Short Story: Ruin

Aishwariya Laxmi narrates a poignant tale on mental health and how it can turn our whole life upside down in the blink of an eye.

Rita always knew she was different, but she couldn’t explain how. When she was born, her parents faced a flood, and all their belongings floated out onto the street. It was as if the heavens protested at her birth! Despite this calamity, her parents loved and cherished Rita. Rita’s mom, Charmaine, had undergone several medical treatments to give birth to their daughter. Rita came after long years of waiting, tears, and sacrifice…

Rita had grown up with books in her house ever since she was a toddler. Initially, her mother had read out age-appropriate books to her, and Rita loved the sound of her mother’s voice.