‘The answer’

“What, what are you saying, mom?” those were the only words that came out of my mouth.

“Yes, that is true, Sid,” she replied.

“When did you find it?” I asked in the same tone.

“I was in the kitchen when I heard the wailing of a lady. I ran outside to see what had happened; the sound was coming from Mrs. Verma’s house. I hurriedly went there and found out that Sneha was dead,” she answered while bringing tears in her eyes.

“But how did it happen?” I still was aghast.

“She committed suicide last night,” she replied. A tremor of dread slid through me as soon as I heard that suicide word. I remained speechless for quite some time. I could not hear anything my mom had said afterward. I found myself adrift in the world of my thoughts.

“Are you listening to me, Sid?” she shook my shoulder and brought me back to the present.

“Where are you lost?” she asked.

“I don’t know. I mean, I can’t believe it,” I answered while trying to recover my composure.