Meet Me in Mumbai by Sabina Khan

Author:Sabina Khan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

It’s Saturday, and I’m ready for my first Bollywood movie night. I’m not entirely sure if it’s solely for my benefit or because Nikhil just really loves old Hindi movies, but I’m happy to go along. It turns out that I love the song and dance and drama of it all. It’s glorious, and I have decades of movies to catch up on.

Tonight, an old classic is on the menu, Kabhi Kabhie, accompanied by a sumptuous dinner made by Nikhil’s mom, Sarita Aunty. Nikhil’s dad stayed back in Mumbai for work, so it’s just the three of us.

I can tell dinner is going to be delicious the moment I step into the foyer of Nikhil’s house.

“Whatever your mom’s making smells amazing,” I say as I take off my shoes and place them neatly in a corner by the door.

“I hope you like mutton biryani,” Nikhil says. “Mom went all out when I told her you were coming.”

“I love biryani,” I say. “My moms take us to eat at Mahek all the time. I swear they can handle spicy food better than I can.”

“Well, then you’re in luck,” Nikhil says with a grin. “I told Mom you’re a firangi, so she kept it all mild.”

“What’s a firangi? And just FYI, I don’t appreciate you calling me names in Hindi.” I’m only half joking.

“It’s not anything bad,” he says. “Just refers to white people because, you know, you eat like a white person.”

“I do not,” I say, narrowing my eyes at him.

“You kind of do,” he says with an extremely annoying smirk. “Remember the other day when you took a bite of my samosa and then had to get milk from the cafeteria? I mean, even babies can eat samosas.”

“I feel sorry for your future babies.”

He’s saved from replying when Sarita Aunty walks into the room with a steaming dish in her hands. She puts it down before turning to me.

“How are you, Mira?” she says, enveloping me in a warm hug. “You haven’t been over for a while.”

“It’s been really hectic at school. Plus, I’ve been taking extra shifts at the animal shelter.”

“You must really love being around all the animals,” Sarita Aunty says. “Nikhil tells me you’re quite the activist.”

“Well, I try to do what I can. It’s heartbreaking what some people will do to an innocent creature. I can’t just sit around and do nothing.”

“Plus, she loves bossing people around,” Nikhil says, making a face at me.

“I agree,” I say smugly. “Especially those who desperately need it.”

“You two are so funny.” Sarita Aunty serves me some of the biryani. My mouth waters immediately, followed by my eyes as soon as I put a spoonful in my mouth. Is this seriously their idea of mild?

“Nikhil, go and get her a glass of milk, quickly,” Sarita Aunty says. “I’m so sorry, Mira. Nikhil told me you love spicy food.”

Nikhil returns with a glass of milk, and I resist the urge to throw it in his face. I have to give him credit, though.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.