Us │✔

26│Be Our Guest

Jivika~

"Examples of natural indicators are Lichen and Turmeric— "

Wait. Wasn't there an advertisement about turmeric? What was it? Why can't I remember it? Oh! Yes!

Muttering the lyrics of 'Vicco turmeric, nahi cosmetic, vicco turmeric ayurvedic cream' I continued with my revision. Chemistry revisions always got me diverted from the topic. My eyes scanned over the Ethanol-Sodium reaction. I smiled remembering how I made Lavanya remember the product of that reaction.

"Yaar Jivi-Ma, I cant remember this CH3CH2O-Na+!"

"Its easy. Just remember, 'chchch-chch-ooh-naa'! Three ch's for CH3, two ch's for CH2, long ooh for O and naa for Na."

Wisps of memories popped out of nowhere, days and nights were getting impossible to pass through without the six of them. Ansh, my younger brother, screamed into my ears, breaking my chain of thoughts.

"You! You, get out of my bed!"

"Call me didi  you potato! And where is it written that its Ansh Mallik's bed, huh? Why, cat got your tongue?"

He might be just ten years old, but the length of his tongue made me doubt if there was some mistake in his birth certificate or not. Lost for words he went whining, probably to complain.

These younger siblings are such a pain in the ass.

Before I could get back to my revision, my mother called out.

"Jivika, dinner!"

The table was set. My late arrival was reprimanded, though not by my parents. It was Ansh who chose to point it out, 'Be our guest!' and clicking his tongue in disapproval. Thank god he was studying in a different school. Who knew how I could've tolerated him six hours in school as well. Lifting the lid of the casserole, I dropped two Rotis in my plate and went for the bowl of channa [chickpea]. It was a Saturday, the latter was a definite in the platter.

"So, I have something to say," started my father. Listening attentively I saw my brother sending me a surprisingly satisfying glare. He must've told them something.

Crybaby.

"I have been promoted!"

Congratulations passed around the table as we dug into our food. The statement had come to an end, or at least, that's what we had assumed.

"As a part of the promotion, I am getting transferred to Dubai."

Wait, what? Did I hear correct—

Probably would have. I am not my grandmother.

"So that means Papa that we too ... ?"

I could only manage to let that much out. And the nod I received was not helping me in completing the sentence. Squashing the Roti against the gram a bit harder, I blinked away the tears threatening to drop. Jivika Mallik does not cry in front of others. Finishing the meal faster than I ever could, I dropped the plate in the sink and rushed away. My mother was surprised, I was a slow eater.

Sitting on my own bed, I was disappointed at myself. The way I was reacting, it was a total bullshit. As the daughter of a bank employee, I should be used to transfers and moving. Every three years, this was a ritual. Shrinking closer against the wall, I stared outside the window.