Unannounced, it starts to snow. It falls like salt and bounces off the windscreen. The flurries grow thicker and the road looks paved with stardust. When Shyam brings the car to a halt on their driveway, Prema steps out. The fresh snow crackles underfoot.
– Mom, you’ve got to see a white Christmas after all.
– If you ask me, Shyam, it has been a blue Christmas.
A few days after his mother returns to India, Shyam’s father calls him.
– Dad, you hang up. I’ll call you back, Shyam says.
– Don’t bother, Shyam. I’ve heard of your phone cards. Nowadays international calls have become quite cheap in India too.
– Dad, how is Mom? She became very upset when she was here – I don’t know why.
– Your mother’s fine. She’s gone to the club for a game of rummy. About your mother becoming upset – that’s the reason why I’m calling you. Shyam, don’t take this to heart – she has got it into her head that the child is not yours.
– That’s nonsense!
– I’m sure it is. Your mother bases her suspicion on the colour of the baby’s eyes, says his father.
– I can’t believe it! Dad, you’ve met Shilpa’s relatives – quite a few of them have light-coloured eyes.
– I know, Shyam, that’s what I’ve been trying to tell your mother. Shilpa hails from the west coast of India, and it’s not uncommon for people who live there to have irises that are not black. Shyam, you should not feel very bad – in fact, you should know your mother better.
Shyam is quiet for a few seconds.
– Shyam, are you there?
– Yes, Dad, I’m here. Is she still upset?
– No. She seems to have gotten over it apparently. She’s planning a trip to Austria.â€
– That’s good to hear. I’m sure Anu will be able to keep her happy.
His father chuckles.
– I won’t bet on it, Shyam. Your mother wants to see the blue Danube. I hope the great river will live up to its reputation.
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