FIRST THOUGHTS

"I'm sorry, my sweetie. I'll buy you an ice-cream to compensate." Dad says. "Okay old man. You're forgiven." I chuckle. "But only an ice-cream won't do. You need to bake me pistachio cookies too." I demanded. It was fun to tease my Dad whenever I got a chance.

"Okay, Your Highness. Your cookies will be duly served." Dad says giving me a mocking bow. "Now let me carry your bag. We're going home." Dad walks towards my bed to get my bag. My other bag which I was carrying on the day of my accident on my way to an interview was taken away by Dad the other day.

I turned around following Dad and out of the corner of my eye, I saw 'him' staring at me with a warm smile on his lips. The afternoon sun casted a soft glow on his face, highlighting his already handsome features even more.

The way I stopped in my tracks would've clearly indicated that we had something between us in front of Dad. So, I turned back and followed Dad out of the room.

Dad carried out the discharge formalities while I waited in the lobby. Finally, it was time to go home. I walked up to my Dad and snaked an arm into his. "Goodbye, Jane!" He said. "Let's hang out someday later." I nodded.

As I looked up, there he was again giving me that smile, warming every part of my body. I just stared, mesmerized, for a few seconds, like we were the only people there. "Honey!" Dad called out. "I'm coming Dad!" I replied and turned around when suddenly he grabbed my arm and pulled me close. I could instantly feel the heat rising under my belly and upto my cheeks.

Seeing that, he chuckles. "Let's meet on Tuesday." And his expression suddenly changes into one mixed with guilt but also sincere at the same time. Like he wanted to make things right again. "Okay!" I said. "I'll give you the details later."

A twenty five minutes drive later, our house came in view. I've never been this much happy to be back home again since Mom passed away. I almost trip and fall while getting off the car, because of how excited I am. I hop and run towards the house and open the front door. It was as if I had gotten ten times better since I stepped in through the door. Dad comes in too and smiles at me.

"I've prepared some porridge for you in the kitchen. Get fresh and come down to have lunch Sweety. Even a day without you felt so long." Dad's head hangs low. I rush towards him and wrap him in a tight hug. I sigh! I've missed this feeling of home.

The day passes by. Dad makes some soup for me. After having dinner I go back to my room to sleep. But all these thoughts of the past few days come rushing back as soon as I close my eyes. The accident surely has stirred my mental state, but the memories of him have affected me more.