We Choose Hum

1. Whispers of Yesterday

(Inside a spacious mansion, one can observe a set of stunning eyes gazing up at the stars. They appear to be seeking numerous answers, yet unable to grasp any in return. Her plump lips twitched, seemingly poised to convey a multitude of empowering emotions that surged within her mind. Yet, it was as if every word in existence fell short in capturing the depth of what she felt. She felt small under the twinkling sky, wondering why challenges always found her. Fully aware that the stars wouldn't engage in conversation or lend an ear to her woes, she let out a heavy sigh. With that, she shifted her gaze from the sky and closed her eyes.)

Nandini's POV

Why does life always have to be so complicated for me? I mean, why can't things just be normal? Why can't everything go smoothly? Why does each day feel like a new challenge for me? I had a feeling that something would inevitably occur after days of everything going well and me getting used to it....as I knew life has this tendency to throw difficulties my way. I walked over to my bed and lay down, my gaze fixed on the ceiling above. I didn't know how long I stared at it, but eventually, I closed my eyes as the memories of today's incident replayed in my mind.

Things were going alright... well, maybe just okay... until I returned home from my college today.

Upon entering, my attention was drawn to my mother arranging dishes on the dining table. The dining area was easily visible from the entrance, given that it was positioned right beside our living room. As soon as I walked in, she greeted me with a heartfelt smile. I could tell something was on her mind, especially when she mentioned that she had prepared lunch for me herself, and that too, my favorite. It's not something you see every day. There was definitely something amiss.

I approached her and gently placed my palm on her forehead. But no, her temperature felt normal.
So, what else could it be?

Nandini- Maa.....temperature is normal.

My mother looked at me, clearly puzzled. Eventually, she caught onto what I was alluding to. She playfully smacked my left hand and gave me a playful glare, complete with a pout. Honestly, you wouldn't believe it, but she's my mother in terms of relationship and age only. Otherwise, she's essentially a cute 5-year-old who's in dire need of care everytime. Sometimes, it feels like I'm her mother, not the other way around.

Alright, circling back to that moment... I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her antics, and then I pulled her into a warm hug. Because, regardless of everything, I adore my sweet little girl... I mean, my dear Maa, very much. It had been a month since we'd last met, as she was away for her NGO work. She embraced me just as tightly and started shedding tears in my arms.