"Ba!" I sprang up from the couch at the sight of my father. He held a polythene carry bag, with the brand logo of Haldiram's plastered on it. Leo too carried a polythene carry bag, which seemed a little heavier.
"Ma this is Dr. Mihir Banerjee, Naxi's father," Avinash introduced my father to his family.
"Dr. Banerjee please come in." Mrs. Chauhan hurriedly got up from the chair, Vrinda following suit. My father strolled to the leather couch and gingerly sat down.
"This is my mother, this is my grandmother," Avinash introduced them "and my elder sister Vrinda."
Brute came galloping down, hearing my father's voice, closely followed by the twins.
"This is my son Loknath." My father patted Leo on the back. A hint of amusement twinkled on Avinash's eyes, while Leo grimaced hearing dad use his full name.
"Leo is fine though." My brother said meekly.
"Oh, sorry he prefers being called Leo." My father smiled.
"Dr. Banerjee do you take sugar in your tea?" Vrinda asked, ready to hurry off to the kitchen.
"Please don't let our presence trouble you. We just came here to offer our condolence." My father said frantically, not wanting to trouble the mourning family. "Let this tea be reserved for next time." Obviously Vrinda didn't listen to his excuses. She left the living room, and returned with a tray, carrying a teapot, three teacups and saucers, along with a bowl of sugar and a pot of milk.
"He is diabetic." Avinash informed Vrinda, noticing the plate of sweet meat.
"Oh! I am so sorry." Vrinda looked embarrassed.
"Vrinda relax. He doesn't eat much between his meals." I calmed her down.
"I wouldn't mind though." Leo murmured shamelessly, making Avinash and Mrs. Chauhan both chuckle.
"You are a doctor?" Avinash's Dadi asked, while my father sipped his brewing cup of black tea.
"Yes." My father replied politely.
"I have been having this joint pain for quite some time. Neither my deceased son nor my daughter in law ever took me to a doctor to get it checked." The obnoxious women complained rubbing her knees.
My father was obviously used to people asking him for silly advices like 'how to reduce GAS' or 'how to relieve joint pains'.
Well let me clear one of the many myths. There is no such thing as 'Gas'. Its either Gastroenteritis, which is caused due to intestinal infection. Or gastritis which is caused by stomach lining inflammation. Contrary to the popular belief, it has nothing to do with skipping meals, and everything to do with having an unhealthy food habit. I may not be a doctor, but growing up in a medical household, I had knowledge of few things.
"I guess a little walk every evening and calcium tablets twice a day will give you some respite." My father pretended to be solemn, but I knew he was rolling his eyes in his mind.
"Thank god atleast one of my grandchildren made the right choice." The obnoxious woman huffed. "This girl will cut the cost of medical expenses." She said pointing her finger at me. Her face was as always plasterer with a grimace.
"Ma, isn't it time for your favorite show?" Mrs. Chauhan tried to change the course of the conversation, noticing the scowl on Vrinda's face.
"Oh I forgot. Its already time for Balika Vadhu." She scrambled up from her chair. "Avinash please help me to my room." She whined with fake helplessness.
Avinash obliged without any complain.
"I wish we could have been introduced under better circumstances." My father said thoughtfully. "How did this happen?"
YOU ARE READING
The Rules Of Pursuit
RomanceHe uncrossed his legs and leaned forward in his chair. "Tell them partner, who was it?" "It was Natasha." I said unevenly. "Lie." He hissed. "It was me." "You really thought that I was the kind of guy who would leave one girlfriend and jump to anot...
