Maya sifted through the contents of the drawer, muttering something under her breath.
‘We are getting late. Hurry up, Maya. You know how bad the traffic is.’
‘Two minutes, Ravi, I can’t find my pink lipstick,’ she said now shuffling through her purse.
‘C’mon, put on something else.’
‘It’s strange Ravi, but in the past couple of months a lot of my things have been disappearing – lipsticks, earrings, even some clothes.’
‘Who can steal these things? You must have misplaced them somewhere,’ he said picking up the car keys and heading out. ‘In the car, 5 minutes, be quick.’
‘Ravi, could it be Nakku? I mean, who else is there in the house?’
‘’You must be out of your mind, Nakku Bai is 70 yrs old, and she’s been a trusted servant of this house for the past 3 generations. My mom never had a complaint against her. And have you ever seen her put on lipstick? She wouldn’t even fit into your clothes. C’mon hurry up now, can’t we do this later?’
‘Okay, okay, I’ll think about it in the evening. Let’s go.’
Ravi was about to start his car, when she stopped him. ‘Hey, wait, Kiran’s college fees are due today, I’ll quickly go and give him the cheque.’
Ravi made a face. ‘Quick.’
She nodded and ran into the house. ‘Nakku Maushi,’ she called out, ‘Has Kiran left for college?’
‘He was sitting here watching TV,’ said Nakku. 'I think I saw him go to his room after you went out.'
This boy, she thought, he can sit all day watch TV but not remember to collect the cheque for his fees. When will he grow up?
Maya hurriedly wrote a cheque and scampered to Kiran’s room. Kiran was not in the room. Maya sighed. Let me ask Nakku to give this to him, she thought. Just as she turned to leave, she heard the creak of the door.
Emerging from the closet believing his parents to have left for work, was Kiran, the pink lipstick on his lips, and her blue earrings dangling from his ear.
*******************************************
Written for the prompt "Caught Red-handed" as a part of the Bar-A-Thon - a - week long blogging marathon for bloggers. If you'd like to participate, or read what other bloggers have to say, visit the BAR for more details.
I'm with #Team Crimson Rush!
Oh My God!! That's actually coming out of the closet and caught right into the act!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fantastic story for the prompt, Shubhangi. Loved it!!
I was hoping that 'coming out of the closet' phrase is understood as it was meant to be..I'm sooo glad you did! Thanks a ton Shilpa!
DeleteEww...such an interesting take, Shubhangi! Quite an engaging read!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tarang!
DeleteAh and there's the twist :D Good one, Shubhangi. Poor Maya and poor Nakku too for being caught :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it Shailaja!
DeleteOh sweet Lord! That was a shocker!
ReplyDeleteBrilliantly written and super take on the prompt!
I'm sure it was...often parents go blind to the hints being thrown by their kids, could be this case or addictive habits or anything.
DeleteOops...now that was a solid twist in the tale! How we blindly assume and suspect our house helps in such cases.
ReplyDeleteYes, that too...I have been guilty of it sometimes.
DeleteNever expected it to end that way! what a twist!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ira!
DeleteGood God! What a twist and what a shock Shubhangi! But very befitting today's times and of course today's prompt!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kala! A least people are more forth coming with their preferences now, perhaps a good sign.
DeleteWow Shubhangi.. what a wonderful ending. Never would I have thought up this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks a ton Tulika!
Deleteohhh now that's going to be a long conversation. Quite a way to find out. Loved the story.
ReplyDeleteI guess so..and I hope not an unpleasant one! thanks!
DeleteCloset-the word is so full of meaning and Maya found Kiran coming out of it, goshhhh. Good story, short and yet has so many elements in it.
ReplyDeleteYou said it! Thanks for interpreting it like I intended it to be...I'm glad you liked it!
DeleteYou took a common story and turned it into something absolutely new! Just fabulous, dear :)
ReplyDeleteAnd plus, I hope he wasn't caught red-handed!
Thanks Mithila! So glad you liked it!
DeleteIt made me think of Bombay Talkies if you've seen that movie. In one part, a young lad's desire to dress up as a woman is highlighted!
ReplyDeleteWonderfully crafted Shubhangi :)
Cheers
Geets
I haven't watched it yet, maybe someday I'll catch it... thanks for reading Geets!
DeleteWow!! What a shocker for the lady! But good they found out now the acceptance can begin. Well written Shubhangi.
ReplyDelete