Half Girlfriend

not declined the ticket.’
‘What ticket?’
‘His party had asked me to contest last time. Why do you think
Ojha is so insecure about our family?’
‘Contest elections? You didn't tell me.’
‘Well,’ my mother said,‘I wasn’t interested. And did you have time
in Delhi to listen to your mother?’
‘I was studying, Ma,’
‘Or playing basketball’
The mention of basketball, without any warning, made me go
blank.
‘But you never really listened to me even when you called. Wonder
what kept you so distracted there, No girl and all, no?’
I kept quiet.
‘Was there?’ she said and laughed. 'Can’t imagine you having a
girlfriend.’
‘Pass me the raita,’ I said.
‘Say, no, if there was someone.’
I shook my head.
‘What?’
‘Nobody.’
‘You sure? Why have you become all quiet?’ my mother said.
‘I miss the game. You mentioned basketball. I haven’t played in a
long time.’
‘So go play. Go to Raj High School, people still play there.’
I nodded.
‘In fact,’ my mother said,‘you could even...’
She turned silent mid-sentence.
‘Even what?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Say it.’
‘Was going to say you could even teach the kids at school. But... ’
‘We don’t have a court. Or the money for it,’ I said, my voice