Back In Time

~twenty~

Harsh sunlight streamed into the room and hit her eyes leading to deep creases on her forehead out of irritation. When was the last time someone had had the audacity to pull open the curtains to her room while she'd still been asleep?

"URGH!" Meera groaned in bed, folding half of her pillow to shield her eyes.

"Get up Meera." It was a stern voice, clearly identifiable even through her messy head.

"Ma?"

She squinted her eyes to adjust with the lighting, as she stared at her Mother's figure sitting along the edge of her bed.

"Who else? Now get up. Quick."

Meera staggered up on her butt, instantly feeling a headache shoot up. Her hand landed on her forehead immediately.

"Have you brought any good Indian wear with you?"

Ofcourse her Mother didn't seem to notice how bad her headache was! Had she ever even cared?

"Um...I don't know. I have some basic stuff. Why?"

"Show me what you have."

Meera raised her brow quizzically.

"Actually, forget it. I've got you this. Freshen up and get dressed."

She cringed at the sight. It was a tacky, bedazzled salwar kameez that was a shade of mauve that would only accentuate her dark complexion. She'd rather drape Diwali lights all over herself than wear that hideous piece of clothing in any public place!

"Why?"

Even when she threw that question, she knew the answer to it. That single salwar kameez was the answer really. Her Mum had decided to call some ladke walas over for lunch...or dinner...or breakfast. God, what time was it?

She turned towards the clock in the room and gasped. It was eleven in the morning, and the last recollection she had was of the intense fight with Kanan, hailing an auto home from the hospital and crashing straight on the bed.

Had she been sleeping for one whole day?

"When did I come home Ma?"

Her Mother looked her way disapprovingly before leaning in to smell her like a ridiculous sniffer dog.

"What are you doing?" Meera snapped irritably, pulling her loose Tshirt closer to herself.

"Sniffing for alcohol of course. You cannot be sober and ask a question like that!"

She found herself roll her eyes at her antics.

"I am not drunk Ma!"

"Good." Her Mother drew back hastily, "Now get up and get dressed. And I don't want to see that frown on your face when you come out."

Was this woman for real? How had she concluded Meera was going to comply with being a goddamned showpiece in her very own house?

"I asked you why, Ma."

Mrs. Modi stopped on her way to the door before turning around with a stern face, "You and I both know why, Meera."

Meera folded her arms before her chest defiantly.

"And what if I say no?"

The sound of the doorbell resonated in the house at that, as her eyes widened at her Mother immediately. Only then did she notice the glittery sari and sparkly eye makeup and eye liner that she'd donned.