doe eyed

b-i-r-i-y-a-n-i .. appa what Is this?

Biriyani, it is made with rice; very similar to your amma’s pulao.

Oh…appa appa *pulls his sleeve* water...

Ya, wait let him come,  I’ll ask him… *gestures for water across the hall*

Mango… grapes….

Yes and what fruit is that?

Papaya…

Good…

This?

Appa water…

The waiter is on his way… now tell me what this is..

This is water…

Is this water?

Yes…

Ok…

Hi

Hi

How are you two  holding up??

We are good, managed a decent breakfast…. Lunch was good… your girl wanted to cook. So we cooked together…

Really?  what did she do?

Sat on the counter-top and gave me orders…

Hehehe…

Ya we have come out for dinner now, was too lazy to cook. Caught an evening show and came over to our regular joint.

You can’t cook three meals a day for your daughter? What movie?

Random movie… Hollywood… it was an action movie, your darling daughter wanted to see it…

Oh!! You took her?!!

That is pomegranate…

Good how do you spell that?

I don’t know, I want water…

Wait wait… why are you so impatient?*waiter saves him, just in time* here help yourself.

Uncle this is normal, don’t you have chill water?

No no, you are not having that, you just recovered from cold… * at the waiter* this will do, thanks…

I want chill water.

No Shakti. Stop this nonsense… what do you want to eat? *signals the waiter return after 2 minutes*

Chill water

Pch Shakthiiii you will fall sick again... *absent mindedly scans the menu* ok I will have masal dosa. You?

Hmmm.. wait..*the expressive eyes show extreme concentration as she scans through the menu *

ya… I didn't have anything to do at home…it is ok, leave it…  how’s mom? When is your train..

Useless fellow…  ya mom’s fine now, she was really happy to see us… I will start in an hour from here, train is at 11:30.

Ok be careful, packed?

Ya

Good

Ok you two enjoy your meal, I will call before I board.

What is R-a-i-t-a?

Raita is Pachchidi…

Oh

You want?

No..

What are you having? fast... Waiter uncle will scold you if you make him wait any longer..

I will have p-u-r-i  puri…

Ok..

Hey sorry!!  was feeding your daughter…  ya, call me from the station, take a cab or an auto to station… we should be home by then... hope this girl sleeps on time

Sure, ok, someone here will drop me, not a problem. what did she have for dinner?

Puri..

Ok

You ?

Masal dosa

Ayyo

Hehe… u ate?

*The waiter enquires if the two need anything else; juices? ice creams?*

Appa strawberry ice cream

WHAT? No? are you mad? who was struggling to breathe two days back? was it me?  *wonders why he didn't pre-empt this by asking for the bill before the waiter could say something*

Now I’m alright..

NO…

Appa please…

NO *takes in the last morsel on the plate, indicates to the waiter to pour some water*

Yes just finished with that… home food after a long time

Good.. btw, Ur daughter is bargaining with me for a strawberry ice cream

NO, she was sick just two days back….

I know…

You can take her to the doctor if she falls sick again…

Hmm.. I didn't say yes…

whatever…

ok ok… seri text you later, have to settle the bill… call me once you reach the station…

ok

Appa please pa…

No, amma just texted me, she says no..

laaaast time…

You are not going to have an ice cream ever again?

Yes... promise!!

Really?

Yes…

*squints at her for a second and starts laughing, she joins, the waiter smiles*

Pleeeeeeese pa

amma will kill me.

I will not tell her… secret… ok? Pleeeeeeeese

Ok get her one scoop, and get me the bill too….