Meet the Parents

On Monday night (Dec 15), her mom called and said, "Beta, I have told everyone at home that this time when you come over, you will bring him too". She stood frozen, not knowing what to say in response to the bombshell her mom had thrown at her. The moment she had been pushing for the past few months thanks to her inner fears (will they approve of him?, what if they don't?, is this the right time?, should she wait some more time? etc. etc. etc.) , sprung up at her with no prior information. Of course, she would have taken him sooner or later but maybe she was buying more time, for herself and for him. Every time he asked her if he could accompany her home, she would refuse.
After the phone call, she stood rooted to the spot, her stomach queasy and her conversation with her mom ringing loud in her ears. The first few moments, the devil in her advised her to wriggle out of the situation. It was so damn easy to tell her mom the next day, that he can't come because he is busy and not tell him anything, she thought. It was so damn easy. However, she could hear a faint voice inside her saying, "Give it to him, he deserves it". As that faint voice became louder, she realized there was no way she could deny him this. There was no more confusion then. She was happy for him more than for herself. Calling him an hour later, she broke the news to him. The surprise and joy in his voice gave her a strange feeling of contentment.
As the week progressed towards that Saturday, her inner fears struck back with full force. Day after day, she barraged him with instructions (what to do, what to say, what not to say, how to behave and so on and so forth).
And then Saturday dawned. It was an okay day, she thought. Two-and-a-half hours after the journey began, they reached home. And suddenly, that Saturday turned beautiful. Spreading warmth, cheer and laughter he won over everyone's hearts. As he charmed them effortlessly, her heart sang and swelled with pride.
It turned into the most beautiful Saturday of her life. Sorry, he turned it into the most beautiful Saturday of her life.