Page 9 of Someone I Chose

Neha cleared her throat. “Mrs. Das, we have…”

“Oh, no, dear. Please don’t call me Mrs. Das. You can either call me mom or Drithi if you prefer that.”

Neha willed a smile. She pressed her legs together. “Thank you, Drithi.” No way would she call her mom. Pretending that there was more to this marriage than there actually was, was one thing. Calling her fake mother-in-law mom would be quite another.

“I am so glad to meet you. I had almost given up hope that one of my sons would marry. And now look at him—Jay is your husband.” Drithi gave him a smile that radiated happiness.

They had married alright. Funny enough, she had never thought about him being her husband. That possessive pronoun right there—his wife, her husband—did it actually denote possession? Was he hers? And she his?

The waiter bringing their appetizers saved Neha from having to think of a reply. It was a platter of various samosas and pakoras with several dips. Neha especially enjoyed the mint cilantro chutney. “This is awesome. Please give my compliments to the chef.”

Drithi beamed with pride. “I will, thank you.”

Kevin scoffed. Drithi turned to him and scolded, “It is a good thing to enjoy the work one does. I’ve been running this hotel and restaurant for a long time now, and I am proud of it.”

“Mom,” Jay tried to appease her. “Please, not tonight.” He took her hand and squeezed it.

Drithi quietly took her utensils again and cut a samosa into very fine pieces.

Neha saw Kevin pulling a face and grinning at his brother. Jay rolled his eyes. He looked at Neha and mouthed, “You’re good?”

“No cooing at the table, please,” Drithi demanded jokingly. “Save that for your home.”

“Mom,” Jay tried to intervene, but his mother would not be stopped.

“Has he told you he’s the first one in the family with academic education? A doctor, at that.” She smiled gently at Jay, who obviously was uncomfortable.

“Kevin has been to hospitality school,” he offered.

“And flunked it,” Drithi insisted.

“Yeah, there we go again,” Kevin said. He put his fork down and stood up. “Excuse me, I have to see to my managerial duties.”

Jay unsuccessfully tried to hold him back. When Kevin left, he turned to his mother. “Mom, that’s water under bridges.”

“I know,” Drithi murmured. “But then again, is it? The restaurant is doing well, but ever since Kevin became the hotel manager, things are not going all that well. I need a manager who actually knows what he is doing.”

“He needs a little more time, Mom. Be patient.”

“For how much longer?” Drithi sighed. Looking at Neha, she smiled. “I’m sorry. There you meet your husband’s family for the first time, and we squabble. Tell me about your family. What are they doing?”

“My father is a defense lawyer.”

“And your mother?”

Neha cocked her head. “She used to be a software engineer, but after I was born, she became a stay-at-home mom.”

“She still is? What a waste of good training.” Drithi blushed and slapped her hand to her mouth. “Sorry. I should have asked what your plans were.”

Neha shot a glance in Jay’s direction. They were discussing their future offspring? Jay smiled gently at his mother. “Don’t, Mom. Too early.”

Drithi waved her hands in surrender. “Will you be working here in Hallow Fall?”

“I can’t even.” Neha was glad she could tell the unabridged truth for once. “I’d have to take the bar exam again first. I only can practice in Georgia as of now.”

Drithi shook visibly. Her eyes darted to Jay. “Will you move away?”

“No, I’ve got my work here.”