Zoi's Window

Ashok stared into the mirror. His brown eyes went over his creased forehead that was dotted with pimples. He ran a hand through his hair and winced every time he saw a white strand peek out from underneath the mess of brown. He sighed as he remembered the unopened books that waited in his school bag, and the chemistry test paper he had to get signed by his parents. In his eleven-year-school-life, it was the first time he had failed. His thoughts invariably turned to the night before the test. “Dada, won’t you come out to play?” his younger brother, Rakesh whined. “No.” “But, Dada, you promised!” Rakesh insisted. Ashok felt his anger rise. “I have a test. I have to study. Just go!” Ashok said in a staccato voice. “But, Dada, you’re not even studying! You’re on your phone!” Ashok snapped his mobile shut. “Shut up! Will you? Just mind your own business, idiot!” he roared. A look of surprise crossed Rakesh’s face. Tears filled his eyes. Ashok felt a strange satisfaction as he...