A Middle Class Girl

Meenakshi was extremely fair with narrow waist and shapely hips.

MEENAKSHI stares at the flower. She had an elder sister and a brother.

MOTHER

At this age I had a child in my arms.

Her mother has a rare glimpse of his old photo when he was two years old, two small hands clinging on her shoulders.

BROTHER

Who told you to get married such at a young age? I haven't settled down yet. You're thinking of marriage. Kids and a wife at this age.

Her mother opened her mouth to speak but couldn't do so. It was too late for her brother to realize his mistake.

FATHER

Shut up! We are a middle class family not a rich and noble family.

MEENAKSHI

Good morning my brother.

MOM

Ma, what's this? He was small and he is a big boy now.

FATHER

My dear wife, I'm the head of this family.

MOM

No one in this house respects me.

FATHER

I will book two tickets to Hyderabad.

BROTHER

Papa, are we going somewhere? Fuel prices are rising and there is this loan interest which is giving me a lot of pain.

FATHER

How many times I reminded you before you started this business.

He drops down the empty bottle carelessly on the couch.

BROTHER

Papa, he is a drop out student.Look at our neighbors. What will they think about us?

FATHER

He studied full time program in Computer science.

His mother's mouth dropped open in disbelief.

BROTHER

She plans to use my phone.

MOTHER

My husband would surely say no for dating a guy.

But you know your mom that she is great . I'll handle him dear. Tell me something about this guy.

MEENAKSHI stares blankly at her mother.

Does he work in a company?

MEENAKSHI

He resigned from a multinational company and set up a start up business in Delhi. Within six months, his company has acquired two small companies and expanded his business across urban regions.

HER MOTHER recovers over from the shock.

MOTHER

Meenakshi, for the first time I feel truly happy. My girl is lucky.

MEENAKSHI

I got a first love letter from a guy. It was really sweet of him.

MOTHER

Show me the letter. No.

MEENAKSHI

Now it's an open secret. Can you keep this a secret?

MEENAKSHI

Do you need any help?

MOTHER

I came her to ask for help. Since you're in a jovial mood, sorry to create disturbance.

Far away, in a small bedroom, Meera was busy on her phone.