Chapter 213- The Visitor
It was about a week after Suman had come from her home. That day was Janmasthami and this time it was grand celebration at Varma house. The house was decorated with garlands. Maheswari had called Devika and kids, also Vaishnav with his nanu at Varma Mansion for dinner. In the evening Suman's students were coming to meet her to show her the trophy as they won second prize for dance competition.
But the fun was in Dahi handi. Sreedhar Vaishnav and Rakesh were running to participate in Dahi handi. Aakash was crying he too wanted to participate but Tilak told him after a couple of years. Vindhya dragged everyone to the place dahi handi was happening. Suman had rarely gone for Dahi handi as it was very noisy and she never liked too much noise. It was scorching heat when they reached the venue.
Along the road Suman could hear songs like " Govinda Aaya re aaya matki sambhal vrij bala , " Bada Natkai hai " in one side and the romantic number " bansi baajegi, radha nacheji. She felt like dancing but what was that dance which her Sreedhar's eyes wont enjoy. She blushed thinking about him. She was not able to talk to him for few days as he was very busy. She had planned to wish him happy birthday at mid night. But then Tilak Jethji sat with him almost the entire night to look through some finance aspect of the business. He couldn't come under the lampshade. Anyways this time also she had created a beautiful handmade card for him and also bought a gift.
She looked up. The human pyramid was getting formed. There were many groups. Victory was for the group who first broke the dahi handi. Sreedhar had told Vaishnav that he will be on the top and will break the handi. He, Rakesh and another boy will hold the line just below Vaishnav. There were shouts from all corners, cheering up. Sreedhar's group was doing quite good.
" Maa look up " told Vindhya as Maheswari was looking down.
" You all look up Vindhya. I cant see this adventure of my son. Everytime I have to pray to all Gods to ensure he comes back after this event in one piece" told Maheswari.
" Vindhya look they have more or less done it " told Renu. As Vindhya looked up she saw Vaishnav breaking the handi and the dahi fell on the group. But then they had lost the championship as they finished third. By the time Sreedhar, Rakesh and Vaishu came back they looked a mess completely drenched in Dahi.
" Go everyone, go and get a bath, then come for evening pooja at home " told Maheswari before Sree could come near her.
Evening Pooja was grand with Suman's students and some of Varma's neighbors also joining the festivities. After the aarti Prasad along with kheer was distributed to everyone. People wished happy birthday to Sreedhar. Soon it was family only once the crowd dispersed. Sreedhar was wearing the kurta Sudhir had gifted him which was the practice, Tilak as usual gave his brother money. Then Suman came forward wishing him happy birthday giving him the hand made greeting card and a box. The box read " Titan".
" Well I bought this for Sreedhar. Everyone was telling Murali used to buy new watch for Sreedhar every year. I don't want anyone to feel his absence when they see the same watch in Sreedhar's hand " told Suman looking at everyone to check whether anyone had any issue.
Maheswari stepped forward opening the box and looking at the watch " Good one Suman. I used to tell Murali not to indulge Sreedhar like this. Every year new watch. He never used to listen and I don't think you will listen either"
" Maa Suman is your bahu. She is supposed to follow your order" told Tilak smiling.
" If I order she will nod her head, but then I know she will feel bad. So Tilak let her do what she feels, if that reduces her guilt and make her feel part of this family " told Maheswari patting Suman.
" Maa someone is at the door " told Aakash and everyone turned to look who has come. Ankush stood at the door with Suchitra and Satya.
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