An Arranged Date

Chapter - 13

"Roohi jaldi open the fucking door! If you don't I will haunt you until your death." She barked out. 

"Ha ha" due to anxiety, a simple lock turned out to be complex. My hands were chilling with goosebumps. I could swear that if this were a prank for her followers, I would through some incantation turn this very floor into lava and become her glossy nightmare just like her lip balm.

Ma calmed me down and slashed open the door, both of us waiting to glimpse beyond for her. A figure emerged stomping and entering the door swiftly. 

She was panting and submerged down crashing to the ground. "Close the door." Seemed like she was having a panic attack, but only seemed like.

"Dimps kya hua bachha." Ma called out. Not only me but even I was vexed by looking at her state. 

"Get up and drink some water. C'mon" I bent down and helped her reach the sofa. Ma called Usha Aunty to bring some water. After pacifying her, she initiated the conversation and began speaking.

Out in the moment, she spat out words that were queer to hear. I can assure you half of them were curses. 

"Roo we cannot understand anything," I called her out. Someone had to.

"I was talking to myself." This time her words were crystal clear.

"Dimps yeh kya baat hui, hum kitna dar gaye the. Aur itni saari galiya! No entry from tomorrow." Ma despised curses as much as she could disown me as well. The only word she could entertain was 'shit' because she pretty much uses it as well. 

"Meesh Ma, sorry! Apko pata hai na mein yeh jaan mujhkar nahi karungi!" Meesh Ma, that's what she called Ma. Visiting after so many years ( hyperbole ) and her entry without any exception truly epic. At times, we were dumbfounded but that was long ago. But today, her high-spirited face was dreaded. 

"Ab bata kya hua? Itne barso baad ayi hai, hamesha hasta gata chehra lekar ati hai, kuch hua hai kya? Kisi ne meri phool kumari beti ko cheda kya? I wouldn't spare them at all!" More than me, Ma loves her. Unki pyaari aur ladli beti jo hai!

"Dogs! It's all because of those stray dogs." I could feel the anguish this tiny sapling carried in herself. She has a phobia of dogs, especially stray dogs. 

"Idhar stray dogs?" I questioned. This is a gated community. Cats are common, but dogs?

"Ha woh bhi stray. I was traumatized by looking at them. I don't know what Newton's attraction took place that not one but all three of 'em began one after the other gathering and following me. I on heels, with whatever in hand with a huff and puff ran for my life. L-I-F-E. I could have gotten rabies! Agar woh old uncle nahi hote na before I could get rabies, my life would have huffed and puffed out of me." 

A chuckle escaped my mouth. And god the stare that followed could lighten up a fright even in the eyes of a ghost. 

"Grow up Dimps. 'Puppies' are cute." I mimicked remembering what someone had told me once.

"Curse you," Dimps exclaimed out with annoyance and displeasure. 

I was about the continue the debate but Ma intervened between us and ceased this conversation, of us cursing each other. Listen to the lady! That was the decorum of the house!

"I will talk to the security and the admin house. Now Dimps" Ma continued and cuddled her. I on the other hand not interrupting their sweet time, made my way out of the hall. Before I could step out, both of them grabbed me, and the rest is history. It was a group hug. 

"I am not going through that same dog house again." If it is once a no. It is a no for sure. 

"No worries, we will take my car," I responded, with a sense of eagerness.

"Someone's ready." She spoke by eyeing me. I was and wasn't. Hormones are to blame.

"Listen I want you guys before 12 back at home, and you Dimps after partying come here okay? It will be late na so both of you sleep here. And remember your cut-off time is 12. Got it?" The strict teacher-like tone of Ma!

"Yes, Ma'am." We both voiced out in sync. 

Last minute kisses and we were out. Out to party and get drunk! Lessssgooo!