Dear Diary

When you snatch something that wasn’t yours, would you enjoy it, or would you be anxious the whole time in fear that someone else might snatch it from you?

“Dear Diary” by Nikhila Kotni explores this idea through the story of Naina trying to work her marriage while being haunted by her past and insecurities.

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Cover Photo by Pankaj Tottada

Naina looked into his black eyes as he said, “I love you too.”

She couldn’t believe it. She couldn’t believe that he accepted her proposal even after being in a relationship with Jayshree for three years.

Leaning toward her, Nandan was about to kiss her when Naina woke up. Taking a deep breath while feeling the sun’s kiss, she stared at Nandan who was asleep beside her. Sitting up on the bed, Naina wondered, “Why is he arriving late every night?”

It was almost 4 a.m. when Naina fell asleep after waiting for Nandan since 1 a.m. She walked into the kitchen, made some coffee and settled on the couch.

Sipping her warm black coffee, Naina recalled Jayshree shouting, “I trusted you! You slut!” and Naina just stood before him in silence while her friends held Jayshree back.

As she was reliving her past, the alarm in the bedroom beeped, waking Nandan. Forcing himself out of bed, Nandan took his mobile and reached the common room.

Looking at his wife, he asked, “Could you make me some coffee? I have to rush to the office.”

Hesitantly, Naina questioned, “Where were you last night?”

Without a second thought, Nandan replied, “Finding peace elsewhere. If you’re done with your interrogation, can I get some coffee?”

With his response, Naina sat in stunned silence gawking at him. Hating himself for speaking so recklessly, Nandan walked toward her as he said, “I’m sorry! I truly am! Didn’t get enough sleep...”

Naina didn’t believe him even for a moment. After he hugged and kissed her, she made him coffee and lunch. From the moment he left, her day was pretty much usual and boring as always. Just like every day, Naina wrote her fears in her diary in hope that it might help her.

Time passed and the clock pointed to midnight. Naina messaged Nandan but didn’t get a response. At 2 a.m., she called him but his line was busy and at 4 a.m., she couldn’t help but recall Jayshree shouting, “Someday, a prettier slut shall snatch him from you! Just wait and watch!”

There wouldn’t be a day that goes by when Naina doesn’t recall Jayshree’s words. With eyes filled with tears and an empty stomach, Naina shuts her eyes to find peace.

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Credits

This contribution is edited by Sreekar Ayyagari & Tarun Chintam & photographed by Pankaj Tottada.

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Product

This flash fiction is available in paperback & ebook.

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