Stuck Together

2

•chaos•

How I wish I could ditch this world, steal billions from corrupt politicians, and leave for the world traveling. Euphoria! Or rather, hit a club and charm/date stupid guys.

But fate isn't on my side, and certainly not the gossipmongers who even scrutinise the air I inhale. Breathing pieces of iron nails, lying in your room unannounced and piercing your serenity and heel, invited. The moment you feel relaxed.

Some people - like my relatives - thrive on poking their nose into others' business.

Today, despite sleeping late, I woke up early, ready to tackle office work. But then, an intruder appeared out of nowhere, shattering my plans. I knew her true intentions.

My parents, ever the gracious Asian hosts, shoved me in front of her, expecting courtesy towards their lovely guests from the past.

'Guests should be worthy of conversation' She isn't. Alas, I can't say this to my traditional parents otherwise they'ld scold me.

Aunt Sandhya asks, Papa's cousin, sipping the tea my mom served, "What are you thinking?" - oblivious to her morning disruption.

Where's the manners? Who barges into someone's house early in the morning?

She's more invested in my life than my own parents, who seem delighted by her interference.

Witch woman.

"Must be thinking about work or something good. By the way, she's a very positive person" Papa chimes.

I force a wide smile.

Positive and me?

Papa, I can turn even Sandeep Maheshwari into a negative person!

"My Shruti is just like her. Mature and Ambitious" her eyes twinkled.

"After her masters, she recently grabbed a job at J.K Enterprises, a great package indeed"

My lips press into a thin line. She came here to compare her daughter with me?

Get out in a hundred languages!

"By the way, how's the work going, Naina?" she asks.

"Good" I smile. She nods.

I continue smiling and she nods again.

Great, let's finish the entire day doing this.

I glance at Mom and Dad staring at me expectantly.

My gaze downcasts, I scratch my forehead nervously.

Wow, I'm a pro now at doing this - making things awkward.

What the fuck I am supposed to say now? Ask about her life when I ain't interested or ask about her kids knowing that she's gonna compare us?

Why do my parents constantly put me in awkward situations with their acquaintances?

"Take some biscuits, Sandhya Ji, you didn't even eat anything." My mother intervenes in palpable silence.

Look at my parents, so jolly and talkative. Why did I turn socially anxious? Aditya would have roasted me for this.

Bas Bakwas kralo mujhse.

(I excel at rubbish talks.)

"Well, did you like him? " Aunt Sandhya asks ducking the biscuit in the tea.