We chatted a bit more

We chatted for a while until finally I wasn't in the mood anymore. The whole thing just felt... bleh. I left him on read and tossed my phone aside again, rolling over to stare at the ceiling.

A while later, Ma called from downstairs, her voice bright and full. "Shreya! Come down, beta! Dinner is ready!"

I groaned, the sound muffled by my pillow. Dragging myself off the bed, I felt heavy and irritable. I headed downstairs, my feet dragging on the steps.

When I reached the dining room, Gopal Uncle was already there, seated at the head of the table—Papa's seat. He was laughing loudly at something Ma had just said. She was bustling around the table, placing dishes, her movements quick and graceful, a bright, hostess-y smile plastered on her face.

Gopal Uncle was... just a typical middle-aged man. Average height, a noticeable paunch straining against his button-down shirt, and thinning hair he'd combed over. He wasn't anything like my father, who was still handsome and sharp. I had no idea what Ma saw in him. But then again, I really didn't want to think about it.

I slid into my usual chair without a word, just wanting to get this over with.

"Shreya!" Ma's voice snapped, the bright smile dimming for a second. "You didn't even greet Uncle properly. Where are your manners?"

I sighed internally, bracing myself. "Namaste, Uncle."

Gopal Uncle laughed, a booming sound that always felt too loud for our house. He waved his hand dismissively. "Arre, it's fine, it's fine! Kids these days are always busy with their phones and studies, no? Don't worry, beta."

He turned his full attention to me, his smile wide. "So, Shreya, how's school? Still topping your class, I hear?"

"It's fine," I said flatly, picking at the edge of the placemat.

"Good, good. And your exams? Preparing well?"

"Yes, Uncle."

"That's great. Your mother tells me you're very smart. You must make her very proud."

I glanced at Ma. She was beaming at me, that ****, public smile she always put on when they were around. "She does," Ma said, her voice full of false pride. "But she works too hard sometimes. I keep telling her to relax a little."

Gopal Uncle nodded sagely. "Balance is important, beta. All work and no play, you know. Don't burn yourself out. You're still young. Enjoy life a little, too."

I just nodded, hoping he'd stop.

"And what about friends?" he pressed on. "Have a good group at school?"

"Yeah, I do."

"Any boys?" he asked, his grin turning teasing.

I stiffened. My fork clinked against the plate. Ma let out a high-pitched laugh. "Gopal, don't tease her like that! She's a good girl, still focused on her studies."

Gopal Uncle laughed too, patting his belly. "Just asking, just asking. No harm in that."

I **** a tight, small smile and said nothing. Ma placed a plate of food in front of me. I picked up my fork and started eating, keeping my eyes down, just hoping the conversation would finally move away from me.

As soon as the last bite was gone, I muttered, "I have a lot of homework," pushed my chair back, and practically ran from the room. I didn't wait for Ma's permission.

I took the stairs two at a time and slammed my bedroom door shut, leaning against it.

I felt like I was going to be sick, gagging on the memory of the last hour. The flirting. The not-so-subtle footsie under the table. I wanted to scream at Gopal Uncle that his "accidental" hand brushing against Ma's thigh wasn't nearly as hidden as he thought. And Ma's high-pitched, girlish giggles at his terrible jokes? It was obvious. Painfully, disgustingly obvious.

"Fuck," I cursed under my breath, shoving myself away from the door and throwing myself face-down onto my bed.