Mummy Knew. I Lied Anyway.

Mummy called today. Sunday. I knew from her first hello what was coming.

I sat on the kitchen counter. The door alarm is still in plastic at my feet. I did not even open the box. My hair is unwashed.

She asked about Teej. I lied. I said I fasted. I did not fast. She asked about the kheer. I lied again. I said yes. I did not make it.

Then she sent the photos. My cousin in Jaipur. Her engagement. So pretty. So thin. So happy. I said wow, looking so nice. I do not know if I meant it.

Then she asked the real one. Beta, is the fast for some boy?

I said no. The no felt like a door I shut with my own hand.

Yaar, I do not know why I lie to her. The lie sits on my chest. The fasting would have been lighter than this.

I opened Canva after. Making the peach card. The one she wants.

I have not told her about Karjat. About him. About the staircase.

Sab thik hai. Nothing is thik.