Chapter 7

Diya and Alan were on the buffet line to get some food. Alan was very curious about what was on the table as he couldn't really see much. Diya was holding his hand in one and a plate on the other. She got some fruits, especially some pineapples as they were his favorite and some pasta that was there. She took some fruits, salad and some pasta for herself along with a bowl of minestrone soup. Alan was now holding a glass of apple juice and was walking with his mom as she was looking for a table to sit. Ice cream was being server at a corner and Alan was all excited to go there. The flavor of the day was mango and coconut. Diya had to keep him in control and said, "Once you finish your meal you can go get your ice cream." Alan was disappointed and said, "Daddy would have let me have the ice cream first. I don't like you" with a frowning face. Diya ignored what he said and continued walking. Even after they were seated Alan had a long face and was giving a hard time refusing to eat. Diya tried to distract him with other things and tried to feed him but nothing was working as his mind was set on having an ice cream before his meal. Diya was starting to get a little annoyed by his behavior. Just as she was about to lose her temper Akshar joined them with his food, and instantly Diya was relieved but wondered how he was going to handle this little stubborn child sitting next to her.

Alan instantly asked Akshar, “Daddy. Mommy is mean. She said I can’t have ice cream.” Diya interrupted, “Before you finish your food.” Alan made a mad face at his mom and said, “Yes. I told her that you always let me have an ice cream. Isn’t that true daddy?” Akshar spoke after he finished chewing his food and said, ”Hmmm…. Let me see. I don’t see why not.” Diya was surprised to hear him say that but before she could say anything Alan got up and pulled Akshar, “Come on dad, let’s go get some right now.” Akshar put his napkin from the plate and got up. Alan turned around and gave a victory smile to Diya. Before the two of them left the table Akshar said, “Buddy, I think we might have a tizzy bitsy problem.” Alan’s eyes that were wide open instantly turned into a concern and asked “What is that daddy?” Akshar said, “Well! Ice cream is considered as a dessert so we eat dessert after a meal. So if we get it now and it might melt before we are done with our food. But if we try to eat fast and not chew our food well, then we might choke. Unless if you want to eat your ice cream melted we can get it right now. Now that I think about it, I do not like my ice cream melted so I will get mine later. How about you Alan?” Alan thought about it for a minute and said, “I will first finish my food daddy then we will go get it” and hopped on his chair and started eating.