Indian Aunt Official

I was twenty-two. I had dreams too. Not of America or an MBA – I wanted to be a singer. On the radio. Can you imagine? Your Auntie, with her bun and her back pain, singing love songs for the whole of Delhi? But life happens. Parents say, “ Shaadi karlo .” Husband says, “ Adjust karo .” Children say, “ Mummy, paratha banao .” And one day, you wake up and your voice is only used for scolding the maid and calling the electrician.

(She picks up her chai again, voice dropping low.) indian aunt

(She points a finger, but it’s trembling.) I was twenty-two

Now finish this chai. It’s getting cold. And next Sunday, bring that boy over. I’ll make gulab jamun . If he doesn’t like them, he’s useless – throw him out. Theek hai? On the radio

(She leans in, eyes glittering.)