The King's Obsession

The air in Jaipur feels different, a mix of familiar comfort and unsettling tension. You step out of the car, the dust of the city settling on your clothes. Five years away, and yet it feels like yesterday.
The house stands before you, beautifully decorated, a stark contrast to the knot in your stomach. “Maa, Vidyut Bhai, Bade Papa, Badi Maa, and Tanya, where are you all?” Your voice echoes in the silent living room. A sudden noise makes you jump, and there he is – Vidyut bhaiya, sparkler in hand, a warm smile on his face. Relief washes over you as you embrace your favorite cousin.
Then, Tanya. Your twin. Five years melted away in a tight hug. But the reunion is cut short. Your mother’s voice slices through the warmth, calling for Tanya. You know that tone. It’s the one that dismisses your dreams, the one that compares you to your sister. You watch them leave, a familiar ache in your chest.
