Read "The Laughter" by Sonora Jha online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
DRAFT: To: Sharma, Shivani From: Khan, Ruhaba Dear Shivani, Thank you for your lovely invitation to your annual Diwali bash. So rare to get a real physical invitation card in the mail these days! I know how much you want Muslims, even Pakistanis, at your party, even though I don't hear from you at any other time of year. And I know you like to call it a South Asian Diwali, be more inclusive and all, but frankly, darling, I get so bored at these things. The same old matar paneer and chana masala in the potluck. The same old husbands and the brush of their fingers during hello-ji hugs. The same singing of Bollywood songs with ironic mimes and little appreciation of those gorgeous Urdu lyrics. I go to your parties in the hope of connection and I come away lonelier than ever. Perhaps next year?
SENT: Dear Shivani, Thank you for your lovely invitation to your annual Diwali bash. So rare to get a real physical invitation card in the mail these days! My misfortune that I made another commitment that evening that I can't get out of. Bummer, as the Americans say. Let's get coffee one of these days? Wishing you and yours a happy Diwali!