‘Stopping is extra, madam,’ the auto driver said, ignoring me along with every
speed-breaker on the road.
‘What?’ my mother said as I continued to stare at her to get her attention.
‘Her name is Ananya. Her parents are also here. I want you to meet them and
be nice to them.’
‘I will meet whoever you want me to meet. And when am I not nice? We are
nice people only.’
‘Mom.....’ I said before she interrupted me.
‘Let’s take some Nice biscuits on the way. They are good with tea.’
‘Mom,’ I screamed. ‘This is what I don’t want. I want you to meet them properly
and not obsess about meals or snacks or tea or whatever. They should have a
good impression.’
My mother gave me a dirty look. I didn’t respond.
‘Bhaiya, turn the auto. I am going back,’ my mother said. ‘One, I come all the
way from Delhi to attend your convocation, get mithai from four different shops,
and now I can’t make a good impression. It’s OK, if we can’t make a good
impression then we won’t come.’
My mother kept mumbling to herself. She had officially entered her drama
mode. The driver stopped the auto.
‘What? Why have you stopped?’ I asked, exasperated.
‘Madam is telling me to turn back.’
‘Mom,’ I said as she continued to sulk.
‘So, you remember I am your mother? I thought you only cared about your
friend’s parents?’
Anger filled my mother’s voice. I had to take emergency measures.
‘There is an excellent pao-bhaji place round the corner. Bhaiya, just take us to
Law Garden.’
‘I’m not hungry,’ my mother said.
‘Only for tasting,’ I said. I tapped the auto driver on his shoulder. The driver
turned towards Law Garden.
nora
(Nora)
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