As the morning sun streamed through her apartment windows, Sita emerged from her slumber, ready to take on the day. After a refreshing shower and a cup of hot tea, she set about tidying up her home, humming a tune to herself as she went about her chores.
With her apartment sparkling clean, Sita turned her attention to cooking breakfast. She chopped up some fresh vegetables and spices, savoring the aromas as they filled her kitchen. "Ah, nothing like the smell of home-cooked food to start the day!" she exclaimed to herself.
Once breakfast was ready, Sita sat down at her table to enjoy her meal, relishing each bite as she replayed the events of the past week in her mind. Between the excitement of her career and the warm camaraderie with her friends, life was certainly busy, but Sita was finding her footing in the big city.
With the dishes cleared and the kitchen clean, Sita smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction at her domestic productivity. She knew what came next: a visit to her parents. Grabbing her purse and keys, she headed out, ready for the day.
She made her way through the bustling streets, marveling at how familiar the city had become in such a short time. "It's like I've been here forever," she mused to herself. "I guess this is home now".
As Sita approached her parents' house, her steps quickened with anticipation. She could already hear the joyful chatter of the neighborhood kids playing in the streets, and the faint aroma of spices wafting from the nearby kitchens.
"I wonder what's for lunch today," she thought to herself. "Knowing Ma, it'll probably be something amazing. She's the best cook in the world!"
Sita rang the doorbell, eager to see her parents. She could already picture their beaming smiles and warm hugs.
The door swung open, revealing Sita's mother, who immediately enveloped her daughter in a tight embrace. "Sita beta," she exclaimed, using the endearing term for daughter. "We've been waiting for you! Come in, come in. Your father and I have been cooking up a storm!"
Sita smiled as she stepped inside, her heart filling with the warmth of home. She could hear the comforting sound of her father's laughter in the living room and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the kitchen.
"How have you been, beta?" Sita's mother asked, ushering her daughter towards the dining table. "We've been dying to hear all about your job and your friends."
"I've been great, Ma," Sita replied, taking a seat and reaching for a freshly baked naan. "Work has been challenging, but I'm learning so much. And my friends, well, they're amazing. You'd love Vanessa—she's hilarious!"
As Sita and her mother chatted away, her father appeared, a broad smile spread across his face. "Sita beta, you made it!" he exclaimed, giving her a hug. "We're so glad you're here."
"Of course I made it, Pa," Sita replied with a laugh. "I wouldn't miss one of Ma's legendary lunches for the world."
"Haha, you've got me there, Pa," Sita said with a chuckle. "Your wife's cooking is unbeatable. Plus, the company isn't half bad either."
Her father returned the smile. "Well, we certainly enjoy your company too, beta. And speaking of good food, your mother has outdone herself today. She's made your favorite daal makhani, and it smells heavenly!"
Sita's eyes lit up at the mention of her favorite lentil dish. "Ma, you spoil me! How did you know I was craving daal makhani?"
"A mother knows, beta," Sita's mother replied, beaming with pride. "And let's not forget about the fresh paratha and mango chutney to go with it. You're in for a real treat!"
Sita's mouth watered at the thought of the delicious spread laid out before her. "Wow, this is amazing. You guys really went all out today, didn't you?"
"Of course, Sita," her father said. "You're our daughter, and we love spoiling you whenever we can.
Sita's father concluded, a proud gleam in his eyes. "You deserve it, beta. You've worked so hard to get where you are today."
Sita smiled, touched by her parents' admiration. "Thank you, Pa. I couldn't have done it without you guys."
Her mother nodded, her expression fond. "You're a good girl, Sita. And don't forget, we're always here for you. Whether you need advice or just a listening ear, you can always count on us."
Sita's heart swelled with love as she gazed at her parents, gratitude filling her to the brim. "You have no idea how much that means to me," she said, her voice catching slightly. "I'm so lucky to have you both in my life."
As they continued to chat over the delectable meal, Sita's thoughts drifted to her life in the city, filled with excitement and opportunity. Yet, sitting here with her parents, she realized just how much she treasured these moments of connection and comfort, a taste of home in the midst of her bustling life.
As the day wore on, the warmth of the afternoon sun slowly melted into a golden sunset, bathing the sky in a kaleidoscope of colors, Sita knew that it was time to bid her parents farewell for now.
"Well, Ma, Pa," Sita said, rising from her seat and gathering her belongings. "I guess I should get going before it gets too late. Thank you for such a wonderful day."
"Oh, don't you worry about that, beta," her mother replied, getting up to give Sita a final hug.
"Sita, beta," her mother said, holding her daughter close. "I know you have a busy life in the city, but don't forget to make time for us, okay? We love hearing about your job and your friends, but we also want to hear about your personal life and dreams for the future. We're your parents, and that's what we're here for."
Sita nodded, feeling a lump forming in her throat. "Of course, Ma. I promise I'll make more time to visit.
With a final embrace, Sita stepped out of her parents' house, the warm glow of the setting sun painting the streets with a soft, golden light.
As she made her way back to her own apartment, Sita couldn't help but reflect on the day's events. Her parents' words lingered in her mind, the familiar tug-of-war between her own dreams and her family's expectations playing out in her thoughts.
Sita plopped down on her couch, feet kicked up on the coffee table as she dialed Vanessa's number. It had been a long day, filled with her parents' well-meaning but suffocating attention.
Vanessa's cheery voice came through the line almost immediately. "Hey Sita, how's it going? Spill the tea, what's been happening today?"
"Girl, you have no idea," Sita responded, sighing dramatically. "It's like my parents are trying to run my life for me, even from afar.
"Listen, I know they mean well," Sita continued, "but sometimes it's just too much. I don't even know what I want for myself, let alone how to explain it to them."
Vanessa laughed sympathetically. "Girl, I feel you. The parent struggle is real. But you know, you don't have to figure everything out right this second. Sometimes, it's okay to just live in the moment."
Sita nodded, even though Vanessa couldn't see it. "Yeah, I guess you're right.
Sita's thoughts shifted to the upcoming party, and she smiled, eager to lift Vanessa's spirits. "Listen, we've got to forget about all this stress for a night, okay? We need some serious girl time. Promise me you won't cancel on me for this party. No boys allowed! Just good old fashioned fun with your girl gang."
Vanessa let out a small chuckle. "Alright, alright. You've got me there. I'm not about to let you have all the fun without me.
"So when are we doing this thing?" Vanessa asked, her voice perking up a bit. "And where should we hold the party? I mean, we could hit up that new club downtown or go for a more chill night in with some movies and wine."
Sita considered their options for a moment. "You know, I think we should go for the chill night in. It's been a while since we've just hung out and had some quality girl time. Plus, no judgemental looks from random strangers if we decide to bust out some karaoke".
Vanessa laughed, her spirits clearly lifted by the thought of their upcoming girls' night. "Alright, you've convinced me. Let's do this thing. Chill night in, plenty of wine, and maybe some gossip to boot. And hey, maybe we'll even make a quick TikTok video if the wine hits us right."
Sita giggled. "Perfect. I'll handle the snacks, you bring the wine. And the gossip. See you soon, girl."
The two friends said their goodbyes, hanging up with promises to catch up soon.