring water into a steel glass from an earthen pot.

I finished the water in one gulp.

‘Why are you standing?’ She motioned me to sit down.

I sat down, hesitated, fumbled for words, then said, ‘Do you stay here alone, Auntie?’

She nodded.

‘Where’s your family?’

Continue reading: I came back for you( 3 min read)