Enna Sona [Ziam]

Four

One Month Ago

"Roo, what's this? Put these clothes away in the laundry room! And where's your sister? Is she not back yet? It's nearly 7 in the evening and she's still at work? And Liam.. Baccha grab the new plates from the shelf. The one we got from the Indian market. Looks traditional."

Kareena was on fire. Literally, like her tail is on fire. Running to the kitchen and back to the hall and then to her kids' room to make sure everything is in it's place. Roo rolled her eyes only to get kicked by Liam.

"Ow Bhai!"

She said rubbing her calf.

"Don't roll your eyes at Ammi!"

Liam scolded her. Roo is just sixteen; at that age where she could either turn into an angel like Liam or a devil like someone Liam wouldn't want to take the name of right now. So occasional kicks and hits to keep her in line (soft like Liam is, never to hurt) is common occurrence.

Geoff chuckled at his kids, taking out the plates his wife mentioned. He doesn't know why Kareena thinks he will break her favourite plates. He is careful enough. That was one time when Roo was a toddler and he was playing Tea Party with her. And he broke Kareena's coffee mug. The one she likes to keep on the table just to look at it, never to drink coffee from it.

"How can I not, Bhai? The Maliks have been coming over ever since we got this house here, which was when you were a baby. They live literally five steps away from here. You can just open the window and shout and Mumma T will come running! Don't know why Ammi has to fuss like this!"

Liam smiled. Though it is kind of strange for his mother to fuss this much, Kareena Payne is known for her hospitality in the area. She would make a six course meal even when it's just Niall and Deewan coming over. Those two can eat for six people, but that's not important here. What's important is that the Maliks are coming over in half an hour for a family dinner party they do occasionally. Last week it was at their house. So tonight it's at Liam's. Nothing unusual.

"Let her fuss Roo. It's how Ammi is. And where did you get this 'Mumma T'? You don't call her that!"

Liam frowned. He has heard someone call Mrs. Malik that, but he can't remember who.

"I'm too cool to call her Badi Ammi like you do. Even Laila Baji calls her Aunty Trish. I'd have called that too but then I talked to Louis-"

Liam sighed. Of course it's Louis. When Roo was five Louis came over and shouted "Payno" and she wouldn't call him anything else other than that for a week. It took him some time, but he made her call him Bhai and only Bhai. Louis is a terrible influence! Well of course after a certain someone.

"There's nothing uncool about calling her Badi Ammi okay! It's actually respectful. And I've been calling her that since I was-"

"Two, and you walked around and told the whole mohalla that she's your Badi Ammi and everyone gave you sweets for trophy, you got a sugar rush... I know Bhai. I've heard that story too many times now!"

"Okay now you two, don't fight when our guests are about to arrive!"

Geoff warned them.

Liam shook his head. It was a fond memory. He doesn't remember of course. But one day Liam asked how come nobody else calls Trisha Badi Ammi and his mother told him the story. And then he handed it down to Roo whenever she pulled his leg for that name. There's actually another side of that story. But the main character is yet to show up. So let's leave it for later.