Confected Castles : Of Cards and Dreams

𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓷

Few years back

The gentle rain poured from the sky, sprinkling the uneven coolness in the surrounding. The moon hid behind the blanket of sky, watching the shower falling gently from the balcony of clouds. The windows were kept open as the moony white curtains swayed gently with the breeze and so did the flames of the night lamp flickered under her dark room. She lied on the bed, her back rested on the soft mattress as her locks swept the tile floor. The ceiling looked more attractive that day, her fingers busy intertwining in between her lock. A smile that never left her side widened as two hazel orbs pierced her soul, engulfing her into affectionate warmth. The scented candles floated on the brass pot filled with lotuses, as her heart bloomed with numerous buds of-of something she can't name.

Of affection? Maybe. Her mind answered.
Of hope? Maybe.
Of glee? Maybe.
Of love?

Knock knock!

The sudden thud on the door of the room interrupted her before her mind could answer her question. She startled at the sudden interruption, wondering what was about to bother her at this odd hour. She got back up, settling herself before she could clear her mind and throat to voice her.

"Come in!" She commanded authoritatively. Her confident self was lost as soon as she saw her mother entering her room, paling her soul to yellow. She bit her lips, clearing her throat, as if mustering all the confidence she could.

"Maa! Why are you here at this odd hour? Did someone bother you?"
She cringed at her own question, as the fact that she was completely helpless even if someone would bother her mother. The most she could do is sympathize with her. But voicing herself against the unjust, definitely not her cup of tea. She inhaled few puffs of air before finally meeting her mother's gaze.

"Don't you think you have started growing wings?" The other lady asked; her voice cold as ever.

"I-umm-sorry?"

"Do I need to remind you that you are the-"

"I know Maa!" The girl screamed, interrupting her mother in between. Her palm curled into fists, piercing its soft skin. She inhaled some more air, calming down her nerves.

"I know Maa that I am the only daughter of a zamindar and my family's reputation is in my hands. But can you just trust me a bit?"

"That's not what I mean."

"Your words speak otherwise Maa."
She gritted her teeth at the lady in front of her. Long gone was the coolness in air, as the fuming heat from her mother burned her surrounding air. Long gone was the fragrance from the candles, replaced by the woody essence from her mother's saree. Long gone were the hazel eyes as now, only the dark orbs in front of her angrily stared at her. Long gone was her own self, as now, only her mother existed for her.

"You look happy these days!"