Parth decided to wait for her in the lounge. The flight was 25 minutes late. He ordered a cappuccino and lit himself a cigarette while he waited. He took a long drag and heaved a sigh while exhaling. He was contemplating the effect her visit would have on his life. He brought the coffee mug close to his parched lips and took a swig. Twenty minutes later he was feeling refreshed and found his way to the waiting area. He saw her tugging her large pink baggage behind her on rollers. She was wearing a bright pink knee length A- Line skirt with a white sleeveless top. She had not seen him yet it seemed. Her eyes were frantically skimming the crowd waiting beyond the barricade. Her face seemed to have fallen and she looked unsure and hesitant. She carried on walking with the bag in tow still unaware of his presence. He smiled to himself and started following her out of the airport and onto the path that led to the parking area. The swing of her butt was rather cute. He was amazed at how tall she had grown in the last 3 years. She was all of nineteen now. She stopped at the end of the gravelled path. Her fairly long hair now cascading in the cool breeze. He decided to make his presence known finally. He went and stood beside her and softly murmured into her ear; "Hi Nan. Looking for me?" She jumped and pulled away to take a long look at him. When she recovered from the initial shock she screamed with joy and threw her long arms around him, pulling him close. Her bag made a loud thud on the ground where it fell. He gulped and caught himself in time before a tear rolled down his cheek. He realised he had missed her immensely.
"Uncle Parth! You are such a Meany! I looked everywhere for you. I got a scare thinking I'll have to take a cab home. Where is aunt Sim? And my little cousins?" He smiled fondly at her and told her they were all waiting for her at home. She giggled and pointed at her bag signalling him to carry it for her. He complied gladly.
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What joy to have your niece visit after years. Nancy was a splitting image of her American mother. Her lilting voice and pretty smile kept everyone at home in high spirits. Gaurav would call up everyday and speak to Parth to get an update on Nancy.
Gaurav had moved to US two decades ago and married Sara. They had an addition into the family a year later. Nancy was always a chirpy and an extremely sensitive kid. Parth's work had taken him to San Jose at least twice every year. Nancy and Parth had formed the kinship right away. Gaurav was very pleased by it for he wanted Nancy to get to know his side of the family and find her roots. Simran and the kids had also visited Gaurav and Sara in the US once during the Christmas break. Nancy had developed a fondness for the whole family from then on.
Parth was watching the world cup on the TV in his room one night when Nancy crept in and sat next to him. They followed the game for a while in companionable silence. Finally she heaved a loud and dramatic sigh and turned to look at him. He put the TV on mute and asked her tiredly; "What?"
She asked in return; "yeah. What?"
He knew what was coming. She was very observant and perceptive. It was uncanny how she could read people's moods and mind too. It unnerved him a bit.
She spoke softly; "what's wrong Uncle P?" She had cut Parth to 'P', she thought that suited him better with his perpetually 'evil, mean and grumpy' look.
He looked her squarely in the eye and feigned confusion; "What are you talking about love?"
"Jesus Christ! Do you take me for a fool? I know there is something bothering you. I can see it clearly that Aunt Sim and you are not...hmmm... like...you know...mum and dad. I think you can do something to revive your relationship there. Why don't you guys go out on a date or something. I could baby sit Sakshi and Mani!" Her voice reflected excitement.
Mac laughed out loud. He couldn't help but admire this 19 yr old bundle of energy for her efforts at fixing all and sundry around her. He put his hand on her head and gave it a good shake.
"Go! Run along now. Dinner must be served by now
(To be continued...)
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