Author's POV :
"Praneeksha," her mother called out, snapping her out of her trance. She looked up to see her parents waiting by the car, both wearing matching expressions of hopeful anxiety. She had been so lost in thought that she hadn't even noticed they had arrived home. The sun had set, leaving behind a trail of fiery oranges and pinks that painted the sky. The cool evening air brushed against her cheeks as she stepped out of the principal's office, feeling both elated and overwhelmed by the weight of the conversation.
Mrs. Sulochana Bhat took her daughter's hand as they walked up to their house, her eyes searching Praneeksha's for any hint of what transpired in the meeting. Mr. Keshav Bhat trailed behind, his own curiosity etched in the lines of his furrowed brow. The house was a simple, two-story building, with a garden out front that was currently a riot of color with blooming flowers. As they entered the foyer, the scent of freshly made ginger tea wafted through the air, mingling with the faint smell of jasmine from the garland that hung by the door.
Once they were all seated in the cozy living room, Mrs. Bhat placed the steaming cups of tea before them and gently prodded, "So, what did the principal want to discuss?" Her voice was a soft melody, a stark contrast to the turbulent thoughts racing through Praneeksha's mind.
Her father, Mr. Keshav Bhat, leaned forward in his chair, his eyes alight with anticipation. "They've selected you for a national level competition in Jaipur, haven't they?" He had always been the one to cut straight to the chase, a trait Praneeksha had inherited from him.
Praneeksha took a deep breath before responding. "Yes, they have," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She paused, trying to gather her thoughts. "For a whole month."
Her mother's eyes lit up. "Oh, what an amazing opportunity!" she exclaimed, setting her cup down with a clink. "You must be thrilled, Praneeksha. Your hard work has paid off."
Praneeksha felt the warmth of the tea in her hands but took a moment before sipping. "It's a big decision, Amma," she said, using the affectionate term for 'mother'. "I've never been away from home for so long.
Mrs. Bhat nodded, understanding the gravity of what her daughter was saying. She placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You're right, it's a big step. But think of the experience you'll gain, the friends you'll make, and the chance to showcase your talents on a national stage."
Mr. Bhat added his two cents, "Jaipur is a beautiful city, full of culture and history. It'll be an adventure, and we'll all be here supporting you every step of the way."
But Praneeksha's aunt, Lakshmi, who lived with them in their joint family setup, had a different take on the situation. She was sitting in the corner of the room, her eyes narrowed as she listened to the conversation. "Why all this fuss over a competition?" she scoffed, her voice cutting through the warm atmosphere like a knife. "You're already juggling so much. Why add more to your plate?"
Lakshmi was known for her skeptical nature, and she didn't hold back when it came to sharing her opinions. She had moved in with the Bhats after her husband's passing, bringing her two children with her. Despite the years, she had never quite adapted to the family's more open-minded ways, often clashing with their progressive views.
"Chikkamma," Praneeksha began, trying to keep her voice even, "This is an incredible opportunity for me. It's a chance to grow, to learn, and to make a name for myself outside of our little town."
Lakshmi snorted. "And what's wrong with our town? It's not as if you're going to become some big shot in the city. Remember your roots, girl," she said, her Kannada-accented voice dripping with condescension.
The room fell silent as the tension thickened. Praneeksha felt the heat rise to her cheeks, a mix of anger and embarrassment. Her father, Mr. Keshav Bhat, broke the silence with a firm tone. "Lakshmi, that's enough. Praneeksha's future is for us to support, not to belittle."
