Mariam woke up to her dad's gramaphone playing Roop tera mastana, pyaar mera deewaana. She hugged her teddy bear and placed a pillow over her head, trying to block away the loud dancing tunes.
An annoying screech: YAAAHOOOOOOO! Chahe koi mujhe jungli kahe woke her up again, now completely getting her back to the senses. With messy hair and early morning tantrums, she paraded over to the living room.
"Papa, you play music so loudly, I can't even sleep."
"It's ten in the morning, angel. How long do you wish to sleep?" He tickled her daughter till she giggled.
"I smell somthing delicious." Mariam sniffed her way to the kitchen. Not able to reach the kitchen top, to look into the dishes, a curious Mariam enquired"Mama, what's for breakfast?"
Her mother, clad in a salwar with an apron on top, lifted Mariam to show what was in the casserole.
"PASTA."Mariam screamed happily and hugged her mother."I love you, Mama."
"And today, I'll let you eat as many chocolates as you desire."
"But,Mama, I want ice crea..."
Mariam was interrupted by her brother, a twelve year old boy."Chhoti, do you want to play with my remote control car?"
"Yes." Mariam clapped happily."Thank you, Golu Bhaiyya."
"Don't call me that." Her brother seethed.
"Golu. Golu. Golu." Mariam stuck her tongue out and ran away, only to be chased by her sibling.
Everything seemed so pleasant, everyone was so happy. Her mother had prepared her favourite food, her brother was finally playing with her. The music let out by her father's old gramaphone and the endless laughter, everything was perfect. Just like she wanted.
"Mariam..Mariam.." She heard a stranger call out, but she ignored it anyway.
"Mariam, you've missed the morning prayer, don't delay it. Remember, there are Angels making a list of all your good and bad deeds." Mariam opened her eyes to find the matron next to her.
"Mama?" She let out a drifting sigh, to which the matron gave a gentle smile.
"Good girl, now freshen up, pray and come to the dining area for breakfast."
"Is there any pasta?"
