Gemotions

The scent of cardamom and cumin hung heavy in the air. The television blared, a melodramatic Bollywood movie playing on repeat. This was Priya's space, the place she felt at home. Now, her husband, Robert, had begun learning Hindi. She considered the prospect with a heavy heart.

Robert emerged from the bedroom, smiling. "Namaste," he said, holding a steaming cup of tea. He'd made it himself, and she knew there was a heavy-handed interpretation of the practice.

Priya looked at the tea, then at Robert’s face. She forced a smile, which didn't reach her eyes. The idea of him attempting to share her private world felt like a violation. She took the cup, and took a long, slow sip, her mouth sealed shut.