In living and not-living, sun and shadow

 
Listen, my darling, my love!
Shall we go wandering through the park today?
Come, let's eat out somewhere today?
Come, let's do some serious shopping today?
Come, let's catch that new movie?


Oh, what are you saying! Today we'll sit at home all day
and talk, just the two of us! We'll watch movies, listen to music, munch on spiced puffed rice.


Hey, are you listening!
We haven't taken a rickshaw ride in ages, remember?
We haven't eaten street-side fuchka in so long, you know?
Every single holiday you have some invitation or other.
It's been so long since I've had you all to myself, does that even register?


Today is just one holiday! Other times
you're off chatting with friends, and I
sit here watching the road for your return…
Finally, furious, I answer the phone and snap, "What time is it?
It's getting so late, aren't you coming?"


Hey, you trickster!
Will you hook up the clasps on the back of my blouse?
Hold my sari pleats and fix them properly for me!
Pin my sari's end with the safety pin right there!
Check if my bangles, bindi and kajal are just right?
Is the lipstick color too dark?
Which jewelry should I wear? Help me decide!


These days even when I wear a sari, you don't look at me the way you used to, you know?
Why don't you call me anymore in that sweet-mischievous voice…little weaver bird?
Don't you remember that I dress up so carefully only for you?


Who spilled water here?
You've left the wet towel on the bed again?
How many more times must I tell you—
if you keep the bathroom door closed, it never dries out?
Why did you turn the fan on so high in this cold weather?
Haven't I said not to sprawl on the bed with your laptop and office papers?


Tell me, do I really nag all day long?
Do I find fault with you too easily, every single day?


When we're at home, which moment is truly ours alone, can you tell me?
I'm holding the ladle and pan, while you grab the newspaper at every chance!