Maya Part 1

Maya - Part- 1

I saw them with my own eyes my husband Naeem and my younger sister Prithu, together in a way they never should have been.

I had just returned from the hospital with my mother-in-law. I’m eight months pregnant with Naeem’s child. The doctor performed an ultrasound, looked at me with a smile, and said, "You’re going to have a boy."

I was floating on cloud nine. My mother-in-law was so overwhelmed with joy that she took off the gold chain she was wearing and put it around my neck right there in the clinic. Tears filled my eyes. In that moment, I decided I was going to surprise Naeem. I couldn't wait to get home, throw my arms around him, and say, "Naeem, you’re going to be the father of a son."

But what a cruel twist of fate. Who could have known that I’d walk into my own home only to find my husband in bed with my own sister?

A wave of disgust washed over me. How could Prithu do this to me? She’s my own blood. And Naeem... just last night, as we lay in bed together, he kissed my forehead and asked, "Noha, do you have any idea how much I love you?"

"How much?" I whispered. "More than anyone could ever love another person," he replied.

I pulled him close, but he gently moved away. "What are you doing? Don't hold me so tight," he said. "Why not?" I asked, surprised. "Because you’ll hurt our baby," he said softly.

I felt my face flush with shyness. I took his hand and asked, "Naeem, if I died, would it break your heart?" He covered my mouth, looking genuinely upset. "If you ever say that again, you’ll be looking at my dead body instead!"

My heart fluttered at his words. I promised him I’d never say it again that we’d grow old together. He stroked my hair until I fell asleep. I remember thinking how lucky I was. How does a motherless, unfortunate girl like me end up with such a husband?

When I walked into the room, they scrambled. Prithu fumbled for her clothes on the bed, and Naeem yanked the sheets over himself. I pretended I hadn't seen a thing and walked straight into the washroom. I turned the tap on full blast and just broke down.

How could they do this?

I wanted to scream. I wanted to hit her. But I stayed silent. If the neighbors or the house staff found out that my husband was involved with my sister, the shame would be mine to carry. How would I ever look anyone in the eye again?

So I stayed in the bathroom and cried until my heart felt heavy. But then the pain moved to my stomach. Every time I sobbed, it felt like my abdomen was tearing apart.

I thought about Prithu. Our mother died when I was in college and she was only in the sixth grade. My father was lost, left with two daughters and no idea how to move forward. We were lucky a distant relative told my mother-in-law about us while she was looking for a bride for Naeem. She wanted a "good girl," even if we didn't have money.

She took me in and insisted on bringing Prithu along too, saying she’d raise her like her own daughter. My father, who had already become a bit of a recluse, took the opportunity to leave for a spiritual life and never really came back.

Prithu is in ninth grade now. She’s at that age where everything looks colorful and emotions run high. But to do this with her own brother-in-law? It’s sickening.

My mother-in-law knocked on the door. "Noha? Honey, you've been in there a long time. Are you alright?" She was probably worried I’d slipped or fallen. I wiped my eyes with my saree and opened the door.

She looked at me and frowned. "Have you been crying?" "No, Ma. Why would I be crying?" I managed to say. "Don't lie to me. Your eyes are bloodshot. Tell me what’s wrong." "It’s nothing, Ma. I just splashed too much water in my eyes, that’s why they’re red." "The eyes might be red from water, but your voice sounds heavy. Why is that?"

I was nearly caught. I couldn't tell her the truth it would destroy her. How could I say such a thing about my own sister? So I lied.

"Ma, I was just thinking about my mother. She died giving birth to me. I’m just scared that maybe I " Before I could finish, she covered my mouth. "Stop it. Don't you dare say something so unlucky! I don't have a daughter of my own. From the day you married my son, I've loved you like my own child. How could I live without you?"

She started sobbing uncontrollably. "Ma, please stop. I’m sorry. I’ll never say it again. I promise." She pulled me into a hug and kissed my forehead. "See that you don't."

Prithu avoided me all day. But as evening fell, she suddenly walked up to me...

#To_be_continued_