Episode 4

Finally the day has come. Dunk was leaving home to meet his biological mother for the first time.

I'll miss you, brother, Aadhya said, giving him a tight hug.

I'll miss you too, little sister. Take care of Mom and Dad, okay? Dunk replied.

I will. I'm just so sad I have to eat your favorite food all by myself now, she said, wiping her fake tears.

Keep dreaming. Mom won't cook my favorite food while I'm gone, right, Mom?

Yes, yes, his mom replied with a smile.

See? Dunk smirked.

Now I'll have to cook her favorite food alone. Less work for me, his mom teased.

Mom...Are you really sending me away? You're going to miss me the most, Dunk said.

Just kidding, she said, kissing his forehead. Take care of your health, dear.

I will, Mom.

Okay, let's go or you'll miss your flight, his dad said.

Okay, Dad.

They reached the airport and Dunk said his goodbyes to everyone.

On his way, he thought to himself, *I’m finally going to live as myself this year. I should change my phone number and deactivate my old social media and start fresh.*

I'm going to create a new one and make it private.

Sigh! It's such a long journey. I'm tired.

The driver came to pick him up at the airport.

I'm super nervous. How should I talk to her? He was fiddling his finger and zoning out the entire ride home.

When they reached home, Dunk saw Kanya waiting at the entrance to greet him.

She looked beautiful and Dunk thought, *She looks so different from what I expected.*

Welcome home, Dunk. You’ve grown up. The last time I saw you, you were just a little kid, Kanya said warmly.

Are your parents doing well? she asked, catching Dunk off guard.

They’re doing well. How’s your family? Dunk replied.

They're good too, darling, she answered, smiling. Go freshen up, and we’ll have dinner soon.

Dunk looked around the house, admiring the calming feel of the art pieces and crafts hanging around here and there.

After refreshing, he saw Kanya cooking in the kitchen.

Do you need help? he asked awkwardly.

Sure, Kanya smiled. Do you know how to cook?

I always help my mom in the kitchen, Dunk said, still feeling a bit awkward.

I don’t know if you’ll like the food here.

It’s okay. I’ll try it. It’ll be a new experience for me.

Let me know if you don’t like it, she said, offering him a reassuring smile. I can always hire a cook for you.

Okay…..Dunk replied. He doesn't know how to call her.

Call me Kanya, she said casually.

Huh? Dunk asked, confused.

You're not comfortable to call me mother, right?

Dunk starred blankly.

I know it’s strange to call someone’s mother by her name, but here, it’s normal for kids to do that. Don’t worry.

Okay…..Kanya, Dunk said, a bit surprised.

They sat down to eat.

How’s the food? Kanya asked.

Not bad, Dunk replied.

I’m glad you didn’t hate it, Kanya smiled, and they ate in silence.

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