The past few days have been peaceful—or at least as peaceful as things can be in this house. Amina is trying, I can see that. She bends over backward to make Ma happy, but it’s never enough. Ma always finds something to criticize, some sharp word to throw at her. It’s like a battle of wills, but only one of them is trying to make peace.
---
The smell of parathas fills the kitchen as I walk in, Priyanka giggling at the counter while Amina flips the bread on the stove. My father sits at the table, scrolling through his phone, his tie already loosened even though it’s only 9 a.m.
“Good morning,” I say, ruffling Priyanka’s hair as I grab a cup of coffee.
“Uncle Ayush, aunt Amina burnt the first paratha!” Priyanka announces with a grin.
“It’s called testing the heat,” Amina says, giving Priyanka a mock glare.
“Burning the bread is more like it,” comes Ma’s voice from the doorway. She steps in, her gaze scanning the room until it lands on Amina. “You can’t even make a simple breakfast properly? And you expect to run this household?”
Amina stiffens, but she keeps her focus on the pan. “It was just one paratha, Ma. The rest are fine.”
“Excuses,” Ma snaps, pulling a chair out. “You’ve been here for years, and you still don’t know how to handle basic responsibilities. Maybe if you spent less time trying to charm my son and more time learning how to be a proper wife—”
“Ma, enough.” My voice is firm, cutting through her rant.
She looks at me, surprised, but I don’t back down. “Amina does more for this family than anyone gives her credit for. She’s doing her best, and it’s time you start acknowledging that.”
“Don’t talk to me like that, Ayush,” Ma says, her tone icy. “I’m your mother. I raised you, gave you everything, and this is how you repay me? By taking her side?”
I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. “This isn’t about sides. It’s about respect.”
Amina sets the pan aside, her shoulders tense. “I’ll get the rest of the food ready,” she murmurs, avoiding my gaze.
---
Priya’s graduation is in a few days, and the house feels like a whirlwind. Preeta is buzzing with excitement, chattering non-stop about her outfit while Ramesh throws in his usual jokes to lighten the mood.
“Ramesh, stop making fun of my heels,” Preeta says, holding up a sparkling pair of stilettos.
“I’m just saying,” Ramesh grins. “If you trip on stage, don’t blame me.”
Preeta huffs, turning to me. “Ayush, tell your Uncle to stop picking on me.”
I smirk. “He’s got a point, Preeta. Those heels look like a death trap.”
Amina chuckles from the couch, where she’s helping Priya with her saree. “Maybe Ramesh should try walking in them. See how easy it is.”
“Challenge accepted,” Ramesh says, grabbing the heels.
The room erupts into laughter as he tries—and fails—to balance in them, stumbling into the couch.
---
Later that night, I find Ma in the living room, folding clothes. I sit down beside her, the tension between us heavy but familiar.
“Ma,” I say quietly, “why do you treat Amina the way you do?”
She doesn’t look at me. “You wouldn’t understand, Ayush. She’s not right for you. She never was.”
“She’s my wife,” I say firmly. “She’s part of this family, whether you like it or not.”
YOU ARE READING
YOU AND ME
RomanceAmina's adventurous spirit brought her from the vibrant landscapes of Africa to the bustling streets of India, where she found an unexpected love in Ayush. It was love at first sight for Ayush, and their connection was instant and undeniable. But th...
