Mum and I waited at the bus stop for a long time.
The other people who came to the bus stop were looking at the scene of us – Mum and son – talking so seriously.
Everyone who came there left with a smile on their face.
After a while, Dad came with the car.
He was late because he went to pick up Doodu.
In the car, Mum explained everything that happened.
Dad silently listened and consoled Mum.
We reached the school a bit early.
So we got permission from the teacher and took Anu with us.
Anu heard that we were going for an outing, and she was not happy.
There was a very good reason for it.
The last few times we went out, it was to get the further shots of the rabies vaccine for her.
After being betrayed by Dad multiple times, she was angry.
She even went ahead and broke the marriage agreement with Dad.
But Dad just laughed and enjoyed the little tantrums.
Anu calmed down only after we reached a park.
She was relieved and played with other kids while Dad and Mum chatted.
I was on Dad’s lap.
“The election will be in six months.
If we win, then everything will be alright.
But if we fail, then we will be in trouble.” Dad said.
Dad was working for a politician.
From my previous life, I knew that they won the election.
So I wasn’t worried.
But my parents were.
“I will look for a job.
If that’s bothering you.” Mum was not exactly happy.
“No, no, no.
That’s not what I meant.
I just wanted you to be prepared if things go wrong.”
“We have been through worse.
So don’t worry.” Mum consoled Dad.
I sometimes think that my parents are made perfect for each other.
Always supporting each other and striving for the better.
“This would be a good time to ask your dad for some dowry,” Dad said with a mischievous smile.
There goes my impression of Dad!
He is sometimes a complete idiot. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
He could have just kept quiet.
Instead, he wanted to blurt out the stupidest joke possible.
Mum’s face darkened, and she looked at Dad threateningly.
There was a very good reason behind this.
I will tell that story later.
“Don’t be angry.
It’s been three months.
I am planning to go there once.” Dad said with a stupid laugh.
“You can go.
I won’t come.” Mum replied coldly.
Dad decided not to talk more on the topic.
Later, we went to the restaurant owned by Dad’s friend for dinner.
As usual, we got a private room.
Doodu and Anu started eating from the same plate.
Doodu was wrestling with a grilled chicken which was larger than him.
It was an entire grilled chicken.
I wondered how these two kids could finish an entire chicken that even adults would have trouble finishing.
Anu’s belly was like an alternate dimension that could store the food for three.
In between, Dad’s friend came and greeted us.
“We have some parts of the chicken that we usually don’t serve customers.
Like the neck of the chicken.
If you want, I can give it to you for the dog.” Dad’s friend offered.
“That…
Wouldn’t that be inconvenient for you?” Dad asked.
“Yes, it would be.” The guy replied sincerely.
“Then I will come every evening and collect.” Dad struck a good deal with his friend.
“Woof woof…”
“He says thank you, uncle.” Anu translated.
“Hahaha…
You are welcome.
Unlike your father, you are a polite guy, Mr Doodu Philip.”
The subtle fight between Dad and his friend made Mum smile.
Dad also had a forced smile on his face.
This friend of Dad was quite good with words.
Although he had trouble speaking, he had a good heart.
After dinner, we went shopping.
“This clock looks old.” An old pendulum clock that was for sale attracted Dad’s attention.
“Yes, yes…
It’s a clock from the British era.
It’s at least 100 years old, and for sale for just 5000 rupees.” ($70) the shop owner replied.
“No.” Before Dad could say anything, Mum outright rejected it.
Dad silently pleaded with Mum.
But she ruthlessly ignored him.
“Ohhh…
I am sorry.
Blame my bad memory.
This is not that old.
It costs just 1000 rupees.” The manager suddenly reduced the price.
Hearing this, Dad was excited.
But a stern look from Mum poured cold water on his excitement.
In the end, we got the toys and prepared to leave the shop.
“Good sir, since you liked the clock, you can have it for free.
Just promise that you will come to my shop again for shopping.” In the end, the shopkeeper decided to give the clock for free.
“Yes!” Before Mum could interfere, Dad replied excitedly.
The clock was quite huge.
It was as tall as Anu.
The body of the clock was made of oak, and the pendulum was probably brass.
It was a beautiful clock.
Dad happily took the clock.
Anu, Doodu and Dad got new toys.
I got baby food.
Since I was turning six months old, Mum decided to slowly start feeding me a wider variety of food.
So we were all happy.
Dad planned the outing to cheer up Mum.
But in the end, we were the ones who enjoyed it the most.
Still, Mum looked really happy.
Dad hung the clock in our bedroom.
Since we ate a lot, we slept early.
Anu also slept with us.
I fell asleep thinking about what a good family I have.
While sleeping happily, I absolutely had no idea that something tremendous was going to happen to us the next day.