she picked me anyway

The call was at 11. Ritu was on time. I sat on my bed with my phone and my coffee and I was shaking. Pata nahi why. It is just a call.

She said my rate. No fight. No can you do a little less. Just yes.

I put the phone down and stared at the wall for a long time. Like a pagal. Then I texted mom. Just haan, mil gaya. She sent back three hearts and a beta, khana kha liya.

I did not cry. I want you to know that. I did not cry.

By 3 I was in the Andheri flat rehearsing. The chhadi was on the counter. The room was hot. I sang the bride's song ten times. Ritu wants it perfect. I want it more.

The real thing I am not telling anyone. Trupti has not texted back. It has been nine days. Nine. And I keep opening the chat like a stupid person to see if the blue ticks turned into words. They never do.

I got the booking. Yaar, I got the booking. So why does the room still feel half empty tonight.