Triple Life (#Wattys2015)

Ch 40

"Hey Papa, how are you?" I asked grinning at my dad who was on skype.

"I am doing well but I miss ruffling my little sweetie's hair!" My dad pouted.

I laughed and so did my mum who came into the frame wiping her hands on her apron.

"Hello bheti! Your papa is being silly as always. What's up? Did you solve your problem with that guy...uh what's his name now-ah, ADRIAN?" My mum looked really curious.

Before I could answer, my dad cut in.

"Meena! You are really mean! You called me silly! Anyway before my dear daughter can answer about her wellbeing you've already bombarded her on her so-called crush or your future son-in-law." My dad grinned at me at the last remark, whilst I turned red from embarrassment.

"Papa! Mama! What's wrong with you guys? I am totally humiliated for life! Stop thinking of him as your future son-in-law. I am doing well, thanks for your concern." I said sarcastically before adding, "The problem is solved but Adrian and I are not buddies anymore because people change nah."

My mom looked at me skeptically "What do you mean by 'people change nah'?"

"When certain changes come, we got to change accordingly and it also happens when we don't look out." I said, managing to confuse my overly curious mum.

"Meena, leave Belle alone. You know she will keep on confusing you." My dad managed to shut up my mum before she asked me another question.

My mum glared at my dad before looking at me petulantly "I will let it go now since I don't want to mess up my already befuddled brain but remember you can tell us anything, Belle."

I nodded my head "Sure Mama." and then smirked "What befuddled your brain, Mama?"

"That, my dear sweet daughter, is a new recipe your mum is trying out." My dad grinned before adding "Your Naniji knows how to keep your busy mum super busy."

I chortled with my dad as he smartly ducked a swipe from my mum to his head. I knew how my mum's mother (my grandmother- Naniji) always managed to keep my mum or I or my other cousins and aunts busy.

"What did Naniji do to you, Mama?" I asked, managing to keep a straight face.

"She needs some dish made and I really can't get it right! Anyway, I got to be on it soon, if not your Naniji will set me an even difficult task. Bye, love!" My mum huffed as she moved out of the frame.

"Ahhh! Is that Ishita on skype?" I could hear my Naniji's voice floating into the living room. My parents call me Belle but my maternal grandparents and some of my relatives in India call me Ishita.

"Yes, Sasaji." My dad called out. (Sasaji= Mother-in-law)

"Amrith!!! Come over, Ishita is here!" Naniji called as she rushed over to the laptop.

"Naniji, Nanaji! Namastey!" I smiled at my grandparents. (Namastey=Hi!, Naniji= Maternal grandmother, Nanaji= Maternal grandfather)

They were really traditional and liked conversing in hindi. My Naniji is really strict on that.

"Aap kaisey hain?" Naniji asked me. (How are you?)

"Mein theek hoon, aur aap?" I replied. (I am fine, and you?)

"Same here, Ishita. Kyaa chal rahaa hai?" Nanaji grinned at me. (What's new?)

"Nothing new. Mujhey aapkee bahut yaad aaee." I said, faking a tear. (I missed you so much.)

"Anyway, I think it's time for you to sleep. Isn't it night there?" Naniji asked me, concerned.

"Yes, Naniji. It's quarter to 10 now." I said, glancing at the clock.