Tricky Turf
It was a late lunch on Saturday, since Raanav and his Dad and brother returned Friday night, earlier than expected
Navaratri was beginning Monday so no booze for 10 days, Smrita made a big deal of it growing her grains and such.
Papa had asked his bank employee friends from 4 cities across UP to buy and ship authentic UP ki mithai and had it gift wrapped in a basket by requesting Naina’s best friend to stop by
Naina was not home so she did not know
Anu packed up a couple of really gorgeous silk scarves she had bought to give to family
They arrived before 1 PM for a 2 PM lunch
Satyen was literally near the gate when the guard opened it
Raanav wandered the lawn talking on the phone
He just let his hand holding the phone drop from his ear and paused to stare at Viveka
“Can I call you back?” he muttered and hung up
He greeted the family politely
“Hi!” “How is your voice?”
“Almost have it back” she cleared her throat and pushed up her glasses
“I am happy you could make it” Satyen greeted Anu with joined hands
“sorry we are late”
“Ho jaat hai, Dilli mein I don’t have much expectation”
The invite was at 11, there was no way Akash wanted to rush out and get there for that
Anu missed Smrita at the gate but this Rishta was going to be like that only. Anu felt terrible for Viveka
She did not deserve a cold distant relationship
“waise invite sabka tha, yeh to aapne galat kiya” Satyen paused to accuse
“Diya ki job lagi hai Galleria? Mall mein Hugo Boss store mein, Karuna apni friends ke saath saara din YT fashion videos mein lagi rehtin hai”
“Parents ka kya bahana tha?”
“Bauji ki physical therapy ki appointment hai, Naina lekar jaayegi” Akash visibly cringing at that lie
Naina was locked in her room
“Deepavali par ghar mein koi ceremony karenge everyone should be here” Satyen laughed
“Jee jee”
Anu walked in tentatively
“arey wahin par khari rahengi? Aayiye to?”
The courtyard was decorated with red and white roses all over, in vases pinned to walls… everywhere”
“Mrs nahi nazar aa rahin?” Akash asked sadly
“Oh she is getting ready”
“we are late by TWO hours and she is not ready?” Anu thought
They were feted and pampered from the word go
Raanav sat on the arm rest of Viveka’s chair and showed her oslo pictures
Anu fidgeted nervously hoping to grab a picture
Satyen as if on cue did it himself, Anu did too
Raanav bent down, Viveka looking up, wearing her oversized jhumkas, they did look lovely together
Viveka heard the click and looked up “maaa” she scowled
“Just one.. I don’t have any beta”
“Arey abhi se sharam, abhi to 1000s khichengi beta” Satyen cracked himself up
“Do you want to go take a walk?” Raanav grabbed her hand
“Beta baarish honey waali hai, don’t walk too far” Satyen stared at the lovely moist clouds up in the sky through the glass roof
“We’ll be back” Raanav rolled his eyes
Smrita appeared wearing jeans and a chiffon bouse
Anu and Smrita’s eyes met across the room
For a brief second Smrita appeared flustered
Later she would question herself
Here was this middle class woman clad in a simple saree, and a firm ponytail, with only a trace of lipstick and kohl was sending her reeling for no reason
“Aaj jao bhai” Satyen extended a relieved hand
He was afraid she was going to bail on him
Marriage was tricky turf to be on
“hello” Smrita nodded
And later smiled
Akash and Anu remained seated but did a namaste
When Smrita heard Anu’s voice it was even more unsettling, she had Viveka’s naturally husky soft voice
Smriti will now secretly begin to hate her voice
“Dono walk par gaye hain”
“Who?” Smrita pretended
“the bride and the groom” Anu said with a smile twisting the knife
“
Jhanak
Shiv Shakti
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