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"Are you alright? You seem nervous," I inquired, casting a concerned glance towards Niharika as we crossed the garden and approached the door of the house.
"I'm alright. It's just... I'm fully aware of what's going to happen again during dinner," she sighed wearily.
I nodded in comprehension, fully grasping the weight of her words. Despite Niharika and me living separate from my parents, our encounters never yielded pleasant memories. Like the last time we met, nearly a week ago, Dad and I engaged in a heated argument that escalated to shouting match, nearly coming to blows. It was only when Mom intervened that we ceased our hostility. Even today, my instincts warned of a similar confrontation looming. Nevertheless, I decided to come for my mother's sake and for my other cherished one.
Raising my hand, I reached out and rang the doorbell. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing one of the workers who promptly ushered us inside the house.
Stepping across the threshold, I immediately noticed the subtle yet distinct changes in the interior décor, accompanied by the presence of new furniture adorning the rooms.
"Adwait, you're finally here!" I heard the cheerful voice chirping, and I turned to see my mom approaching with brisk steps. She enveloped me in a warm hug, and I reciprocated it.
Breaking the embrace, Mom enveloped Niharika in a warm hug as well. "My dear daughter-in-law," she whispered tenderly.
"How are your doing, Aunt?" Niharika inquired of my mother.
"What's with you still addressing me as 'Aunt'? Call me 'Mom,'" Mom gently chided her.
Niharika cast a glance in my direction, and I acknowledged with a slight nod, signaling my agreement. Seizing my cue, she spoke up, "Well, I'm still getting used to referring to you as 'Mom,' especially after being addressed as 'Aunt' for over two decades," she elucidated.
"But you better get used to calling me 'Mom' now. I don't fancy being addressed with such formality," Mom insisted.
"Alright Au-," Niharika paused midway, correcting herself, "I mean, Mom," she amended with a soft smile.
Mom smiled warmly at this gesture and gently clasped both mine and Niharika's hands in hers. "Let's go. We were actually waiting for you. I thought you wouldn't come considering your meetings."
Seated on the sofa, with Niharika settled across from us and Mom by her side, I spoke up. "My schedule was actually quite packed, Mom. But when you request something from your son, especially a dinner, I can't possibly refuse."
"And I'm thrilled that both of you could make it. Your dad was also longing for the opportunity to see you both," she said, her smile exuding warmth and sincerity.
My expression turned to stone in an instant as her words reached my ears. Taking a deep breath, I pressed my fingers against my forehead, attempting to soothe the rising turmoil in my mind. No matter what, at the mere mention of Dad, my insides seethed with disdain and rage, yet I remained shackled by my own sense of morality.
