Chapter One
Oh God, how do I convince Dad to let me go to India? Dad will never agree to this - he is always worrying about what could happen to us - but, maybe, Mom can help me. Yeah, I should go talk to Mom about...
"Aarti beta, can you please come downstairs?" Mom yelled from downstairs. I shook my head as if that will clear it. I got up from my bed and rushed downstairs to help mom with whatever she needed help with. When I reached downstairs, I saw that Dad was watching news, like always, and went to the kitchen.
"Yes, Mom, how can I be of help?" I asked her wrapping my arms around her from the back. She stopped what she was doing and hugged me back. This is one of the reasons why I love my mom so much. She always stops whatever she is doing and greets us properly.
"Beta, can you please make some kind of dessert for tonight? You know na aaj Riddhima ko apne residency milne wali hai. She was so excited when she left this morning. She was upset that you were still sleeping when she left though."
"Of course, I will make her her favorite dessert - Cheesecake with Blueberry Sauce. And, Mom you should have waked me up..."
"Beta, you came back late last night from the hospital so you needed your sleep. Waise der kaise hogayi thi?" Mom interrupted me. I shook my head at her; isn't she always telling us not to interrupt someone when they are talking.
"There was an accident last night on I-66, and there was a baby in the car. She was seriously injured - internal bleeding, broken right arm, broken pelvis, and concussion. So had to do an emergency Surgey, and after the surgery, Dr. Cullen called me in his office to discuss something." Maybe this is the perfect time to tell her about Dr. Cullen's offer. I was lost in my thoughts and did not realize that Mom was trying to get my attention. Finally, she got tired of calling out my name and pinched me.
"Owww... Mom!" I screamed. She only laughed at my pain. "You are so mean!"
"Mein kabse tere naam le rahi thi, tu hi meri baat nahi sun rahi thi. Acha bata, kya baat hai?" She put her hands on my head and asked.
"Mom, please don't get angry and listen to what I have to say before you get all hyper. Please mom.." I begged her with puppy eyes.
"Beta, now you are worrying me! Kya baat hai? She asked in a concerned voice.
"Mom, Dr. Cullen called me in his office to promote me as the Head of the Pediatrics Department in one of sister hospitals of River Hospital."
"OMG! Beta, that is wonderful news! I am so proud of you. Wait.. why would I be angry?" She asked confused, but there was still a smile on her face.
"Mom... the sister hospital is in...India" I barely whispered. I knew she didn't hear what I said, but I was too scared to speak out loud.
"Where? Speak up na.."
"Mom, the hospital is in India..." She gasped as soon as the words were out of my mouth. I ignored her gasp and continued, "Mom, please! This is a really good opportunity for me. I might never get a chance like this again."
"Aarti beta, lekin India. Tum waha akeli kaise rahogi? Aur waise bhi India yahan se bahot alag hai." Mom said. I knew she was really concerned about this because she said all that in Hindi. Whenever, Mom completely talks to me in Hindi means that she is really worried. Mom knows I prefer to speak in English majority of the time, plus, my Hindi is a little weak. I mean I know how to speak it, but I am not that good in it.
"Mom, I won't be alone though. Simran is also in India na, I will stay with her...please Mom say yes. You know this has always been my dream and I am getting to fulfill it so early in life," I begged her. I knew she could never see me begging. I knew I was using her emotions to get her to agree, but I have no other choice.
"Ok, beta! I am fine with you going to India but you'll have to convince your Dad. You know how your Dad feels about letting you girls go to India by yourself. The only reason Simran is in India was due to you, but he won't agree with you this time," Mom replied with a small smile on her face. I screamed in happiness and hugged the life out of her. She laughed at me and hugged me back, again.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! You're the best! Now that you are on my side, it will be a little easier to get Dad on our side," I cheekily replied to her.
She only shook her head at me and went back to making Lasagna. Wow, today she is making Riddhima's favorite food, which reminded me that I need to make the dessert. I took out all the ingredients for the cake - I am going to make it from scratch. I know Ridz loves homemade Cheesesake rather than the boxed ones. For the next three hours I made the dessert. I started by making the crust, then the filling, and finally the topping. I personally like Raspberry Sauce with Cheesecake, but Riddhima likes Blueberry so Blueberry it will be. Mom left halfway; I am guessing she was done with she needed to do and is probably with Dad watching TV. After I finished decorating the cake, I put it back in the oven.
I decided to join Mom and Dad in the living room. Both of them were arguing on what to watch so I sat down between the two and stole the remote control from Dad and changed to one of my favorite channels. Hart of Dixie was coming one - I love this show. It was medical-drama.
"Aarti, I was watching the news," Dad complained.
"You watch that every day," I laughed and replied to him.
"Good job, beta! Your dad is always hogging the TV," Mom teased him.
"I do not hog the TV" Dad retorted with a small smile. Here they go again. Mom and Dad are always flirting with each other - it's cute and disturbing at the same time. When I look at them, I wish I also find someone who will love me the same way Dad and Mom love each other. I was pulled out of my thoughts when Mom smacked Dad with a pillow. I laughed and took the pillow from her hands.
"Umm...hello... daughter sitting in the middle."
"Haan toh... ?" Dad asked.
"What do you mean toh' I was getting hit by the pillow as well," I replied to him in a duh voice. Before Dad could reply to my comment, I heard a voice from the door.
"Are you all having fun without me?" I turned and saw Riddhima standing by the door with her hands on her hips and pouting.
"RIDZ!" I screamed and ran to her. I pulled her into a tight hug and bombarded her with questions, "So how was it? Did you have fun? Do you know where you are doing the residency? Are you happy with the place? Why aren't you replying to me, women?" I asked her.
"Di, I will reply if you let me speak. You are asking question per question...take a deep breath and I will answer all of your question,' Riddhima replied to me and started dragging me upstairs to her room. Our parents completely forgotten. As we were climbing the stairs, I heard Dad ask, "What just happened?" I heard Mom's laugh but could not hear her reply.
Riddhima pulled me inside her room and locked the door. I gave her a confused look why did she lock the door? She never does that. She shook her head and came and sat down next to me. I was about to ask her what's wrong when she started speaking.
"To answer all of your questions, today was great. I did have fun. Yes, I know where I have to do the internship. Yes, I am happy with the place but I am not sure if you guys will be happy with it."
"Then what's wrong?" I asked totally confused about the situation.
"Di, I have to do the internship in India at the sister hospital. They are all packed here," she replied in a small voice. Oh, I get it. I turned her towards me and pulled her cheeks.
"Guess what? You should be happy about that don't worry about us. Plus, I have to news for you as well. I got offered the Head position of the Pediatrics Department at Sanjeevni, sister hospital of River Hospital in India."
"WHAT?...Are you for real?" She literally screamed in my ear.
"First of all, thank you for making me go deaf... And yes," I laughed at her.
"Sorry Di! Have you told Dad about this yet?"
"No, I haven't but I did tell Mom and she is fine with it and will help me to convince Dad. Now, though, we have to convince him for me and you." I smiled at her.
"Omg Di, this is so exciting. I am so happy for you and for me. I hope we can convince dad." She said hugging me. I nodded my head at her. Yeah, now all that is left between India and us is Dad's approval. Dear God, please please make Dad agree to this.
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