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In Meera’s softly lit bedroom at dawn, Mum stands in the doorway holding a plate of steaming parathas as Meera sits on the bed stretching with a smile. Dad peeks in behind Mum with a teasing grin.
Meera opened her eyes to the scent of Mum’s spicy parathas. “Rise and shine, Meera!” Mum called. Meera smiled, stretching out of bed. Dad peeked in, “Big day at school?” he teased. Meera giggled. She felt nervous, but her parents’ love warmed her heart.
In a bright bedroom by a sunlit window, Meera stands before a full-length mirror frowning at her reflection as Mum gently brushes Meera’s black hair. The mirror frame glints softly in the morning light.
Meera frowned at her reflection. “Why don’t I look like the others?” she whispered. Mum brushed Meera’s hair gently. “You’re beautiful, beta,” Mum said kindly. Meera smiled a little. She started to feel proud of her black hair.
On a sunny schoolyard lawn, Meera animatedly shows two friends a photo of mangoes while they giggle and listen. The girls wear school uniforms under bright midday light with other students in the background.
At school, Meera’s friends giggled about their summer plans. “Did you visit India this year?” one asked. “Yes!” Meera replied, sharing stories of mangoes and cousins. Everyone listened, eyes wide with curiosity. Meera’s cheeks flushed happily. She loved making her culture shine.
Inside a sunlit dance studio, Meera practices a Bharatanatyam pose as the smiling teacher gently guides her hand. Mum watches from the open doorway. Polished wooden floor and a speaker emitting rhythmic music glow under afternoon light.
After school, Mum took Meera to her first Bharatanatyam class. “Give it a try!” Mum encouraged. The teacher smiled and guided Meera’s steps. "You move gracefully," the teacher said. Meera grinned, proud of learning something new. The rhythmic music beat in her heart.
In a brightly lit kitchen, Meera stands at the counter crimping samosa edges while Dad sprinkles extra potatoes into the filling bowl. Mum holds a small plate offering a samosa sample. Shiny metal bowl and rolling pin sit nearby.
On Saturday, Dad and Meera cooked samosas together. “More potatoes, less peas,” Dad joked. Meera laughed and crimped the edges carefully. “You’ll be a great chef someday,” Dad winked. Mum handed Meera a taste. Everyone agreed—Meera’s samosas were the best!
In a dimly lit living room at dusk, Meera sits on a couch clutching her diary as Mum bends to hug her from the side. Dad stands nearby nodding supportively. A small lamp casts warm yellow light.
One evening, Meera sat quietly, holding her diary. “Mum, do you think I’m good enough?” she asked softly. Mum hugged her tightly. “You’re more than enough, Meera.” Dad nodded, “We believe in you.” Meera’s worry felt a little lighter.
At a classroom table under fluorescent lights, Meera displays her mother’s shiny bangles and a vibrant dupatta. Two classmates lean forward admiring the jewelry with wide eyes. Books and project posters are scattered around.
Meera’s group chose ‘Traditions Around the World’ for their project. She brought her mom’s bangles and colorful dupatta. Her friends admired the shiny jewelry. "This is so pretty, Meera!" they exclaimed. Meera beamed. She was proud to share her heritage.
On the house’s front porch at dusk, Mum places a tray of sweet ladoos on a lit table as Dad ignites sparkler in one hand. Meera twirls in her new kurta beneath glowing string lights. The night sky is clear.
Diwali was coming, and Meera helped string up lights. Dad lit sparklers while Mum made sweet ladoos. “Happy Diwali!” they cheered together. Meera danced in her new kurta, twirling. The house glowed with joy. She loved family traditions.
In the home entrance hall under soft ceiling light, Mum and Dad kneel to embrace Meera who wipes a tear from her cheek. The front door is open behind them, revealing twilight outside.
One day, Meera came home upset after hearing mean words at school. “They laughed at my name," she whispered. Mum and Dad hugged her. “Be proud of who you are,” Dad said. Meera wiped her tears. She felt braver with her parents’ support.
Inside a sunlit classroom, Priya stands shyly beside Meera at a pair of desks. Meera smiles warmly and pats the empty chair between them. Chalkboard and other students blur in the background.
The next week, a new girl joined Meera’s class. “Hi, I’m Priya,” she said, shyly. Meera smiled, “Want to sit with me?” Priya nodded gratefully. Together, they bonded over shared stories. Meera felt happy to help someone new.
On a brightly lit school auditorium stage, Meera stands behind a wooden podium speaking confidently about Diwali with her hands placed on the sides. In the dim audience rows, Dad watches with a supportive nod. A spotlight focuses on Meera.
Meera was chosen to speak about her culture at assembly. She felt scared but remembered Mum’s encouraging words. “You can do this!” Dad whispered from the audience. Meera spoke confidently about Diwali and traditions. Everyone clapped. Meera’s heart soared with pride.
At a dining table under warm chandelier light, Meera leans forward to blow out candles on her birthday cake. Mum stands to the left kissing Meera’s cheek, Dad high-fives her from the right. Colorful balloons float above.
On her birthday, Meera blew out the candles, surrounded by Mum and Dad. “I’m proud of who I am,” she declared. Mum kissed her cheek. Dad high-fived her. Meera felt ready for new adventures. She was truly becoming herself.