From Twinkle, With Love

by Sandhya Menon

Sahil was not the Roy brother I needed. But somehow, when I looked into his eyes, I saw myself the way he saw me: as someone talented and capable, as someone who could do this.

I see what he’s made of, and it’s the stuff I’m made of too, I think.

Never again will she say I remind her of my brother because he will remind her of me, instead. A subtle but very important difference, my friends.

When your mother dies, it is as if a part of you has died too.

“I like storms when I’m inside and drinking chai and reading a book or watching a movie. Not when I’m apt to be the latest lightning victim.

I was curious about Sahil and Neil’s parents. What must they be like to have raised two crushworthy boys?

All we can do is remember that she is ours no matter what. No matter how broken her heart is.”

“Our best friends, the ones we love the most, are the ones who can hurt us the most. Because look.” She pointed down to the powders. “We have had so many interactions with them, deep, meaningful interactions, that we cannot separate their pieces from ours. And if we try, we would only be getting rid of some of the best parts of ourselves.”