Smita has been looking forward to Rohan’s sixteenth birthday. When Smita and Amit had
shifted to US three years back, Rohan was in seventh grade. Because of Amit’s project Smita
had to relocate to three different places, owing to which Rohan hardly made any friends.
But luckily their stay in Detroit has been for more than a year, due to which Rohan was able to
strike a friendship with some boys in his school and neighborhood. Smita was happy with
the fact that Rohan, a recluse had finally started to mingle with boys of his age. Rohan has
been attending birthday parties of his friends and that pushed this Mother to plan one for
her son.
When Smita spoke to Rohan about it, Rohan dismissed the idea in one go,
“No Mom, don’t plan anything for them! They might not like our usual stuff. Maybe we can
chill outside in some restaurant” Smita the usual Indian Mom wasn’t prepared for this and rebuked Rohan by saying…………………. “What do you think Rohan? Now a days so many foreigners love our cuisine………………. Again, if you want, we can order Pizza and garlic bread from outside”
Smita kept on blabbering till she realized that Rohan had already made an exit, to bike with
his friends in the vicinity.
After shutting the backyard door which was left open by Rohan, Smita slowly marches towards her living room. Sitting in the living room couch she wonders, how little Rohan who never used to disobey her sayings has finally got a mind of his own. She scrolls through some of the old pictures of her only son thereby getting transported to a different world altogether.
Little Rohan’s first birthday, where she had herself baked a cake for her cutie pie, to his fifth one when he had demanded a Pizza and she had made sure he got one on his special day. His last three birthdays in US when she and Amit had left no stone unturned in making Rohan feel special on his big day. She was aware that after two years Rohan might be going to college and she might not be getting a chance to celebrate the occasion with her Dear son.
She wanted to make his sixteenth one really special! “I am going to do this! Friday evening, they will be coming to our home for completing the Spanish project and that time I will pitch in the question. Rohan won’t be able to utter anything In-front of them” Smita had a full proof plan ready in her mind……………………….. “I will make grilled chicken and sandwiches on Friday. They are going to love it. Once they relish on my mouth-watering delicacy, they will be tempted to have more. That will clear
Rohan’s misconceptions too”.
Smita discussed her idea with Amit, who seemed bit confused initially but later nodded in
affirmation. Rohan didn’t have the slightest idea of what was in her Mom’s mind. Friday
morning in the breakfast table Smita casually checked with Rohan stating…………………………
“Are your friends coming in the evening?
You stated the other day about the Spanish project!” “Yes Mom! they will be coming directly after school” Rohan said, while tying his shoelaces. That was the sweetest euphony Smita had heard in days. After Amit and Rohan left, she immediately got busy with her preparation for the evening. She grilled chicken, and cut the veggies into slices for turkey sandwich. She had watched some videos online and hence could work on it like a professional.
Smita was satisfied with her effort and was eagerly waiting for the boys gang. Finally, at 5 in the evening Rohan with his friends arrived at Smita’ s home. The boys were groomed enough to say “Hi” to Smita on their very first visit. Smita had seen them in School but they being first time visitors to her home, Smita took full care of them. Rohan asked his gang to follow him to the basement, which was equipped with all the materials that their project needed.
Smita has been eyeing the activity of the gang just to ensure that they feel comfortable. After fifteen minutes she thronged into the basement with two trays in her hand. One carried the grilled chicken pieces and other the sandwiches. The boys were engrossed in their talk, when Smita pushed the basement door with full force. “Why Mom?? Rohan looked perturbed. “Just grilled chicken and Sandwiches for your friends.
You must be hungry!” Before Smita could add, Eric and Jack grabbed the sandwiches with their bare hands. Soon the other three followed suit and Smita was happy that her plan was really working. Hesitantly though, Rohan too grabbed one and that was enough to bring back that broad smile on Smita’ s face. Smita didn’t want to let go the only opportunity and immediately pounced back saying…………………………………….“Coming Sunday is Rohan’s birthday!
How about house party?” “Exciting!” uttered Eric “Great idea!” Nathaniel said in a funny tone. Smita was super happy and gave a peculiar stare to Rohan. “OK Mom! Enough, will discuss later” Rohan looked firm. Smita was happy that her plan had bore result. In Michael Jackson style she raised her right hand in the air and said “Yes! I did it” She was her happiest self that day. She couldn’t
control her excitement and dialed Amit who was on his way back home………………………………., “Hey! Rohan’s friends have agreed for party at home. I am so happy!” “What did Rohan say?” Amit seemed persistent. “What will he say? Now that his friends are excited, he can’t say NO. Again, they liked my food too, that must be a motivating factor for him” Smita said in a jovial way.
Suddenly there was a pat at Smita’ s back and as she turned, she saw Rohan looking at her with a coy smile. “What happened, Dear?” Smita looked into her Son’s eyes. “I had come to fetch some water for us, but was taken aback hearing your conversation with Dad” Before Smita could say a word, Rohan hugged her tight and said……………………. “Meri bholi Maa! Houseparty is an App where youngsters chat vide video. It’s a fun Application.
Your house party and their houseparty are not the one and same thing” Smita looked confused when Rohan added, “When you uttered the word Houseparty, they thought you want us to connect on my Birthday using this, nothing more than that.” Smita couldn’t control anymore and burst out laughing with her beloved. Both Mother Son duo laughed out loud, when Smita stated,…………………………. “These Apps, I tell you, will drive me crazy one day. Don’t tell this to your Dad or he will leave no chance in pulling my leg”
