Abhi:
(Whispers urgently)
"Shhh… speak slowly!
Take a good look around—
Does this place look like your bedroom?
Or is my chest just that comfortable that you forgot where we are?"
(Ishana blinks, embarrassed, still half-dazed. Suddenly—)
Mom (Narration):
I walked toward the staircase. The sides are walled, so I couldn't see clearly who's down there.
But as I get closer...
Mom:
(Surprised and awkward)
"Ohh… you two were here…
I… I'm sorry… I didn't mean to—"
(She turns around and walks away quickly, clearly flustered.)
Abhi (Narration):
I was just teasing her, trying to lighten the moment… but then—BAM—Mom showed up.
"M-Mom… it's not like that!
I mean—we didn't… it wasn't…"
(I quickly get up, gently pushing Ishana aside.
I realize my shirt is wide open, buttons undone.
No undershirt.
My bare chest completely exposed—
Damn.
I fumble to button it, turning slightly away from Ishana as I do.)
Yash:
(Grinning like a devil)
"Wowwww… looks like someone had a thrilling night down there…"
Second Brother:
(Laughs)
"Yeah, bro—definitely more 'romance' than 'rest'!"
Mom:
(Snapping)
"Shut up, both of you! Where's your youngest brother?"
Yash:
"Uhhh… he must be lying around somewhere like the rest of us."
Mom:
(Scanning the terrace)
"Who's behind that swing? Come out!"
(She walks over and—there he is.)
Mom:
"Wake up!!"
Youngest Brother:
(Moaning)
"Mo—ommm… please stop shouting. It's seriously painful..."
Mom:
"You brat! Who gave you permission to drink?! Huh?"
Youngest Brother:
"But Mom… it was a party! Everyone else was drinking.
How could I just sit there like a saint?"
Mom:
(Turning furiously to Yash)
"Yash! How could you let him drink?!"
Yash:
(Backing off)
"Mom, I didn't even notice he was drinking! Ask elder sis—she was around too!"
Mom:
"Don't talk back to me!"
Ishana (Narration):
I didn't know what to do. When Mom walked past us, I just stood up in silence.
My mind was blank. My body moved, but I had no words.
Abhi:
"Mom… come on, it's okay. It was just a few drinks."
Mom:
"A few? Just look at him! Does that look like a 'few' to you?"
Abhi:
(Sighs and walks toward the group)
(Everyone's attention shifts to me the second I join them.)
Abhi:
"What? Why are you all staring?"
Yash:
"Bro… uh…"
Abhi:
(Raises an eyebrow)
"What? Don't ask questions you already know the answers to—especially about your sister."
Second Brother:
(Squinting)
"Bro… I think you've got something on your cheek."
Abhi:
"Huh? What?"
(He touches his cheek, confused.)
Yash:
"It's red, bro. Like… someone might've done something to your face last night."
Youngest Brother:
(Walking up, eyes still puffy)
"Bro… did you get slapped last night?"
(Laughing)
"Or was it something else that left a mark?!"
[Everyone laughs, Ishana hides her face, and Abhi just shakes his head in disbelief.]
Abhi (Narration):
Great. Just great.
Hangover? Check.
Embarrassment? Check.
Half-dressed in front of the family? Check.
Red cheeks? Oh yeah—double check.