অভিব্যক্তি নিউ জার্সি
BEDTIME
"Mommy, I’m so scared!” simpered Rupsha from under the covers. It was well past her bedtime, yet sleep eluded her. She was even having difficulty in keeping her eyes shut for more than a few seconds at a stretch. The lock clicked open, the door swung inwards. Someone’s inside my room, Rupsha frantically thought to herself. A feeling of dread engulfed her. But she dared not take a peek, lest the invisible monster knows she’s awake and pounces on her. ‘There’s nothing to be afraid of, honey.’ Mommy’s gentle voice, all kind and reassuring, washed over her like a warm wave. At once, Rupsha felt calmer, as if the coils around her had loosened significantly. ‘But it’s so dark in here. Why can’t I at least leave the bed lamp on while I sleep?’ She pleaded. ‘Because a rule is a rule. Moreover, once you’re asleep, you won’t even notice the darkness.’ Her mother’s firm retort left no room for argument. ‘But what if demons attack me in the middle of night?’ Rupsha tried a different tack. ‘What if the bogeyman comes for me then?’ ‘Oh alright, young lady! I’ll stay the night here with you.’ There was exasperation in her mother’s tone, but also a hint of amusement. ‘No demon or bogeyman would dare harm my sweetheart while I’m standing guard.’ Rupsha pulled the blanket down from her face, wanting to catch a glimpse of mommy smiling down at her. But even as her eyes adjusted to the blackness, she couldn’t discern any sign of her mother. Must have snuck inside the closet, thought Rupsha. That’s where mommy stayed these days. Or at least that’s where Rupsha had left her a couple of days back. After their heated fight. Mommy had wanted Rupsha to act her age. ‘God! You’re Sixteen now!’ She had screamed at her. ‘Try and grow up, for once!’ Sixteen! A mere child, didn’t mommy realize? How could she sleep all by herself? That too with the lights out! Rupsha tried hard to remember the snatches: launching herself at mommy, stabbing at her with a sharp knife, mommy’s housecoat getting stained in red. So much the better! Mommy always looked great in red! Rupsha reached out and pulled her teddy-bear closer. Winnie, her favorite companion. A soft, pink bundle of joy! Christmas was around the corner. Daddy would soon be back from his business trip. Maybe she would be able to convince daddy to read her bedtime stories. That would make the holiday season so much fun! Perhaps both her parents would then stay in her closet. Happily together. Rupsha felt her fears ebb away. She felt relaxed. With a smile etched on her face, the sixteen year old girl finally fell asleep.
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