𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐎𝐑 𝐎𝐅 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓

𝟐. 𝐌𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐫

The moment I stepped into the living room, Maa and Didi were already there, both turning and widening their eyes at the sight of me dressed so early in the morning. I walked into the kitchen, made myself a cup of coffee, and grabbed a piece of toast from the toaster.

"Good morning to you too," Maa said once I sat across from her on the couch. "Subah subah kahan ja rahi hai?" she asked.

Taking a bite from the toast and following it with a sip of coffee, I said, "I received an email last night. I've been called in for the final interview."

Shristi Di leaped off the couch in excitement, nearly knocking over the vase on the side table. "I knew it! I just knew you'd get this far! You're going to get this job, I can feel it!"

Maa, who had been watching quietly, broke into a wide smile as well. She walked over and hugged me tightly, her hands rough from years of working multiple jobs, but her embrace was still as warm and comforting as ever. "I'm so proud of you, beta. You've worked so hard for this," she said, kissing me on my forehead.

But instead of basking in their enthusiasm, I felt the familiar weight of uncertainty settles on my shoulders. "I appreciate it, I really do. But... let's not get ahead of ourselves just yet. I'd rather be happy when I actually get the job, not just the interview."
Maa gave me a knowing look, her eyes soft. "You've always been like this. Never wanting to get your hopes up, hmm?"

"Maybe," I admitted, shrugging. "But that's just how I am. I've seen too many things go wrong when I get too excited too soon."

I didn't say the rest—I didn't need to. We all remembered—the years when Papa still lived with us. Back then, we'd all get excited about small things—a day at the park, a new school year, a family dinner, a birthday party—and every time, something would happen to turn that excitement into dread. His temper, his drinking, the bruises that marked more than just our skin.

I was too young to notice them, until it was too late, and had grown up.

Maa had to shoulder it all when he left. She had worked herself to the bone for Didi and me, doing whatever it took to keep us going. That's why, no matter how close I got to something good, I kept my guard up. It was a habit now. Cautious, but determined. I couldn't afford to be anything else.

Di waved her hand, dismissing the concern with a grin. "You'll get it. And when you do, we're celebrating properly."

I reluctantly nod at her and swirling my fingers around the brim of the coffee mug, I contemplate about the day ahead.

Later that day, I found myself sitting in the pristine office of the company I had been dreaming of working for ever since I could remember. The polished glass walls, the modern, sleek designs—it was all overwhelming. But it wasn't the luxury of the space that drew me to this place. It was something deeper.