Silently Falling in Love: Again (Edited)

Chapter 37 - Coffee with Parents

Alex – November 2007

I looked for Anjali so I could introduce her to my parents. It was our day to meet for coffee, but since my parents were in town, I wouldn't be able to. She wasn't inside, I hoped she was outside. I pulled my coat tighter to keep the cold air out. This winter had started sooner than usual. Why couldn't we move to California so I could live in a place where it didn't snow? Tired of the long cold winters, I'd happily leave tomorrow.

Hoping to catch Anjali in the parking lot, I walked towards her car and called her name, but she didn't respond. I jogged closer to the woman in the dark wool coat with the dark wavy hair hanging to her mid-back, "Anjali!"

Slowly, she turned backwards, and Anjali waved at me.

"Hi," I said and blew warm air into my hands to keep them from freezing since I'd forgotten my gloves.

"Hi," Anjali said with a beautiful smile. "I was looking for you inside, but I didn't see you. Do you have time for coffee?"

"Sorry, it took longer at drop off. My parents are visiting, and they wanted to see the school and the kid's classrooms."

"Your parents are here?" Anjali asked.

"Yes, that's why I was calling you. I wanted to introduce you to my parents. They're back there." I pointed to my parents walking towards us.

"I'd love to meet your parents," Anjali responded while already walking towards them. "How long are they here for?"

"They're here for the week. They'd like to stay longer but the weather is too cold this time of year."

"That's so nice they're visiting for Thanksgiving."

"Yeah, it's nice having them here."

"Mom, Dad, this is a friend of mine Anjali. Her kids are in the same grade as Jasper and Leah."

"Sat Sri Akaal, uncle. Hello, auntie. It's so nice to meet you. Alex speaks fondly of you both."

"It's very nice to meet you too," my Mom said.

"I'm glad to see Amar has some Indian friends," my Dad added.

I laughed. "The kids are even more excited. Samosas are now a staple part of our diet, and so is everything else Anjali cooks."

"Auntie and uncle if you don't have any plans, please come over for chai. It's so cold outside, a cup of chai will help you warm up. I'm sure this weather is a huge change from California."

"Mom and Dad, chai? Anjali makes incredible chai."

"A cup of chai would be nice," my dad responded. My mom was quiet and just nodded. She didn't seem keen on having chai.

"Wonderful, I'll meet you at my place."

"Alexander sweetheart, do you know how to get to Anjali's home?" my Mom asked.

"Yeah Mom, I know the way," I said, puzzled at her question.

Before the car was fully heated, we'd arrived at Anjali's place. She lived close to the school.

"Welcome. Come in," Anjali said as we filtered into her immaculate home and took off our coats.

"Should we remove our shoes?" My mom asked.

"Mom, you can leave your shoes on." I knew Anjali's house rules.

"Oh, okay."

We followed Anjali into the kitchen. On the kitchen table, Anjali had already set out homemade banana bread. I watched as Anjali pulled out her chai pot and filled it with the appropriate amount of water.