Neighbour Next Door

14) Diwali

Mallika's POV :

"Happy Diwali!" I hugged dad who just came inside my apartment today, Diwali morning.

"I missed you." I mumbled still hugging him.

"I know." He smiled and caressed my hair lovingly.

"Will you let him come in or stay on the doorstep itself?" I unwrapped my hands from him looking behind to see Kajal aunty and Akshay.

"Happy Diwali my favourite." Akki bhai hugged me and I chuckled.
Buttering me, you see.

"Oye get lost, we all know who's your favourite." Kajal aunty pushed him and I hugged her poking my tongue out to him. He only smiled.

"okay get ready and meet me by 12:30 in the longue. " I nodded and Akki bhai left

"This is breakfast for both of you. Idli and Sambhar." I squeauled in delight.
I love South Indian Food.

"Thankyou so much." Dad said to Kajal aunty who shrugged it off as it was her duty to do it.

She left and dad started taking out and serving everything. The only days I can relax is when dad is with me.

'liar...' my mind mocked.

Fine... Almost everybody helps me, basically Pampers and spoils me to the fullest. But with dad, it's just different.

"How's Arjun?" I stiffened at his name. long story...eh?

"You guys recouncilled I guess after your birthday. " He said after serving me idlis on the plate.

"yeah, we've been busy lately so didn't got much time to talk but it's all okay."
What a lair I am.

My phone pinged and I was hoping it was from Arjun but to my utter disappointment it was not.
It was Vihan.

"Happy Diwali to the new found friend :). "
Sweet. I replied 'happy Diwali to you too!'

"Heard Sumedh's family has visited." I hummed.

Vedika arrived 2 days ago, his parents arrived late night or today morning I think.
I was busy with my work and coping up with NGO part time job so didn't notice.

"Hope you aren't sad that your mom isn't here." Dad said and there was utter silence for a second.

"No." I said firmly and he sighed.

"You're not happy?" I shook my head.

"Angry?" I shook my head.

"Go and shower up, then go with your friends. I'll make the arrangements here." I nodded and went to my room.

After a warm shower and grooming, I dressed up in a little fancy green kurti with black Jeans and cluthed my hair. I took my phone and walked outside to find dad cleaning the kitchen.

"Dad, I'll do it later. You go dress up and shower." I said to him but he being the stubborn one didn't listened to me.

"Fine, I'm leaving. Don't do unnecessary things." He replied an 'okay.' and I closed the door behind me.

I walked to the elevator to find Vedika and a lady with her.

"Happy Diwali." I said smiling to Vedika.
"HAPPY DIWALI MALLIKA DI." She squealed in delight and hugged me.

"She's my mamma." She said and I greeted Mrs. Aggarwal who smiled and acknowledged me sweetly.

"I'll just reach in 10mins, I'm going with mamma to the nearby temple." I nodded at her and bid them goodbye.