The Downsides Of Popularity ✓

Chapter 01

WISH & STARS.

  THE PLEASURE OF waking up to the sound of birds chirping by your window and the sunlight bathing your room in the warmth and the smell of a new day is something that most people chose to ignore. Mornings are such a great way to reflect on all the things you can be grateful for and start your day with fresh optimism and good energy.

I push the blankets away from me and swing my legs over the edge of the bed. As I stand up and stretch my arms, I can feel the tingling sensation of the mild autumnal cold on my bare feet. I snuggle my toes into my warm rabbit slippers and look at the clear blue sky.

'Beauti-'

'O go! Ektu shono! Tomar bari te esheche aajke?!' (O dear! Please listen! Has she come to your house today?!)

That, was the auntie who lives two stories below us. I prefer to call her: Mrs Loudspeaker. Every morning of mine has been ruined by her obnoxiously loud voice echoing through our entire colony. Especially since this year began. From the morning till the evening, one could clearly hear her conversations with the aunty who lives in the house right next to our apartment: Mrs Loudspeaker No. 2.

If you are curious as to what they talk about, don't expect much because they usually talk about the maid coming over or not, the weather, any marriage ceremonies they have been invited to, etc. The real gossip about people is all "hush-hush" and their vocal volumes reach down to mere whispers when a topic like that comes up.

'Shweta, up already! That's great, good morning darling!', my father exclaims as he enters my room and gives me my usual morning hug. I hug him back and wish him the same. Dad hugs are the best, period.

'You have to give the form for the school picnic today so don't forget it and come quickly for breakfast', he says and kisses the top of my head. I smile at him as he leaves the room and heads for the living room. I walk into the bathroom and freshen up for breakfast.

My name is Shweta, Shweta Roy and I'm the only daughter of the favourite dentists of our city. Maybe having a sibling would have been better 'cause it would feel less lonely when mom and dad are not at home but the pleasant quietness of the environment helps boost my creativity while I write my poems or short stories.

'Here's your uniform neatly pressed', mom says as she hands me my uniform when I step out of the bathroom after my bath. I quickly put on my school shirt and pants. It's already 10.45 am when I finish brushing my hair, putting on my blazer and packing my bag. I make sure I didn't forget to put the picnic form and money in my bag before telling Mom and Dad I'm leaving and they wish me good luck for the day. Closing the door behind me I quickly rush down the stairs and walk out of the apartment.

I usually walk to school 'cause it's just a 10-15 minute walk from my house or take a rickshaw in case I'm running late. The bustling of the city starts as soon as I reach the main road. I walk down the uneven footpath which has been narrowed in width by the shops set up on the footpath. Yep, this is India where most of the footpaths are covered by shops or houses.