Thinking back, I couldn't but pity myself for being such a nerd pampered child, even by the age of 18, I had been oblivious to the world outside. It was year 2015.
My father worked in Dubai and hence I was brought up by my mother and occasionally by my paternal grandparents, my Dada and Dadi. They were my favourite and visiting them and being visited by them were always a joy, especially for the gifts and sweets my dada brings.
My mom Bhanu, was a goddess even at the age of 40, a beauty that would turn heads whenever she walk streets but a loving faithful one to her family. It was around December, Dad said he couldn't come for holidays and I had been tired from the exams. I was worried for my vacation, with no dad and my lack of friends, the holidays will have to be spend at home, which to be frank I was fine to an extend but a part of me did crave something or someone.
It was during those thoughts that my mom proclaimed that Dada is coming home for the holidays. Dadi was unwell to travel and she is being taken care of my cousins and uncles.
By afternoon 3, Dada was home. When enquired about Dadi and cousins, Dada said 'Oh I let them stay there. I wanted to spend more time with my favourite grandchild.' Smiling at me and my mom. I was elated. He had brought lots of chocolates, gifts and many books for me to read for the holidays. 'BEST HOLIDAYS EVER...' I wanted to shout out loud.
I knew mom was excited too. It is always a pleasure when someone comes. She had prepared well. She had been in the kitchen from morning. This was another thing that I loved about my Dada's arrival. My mom's delicious foods. Even though Dada's farm activities had blessed him with a well-built muscular body at the age of 63, he was a diabetic and had cholesterol as well. Mom still made sweet deserts and fried and oiled dishes, which for my benefit will be more had by me than Dada.
Dada was in his mundu and a shirt and had comfortably seated beside me while my mom sat at side of our living room in her saree. (Yeah I know, she was so excited, she changed herself into a stunning red saree).
'Dilip, why don't you go out and buy some pappad for our biriyani.' My mom told me handing me 20 rs. I frowned as my mom left for kitchen.
'Hey, go get something for yourself too, when you go out, maybe that game you had told me last time I came', Dada snuck me a 500Rs note.
I was running. I went to our shop to buy pappad and then walked along the street. Yes, the game, the latest NFS game. I had always wanted the latest one and I had asked Dada to buy me one last time he came, maybe he forgot the name of the game, but I was happy to travel the 30 mins cycling for the game.
