Finally all my exams were over. I knew I had done well and so I didn't have any qualms regarding the results. I was looking forward to a vacation full of relaxation and goofing around with my friends. I had to maintain a social life and not always spend my time Alisha. Speaking of which I still had to talk to my Mom about our relationship.
The days were hot, like they always were in the summer. One day, I got up and after finishing my routine and shower I went downstairs. My father was reading the newspaper and mom was watching T.V.
I greeted both of them 'Good morning' and proceeded to have a bowl of cereal for my breakfast. After finishing up, I joined my mom on the couch and to my dismay her favourite soap was airing on.
My mom knew I hate her soaps and so before I could ask she changed the channel. I was relieved and flashed a smile saying 'Thank you'.
I was not concentrating on the screen because I wanted to talk to my mom but couldn't because of dad being there and anyways I still hadn't decided how I was going to broach the subject.
My mom must have realised something was going on and so asked, "Danny, is everything all right?"
I was wondering if all mothers have some built-in censor which catches their attention when something is troubling their children. How was that even possible? But there we were. And so I replied,
"Nah! I am fine; just planning the summer schedule."
As I looked at her, I knew she wasn't convinced but she let it be, knowing I would go to her when I was comfortable enough. She smiled and replied,
"Good enough. But you know you can ask me anything. All right?"
I nodded in affirmation and we resumed watching the show on the TV. After watching for sometime I went up to my room and saw my phone blinking. I turned the screen on to see 3 messages from Alisha. She wanted to know what I was doing for the day since she was staying at home with no plans.
I wanted to say I would be there right then but I remembered my plans to go to the movies and then a restaurant with my friends. I couldn't back out. So I fired off a text saying,
"I have already committed to other plans but will keep tomorrow open. Are you free?"
I instantly got a reply from her stating, "Yes I am. Will see you tomorrow."
I shut the phone and laid down on the bed realising I still had time to go. Alas it wasn't to be. My mom called me downstairs and asked me to go to the store with dad and bring the groceries she specified.
I grumbled and tried to make an excuse when she cut me off and said, "No arguments."
When my mom used that tone even my father would be wary of her and so I went out with my father. We went to the nearby store and rounded up all the groceries. Mom had forgotten to include my favourite juice and so I picked up a pack of it too.
We reached home all sweaty, and I noticed the time and realised I had barely time for a quick shower. I quickly showered, put on a pair of shorts and a light pull over and my sneakers. I took my phone, wallet and bike keys and went downstairs.
I entered the living room and told mom I would come by 10pm and not a second early. They were alright with that and told me to be careful. I went to pick up a friend and we proceeded to the theatre. All the other friends had gathered right on time. We were looking at the shows and decided on Jurassic World.
Atleast the movie had good graphics. We enjoyed the movie, had fun acting like goofs, and nagged each other. It was good fun. We were free from the stress of college work and it showed. Afterwards we went to our usual restaurant.
We were ravenous and ordered the meals quickly. The meals tasted awesome like always. We shared the bill among all of us and realizing it was nearing curfew time, we headed home.
I dropped off my friend and went home. I was 5 minutes early and found my mom waiting for me. I figured she wanted to make sure I arrived on time. However, apparently she wanted to talk.
She asked me to sit on the couch and just scrutinized me for a while. Finally she asked,
"What is it that was troubling you in the morning?"
I knew we had to have the 'conversation' but didn't imagine it would be then of all times. I asked her to see where my father was and my mom said,
"He's sleeping. He took a pill and so won't disturb you."
I was relieved. I knew mom and aunt were not angry but I didn't want to handle dad.
I replied, "You know everything about me and Alisha."
It wasn't a question but a fact I stated. My mom smiled. "Oh! So that was what troubling you?"
I took a deep breath and said, "Mom I know you figured out something. I love Alisha. I have always had a crush on her. It isn't just my raging hormones speaking. It's not a rash decision we took. Alisha accepted my love and loves me deeply. We are happy and are tired of hiding it. Help us."
I was nearly tearful and my mom saw it and wrapped her arms around me and pulled me close. I sighed. I felt safe in her arms. It was as if I became a child again. All those times mom had consoled me, she alone could help me keep calm.
I hugged her back firmly. My mom was stroking my head and soothing me. I became calmer.
I sat up straight and smiled. "Thanks mom. I needed that. I love you."
My mom smiled and replied, "Love you too, Danny."
We got side tracked and so I asked, "Mom you aren't angry right? I really love her and can't be without her. Will you help me?"
Mom took hold of my hand and said, "I am not angry. If I was it would have been your father here. I and Zi (my aunt Zinal) had suspicions but didn't knew you were this besotted with each other. We wanted you to come forward rather than hide and destroy everything."
I was elated. I had figured she wouldn't be angry but the confirmation was a relief. Before I could say anything my mom asked,
"Danny are you really sure you want this. Because you are just 18. You haven't met many girls yet, haven't see enough but if you are pretty sure then you shouldn't turn back."
I knew I was sure. I wouldn't back out. Certainly Alisha too was damn sure. We were certain of each other.
I replied, "Mom when I say yes the answer is from both of us- me and Alisha. You can talk to her or both of us at the same time but we are certain of each other and love each other."
My mom was silent, NO doubt she was processing what I had said. I was silent. I didn't even move so as not to disturb her. My fate was in her hands.