Not Likely

You Got A lot of Nerve, Young Lady

"And then what happened?"

"What do you mean; what happened? They said anything and everything under the sun."

"And what did you say?"

"I called them both crazy and came to my room. That's it."

"You sure that was a good thing to do?"

"Of course not; they are going to be super pissed for days but I am tired, man. Nothing even happened and they were both acting like I had done something horrendous." I said angrily, pacing back and forth in my room, trying to dispel my abundant rage.

Standing true to my prediction, my parents and I got into a huge row when I entered the house. Ma went berserk with her accusations and Dad just joined in with gusto. Normally, I'd have burst into tears over this but years of learning to tackle their influence on my mental health had given me the ability to control the tears and unleash my anger on other things.

Was it healthy? No.

But did I cry less? Yes.

An hour after the big-time fight, I had called up Krish in a grand fit of rage and was ranting hard. One of his many good qualities was that he's a good listener and only asks questions when I give room for one. He has a fair idea about my dynamic with my parents and allows me to blow off steam.

"Man, you're like 25, why are they still treating you like you're at school?"

"Exactly. I came here because Ma practically threatened me to come back. And when I did they are making it look like I chose to be back here, under their wing. I didn't! it's just such blatant manipulation and I am so tired of it." My pacing increased in speed as the bedroom couldn't take in the intensity of my rage.

"You want to go out for a walk?" he asked abruptly. Krish lived in the neighboring street, which used to drive my parents nuts when we were in school.

"Now? They are still in the hall, talking about me. I am not going to go there."

"Stop being dramatic. Say you want to go for a walk and come outside. I am waiting."

I glowered at my closed door. "No."

"Come. Don't annoy. Let's go."

With a huff, I grabbed my purse and opened the door again, to find my parents in the middle of an animated conversation that stopped as soon as they saw me. Giving them a dirty look, I made my way to the door.

"Where are you going?" Ma demanded.

"Out", I responded curtly.

"Out where?" she persisted.

"For a walk, Ma. I need some air." I said, ignoring Dad as I picked up my shoes.

"Alone?"

I turned to her, exasperated. "No, with Krish. Satisfied?"

"I don't understand why you're getting angry with us-"

"Okay you know what, I don't want to do this right now-"

"Listen!"

"Ma, whatever it is, let it please wait!"

"Bring your friend for dinner tomorrow."

"Fine, I will ask Krish- he will come if you make biriyani for sure-"

She tutted. "I am not talking about Krish. I am talking about your new friend."

I stared at her, befuddled. "I don't have new friends."

Now she was the one who looked exasperated. "Your friend Dhruv."