POTION OF LOVE

54. 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐢

“Namaste aunty-uncle” I greet, bending down to touch their feet and seeking blessings. Her hand hovers briefly over my head as she murmurs a blessing. But my dear uncle stands stiff, his hands clasped behind his back, grumpy face — refusing to say a word.

And they say women are too emotional

I rise, my palms still joined together while forcing a polite smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes “Bahut time baad dekha hai. Bahut sundar lagri ho” my aunty says, tapping my cheek gently. Her warm words only make me wonder how she ended up with a man like him.
[Translation - I have seen you after a long while, you look beautiful]

My gaze shifts to my uncle, my father’s elder brother, who doesn’t even spare me a glance. My aunt nudges him with her elbow, asking him to say something. He only gives her a side glare and lets out an annoyed huff. “Bade papa se uncle ban gaya hoon. Dekho yeh foreigners ka influence” he mutters, his voice filled with disdain.
[Translation - I have become an uncle from big father. See the foreigners influence]

My face twists in disbelief, annoyance forming inside me. He never misses an opportunity to taunt my relationship huh.

I would never regret not calling him bade papa. He doesn't deserve that kind of respect or authority.

“Aare! kya baatein kar rahe hain, bhai sahab?” my father interrupts suddenly, his tone light but words sharp. Everyone looks at him, surprised by his intervention. “Agar itna hi foreign influenced hoti toh seedhe naam se bulati, rishte se nahin.” He laughs softly, but his words weights more
[Translation - What! What are you saying brother?
If she was so foreign influenced then she would have addressed you by your name, not the relationship]

“Ab toh aaj kal ke bachche, badhon ko bhi badal dete hain” my uncle grumbles under his breath.
[Translation - Kids these days, trying to change elders]

Before I can react, Maya’s voice cuts through sharply. “Ab kya karein. Jab itne bade hoke bhi samajh nahi paaye, toh abhi bachchon ko hi seekhana padhta hai,” she says, her tone mocking.
[Translation - Now what to do. When people are grown up yet still couldn't understand, then kids have to teach them]

She doesn’t even try to mask her bitterness. And who can blame her? A father who abandoned her mother simply because she birthed a daughter. What respect could she have for him?

Even my aunt stifles a laugh behind a cough.

I roll my eyes and turn away, moving towards my bua — Papa’s younger sister. Before I can bend down, she pulls me into a hug. Her smile is radiant, her eyes crinkling in corners with genuine affection unlike others. “Haye! kitni lambi ho gayi ho” she exclaims, still holding onto me. I haven't seen her in years.
[Translation - Aww you have grown so much!]

Her husband and Sonia’s father nodded with approval, patting my head. “Kaise ho beta?”
[Translation - How are you child?]

“Ekdam badhiya” I reply with a smile, hugging my bua tighter. I don’t get to see her often since she prefers her life in Canada. Truthfully she seems happier, healthier, freer — more herself. Independent in a way this place would never allow or most likely this family would never allow.
[Translation - Very good!]