Beyond the Beats

Chapter 42. How convenient

I woke up alongside Mom. While she took a bath, I packed Srishti's bag according to the time table and ironed her school uniform. I was polishing her shoes when Mom was done with her bath and had begun her daily ritual of lighting the lamp in our small temple. Even though she acted like she was very busy, I noticed how her eyes kept flickering at me.

I didn't say anything and kept working silently. Both of us entered the kitchen, and I took the dough bowl from her.

"What are you doing, Bhoomi? Get out of the kitchen, and let me work. I don't have just one responsibility," Mom said.

I refused. "That's why I am here, no? For how long will my poor old sweet mother bear the weight of our family all by herself?"

She scrunched her nose. "What are you up to?"

I plastered a very innocent look. "What do you mean? I am kneading the dough."

She darted her brown eyes on my face, and after scrutinizing me for some time, she told me to just knead the dough and leave.

I didn't obey at all. I was stuck to her like glue and kept gossiping about random stuff. Cooking got over within half an hour, so Mom instantly went to wake up Srishti to get her ready for school.

Srishti woke up groggily, and Mom was going to scold her for falling back to sleep when I stopped her.

"I will take care of her. You don't have anything to do for now, so drink your tea and rest," I told Mom.

"Are you really that free?" Mom asked curiously.

"For you, anytime." I winked.

Mom narrowed her eyes as I whistled and picked up my niece. I lightly woke her up and took her to the bathroom for her daily routine. I felt Mom's stare burning holes in my head.

While I got Srishti ready, Mom was writing down the expenses in her diary. I kept stealing glances at what she was doing and how many such diaries she had.

"Okay, you are all set," I said and patted Srishti's back. "Go and get your school bag. Your Nani (Grandma) will drop you off to school."

"Not auto?" Srishti asked.

"Nope."

Mom again looked at me suspiciously. "You believe me now?" she asked.

"Of course, I do," I said in a very sweet voice. "I am sorry for doubting you, Maa. And who is that Rahul anyways? Isn't he just a kid who hardly understands anything?"

"That's what I was telling you yesterday, no?" Mom accused. "But you kept insisting that Rahul was right while your mother was wrong."

I hugged her. "Sorry, sorry, sorry. I was just a bit sad about losing my savings, that's all."

"Don't worry. I took it only because I needed it urgently. I will return it to you once I get paid."

I broke the hug and cupped her cheeks. "Did I ask you to? Chill, and take a leave. You have already done three shifts back to back, and if you continue like this, who will take care of us? You know how much I suffered yesterday because you were not here? I know we need money, but how will you earn if you won't take a break in-between?"

Mom shook her head. "No, beta, I can't afford to slack."

I looked at her seriously. "Are you planning on leaving us so early? Are you really so tired of your family that you want to reach heaven instantly?"

Mom pinched my cheek. "Stop being so dramatic. I will take a leave but only for today."

"Good girl."

She pulled my ear and laughed as Srishti took the chance and began pulling my other ear. Mom took her granddaughter and told me she would return soon. My sister had also woken up, so I went to her and told her to help me with my plan.