Okay I just realized that it's easy to write author's POV for the author but not a very very good choice of readers. Dual POV tells us both the character's perception and how they think about each other but it's difficult to describe it in author's POV. So after having a conversation with my great friend I concluded that I'm a bitch, sorry for your time waste hehe.
let's continue the story...
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Pratiksha's POV-
The next morning dawned with a sense of both anticipation and dread. I stretched, my limbs protesting the early hour. The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the faded paint on the wall.
Hufff what a beautiful morning! Wait! I've to tell my family about the trip. Lying is not my cup of tea god, I stutter a lot. I have to prepare myself for the upcoming disaster.
Usually I wake up just before two hours of my college but it's early morning today because what should I do, I didn't got proper sleep this night thinking about the sack of lies I should propose infront of my family. After doing my morning business (the only business I can do now) I came downstairs.
Downstairs, dadu, sat at the chair as he read the newspaper. Mom, Ishita and Papa sat on the chair having their conversation, conversation that includes Niharika and her illegitimate relationship with her forbidden lover, her phone. But, it's true, she shouldn't use her mobile all the time, it's not good to use in the early morning either.
As I reached for a piece of toast, my father's gaze bore into me like a spotlight. Great, just what I needed interrogation before.
"Pratiksha," he said, his voice laced with curiosity. "You're up awfully early this morning."
I almost choked on the toast. So much for being discreet and avoiding the topic. My brain scrambled for a plausible explanation. Early morning yoga? Meditation? Or maybe I could blame it on an imaginary mosquito infestation.
"Uh, yeah," I managed to say, my voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "Just couldn't sleep much, you know?"
His eyebrow arched, and I mentally kicked myself. Smooth, Pratiksha. Real smooth. But before he could delve deeper into my insomnia saga, my mother swooped in like a protective hawk.
"You're not sick, are you, sweetheart?" she asked, concern etched on her face.
"No, no, I'm fine," I replied. Just finding a reason to lie to you all, waving off her worry. "Just had a lot on my mind."
A lot on my mind? More like a tangled web of lies about scholarship, trip and him.
I shifted in my chair, my heart racing. Changing the subject was like tiptoeing through a minefield, but I had to try. My family's eyes bore into me, their curiosity palpable. What would they say when they heard about the trip the one that involved more lies than a detective novel?
"Anyway," I said, trying to sound casual, "there's something I wanted to talk to you guys about." The room fell silent, and I wondered if I'd accidentally revealed my TBR book list. But no, this was bigger, much bigger.
My mother leaned forward, her expression a mix of concern and intrigue. "What is it, sweetie? You can tell us anything."
Anything? More like 'anything except the truth about the fee'. I took a deep breath, my fingers tapping nervously on the table. "Okay, so, the thing is...my college is organizing this trip. And umm..."
My father smiled. "Go on," he said, his voice steady. "What kind of trip?"
I glanced at Ishita, who was now fully invested in this impromptu family meeting. "It's a cultural program to Shantivan, for two weeks ," I blurted out. "We'll explore the scenic beauty, learn about local traditions, help the villagers and-"
Dadu interrupted, his eyes twinkling. "And you'll meet new people! How wonderful! It's a great opportunity for you. Bahar ki duniya bhi dekhni chahiye." (You should also see the outside world)
I nodded, my stomach doing somersaults. "Exactly, Dadu. It's a great opportunity." He knows everything, from Reyansh, his help to the homework. Atleast, he's not playing fun today, he's trying to support me, I smiled internally at the thought.
Mom's gaze softened. "But, Pratiksha," she said, "you've never been away from home for so long. Are you sure you'll be okay?"
I forced a smile. "Absolutely, Mom. Safety first."
Ishita leaned in, her eyes wide. "And what's the fee?"
Ah, the million-rupee question. Here she drops the banger. I cleared my throat, avoiding their gaze. "Oh, you know," I said, my voice a tad too chipper, "The trip is included in the scholarship you know It's an educational tour so..."
Dadu chuckled. I looked at his direction more like giving him warning that 'You'll not get Hariram ki Barfi if the truth comes out'. He again engrossed in the newspaper. Good!
"That's great but don't you think-"
"Yess It's great! Agar free me jaane ko mil raha hai toh jaa na, lekin waha apna bohot dhyaan rakhna beta." (It's great! If you are getting a free trip, then go, but take care of yourself there, beta.) mummy interrupted before papa could interrogate anything further.
I looked at him asking his permission and guess what? he nodded blinking his eyes.
Woahhh that was, EASY as phakkkk.
"When do you have to go?" I looked at my lovely sister, she raised her eyebrows smirking.
Uh Oh, What do I say? Parso? Okay, Pratiksha get ready for the rejection.
"Umm a day after tommorow" SILENCE, pin drop silence.
"ARREY TOH JAA PACKING KAR! Hey bhagwan kya karu main iss ladki ka, pehle batana tha na. Chal main bhi teri help kar deti hu." (Then go do your packing! Wait, let me help you.), my mother said keeping her palm on her forehead.
I smiled sheepishly. After having the breakfast, mummy helped me to pack my belongings.
I headed to my college after giving a thumbs up to dadu.
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I've to give these notes to him. But where is that man? Today Niharika also did not come to college, she had told me earlier that she got her periods and the pain is unbearable. I totally understand and it feels like death when you have PCOD or PCOS. May god give her strength.
Where are you Reyansh?
I was walking in the corridor when I found Raj hurrying towards the main gate being all distressed.
"Raj!!!"
He turned hearing my voice. "Why are you so stressed and where is Reyansh umm I've to return him his notes." I went nervous when he raised his eyebrows and smirked at the name of Reyansh. He always do that, "Tell me!" I insisted.
Raj took a deep breath, his expression serious. "Okay, answer to your first question: I'm running for my life because my sister-in-law, Reyansh's cousin sister-just gave birth, I have to be there. But I had some important college work, so I was here. Otherwise, I'd already be at the hospital."
My mind whirred. He is at the hospital? That explained his absence. "Ohh...umm, congratulations!" I stammered. "God bless the new member. You-you should go then. Tell Reyansh that I was miss- uhh I mean, tell him I was waiting for him to return the notes. Umm, bye!" I waved awkwardly, my cheeks burning.
Raj raised an eyebrow, torn between amusement and concern. "Thanks," he said, smiling with a hint of a frown. And with that, he sprinted toward the gate, disappearing.
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The evening sun painted the walls of our house in warm hues. After a day of mundane college lectures and desi house chores (bartan saaf karna-ugh), I sought refuge in Dadu's room. His wrinkled face lit up when I entered, and he patted the bed next to him.
"Pratiksha," he said, his voice a comforting melody.
I perched on the edge of the bed, recounting the trivialities-the professor's monotone, His absence, and everything. Dadu listened, nodding sagely. "You should call her, ask about their whereabouts. Not before giving me a champi," he said, pointing to his scalp.
I smiled and nodded. I fetched the coconut oil, my fingers working magic on Dadu's silver hair.
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