Just another day .... Chapter #3

It was after 7 PM in the evening when Vivan returned home, all drenched in sweat. He had scored 27 and taken 1 catch and was hence was happy. He saw his father’s bag on the dining table and knew he had returned. The door of the room was half open and Vivan sneaked at the side of the door. This was a little game Vivan and his dad played. One of them would sneak to the side of the door and scare the other when they came out of the door. So he stood there without making any sound and waited for his dad to come out. He could hear his parents talking.

“How about we take Vivan to someplace nice in the summer vacations? I’m sure this will be a change for him and he’ll enjoy!” he heard his mother telling his dad. His heart leapt with joy but he strained his ear to hear his father’s reply.

“What? You know we can’t afford it, right? The EMIs are coming up and just because we’ve not been keeping up with the deadline for the last three months, we’ll have to pay additional interest. How can we shell out money for a trip?”

Vivan didn’t understand any of the technical terms, but, his father’s tone told him that it couldn’t happen. Then there was silence. He dropped the idea of scaring his father and quietly went into his room and opened his books again. Not really bothering to study. Fifteen minutes later, his dad entered the room and asked him, “When did you return, Champ? We didn’t hear you come back.”

“It’s been ten-fifteen minutes, I guess.”

“Alright. Your mom tells me you’re having trouble with some questions. Shall we look at them?”

“Yes. I’ll get the books”. He went over to his bag and returned with a couple of books and pointed at the questions he wanted help with.

“Let’s see, what have we got here?” His father replied while looking at the questions.

They spent about twenty minutes completing his homework and by that time, it was time for dinner.

Vivan and his father sat down at the dining table while his mother arranged the plates and dishes at the table and began serving. Vivan was altogether silent again. They ate in silence. When they were about to finish, Vivan’s father looked at him and Vivan had all his attention on his plate. He could see that his kid was a little lost. He then said out loud, “I feel like having something sweet after dinner today” and then looked at his better half for a response.

“Don’t look at me. I’m way too tired to stand in the kitchen for another 30 minutes. I’m just going to change and sleep now and let the maid take care of washing the dishes in the morning.” She retorted.

“So, if you’re that tired, you wouldn’t come with me and Vivan for an ice cream, would you?

“You both are going out for an ice cream?” she said

“We are?” asked a surprised Vivan.

“Oh yes we are, Champ. And honey, you are invited, but, seeing how tired you are, I guess me an Vivan will have to eat your share.” Said his father in a mocking tone. Vivan giggled.

“Well, nobody but me is even touching my share.” She got up, piled up all the dishes and carried them to the kitchen. Vivan looked at his father who was staring at his mobile screen.

“Dad, can I have a fudge?” Vivan tried his luck because fudge was a dessert only for special occasions.

“Well, sure Champ, whatever you like” replied the father still looking at his mobile. “Grab the car keys for me please”. Vivan, full of joy at the thought of having a fudge, leapt from his chair and fetched the car keys and handed them to his father. “Let’s go”, he said hoping both Vivan and his mother listened to it. They got into the car and went off. Vivan was as cheerful as ever while having his fudge. His father looked at his mother and smiled at her. He read her lips when she mumbled “thank you” and smiled back at him.

 

 

THE END.