Unfinished Business

2. old bonds

"God, Papa, I can find jobs here on my own! Did you forget I used to work in an MNC in Mumbai?" I sighed, swirling the spoon in my tea, hoping the warm cup would somehow shield me from his determined gaze.

Papa chuckled, undeterred. "Beta, you may have been in Mumbai, but you're in Jaipur now—a place you haven't lived in for the past six years."

I glanced at the paper in my hand, squinting at the company profile he'd so proudly placed in front of me as soon as I'd walked into the kitchen. The early morning sun was streaming in through the window, casting a golden glow on everything in sight, and the subtle aroma of cardamom lingered in the air from my mom's chai. The faint sounds of a street vendor calling out his wares drifted in, mixed with the distant hum of honking scooters.

"Papa, I know this is all new to you," I said, trying not to sound exasperated, "but trust me. Job hunting is not like... like grocery shopping. I can figure it out."

"Yes, yes, of course. But look at this company—they're doing exciting things! It's well respected, they're expanding, and they have good benefits. Just... prioritize this one."

I sighed, unable to resist the eager look on his face. "Fine, I'll consider it. But let me handle it, okay?"

He nodded, a satisfied smile stretching across his face as he leaned back in his chair. "I'm just saying, beta. You know the saying, 'old wells have the best water.'"

I couldn't help but smile. "Alright, alright. But if they aren't as amazing as you say, I reserve the right to say 'I told you so.'"

"Deal." He grinned, sipping his tea with a little too much satisfaction.

I headed back to the kitchen to put down my tea cup and found Mom busy at the stove, flipping parathas with the skill and ease only she could manage. The comforting aroma of ghee and spices filled the kitchen, making my stomach rumble. I moved closer and took the spatula from her hands.

"Let me help, Ma," I offered, taking over with a grin.

She gave me a soft smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Beta, you've hardly been back a day, and already you're taking over my kitchen?"

I laughed, flipping the paratha. "Hey, I've missed this! Mumbai breakfast doesn't come close to this kind of home-cooked magic. So... how's Papa been doing? And don't try to sugarcoat it."

She hesitated for a moment, looking out the window as if gathering her thoughts. "You know how he is... always more concerned about others than himself. His health, though, it's been... touchy. Some days he's okay, other days..." Her voice trailed off.

I placed my hand on hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "And the doctor? Has he been following up like he's supposed to?"

She sighed. "Yes, but he skips the medicines sometimes, says he feels fine without them. It's a constant battle to get him to listen."

I shook my head, unable to help the smile that came. "That sounds exactly like him. Guess I'll have to keep an eye on him, then."

She chuckled, patting my cheek. "Oh, he'll love that. He missed you so much, you know. Ever since you left for Mumbai, he's been counting down the days for you to come back."

I felt a tug at my heart. "And... the finances?" I asked gently, not wanting to push but needing to know.

She hesitated, stirring the sabzi a little too intently. "It's been manageable, but you know how things are. Between your father's medicines, household expenses... we've had to make some adjustments."