Chapter 4: Family Ties and First Aid

Priya shuffled out, hair a mess, t-shirt reading ‘Monday Mood.’ She jumped at seeing me, then sighed. I smirked, "You thought it was one of your little brothers, right?" She stuck her tongue out, then scolded, "Why are you here?"

"Baba’s orders. Chacha ji’s family is here. Dinner at home. You’re supposed to act like a sanskari beti," I said, gloating. She groaned, already dreading the parental scolding.

Meera came out, adjusting her dupatta and smoothing her braid, dressed in a simple white-and-grey loungewear set. Our eyes met; I quickly looked away, fidgeting with my keychain like a nervous schoolboy.

Priya didn’t notice the tension. "She’s staying here for now," she said casually, then headed to the bathroom. The sound of running water left Meera and me alone in the living room. She started clearing up bottles and ashtrays, moving with the same quiet efficiency I remembered from school.

I offered to help, but she raised a hand. "Sit, I’ll handle it." She explained, "Yesterday was my birthday. My place is being renovated, so I’m staying with Priya. Sorry about earlier..."

She flushed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. I stammered, "It was my fault for barging in." We both laughed, the awkwardness melting just a bit.

She soon finished cleaning, then squatted in front of me with a first aid kit. "Let me see your injury," she said, voice gentle. I tried to act tough, "Nahi, kuch nahi, main toh roz lagta hoon," but winced when she touched the bruise.

"Thoda dard ho raha hai?" she asked, her hands warm and steady. I hissed, "Bas thoda." She dabbed on medicine with delicate fingers.

Priya emerged from the bathroom, towel turban in place. She squatted down, shoving Meera aside. "Tum dono ko toh ek minute bhi akela nahi chhod sakti! Ladke toh bilkul useless hote hain." Meera moved aside, half-amused, half-annoyed, while Priya dabbed medicine on like she was scrubbing a stain.

I finished up myself, then tried to deflect her questions: "Cockroach dekh liya tha," I lied. Meera hid a smile, eyes sparkling with mischief.