After some Months.....
At Night....
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It was well past midnight, and just as Rahul was drifting off to sleep with his headphones on, his phone started buzzing. Groggy and half-awake, he picked up, squinting at the screen. "Mom calling" flashed on it.
Rahul sighed, already knowing this late-night call meant one thing: his mom had another long list of questions for him. He pulled off his headphones and answered the call.
Rahul: "Hello, Mom… It’s midnight! What's up?"
Mom: "Arre, I know it's late, but do you think time matters when a mother calls her only son all the way in America? How are you, beta? Have you eaten? How’s the weather there?!"
Rahul: "Mom! Yes, I've eaten, it's cold as usual… and everything's fine. Why are you calling so late?"
Mom: "Late? Tumhare Dad and I were just talking about you. And you know, your dad is saying, ‘Rahul must be getting fit there, na?’ Are you still eating that oily junk food? Do they have proper vegetables there?”
Rahul: "Mom, they have vegetables here too… And I’m eating fine, promise! But why are you calling at this hour?"
Mom: "Well, I just wanted to know, have you met any nice girls yet? You know, one who can cook too? If you find one, at least tell me first, okay?"
Rahul: "Mom! No, I'm not here to find a girl… I'm here to study, remember?"
Mom: "Arre, study toh thik hai, but you’ll get tired of all this business talk eventually. And don’t think I didn’t notice how your voice changes when I mention girls! Hmm? Koi hai kya😉?"
Rahul: (sighing and laughing😁) "Mom, please! No girl. Only studies."
Mom: *"Acha, acha. But remember, I’m always here if you need advice. And if there's a girl, I want a video call first! You know, I want to make sure she knows how to cook,clean,etc....
Rahul:Ok,Ok I will , but there's nothing. Like that ,Bye.👋
Just as Rahul thought he could finally end the call and get some sleep, he heard a familiar voice on the other end.
Aarushi: "Bhai! Wait, don’t hang up yet!"
Rahul: "Aarushi? What are you doing awake? Don’t you have school in the morning?"
Aarushi: "Please, school can wait. I want to know about America! So, tell me—do you see people dancing and singing like in the movies?"
Rahul: "Oh, totally! They sing and dance on the streets, just like Bollywood." (laughs)
Aarushi: "Ha ha, very funny, Bhai. But seriously, how’s everything there? Have you made any new friends? Or… a girl friend🤪?"
Rahul: "Not you took🤯, Aarushi! Is Mom putting you up to this? No, there’s no girlfriend."
Aarushi: "Come on😁, don’t lie to me! I’m your sister! You know, you can tell me anything. I won’t tell Mom… well, maybe!"
Rahul: "Fine, fine, you caught me. I’ve made some friends. And I’m learning a lot. But why is everyone so interested in my love Life🤔?"
Aarushi: "Because you’re the ‘serious Rahul Bhaiya.’ It's fun to imagine you actually falling in love! Anyway, when you come home, you have to take me shopping with all your American dollars."
Rahul: "Oh, so that’s what this is about? You’re already planning to empty my wallet?"
Aarushi: "Of course! That’s what sisters are for!"
Mom (in the background): "Aarushi, enough now! Let your brother sleep!"
Aarushi: "Fine! Goodnight, Bhai. Don’t forget about my shopping list!"
Rahul: "Goodnight, Aarushi. Go to sleep now!"
He chuckled as he hung up, realizing how much he missed his family’s playful chaos. With a smile, he finally settled in, feeling a little less alone in a faraway land.
---
After Rahul hung up, his mom, dad, and sister sat together, each with their own thoughts about the call.
Mom: "Dekho na, he’s saying there’s no girl. But I know my Rahul; he wouldn’t tell us so easily!"
Dad: "Arre, let him study in peace! Why does everything have to be about girls?"
Aarushi: "Dad, you’re just as curious as Mom. Don’t think I didn’t see you grinning when she asked him about a girlfriend."
Dad: (clearing his throat) "Well, it’s good to know he’s adjusting there. But yes, if he meets someone, it’ll be interesting to see how our Mr. Serious handles it!"
Mom: "Arey, I just want him to be happy! I mean, we arranged his books, his sweaters, even that pressure cooker… and still, he doesn’t even tell us if there’s anyone special!"
Aarushi: (laughing) "Mom, relax. He probably doesn’t want to tell you because you’ll bombard her with questions about whether she can cook, clean, and make chai."
Mom: "Chup! I only ask practical questions! Besides, if she can’t make chai, what will he drink every morning?"
Dad: "Yes, yes, Rahul’s chai is critical for his well-being. But let’s face it, he’s only been there a month! Maybe give him some space?"
Aarushi: "Dad, you’re acting like he’s gone for war. He’s in America! He’ll be fine. And when he comes back, I’ll make him spill all the details."
Mom: "Spill? What details are you talking about, Aarushi? You’re not helping! But okay, if he’s happy, then I am too. Even if he is hiding a little something!"
Dad: "There’s the truth! You just want to gossip about your own son’s love life."
They all burst out laughing, realizing how much they cared about Rahul and loved teasing him. Despite the distance, they felt connected, each waiting to see how Rahul’s story would unfold.
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