The sweet smell of soil. I missed this so much back in the city. But here, in Shimla, the rains are beautiful and so is the mist they create.
I swapped my shoes with Dad's funky-looking chappal and honestly it was much more comfortable.
It was dawn and the wind was cold.
I thought I should wear something warm.
As soon as I opened my phone, my eyes almost bulged out. 14 missed calls from my boss!
I quickly made a call but there was no response. Then I opened the text he sent me this morning.
“Mr. Nikhil, I didn’t expect such a careless attitude from you, you're not answering your phone and even extended your leave by two days.”
“Can I also come with you? I also want to see where my son works,” Maa asked.
“Next time for sure, Maa.”
“But, you promised me last time…” Maa said, her voice sounding disappointed.
“I know Maa, I'm definitely gonna take you next time,” I said, opening my laptop.
“What are you doing?” She asked.
“Booking tickets, I'm leaving tonight.”
“But you told me that you'll wait till your dad’s birthday,” her disappointment was clear in her tone.
“You already made me extend my leave, Maa.” I finally booked a flight. “ By the way, where's my jacket?”
“I've washed it-”
“You washed it!” I blasted, raising my voice.
“I never wash it, Maa, it's too expensive…” I said, running a hand through my hair.
“Sorry… I-” I didn't let her finish and turned around. Then I found the jacket on the clothesline.
I sighed in frustration. For two years, I hadn't taken a single day off, not even a sick leave.
"WWRRRRRAAAAHHHZEEEEEoooowwshhh”
I looked up, a plane flew above me.
Then my eyes landed on Mrs. Malhotra, our neighbour. She was holding her small son and was pointing towards the sky.
“Maa! Look at the plane!” I screamed.
Maa laughed, picking me up in her arms.
“When I grow up, I will take you on a plane,” I made a promise.
“Really my baby….” And with that we laughed.
“Nikhil, look I made your favourite sweets,” I snapped out of my thoughts as mom came with a small nervous smile, carrying a plate full of sweets.
I smiled looking at her.
“I'm sorry for raising my voice, Maa,” I hesitantly looked down at the plate in her hand.
“It's fine my baby,” she kept the plate on the table behind her.
“Make me talk to your boss if he troubles you. I can handle him,” she assured and I chuckled.
“When are you leaving? Give me your address at least, your dad wants to visit you” She asked softly.
“Maa, we are leaving tonight, I'm booking our tickets” I went to my laptop.
