Dinner

Unexpected guests at dinner meant rallying the girls. They were :and are, my army . Especially , for tackling sudden dinners. Hubby’s dear friend was in town.
“Sandy uncle !!! Oh Oooh Oooooh !!”
My younger one was besides herself .
Balancing two trays of fragrant basmati on my arms , I stopped -“So? What about Sandy ?”
“He brings tons of chocolates!!” Fat chubby arms waved in all directions and pools of drool collected in baby mouth.
I sighed . I just hope he gets her some chocolates , this time too, even though he was here on a condolence visit to some relatives in town.
How do you say that to a pampered foodie ?

When Sandy arrived , the younger one, fixed his empty hands with burning stare , and refused to greet him . She turned , ran in , and locked herself in their playroom. I sighed and apologized.

Sandy was puzzled. "She seemed friendlier last time . " He rubbed the salt in. 

I offered pakoras and condolences. Dinner was eaten in peace, despite raised volumes of candy crush background score emanating from the behind locked doors of play room.

Before he left, Sandy took out a minuscule  packet from his pocket." By the way, I bought these for the girls , last time I was in Dubai."

Sandy said goodbyes to us and a shut door ."The stubborn mule "I gnashed my teeth, as repeated entreaties went unanswered.

Once the guest had departed, cleaning started, and a patient husband had rallied all ,including the hastily- drying- her- eyes -stubborn- mule, on the bed,  the packet was opened with great care to reveal two identical pairs of diamond studs, set in gold.

We, the parents were rendered speechless, the elder one crooned -"Ooooh !!" 

The younger one burst into a fresh  barrage of tears-"No  chocolates" She howled.