The Doctor's Dilemma

Chapter 3~The Parentals

Vidhi's POV:

As I slowed to a stop in front of my childhood house, I mentally prepared myself for my parents. I'm going to need a serious cup of green tea after this.

Walking up the pathway to the front door, I realized how pathetic this was. I still don't have a key to our house. Grimacing one last time, I plastered a smile on my face and rang the doorbell. Almost instantly, the door was opened and there stood my mother.

"Hey, mom."

"Hello beta (affectionate name for a child). Come inside, the air conditioning is going out. I made your favorite, pav bhaji! (Thick vegetable curry with a soft, toasted bread roll) Garam, garam khalai! (Eat while it's hot!) My mom said a smile on her face.

I stepped inside and hugged her, immediately smelling the spices on and around her.

"Hi Mumi," We pulled apart and walked into the kitchen where my usual place at the table was set.

I sat down in my seat as my mom sat beside me.
"Where's dad?" I asked, tearing the pav.

"Right here!" He exclaimed as he walked through the main entrance to the kitchen.

I got up and hugged my dad, who kissed the top of my head before saying,
"Eat while it's hot!"

I smiled and sat down as they both took a seat.
"So, when are you moving into the apartment? The practice opens in a week right?" Dad asks, tearing into his pav bhaji.

"Today. I have some of the necessary boxes, but Sabrina will be here in a few hours with the other boxes. Yup, the practice will finally be open next week. Sabrina has been advertising in full force." I answered, after swallowing the savory bite.

"Oh good, good. So beta, have you found anyone?" My mom inquires, looking at me intensely.
I sighed, knowing this question was sure to arise. How many times must I tell them that the answer remains the same?

"No, ma. Same answer as always," I answered, shoving a spoonful of bhaji to temporarily avoid answering another question.

"Oh okay. We got two more biodatas. They are very nice boys, one of them is a lawyer and the other one is a neurosurgeon! They are in town, so you could meet them toni-" I cut my mom off, knowing if she continued I wouldn't be able to keep a reign on my temper.

"Mom. I told you so many times that I will not meet a man through a biodata. It is 2038! I will not. End of story. Now, let's move on," I faced my dad and asked,

"So how's the organization doing?"

"It's doing pretty well. We are planning our summer picnic." He answered, knowing I was talking about the umbrella organization that he and his other active-in-the-community friends had created.

"Oh, that's good! When is-" As I said another word, my dad's phone rang.

Immediately, he picked it up and held up a finger. I grimaced but quickly covered it up with a "genuine" smile. He stood and left the kitchen, heartedly debating something with the other person.

I finished the final pav and brought my plate to the sink. I glanced at my messages and noticed that I had a message telling me that Sabrina had arrived.

"I'm gonna head to my apartment since Sabrina is there with the boxes. Bye!"

"Bye, beta," my mom said, getting my coat for me.

I put my coat and say bye to my mom before heading to my car. Sighing heavily. I get into my car and turn up my Favorites playlist before I start driving to my new home. Before I knew it, I had arrived at my new apartment complex and an excited Sabrina. Killing the engine, I got out and hugged Sabrina before she yelled,

"You would think after 6 months a person would visit!" She laughed and led me to the apartment door.

"Close your eyes..." She ordered before opening the door and walking me inside.

"Okay, open!" She allowed. I blinked a few times, not believing the sight in front of me. This woman had organized literally everything! I turned and squeezed the heck out of her, pouring my gratitude into the gesture.

"Oh, my Gods! I can't believe it. You are the best! Do I even want to ask how long you were here before texting me?" I exclaimed, still in shock.

"Let me answer that, no." Came a voice from the kitchen, making me turn my head. I peered into the kitchen and lit up.

"Helena! How? When?" I stuttered in an attempt to speak before wrapping her in a bear hug.

"Yes, it is I. A car. This morning." Helena answered, returning my hug and gesturing to the kitchen.

"All those midnight baking sessions paid off. I knew exactly how to organize everything!" Helena proudly told me as I giggled, knowing how much she enjoyed helping out. 

    "Have I told you both how amazing you both are?" I gushed, so grateful for the friends in my life.

They broke into laughter before slyly smiling at each other.

"About that..." Sabrina started.

I furrowed my brows, intrigued as to why both of them looked so suspicious.

"There is a way you can thank us..." Helena started, moving towards my rack of clothing and box of makeup.

"You better cancel your plans for tonight, Vidhi..." Uh oh, why do I have a bad feeling about this?