Mistletoe Magic

                   || Alia || 

Its that time of the year, I wish could go away in a blink. I walked back to my apartment crossing the decorated streets, carolers, huge Christmas trees at junctions, house decorated with reindeers and lights. Seems like the whole city became alive suddenly.

But for me, nothing is festive anymore. This time of the year is most dreadful for me.

As per routine, I took a hot shower and started cooking my dinner. That's when my phone rang. Its my sister. It's also a part of my routine now.

"Hey Aloo." Aloo is the nickname she prefers calling me. Although I hate it, as in Hindi it translates to potato. Not that she body shames me as I am literally a tiny creature, but I still don't like it.

"So what's the plan for the holidays?"

"Amita Di, you know I don't celebrate Christmas."

"You can change it this time maybe. Go out. Travel."

"Di please..."

"Stop punishing yourself, Alia. Enough." The moment she says my full name, you know its serious.

"I will try."

"We are going to Whispering Vines."

"What's that?"

"A small town away from chaos. Alex has some work there, so we thought why not make it a trip. And you are coming with us."

"No. I don't want to be a third wheel. "

"You are never a third wheel. You can be the babysitter though."

"You are mean." She let out a laughter.

I love my nephew to the core, but I know Amita's plan is not to have me as the babysitter, but to tag me along and try to awaken the festive mood in me.

You can never win against her. She was always my mother since we lost our mother when I was just 2. Ever since, the motherly love I have received is from her. She is the strongest woman I know. And this woman is not going to take a No for an answer.

After my dinner, I opened my laptop to complete some pending work before the holidays begun. After 2 hours, I submitted the final draft, dropped an email wishing my team and logging off for the year.

It was already late but I had to pack my bags. The memo I received from Amita is to pack winter outfits as it's super cold in the Whispering Vines. The name itself is so different. Once done with the packing I could finally lie on the bed after an eventful day. 

Thoughts started pouring in and sleep no where to be found. My hand reached for the phone and I googled Whispering Vines. Images popped up of different grape vines orchards, forest with tall and huge pine trees, beautiful river and a population of around 500 people. 

This seems fascinating. But even that amount of people scared me. It makes me anxious.

My routine is simple and maybe some can term it as boring. But on weekdays its office and back to home. On weekends its self care or maybe indulging in a book or movie. If long weekend, then a trip to Amita's house. 

She and Alex dated since their college and got married 2years back when Amita was pregnant with Sam. I have been there when they used to sneak out, or spend the night together or travel together and needed my help to keep it as secret or handle the situation when they are gone. So Alex has been my family since. The day I held Sam in my hand, I couldn't be happier..

******** Author's Note ********

This is a series. Please stay tuned and awaiting your honest feedback. Hope you like this ♥️

~ Shivanshi