The first morning without Kasturi felt unbearably quiet. Meena stared at the ceiling, hoping the hollow ache in her chest would fade with time. But the silence that had settled over her world was deafening.
Breakfast was a subdued affair. Mrs. Ghosh placed a plate of luchi and aloo tarkari in front of Meena, but the usual sparkle in her daughter’s eyes was missing. “Beta, you’ll be late for school,” she said gently.
Meena just nodded, mechanically taking a bite. Even the flavors felt dull without Kasturi sitting next to her, giggling over her latest antics or teasing Meena for eating too slowly.
She hoped school might give her some respite. But even school was no better. As soon as Meena arrived school, Bhola, Narayani, and Sukuma came rushing to her. “Hey Meena, do not worry, even we are missing Kasturi but we are here to take care of you,” assured bhola innocently. Her gang was here, but nothing felt the same.
It was during lunch break that the absence hit her hardest. She opened her tiffin, expecting to see Kasturi’s curious eyes peeking over her shoulder. Instead, there was only the chatter of other children, their voices a blur.
Her best friend was halfway across the world, and Meena felt adrift.
That evening, as she sat in her room staring at her homework, her eyes fell on the pink teddy bear perched on her bed. Kassy.
She picked it up, holding it close to her chest. The soft fabric smelled faintly of Kasturi’s home—a mix of sandalwood and camphor.
“I miss you,” Meena whispered to the teddy bear, her voice breaking. It felt silly, talking to a toy, but at that moment, it was the only thing that connected her to Kasturi.
The day was unbearably long, but she was glad it came to an end. But how long would it take for the pain to heal, little Meena wondered.
In the meantime, Kassy became her silent companion. Meena carried it everywhere—propped it next to her while she did her homework, hugged it tightly during stormy nights, and even whispered secrets to it, just like she used to with Kasturi.
One evening, while helping her mother prepare dinner, Meena absentmindedly set Kassy on the kitchen counter. Mrs. Ghosh raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
Later, as they sat down to eat, her father finally spoke up. “Meena, you’ve been quiet lately. Is everything okay?”
She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her dupatta. “I just… miss Kasturi,” she admitted softly.
Her mother reached out, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “It’s okay to miss her, beta. But you know what? You’re strong. And strong people find ways to hold onto the good memories while making new ones.”
Meena nodded, though her heart still felt heavy.
As days turned into weeks, Meena found small ways to keep Kasturi close. She wrote letters, though she did not post them. She hummed the songs they used to sing together, sometimes mixing in bits of Odia and Bengali lyrics.
And every night, she hugged Kassy tightly before going to bed, whispering, “Goodnight, Kasturi,” as if her friend could somehow hear her across the oceans.
The void Kasturi left behind was vast, but slowly, Meena began to find her footing again. She smiled a little more often, laughed at her father’s jokes, and even started teaching Kassy how to hum their favorite songs.
Life without Kasturi was far from easy, but in her own way, Meena was learning to navigate it—with Kassy as her guide.
PS: I’m participating in #BlogchatterA2Z
Cerebration 
I hope Meena doesn’t start relying on Kassy too much for emotional comfort. It’s so heartbreaking to see her like this but I’m glad she’s moving on slowly and steadily.
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Yes, sometimes we grapple with emotional turmoil and don’t know how to navigate through it. We cling to anything that offers even the slightest comfort. That’s who Kassy is for Meena. And you are absolutely right. So let’s see how Meena finds her way through it! Thanks for reading.
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Meena is a brave girl. I am sure Kasturi misses her as much, if not more.
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True, Meena is indeed strong..May be the latter part of the story might show that
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Wow, this chapter hit me right in the feels. Meena’s quiet grief and the way she clings to Kassy as a lifeline is so tender and real. I could almost smell the sandalwood and camphor as she hugged that teddy bear. The detail about her friends trying to cheer her up at school was sweet, but you could feel how nothing could quite fill that Kasturi-shaped void. I loved how you captured the slow, aching process of healing—not dramatic, just small, everyday moments like humming old songs or writing unsent letters. The scene where her parents finally talk to her felt so authentic—gentle, not pushy, just quietly supportive. It reminded me of how kids often carry grief in silence, and how important it is to give them space to process. This story is such a beautiful blend of heartbreak and hope. I’m really invested in Meena’s journey now—can’t wait to see how she continues to grow. Thank you for writing something so emotionally rich and relatable.
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I’m truly grateful for how much you’re enjoying the way the story is unfolding. Your keen observations and genuine investment in it inspire me to keep creating with passion and purpose. Thank you so much!
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That truly means a lot—thank you for creating a story that pulls readers in so effortlessly! It’s a joy to follow the twists and turns, and your passion shows in every line. I’m excited to see where the journey leads next. Keep writing, the world needs more of your magic! ✨
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Thank you for such kind words!
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Meena’s monologue with Kassy remembered me of Wilson, the ‘football-face’ from the movie Cast Away. It helps. Definitely it can help Meena to navigate her current turbulance and emerge with endurance.
oh my god, Hugs for you, little Meena.
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Yeah well said! I remember that movie too. Thank you so much for your continued support!
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It’s not easy to move on. Some attachments are so strong, and you have brought this out in such a sensitive manner. Beautifully portrayed.
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Thank you so much for the appreciation!
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Poor Meena.
Is Kasturi also missing her the same way? Wonder what she’s doing.
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Aww, this happens with even adults but I think separation with a good friend affects a child’s mind more. Their hearts are pure and their love for friends is unconditional. I am waiting for Meena move on and focus on life’s beautiful things.
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Every attachments makes us crave that it should stay forever but life somehow plays its games. I feel so sad for Meena . But even Kasturi would have been feeling lonely. Life is so cruel some times.
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