Ammu

An unwelcome touch, a searing look, a seemingly normal word spoken but which is pregnant with hurtful intent — these are some of the ways in which people indulge in sexual abuse. The action may not even be evident to the next person but is ample to scar the person for whom it is intended.

“Ammu” by K. M. Sindhushree talks about such a scar that was caused to an innocent victim.

---

Credits

This contribution is edited by Manognya Bethapudi & Tarun Chintam & illustrated by Shailusha Anugu.

---

Product

This short story is available in paperback & ebook.

Buy Book

---

“I have always wondered why plastic melts when you heat it… Mamma never tells me why, because she is always busy working and fighting with Papa.

And why has Papa not come yet? He said he would buy me that pink choki today, without fail.

He keeps asking me for the name of the choki when I have already told him so many times — the name is pink choki, Papa.

But he still asks for the name.

Why do Mamma and Papa only ask questions but never answer?

Hmm!

“Hey Ammu! what are you doing up this late, that too alone.”

“Hi Topi Uncle, I am waiting for Papa. He said he would buy me pink choki today no matter what. But see, he hasn't come yet.”

“It’s okay Ammu, go inside now. Aren’t you feeling cold?”

“No Topi Uncle”

“You will catch a cold, go inside. When your Papa arrives, he will meet you inside.”

“No! Mamma will tell him I have fallen asleep and Papa will go back home.”

“But your papa is stuck somewhere, he may not be able to make it today.”

“How do you know Topi Uncle?”

“I called him, Ammu just before coming here to meet you.”

Papa always does this. That is why mamma always fights with him.

“Ammu don’t cry now”

“I am not crying.”

“Okay come, I will give you that chocolate.”

“Really?”

“Yes really…”

“But Mamma…”

“I will tell her don’t worry”

Want to read more?

Subscribe to writerspouch.org to keep reading this exclusive post.

Subscribe Now