A Daughter's Concern
The evening air was crisp, the chill of the approaching winter making its presence known. The streetlights flickered, casting a golden hue over the bustling market street where Sharma Ji sat with his friends, enjoying a simple dinner. The aroma of freshly made rotis and steaming curries filled the air. Laughter and chatter surrounded him, but just as he was about to take a bite, his phone rang.
He picked it up, glancing at the caller ID. A small smile appeared on his lips—it was his daughter.
"Papa, where are you?" came her concerned voice from the other end.
"It's quite cold outside. Are you wearing your shawl?" she continued without waiting for an answer. "It's dinner time. Have you eaten yet?"
Sharma Ji chuckled softly. "Slow down, beta. If you ask so many questions at once, which one should I answer first?"
"Okay, okay," she relented, taking a deep breath. "Tell me, where are you? Are you out somewhere?"
"Yes, I'm outside, having dinner with my friends," he replied, taking another bite of his meal.
There was a brief silence on the other end before she responded, her voice laced with worry. "Dinner outside? Papa… this is exactly why I refused to move into a hostel. You don't take care of your health properly."
Sharma Ji sighed, knowing this conversation was bound to happen sooner or later. "It's not going to be like this every day. I'll tell Antara to pay more attention to my diet if that makes you feel better," he assured her.
She huffed. "Fine, as you wish. Just take care of yourself. You're alone, Papa, but my sisters and I will make sure you stay healthy."
"I know, beta," he said, his voice turning softer.
"You should head home soon and sleep early. It's not good to stay up too late. I'll call home later to make sure you've reached safely," she added, her protective nature shining through.
Sharma Ji smiled warmly. "Alright, alright. Take care of yourself too. Bye, beta."
"Bye, Papa."
As he ended the call, he couldn't help but feel a warmth that had nothing to do with the hot meal in front of him. His daughter's concern, though nagging at times, was a reminder of the love and care she held for him.
Meanwhile, at a nearby table, a group of young friends—Tia, Jai, and Chahat—were finishing their chai after dinner.
"Alright, uncle, it's getting late. We should head back now," Tia said politely, pushing her chair back.
"Take care, kids," Sharma Ji responded with a nod as they stood up to leave.
As they walked down the dimly lit street, Jai turned to Chahat. "So, how was the food?"
"It was delicious," she admitted. "But I wonder how some of the older folks here will feel about it."
Jai chuckled. "You're already assuming what the older generation will think?" He shook his head. "They might need some time, but eventually, they'll accept change."
"That's true," Chahat agreed thoughtfully.
Tia stretched her arms above her head. "Ugh, I'm so tired today."
Jai smirked. "Wow, I never knew eating could make someone tired."
"Whatever. Come on, let's go," she huffed, nudging him forward.
They first dropped Chahat off at her dorm, exchanging goodbyes before continuing on their way. Next was Tia's home, where she waved before disappearing inside.
Jai sighed as he walked alone towards his own place. The night had grown colder, but there was something oddly comforting about the warmth of friendships, shared meals, and conversations filled with both laughter and concern.