YOU AND ME

Amina

I crouch down to Priyanka’s level, handing her the stack of trophies we’ve earned together. Her tiny hands hover over them, her face filled with pride and excitement.

“These are all yours, Priyanka,” I say, giving her a warm smile. “You deserve them, my little champion.”

She looks up at me, her small but wise eyes sparkling. “No, Aunt Amina. We won these together. We should share them. I want you to remember me, okay?”

My heart melts, and I kiss her cheek. “You wise little thing, okay. We’ll share them,” I say with a laugh. “Tomorrow I’ll pick you up from school and drop you off, okay?”

She grins, her excitement bubbling over. “And you’ll make me lunch, too? Oh, and breakfast! I want pancakes with smiley faces—maybe even a dragon, if you can!”

I laugh, nodding. “You got it. Pancakes with a dragon face for breakfast, and something special for lunch. But remember, you’re helping me in the kitchen next time.”

After a final hug, I wave goodbye to her, already planning the fun breakfast. Once I’m home, I feel exhaustion washing over me. I head upstairs, peeling off the day’s clothes and stepping into a refreshing shower, letting the water wash away the day’s dust and sweat. I change into a fresh, comfortable dhoti kurta, a simple but beautiful Indian outfit I love, and head downstairs for a soft drink.

When I reach the kitchen, I’m surprised to find my father-in-law there, pouring tea into cups with a quiet, joyful smile on his face. “Father?” I say, walking closer. “What are you doing in the kitchen?”

He turns, his face lighting up. “Oh, my child, I thought I’d make tea for the family. Such a special day calls for something warm and comforting, don’t you think?”

I smile, touched by his thoughtfulness. “That’s really sweet, Father. But you should’ve called me. You shouldn’t be doing this alone when you have a daughter here to help.”

He chuckles, waving off my concern. “No, no. You’ve had a long, hectic day. You should rest, my dear.”

But I step forward, determined to help, and we pour the tea together, him sharing stories as we prepare the tray. Finally, he places a gentle hand on my head, his fingers stroking my hair in a fatherly way. “You know, someday your Auntie will see what a blessing you are. She’ll come to understand that you are the best daughter-in-law any family could ask for. I know she will.”

A surge of warmth fills me, and I nod. “I hope so, Father. I really do.”

We carry the tea together, and as we pass it out to each family member, I catch Dave’s glare. He accepts his cup with a half-hearted nod, as if the warmth of the tea is somehow beneath him. I don’t let it bother me. Finally, I approach Auntie, balancing the cup carefully.

“Here’s some tea for you, Auntie,” I say, offering it with a gentle smile.

She takes the cup, her eyes narrowing at me before she lifts it slowly, examining the tea as if it were poison. The moment lingers, tense and unsettling, and before I can even take a breath, she throws the steaming tea toward me. I stumble back, the hot liquid splashing against my arm, burning through my skin.

“You witch!” Auntie’s voice is harsh and venomous, filling the room. “You’re a curse to this family! My grandchildren are gone because of you. Your cursed womb has devoured every single one of them!”

The words pierce me, each one a sharp, brutal blow. My mind spins, and I’m frozen in shock, the pain from the hot tea paling in comparison to the agony of her accusations. I open my mouth to speak, to defend myself, to tell her she’s wrong, but the words don’t come.