#56 Thing I wanted to say but never did

Vishakha was furious. "What's wrong with you, Vivaan? I'm baffled by your feedback today." Her 9-year-old son had received poor grades and disciplinary notices from school. At home, he was obedient, but his rebellious behavior at school unsettled her.

That night, as she checked on him, she found Vivaan asleep unusually early. While tucking him in, she discovered a diary under his pillow. Curiosity got the better of her.

As she read, her heart clenched. "Riya is my best friend. But today, I was angry when she told me about her holiday with her parents. I broke her pencil box. She cried, and I felt bad too. But I didn't apologize."

The next entry pierced Vishakha's heart. "Today I wanted to play with Papa, but he wasn't there. Vicky plays with his dad. I hate him."

Another entry revealed more of Vivaan's struggles. "Rahul's mom picks him up and cooks his favorite food. I spilled water on him so he wouldn't enjoy his meal."

Tears streamed down Vishakha's face. She had been blind to her son's silent struggles. Tonight, she saw him – not as a misbehaving child, but as a lonely boy craving love and attention.