Life is a song to be sung. It doesn't matter if you have a bad throat , you got to give your best shot and enjoy every moment!
Ananya
Mom was glaring at me, her disapproval clear, while I focused intently on the ground, avoiding her eyes. Just then, my brother walked in and, taking one look at the situation, understood immediately. He gave me an encouraging smile. "Mom, let Ananya come in and freshen up."
Mom’s stern expression softened into a smile as she stepped aside, allowing me to enter. I sighed in relief. As I passed by, my brother whispered, "Go to your room and change your clothes quickly." I nodded, flashed a smile at Mom, and darted up the stairs to my room.
My room is my sanctuary, a retreat from the world outside. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and style—featuring a plush bed that invites relaxation, a balcony offering a breathtaking view of the cityscape, a spacious walk-in closet, a pristine bathroom, and a neatly organized study table nestled in the corner. It’s everything I could ever want.
After enjoying a long, soothing bath, I faced my walk-in closet, contemplating my outfit for the day. I needed something that would be both stylish and appropriate—a choice that would meet Mom’s approval. I finally decided on a knee-length floral dress, its vibrant patterns adding a touch of elegance. I complemented the dress with white wedges that gave me a graceful lift.
To complete the look, I gathered my hair into a neat ponytail, ensuring it stayed out of my face. With everything in place, I headed downstairs, ready to face the day.
Bhai greeted me with a smile as I joined him at the dining table. Everyone else had already finished breakfast, so it was just the two of us.
"Bhai, can you take me to the market? I need to buy some clothes," I asked.
"Sure," he replied.
"We’d like to join you too," Arsh chimed in.
I turned to look at them and offered a polite smile. Everyone returned the gesture—everyone except Aakash.
Not that it mattered. Who cares about him, anyway?
Bhai suddenly said, "Yeah, that sounds great. Let me grab my car keys." He walked away, leaving me alone with the most annoying group of people.
"So, are you single?" Harsh asked, out of nowhere.
My eyes widened in surprise. Was he serious? Who asks that kind of question?
"Yes, I’m single. Any problem with that?" I replied, trying to keep my composure.
"No, I was just curious," he said, flashing a smile.
"Stop annoying her, Harsh," Arsh interjected. He was the only one who had ever been kind to me, the only one I could really call a friend. We met in grade three and were close until he drifted away, joining Aakash, Harsh, and Aman—the most notorious group in school, a constant thorn in our teachers’ sides. I could only hope they had changed, especially since I had to spend my vacation with them.
My thoughts were interrupted when my brother called me to the car. The drive started in awkward silence, so I decided to break the ice. "So, how did you meet them, Bhai?"
"Oh, you know, I run a tech company, and Aakash and I decided to merge our companies for the next project," he replied with a small smile.
"That's great! If I’m not wrong, you’re working on developing new software, right?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
"Yes, my little sister," he replied. "But did you know that Aakash had already developed that software back at Harvard? One of his classmates stole it."
"Jesus, who would do such a thing?" I exclaimed, shocked.
"I know, right?" Bhai agreed. "Anyway, where do you want to go?"
"Take me to a good shopping mall so I can buy some Indo-Western clothes for the wedding functions," I said.
"Okay, sis," he replied.
I reminded myself that tomorrow we’re going to a Ganesh temple, so I need to buy a few kurtis. I definitely don’t want to face Mom’s wrath again for inappropriate clothing. As much as I love my family, I can’t wait for all of this to be over so I can go back to New York and return to my old life.