The Heartfelt Journey of Nibha: A Tale of Love and Betrayal

Nibha's Close Bond with Her Grandfather

Nibha would rush home from school, heading straight to her grandfather's room. He adored her deeply, more than anything else. As the only child of her parents, she had two uncles, one elder and one younger, with the latter having two sons.

From the outside, their family appeared prosperous and happy.

Nibha's mother was a sociable woman, well-known in the community for her kindness. The family was always there for others in times of joy and sorrow. Her grandfather had been a high-ranking government official and, after retirement, built a two-story house in the same city. Nibha's family lived with her father.

One day, upon returning from school, Nibha went to her grandfather's room, only to find it empty. Confused, she asked her mother where he had gone. Her mother informed her that he had gone to visit her uncle. Nibha felt disappointed that she hadn’t been informed.

Her mother explained that she had mentioned it that morning, but Nibha had likely forgotten in her rush to school. As her mother went to the kitchen, she called out for Nibha to change and join her for dinner.

As time passed, Nibha began to forget her grandfather amidst her school friends, yet a lingering sadness remained within her about his sudden departure without a word. Gradually, memories faded as time moved on.

Now, at eighteen, Nibha still remembers her grandfather on her birthday and tries to call him at her uncle's place, but she always receives the same response: 'He has gone for a walk; I will let you know when he returns.' It has been eight years since she last spoke to him, yet he continued to write her letters every birthday, which her mother would bring to her.

Nibha cherished those letters, holding them close and crying as she remembered him. Her eighteenth birthday was celebrated with great joy. For her mother, Nibha was everything, and she loved her in a way that made it hard for her to accept anyone else’s claim over her.

However, Nibha had to move to a hostel for further studies. Her mother’s health began to decline in her absence, and she was engulfed in a strange turmoil. One day, while shopping with her husband, she saw a girl who looked just like Nibha. In a moment of impulse, she jumped out of the moving car, only to be struck by a truck, leading to her untimely death.

Upon hearing the news of her mother’s passing, Nibha rushed home from the hostel, crying on her father’s shoulder. On the second day of mourning, she went with her cousins to distribute food and blankets at an old age home in memory of her mother. To her surprise, she spotted her grandfather there. Shocked, she rushed towards him and asked, 'Grandfather, what are you doing here? I thought you were with Uncle.'

Her cousins quickly interjected, saying, 'No, sister, Grandfather moved to the village, as Dad told us.' Nibha was confused as to why her parents had lied to her about her grandfather's whereabouts during her childhood. Her grandfather, seeing the children, began to cry, reminiscing about his days as a government officer, tears streaming down his face as he realized he had lost hope of seeing his grandchildren.

When Nibha returned home, she confronted her father and uncle, asking why her grandfather was absent during such a significant family event. 'Dad told me he moved in with you. Why didn’t you bring him back?' The two brothers exchanged glances, unsure of how to respond. Before they could speak, Nibha continued, 'I saw Grandfather at the old age home where we distributed food for Mom’s memorial. Who will tell me the truth?'

Her father finally spoke, explaining, 'Your grandfather had some issues; his behavior was inappropriate, which is why he was placed there. Your mother never liked him. We covered his expenses but couldn’t keep him with us. You can ask the neighbors; I’m telling the truth.' Nibha was stunned, unable to comprehend how her father could speak about his own father in such a manner.

She retorted, 'If Grandfather was like that, you should have left him alone. This house belongs to him, and he has the right to live here, not you.'

Nibha accused her father and uncle of conspiring to seize all the property, including the house, by coercing her grandfather into signing documents. 'You have tarnished his reputation on purpose. I can’t believe I’m your daughter. I never imagined you would stoop so low for property. I’m leaving; this house is yours.'

With a firm resolve, Nibha decided to head towards the old age home.