I Am NOT Fine

How are you?

I asked Sita, who was startled by my question. She nervously tried to hide the black and blue marks on her wrist by pulling the sleeve of her shirt with her fingers and then closing those fingers in a fist.

I am fine.

She said.

Really!

I said, and tried to study her eyes which were saying otherwise.

Sita Nodded and turned away from me.

How are you ?

I asked Sheila, who too was startled by my voice.

She spread the lose end of her dupatta across her bosom and replied suspiciously.

I am fine.

And she looked down and moved on without giving me a chance to peep into her eyes 

How are you?

I asked myself.

I too was surprised by my question.

I tried to smoother the tension on my forehead by wiping it with my fingers. Next, I pulled up my cheek muscles to give a semblance of a smile.

I.... I am fine.

I remarked but to the world, deliberately forgetting to answer to myself.