Heal Me

17.Echoes of Silence

Kise puchu hai aisa kyu

 Bejubaan saa ye jahaan hai

 Khushi ke pal kahaan dhundoo
 

Benishaan sa waqt bhi
yahaan hai......
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Esha's POV
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I woke up to the relentless beeping of my alarm, reluctantly dragging myself out of bed. The early morning air was cold, and the chill seemed to seep through the walls of our small, worn-out house. I shuffled to the bathroom, quickly splashing water on my face and brushing my teeth. The remnants of the fight from two days ago still hung heavily in the air, and the tension made it hard to breathe freely.

In the kitchen, I prepared breakfast as quietly as possible. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words and strained silence. I started with a breakfast: aloo paratha with curd and pickle. The process was familiar, almost soothing despite the tension. I peeled and boiled the potatoes, mixing them with spices for the filling. As the potatoes cooled, I prepared the dough, rolling it out and stuffing it with the spiced mixture.

The sizzling of the parathas on the pan was a small comfort. I tried to concentrate on the task, blocking out the harsh memories and the lingering resentment that filled our home. The aroma of the breakfast might have been inviting, but in our household, it was just a routine.

“Maa, Papa, breakfast is ready,” I called out tentatively, placing the dishes on the table. I didn’t expect much response, and true to form, there was none. My mother, still clearly upset from the last argument, barely glanced at me. My father, seated at the table, barely acknowledged my presence.

“Arrey, tumhe thoda aur dhyaan dena chahiye,” Maa muttered under her breath, though her tone was sharp and unwelcoming. “Aaj bhi, breakfast kaise bana hai?”

I tried to ignore the sting in her words as I served the breakfast. “Aloo paratha hai. Kya chahiye?”

My father looked up briefly. “Haan, theek hai. Jaldi khana khatam karo. Bahar nikalna hai,” he said gruffly, his irritation evident.

I ate in silence, dreading the end of the meal when I would have to leave for college. The silence at the table was suffocating, each of us lost in our own thoughts, avoiding eye contact.

After breakfast, I hurriedly cleared the table and went to my room to get ready. I chose a peach kurti paired with skinny jeans and simple ballet flats, a look that was comfortable yet presentable for college. I left my hair loose in soft waves and applied minimal makeup. The outfit was meant to be practical, not drawing attention but still looking neat.

As I stepped out, the usual routine of avoiding my parents' gaze and hoping for a peaceful day began. At the college gates, Sara was waiting for me. As soon as she saw me, she pulled me into a warm hug.

“Good morning, Esha! Aaj kaise ho?” Sara asked cheerfully.

I hugged her back, grateful for her warmth. “Good morning, Sara! Thoda thak gayi hoon. Kal raat se kuch accha nahi lag raha.”

Sara’s eyes softened with concern. “Kya hua? Lagta hai, tumhara mood kuch theek nahi hai.”

I forced a smile, trying to push the thoughts of home away. “Kuch nahi, bas aise hi. Chalo, class ke liye chalte hain.”

We started walking towards our classroom, and Sara was her usual chatty self.

“Arrey, yaar, tumne Ishaan se baat nahi ki kuch dino se. Kya baat hai?” Sara’s teasing tone was accompanied by a hint of concern.