Dad didn't come for lunch. Mom called but he didn't receive the call. She called a few more times in the afternoon but still there was no response.
Even when it was already 10 Dad still didn't come. This made us worried. So I told Mom that I would go and look for him. Mom agreed and I left home with my phone and wallet.
I went to the bar where he usually goes for a drink. I know about this place as I have to come and pick up Dad from there.
When I entered the bar I saw Dad sitting in a corner with a glass of alcohol but he wasn't drinking from it. He looked like he was in deep thought.
I went to him and stood near his table. "Go, I don't need any refill," he said thinking that I was the waiter without looking at me.
"Dad"
Dad looked up and our eyes met. His face suddenly turned red and he looked away in shame.
I grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the bar. He didn't try to stop me. I opened the door of the seat beside the driver and told him to sit then I went to the driver's seat.
I called Mom and told her that we are coming so that she wouldn't worry anymore.
I started the car and drove towards our home.
"Son, I am sorry."
"It's okay Dad. You don't need to worry about it."
Dad sighed and said "How will I face your mom?"
"Dad, Mom was very sad the whole day. She looked so worried when you didn't receive the call."
What I said was true. After lunch, Mom was very worried as Dad wouldn't pick up the call.
"How could I face your mom after all this? So I didn't pick."
"Dad, you were drunk. You had no sense of what you did. So you don't have to worry. But we just hope that you don't drink anymore. And if you like drinking, you can drink at home in a moderate amount."
Dad looked at me and said "Are you really not angry at me for yesterday?"
"Dad, to be frank with you, after all the loud noise I decided to accept it. After all both of you are already old. And you guys did so much for us. So I didn't want to be a nuisance when you guys just want to enjoy your life for once."
Dad's eyes widened. He opened his mouth a few times to say something but couldn't and stopped. After a long time, he said "Thank you."
"Hmm. But don't worry mom and us like this anymore. If you have any problem just discuss it with the family. We will always be there for you."
"Clearly I am the father, but it looks like you took that role." He smiled and visibly relaxed and said "But thanks, son. You have matured a lot."
"Haha, yeah! Now you have to buy something for mom. Otherwise, she will beat the hell out of you."
Dad nodded and agreed. But it was late and most of the shops were closed. It was then that we saw a saree shop that was about to close and quickly parked the car nearby.
"Boss, stop. We need a saree urgently. Please help us." I said as soon as I came out of the car.
"Sorry, we are closing."
"Please! It's very important."
The shop owner nodded after a few more pleas. Dad just smiled at me. He was happy that I was doing so much for him.
We then entered and after a few minutes of looking, we finally found wine red coloured saree. We liked it very much but the price was high. It was 5000rs.
Dad's face darkened as he clearly didn't have that much money with him.
"Alright, pack this."
"Wait, son."
I understand why he was stopping me. So I just gave him a nod and went to pay for it. I swapped the card and paid the bill.
We then entered the car and I started to drive.
"Where did you get the money?"
"Didn't I tell you about my new job?"
"You did, but is there still time for you to get your first salary?"
"Dad, it's a project-based job. I will get paid after every project."
"Oh, OK."
After another 10 minutes, we finally reached our home. I gave the bag to Dad and said "Just say sorry."
I rang the doorbell. In a few seconds, the door was opened. Mom instantly hugged Dad and asked with worry "Where have you been? Why didn't you receive the call? Do you have any idea how worried I was?"
I smiled at them and went to my room to give them some time to sort things out between themselves.