Life teaches you many reasons to give up—or to keep going. I’ve thought about ending my life so many times, but every time, it’s my mumma’s face—her smiling face—that stops me. What if I did something and that smile vanished from her beautiful face?
I can do anything to keep that smile alive. Because she deserves the whole world. The whole world’s happiness. She sacrificed her entire life to raise me and my siblings after Papa's death—now it’s my chance to let her live hers.
I was lost in these thoughts, not realizing my sister had been blabbering beside me.
“Are you even listening to what I'm saying?” my sister Vidya asked, glaring at me.
I nodded.
“Then tell me, why did my professor scold me?” She challenged me.
“Definitely because of something you did,” I replied.
She huffed and sat beside me. “Ugh, you're ignoring me too! He scolded me just because I laid my head down.”
“And why did you do that?” I asked.
“I was bored! I mean, c'mon—he teaches in such a boring way. He's so boring…”
Before she could finish, I smacked her lightly on the head. She yelped and glared at me.
“Respect your teachers, okay? After our parents, they’re the ones who guide us. Teachers are equal to God. And even if the lectures seem boring, try to concentrate. They’re not teaching just because it's their job—they care. And if he scolded you, it was probably for your own good.”
She groaned. “How can I forget my sister is a teacher? God, I made a mistake coming to you.”
I chuckled. “Come on, it’s for your own good. Imagine if someone said, ‘Viani Ma’am is boring, her lectures are so dull…’”
“Then those students are dumb. My sister is the best teacher,” she said proudly.
I smiled. “Did Swara come?”
“Nope. She’s going on a date with her boyfriend. Might come later.”
I nodded, folding the clothes neatly.
“By the way, Viani… I heard mumma is looking for boys for you,” she teased.
I rolled my eyes. “Wow. I’m just 25, and she’s already started matchmaking?”
Vidya chuckled. “Yeah. But she’s not getting satisfied. Every time Sunita aunty shows a photo, she finds something wrong—too tall, too old, a bad family…”
“No one’s born perfect. We don’t live in a perfect world. I’m not perfect either.”
Vidya glared at me. “Oye! My sister is perfectly fine. She deserves a handsome, charming prince who’ll ride in on a horse, take her to his palace, and treat her like a princess.”
“You’ve been reading too many fantasy novels.”
She grinned. “Yeah… because the real world sucks.”
“TAIIIII…”
Me and Vidya instantly knew who it was. She rolled her eyes.
“He definitely needs something from you,” she muttered.
“Viani Tai!” my younger brother Mehul came in grinning.
“Now what do you want, you ungrateful brat?” Vidya said, taunting him.
He rolled his eyes. “I wasn’t calling you. Viani Tai… I need your help,” he said with a pleading voice and classic puppy eyes.
“Don’t fall for his puppy eyes,” Vidya whispered to me.
“I can hear you,” Mehul said, glaring.
“Oh wow, then that’s great,” she shot back.
“Tai, please tell Mumma to give me permission for a trip,” he begged.
“No, Viani,” Vidya interrupted. “Mumma already talked about this yesterday. She even said to stop hanging out with those boys.”
“Can’t you just mind your own business?”
“I am—that’s why I’m saying it.”
He ignored her and sat beside me. “Tai, please talk to Mumma. She always listens to you. It’s just a trip, nothing else.”
“Where are you going?”
“To Goa. Just for five days. Please…”
“I’ll talk to her, but you better promise me you won’t drink or do anything that’ll create problems.”
“Of course, Tai. I promise.”
I nodded. “Alright. I’ll talk to her.”
He grinned and hugged me. “You’re the best sister. Not like someone who always pokes her nose into everyone’s business.”
Vidya crossed her arms, unimpressed.
“Okay, now stop buttering me. Have you done your homework?” I asked sternly.
“And here comes my teacher,” he said, sighing. “I’ll do it after Swara Tai comes.”
“She’s gonna be late—she’s gone on a date,” Vidya said casually.
“Ohh… so I have to wait,” he mumbled.
“Stop making excuses and go do it. Or forget about the trip,” I warned.
In a second, he bolted out of the room.
Vidya turned to me. “Why did you give him permission?”
“Come on, Vidya. He’s a teenager—let him live his life.”
“Yes, but… with good friends. Not with those boys, Viani. They’re not good for him.”
“I know you're being possessive,” I said gently. “But Vidya, he’s not a kid—”
“Nor is he an adult who can tell the difference between friendship and being used,” she interrupted.
I nodded slowly. “I get that you’re concerned. And I am too. But we won’t always be there to guide him through everything. He needs to learn some things on his own.”
“But if he gets in trouble, I’ll beat him, not his friends,” Vidya said stubbornly.
I nodded. “Aren’t you hungry? Because I am. We should have dinner—Swara will be late.”
“Yeah, she’s probably busy with her boyfriend,” she said with a smirk.
I chuckled. “You should get a boyfriend too—then you can go on dates.”
“Who needs a boyfriend to go on a date? I’d rather go with my sister or Mumma,” she grinned. “Mumma’s coming tomorrow morning, right?”
“Yes, she said she’ll stay the night at the hospital with Mavshi.”
“Wow… Mumma is so naïve.”
“What?” I asked, surprised.
“Our Mumma… She's always there for people. The moment they need her, they call—and she helps without thinking twice. But when she needed people… when we needed them, no one was there. Everyone just had excuses.”
She paused for a second, her eyes distant.
“I still can’t forget when Papa passed away. We were so young. No one stayed with us at that time. Our so-called Mavshi said, ‘Sorry Tai, I can’t stay. I have my daughter’s school thing tomorrow.’ And Mumma? She just nodded. No complaints. No anger.”
Vidya’s voice softened, filled with memory. “That evening… When we came back after saying goodbye to Papa, Mumma cooked food for us. Can you imagine? We didn’t even understand what was going on—I was barely six, you were ten, Swara was nine, and Mehul was just five.”
I stayed silent, letting her speak.
“But Mumma… she lost her love, her everything that day. And instead of breaking down, instead of falling apart—she stood like a warrior. She faced everything. She raised us. And look at her now—still helping the very people who never stood by her.”
She wiped her tears, and I didn’t interrupt her—because Vidya rarely speaks her heart out like this.
“When our family was struggling, no one even kept in touch. We were alone, completely. And now, when things are better—when you are a teacher earning well, when Swara is a fashion designer with a good income—suddenly, all the relatives remember us. Look at them… one by one, they’re all coming to visit.”
She scoffed softly, her voice thick with emotion.
“They didn’t see our pain, they didn’t stand by Mumma when she had to skip meals so we could eat. They weren’t here when we wore the same clothes for years, or when our school fees were a struggle. But now, they show up with sweets and fake smiles.”
I placed my hand over hers, squeezing gently.
She looked at me. “Sometimes I hate how good Mumma is. She forgives too easily. She still talks to them like nothing happened.”
“She’s strong, Vidya,” I whispered. “She’s stronger than any of us.”
Vidya nodded slowly, her lips trembling. “Yeah. She really is.”
“Do you remember, Viani,” Vidya said softly, “when we used to visit Mavshi’s house in the summers? How she used to treat us—just because we were poor in her eyes? Whenever Mehul or I tried to take her phone to play games, she’d snatch it back and say, ‘Don’t play, my phone is hanging.’ Like we were going to break it or something.”
She paused, her voice tightening.
“But look at her now. Her own daughter and son take our phones without even asking, and she acts like she’s blind. Like it’s completely normal. I just hate her so much for how she treated us back then.”
“How can I forget?” I said quietly. “I know… Mumma and I used to ignore it because we didn’t want to create any issues.”
Vidya huffed. “Gosh, when Mumma comes tomorrow, I’m going to scold her.”
I chuckled. “Scold her? She’ll throw you out of the house.”
“But it’s for her own good! Why do we need those good-for-nothing relatives when the five of us are more than enough?”
“Exactly. And now, Miss Vidya, if you’re done venting, shall we eat? And go call Mehul too.”
After a peaceful dinner, Mehul and Vidya went to sleep, and I settled on the couch, waiting for Swara. To kill time, I started scrolling through my phone.
About half an hour later, I heard keys jingling. I looked at the door and saw Swara tiptoeing in.
“You came back early?” I asked.
She froze in her tracks, then turned around with a sheepish smile. “Arey Viani, you’re still awake?”
I nodded, giving her a tight-lipped smile.
“Khup lavkar aalat aapan, udya sakali yach na?” I said, taunting her.
“Actually, after the date, Raj and I went for a walk… and we didn’t notice the time. Sorry,” she said.
I sighed. “Okay, but next time, be careful. Alright?”
She nodded.
“Now go and sleep.”
She gave me a small smile and ran upstairs.
I turned off the lights, headed to my room, and finally lay down to sleep.
The doorbell echoed through the house, pulling me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the clock—6:55 AM.
I hurried downstairs and opened the door to find Mumma standing there, glaring at me.
“What?” I asked, confused.
“How many times have I told you, Viani?” she said, raising an eyebrow. “First, look through the peephole to see who’s there before opening the door.”
“C’mon, Mumma. I knew it was you,” I said, brushing off her concern.
“But still, you need to be careful. Nowadays, people take advantage of such things.”
I nodded, taking her purse and placing it on the table. Then I filled a glass of water and handed it to her.
“How’s Mavshi?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
“She’s better now. Just a little fever,” she replied, sipping the water.
“You didn’t sleep?” I asked, noticing the tiredness in her eyes.
“No, the mosquitoes wouldn’t let me,” she sighed.
“Then go to sleep now,” I said, pushing her gently toward the couch. “It’s 7. Rest for at least two hours. I’ll wake you when breakfast is ready.”
She smiled, her eyes softening with gratitude. “You’re always so thoughtful.”
I gave her a tight smile and nodded. “Now go, rest. I’ve got it covered.”
Mumma settled onto the couch, her body finally giving in to the exhaustion as she closed her eyes. I smiled softly, making my way to the kitchen to start breakfast. The house was quiet, except for the faint sounds of morning birds outside.
Vidya and Mehul were still asleep, and Swara wouldn’t be up for another hour—just as well. I preferred these peaceful mornings.
I started making tea first, the warm aroma filling the kitchen as the kettle began to whistle. While it boiled, I quickly prepared some toast and scrambled eggs. The sizzle of the eggs was the only sound, and I found comfort in it—simple, routine, but grounding.
After a few minutes, I heard light footsteps behind me.
“Viani, I’m awake,” Swara's voice drifted from the doorway.
“Good morning,” I said, without turning. “Mumma’s sleeping on the couch. The mosquitoes didn’t let her sleep last night.”
Swara sighed. “She’s too soft-hearted. Always helping everyone, even when she’s exhausted.”
I nodded, flipping the eggs onto a plate. “She’s amazing, but sometimes I wish she’d take care of herself first.”
Swara came closer, helping herself to a mug and filling it with tea. “Don’t worry, Viani. We’ll make sure she rests more once she sees how much we’ve got this.”
I smiled, knowing Swara meant it. We were a team—every single one of us. And no matter how many challenges came our way, I always knew we’d face them together.
By the time breakfast was ready, the sound of Mumma stirring on the couch reached me. I set the plates on the dining table, arranging everything neatly.
“Breakfast is ready,” I called out, walking over to wake Mumma.
She sat up, rubbing her eyes, but smiled when she saw the food. “You’re spoiling me, Viani.”
“It’s my job,” I teased lightly, “now go and eat before we start.”
“You go freshen up, Mumma. I’ll take a quick shower too,” I said, stretching a little. “Swara, go wake up Mehul and Vidya.”
After a refreshing shower, I slipped into a pair of comfy shorts and an oversized shirt—my off-day uniform. I tied my damp hair into a messy bun and headed downstairs, feeling lighter.
To my surprise, Mumma was already in the kitchen, placing plates on the dining table.
“You sit down, Mumma. I’ll serve you,” I said, walking over. “I know you haven’t eaten anything.”
“I had something at the hospital canteen,” she said casually.
I raised an eyebrow. “Liar. I know exactly how much you love that canteen food.”
She chuckled, giving me that familiar smile that always reached her tired eyes. “Okay, fine. I didn’t eat much.”
“Exactly what I thought. Now sit.
I served her a warm plate and sat beside her, just watching her eat quietly for a moment. It was a small thing, but it made me feel at peace.
Just then, I heard footsteps rushing down the stairs.
“Mumma!” Vidya and Mehul called out together, their voices overlapping with excitement.
They ran toward her, almost in sync. Mumma looked up, surprised, her face lighting up with a soft, tired smile as they hugged her from both sides.
“Careful, careful—I’m not going anywhere,” she laughed, patting their heads.
“You should have taken a rest there, Mumma,” Vidya said, pouting.
“And you didn’t even call me back last night,” Mehul added dramatically.
“I’m sorry, baba,” Mumma said. “It was late and I didn’t want to disturb you all.”
“We were waiting,” Swara chimed in as she entered, tying her hair in a loose bun. “But it’s good you’re back.”
“Sit, all of you,” I said, clapping my hands lightly. “Breakfast is ready. And no one’s leaving the table until the plates are clean!”
They all groaned in unison, but obeyed—because they knew I meant it. We sat together, like old times, sharing food, laughter, and a few sarcastic jabs here and there.
It felt good. It felt like home.
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