The Duty of Indian Daughters

The Duty of Indian Daughters

Mother’s at the stove stirring
Tea
She asks me to try it. It’s missing a
Spice
I can’t remember what it’s called
“You need to learn to make this
properly”
“Why?” I continue to stir, so she walks to sink
“Well, when you’re married, what if your mother-in-law will want some?”
“Then my
husband
can make it for her”
My mother laughs because she thinks I’m
joking
I laugh because I know I’m
not
“Mom, this needs
Masala”