Noor: "Come on, Mom, I've already told you, there's no need for such worry. And you really don't need to rush things like this, especially because of some of our exceptionally supportive relatives." (Sarcasm)

Mom: "Noor, you're just not grasping it. You know, every single thing is incredibly complicated here." (cut off in the middle)

(Noor): "Mumma tusi menu birthday wish karun liye call kita, ya emotional blackmail vaaste? (Did you call me to wish me a happy birthday, or to emotionally blackmail me?)And I've told you so many times, and I'm telling you yet again, I won't be coming back to India anytime soon. And I most certainly won't marry any creepy guy from Australia that your relatives would pick out for me. I have almost seven months to figure things out, so just chill and relax."

(Mom) "Beta, how can I chill and relax when you're struggling in a completely foreign country, without any relatives or even a single Indian person around you? Je tannu kuch hogya fer mae ke karugi dass, mere tah jindigi khatam ho jaane hai [If something happens to you, what would i do then my whole life would end )

te tere chachu ne bhot badiya rishta dekhya hoya ga (And your uncle has found a very good match for you.]

Noor: mumma please stop now

Mom: "faltu struggle karan de ke lod hai?"(What's the need to do this unnecessary struggle?) That boy has his own house in Australia and his family is very good. You just need to go and see them once. tu ek var gal ta kar ke dekh"(You should just go and talk to him and see.")

Noor:"Seriously, Mumma, how many times must I repeat myself, I've already told you clearly. I will not marry any Australian. I want to stay in America, and only America. My company, has assured me they will absolutely extend my contract, so there's nothing to worry about. This is the very last time I'm telling you: don't you dare force me or try to emotionally blackmail me again, or I will simply stop answering your calls."

(Mom) haaye-oh-rabba, (sobs) Ha bas ehi din dekhna reh gya se hun Ma bap nal gal ve ni karni hun tu. assi ta hun dushman barabar hogye a na! Oh good heavens (sobs) Yes, this was the ultimate

betrayal for me to see: my own children refusing to speak to their parents, treating us as adversaries."

Noor: Haye-o-rabba please bas vi hun tusse har vaar ek hi dialogue use karde ho, atleast birthday aale din ta na kalesh karo mere naal

<>

["Oh, Lord! Just stop it already. It's the same old dialogue every single time, and honestly, on my birthday of all days, Can we at least have a truce on my birthday?]

Despite everything, I'm genuinely happy here. My friends, they're like family to me. And didn't misunderstand me mumma, please, don't ever say I've forgotten my own family - that's not true.

I love you all dearly, but please, stop being so emotional. And Mom, please, for the love of everything, stop sitting around chatting with those aunties who just fill your head with nonsense!

Huh Noor tell me honestly What's going on? You know, Noor, all I want is for at least one of my children to find a settled life. I don't want to see you like this...

Noor: 'Like this, Mom? What exactly do you mean by 'settled'? Does being 'settled' solely mean thought of getting married and having kids. Right now it sends shivers down my spine.

I love you, Mom, and I promise you, I'm taking care of myself. I don't need a man to make me happy, or to shoulder the expenses of my family. Understood?

Mom: but what about all this immigration visas and citizenship?

<>

"My sister and brother They're practically my own kids already. If I can't even truly care for them, provide for their education, nurture their careers, then how could I possibly bring a newborn into this world?"

"Wouldn't it be a far greater kindness to choose not to have children than to condemn them to a life of misery, a life where every desire is weighed against the burden of cost, where passiori is stifled by practicality? I don't want my siblings and kids to choose their career because of money and not for their passion just like I did...."

()"That's not the life I envision for my future children, Mom. I refuse to let any child of mine - be it Roop or Kairav - endure such

existence."

(A choked whisper from Mom) "Do you... do you truly believe I made a mistake by having you, beta?"

(Sobs are heard, likely from Noor in response to her mother's pain and turmoil)

...

Noor: "I don't know what you're trying to say, Mom, but listen to me closely: I will not set foot back in India until my visa expires, and I swear to you, I will make absolutely sure that my visa never expires. I will ensure that my 'wise' - my prime, my potential - does not expire without me reaching my goals. I promise you, with every fiber of my being, that I will not let that happen, no matter the sacrifice. So please, Mom, stop crying"

"Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to enjoy the final two hours of my birthday, worry-free. It's already been a harsh day mainly becoming of my boss, compounded by some emotional drama with you.

I know this might sting, but honestly, I'm completely fed up with the situation now. I'm so sorry you're worried about me. Please don't cryor stress yourself; I don't want you to fall ill. I need to go now; my best friend has invited me over for some work and a house tour. I'll catch up with you later.

[Mom] Why don't you ask your best friend to gift you a house instead of just a tour?

Noor: Mom, I already have an apartment!

[Mom] How is that your apartment when you're paying rent for it? You know what I think? You should just go and marry your best friend already, because you clearly can't see anyone else thanks to her!"

"Noor: Seriously, you know I would have married her if she were a guy.

Mom: (Sighing dramatically, a hint of a smile playing on her lips despite her annoyance) 'Ha ha! She's the one who's completely spoiled you! You're always siding with her, aren't you? Look, I'm not even going to talk to you about this anymore! Frankly, sometimes I wonder if she's cast some kind of spell on you, always dragging you along like that. It's like you two are glued at the hip!”Noor: (Translation of her internal thought) Yes, yes, she's the one who's spoiled you rotten! That's why you always take her side, even over me. You know what? I don't even want to talk about this anymore!

Mom (voice fading as she presumably walks away or hangs up): 'Well, just don't forget who your actual family is, dear!'

Noor: "Come on, Mom!"

(But the line had already gone dead.)

Noor: Whatever. Let's not spoil our mood over something that happens quite often anyway.

I felt a subtle chill.

(Stepping down from the Uber, I met the driver's gaze in the rearview mirror. His eyes held a certain intensity, making me instinctively want to move away, a familiar prickle of unease stemming from my ever-present trust issues. I quickly looked away.)

Uhm... payment.

A lingering feeling of being watched clung to me, a persistent whisper of unseen eyes that made the air feel just a little bit heavier, a little bit

colder. Why

I always feel like this (huff)

[after 15 mins walk ]

I think I need some rest because I keep imagining things, just because of my stupid boss my whole day went in vain so stupid just want to slap his head once!

{just stomping foot)

C'mon She said she would pick me from here at 6: 45 and it's 6:50 but I can't see anyone so should I call her or just wait here

Velvet: "No keep on standing here whole night while no one comes to pick you"

"Pagal aurat call her its getting dark already, what if someone mugs you,

you still need to pay roops collage expenses and also aksh'sfees

Calling her

Ring... Ring.....Ring

Me: Kithte reh gye tu bandri je lI am waiting for you. (when are you coming monkey)

Her:- Oh sorry Noor Just 5 mins I am there

Me:- acche gharo hi ni nikli seriously birthday aale din ta koi tan sharam Kar birthday hai aj Mere and I am standing here in a dark street alone at night waiting for you. Allana Oberoi!!

(oh so you are still at home, just have some shame Its my birthday today)