Not Good Enough for Diwali / Chapter 2: Mausi’s Promise and the Long Night
Not Good Enough for Diwali

Not Good Enough for Diwali

Author: Saanvi Nair

Chapter 2: Mausi’s Promise and the Long Night

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Just as I was about to give up resisting and follow Mummy's orders, my Mausi—Mummy's younger sister—came over and warmly patted my shoulder. "Ananya, come to Mausi's house later to watch the Diwali special on TV. Sleep over at Mausi's tonight."

Mausi tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, her bangles chiming softly—a signal to everyone that she was on my side. Her eyes twinkled with the promise of freedom. I could almost smell the masala popcorn she would make, the safe cocoon of her home awaiting me.

I was stunned, not daring to answer.

I looked at Mausi with wide eyes, hope flickering in my chest, afraid it might be snatched away any second.

Mummy didn't even hesitate: "Ananya has a lot of homework."

Her response was cold, her eyes narrowing. She made it clear she would not tolerate any deviation from her script, even on Diwali.

"Didi, it's Diwali. Why make Ananya hand in homework? The teachers need a break too, don't they?"

Mausi’s voice was firm, her arms crossed in mock defiance. Her support was like a shield, and for the first time all evening, I felt a little braver.

Mausi's retort made Mummy frown. Submitting homework on WhatsApp on Diwali really would disturb the teacher's holiday.

The family exchanged glances. Chachaji muttered, “Sahi toh keh rahi hai,” under his breath. Dadi looked relieved someone had spoken up.

"Didi, Ananya hasn't been to my place for more than half a year. I'll take her and Sneha to burst crackers later."

Sneha grinned at me, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. The mention of crackers—a symbol of courage and celebration—was Mausi’s clever ploy.

Mausi knows Mummy well, so she deliberately mentioned crackers. Mummy finally relented: "Ananya is timid—let her light more crackers, train her courage."

Mummy’s tone softened, just a little. The word ‘timid’ stung, but I clung to the chance that was opening up before me.

Mausi agreed readily, but secretly gave me a look only I could understand.

That conspiratorial glance, hidden from everyone else, was a silent promise. I felt a flutter of excitement—maybe, just maybe, I could have one carefree night.

I understood: Mausi wanted me to truly relax for one night. Once I got to her house, she wouldn't make me do anything at all.

My shoulders loosened, and for a moment, the heaviness in my chest lifted. I longed for Mausi's soft bed and the gentle buzz of the ceiling fan.

The dark world suddenly brightened. I ate the Diwali dinner heartily—even the paneer I usually hated didn't seem so bad.

Each bite tasted sweeter now. The murmurs and clatter around the table faded into background music as my thoughts drifted to Mausi's warm hugs and the laughter that always filled her house.

I watched the minute hand on the wall clock tick by, waiting for dinner to end. But as we were leaving, a hand grabbed me—Mummy had changed her mind:

The cold touch of her fingers on my wrist froze me mid-step. My heart plummeted as reality crashed back in.

"Ananya, you're in your final year—every day counts. Go to Mausi's after the board exams."

Her words snapped the string of hope I was clinging to. My mouth fell open, but no words came out.

I froze, looking helplessly at Mausi. She frowned but said nothing.

Mausi’s lips pressed into a thin line, her arms folded, refusing to argue further in front of everyone. The promise of a free Diwali disappeared like a spark in the night air.

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