PrAnushka SS: Pelli Choopulu the Matchmaking Ph 18 pg47 Dt 15/01 - Page 22

Next day Parthu woke up as usual very late for which she got her usual sahasaranamam and mangalarchana from Prabha. Since it was Friday, Parthu took hair bath and ran to the nearby Rama aalayam on her scooty and was about to return back when she saw a car of someone she knew.

Frowning she stopped beside and saw the door opening. There she saw a person getting down and she jumped in joy leaving her scooty.

"Mama..

And she hugged the person not caring for her onlookers.

"Hey my bhallu kutty

Saying the person hugged her back. Another person got out chuckling.

"She is not that Bhallu kutty anymore! She is getting married.

Parthavi scowled at her Atha Shakthi who was laughing. Her Mama shivaprasad turned to his wife and smiled.

"She will always be my bhallu only. Enti Parthu?

"Yes Mama!

"Keep saying that!

"Why Atha?

"Ahan.. Lets first go to temple. Intlo velli we can talk.

Parthu smiled. Her ever doting Atha and mama. She took her scooty and rushed home to say her mother about the arrival of her brother. And as usual she was greeted with the scene she hated the most, but which happened on daily basis. Her mother and father arguing.

"Evandi idi? Yesterday you only said you will pick up Vasu on your way home. But you did not and now in the morning you ask if she and Parthu reached safely? And you expect your daughters to respect and love you?

"Adi kadu Prabha ma. I got held up..

"Where? In Rajureddy's satsang?

"Prabha..

"Praying god is not bad! But forgetting your family in the name of god is!

Parthu stood looking at her father folding her hands across her front.

"Parthavi!

"Don't Parthavi me. I am here so you easily called me and asked me to pick Vasu up. You will not let her have money to come by public transport. You will not let her take the scooty and you will not pick her up either. But we should stay dumb and dance to your tunes? I was there so yesterday Vasu came home. If I am not there? If Vasu was your only daughter? Gaali ki vadilestara thana ni?

"Do not talk to me in that tone.

"Do not teach me about tones ayyagaru! First you learn to respect your family. You are always absent and yet you expect us to respect you! Now you are getting me married. Repo maapo Amma ki evayina ayithe kuda meeru pakkana undaru. She will be dying here and you will be doing bhajans there. For God's sake look at her! How will you look after her if me and Vasu are not there?

"Parthu.. Go inside. Do not interfere in these matters between me and your nana!

"Sorry amma. Amamma died worrying about you. And I am not letting the same happen to Thatha or I don't want to sit in another part of city and keep thinking about what will happen to you. Already you are not able to stand much. If not for Vasu's studies, I would have asked you to take VRS. And you will not take money I give.

"ENOUGH PARTHAVI!

"SORRY Mr. HARIHARAN! YOU DON'T GET TO TAKE THAT TONE TO ME AFTER BEING ABSENT IN HALF OF MY LIFE!

She said heatedly and turned to her mother who was stuck between daughter and husband. Both were right on their stands. But whom will she support?

"Laksmi..

Prabha turned to the door and saw her brother and sister in law standing there and smiled.

"Shiva! Ra ra.. Vadina.. How are you?

Shiva and Shakthi looked at each other with an expression that showed both helplessness and anger. But Shakthi turned to Prabha and smiled as they went in.

"I am fine Lakshmi. How are you. Kuthuruki pelli kudirindi kada?

"I am good Vadina. And you ask as if you don't know. Parthu is as much your daughter kada?

"Of course. She is our Bhallu kutty!

Parthu scowled. Hariharan stood there meekly. Shiva looked at his brother in law and smiled.

"Enti alludu. How are you?

"Fine! How are you?

"Good good. So how is your new alludu. Did you run checks on him. Its life of our daughter after all.

Hari flinched. He understood the punch.

"Everything is fine Shiva. Nuvu ra. Freshen up and let's have breakfast.

Shiva just gave one look to Hari and went with Prabha smiling. Shakthi went to Hari and shook her head.

"Anna! What is this ra?

"Now you don't start!

"I know you had some bad time and you found peace somewhere. But you never looked back what your peace seeking has done here. At least now try to rectify it.

Saying Shakthi went inside to freshen up. By that time Parthavi went up to the terrace and sat on the loft dangling her legs not minding the raising sun. At that moment a call disturbed her solace. Frowning she attended the call not looking at the ID.

"Good morning!

"Sounds like a bad morning.

"Hain?

She looked at her phone screen and saw little Raghu glaring back at her. Hitting her head with her mobile she went back to speaking.

"Ms. HR! Are you okay?

"Why do you ask Mr. Architect?

"You sound down.

"Oh ho! So now you have taken to guess my mood?

"Parthavi..

And all her anger melted with the way he called her. She was so scared that she might cry that instant over the phone. She controlled her so much and composed herself.

"Enti Raghu?

"Poddune Mood out?

"Its nothing. Tell me why did you call

Raghu smiled. He still did not have the rights to push her to talk to him. He would wait.

"Amma Annaiyya and Vadina are coming there right now. To discuss about engagement.

"Hmm..

Parthu said disinterested as she thought he is not accompanying them.

"I have a meeting in sometime with my civil engineer.

"Okay..

"Is there a starbucks nearby?

Parthavi frowned.

"Nearby to where?

"Seethammadhara!

"Huh?

"Ms. HR! Tell me you are not going speechless on me.

"Sorry to break your bubble architect. But my expression is because I thought you were in Vizag for quite sometime now.

"I was. But I did not have habit of roaming around the city when I was here.

"My bad! And yes. There is a starbucks nearby.

"Good!

"Good for what?

"You will see! I think your mother in calling you.

"I dont..

AMLUUU

Parthu's eyes widened she looked at her phone and then towards the staircase and again at her phone. She could hear him chuckle.

"Come on HR! Jump from the loft

"What the!

She jumped down and ran down to see her mother glaring at her.

"How many times have I..

"Lakshmi! Cut her some slack.

Parthavi smiled at her mama.

"Padha ma. Your in laws to be are here

She walked there with her Mama and Amma and saw her father talking to Bhargava who smiled once he saw him. Prabhav ran to her and she smiled picking him up.

"Hello nanna.. How are you.

"Fine

He said nodding his head cutely and smiling showing his dimples making Parthu giggle and kiss him. Letting him down she went to Durga.

"Ela unnaru?

"Bagunnanu thalli. I think Shantha already told you everything.

"I was there with them.

"Its good. So I hope you all don't mind the rush.

"Balevarandi. Subhasya seekram!

Hariharan said for which everyone gave their nod. Mahika went to Parthu and held her hand.

"Do you mind me calling you parthu?

Parthavi smiled.

"Cha cha. Avem maatalu. You can call me as you wish.

"Ahh! Can you show me your room?

Parthu frowned. Mahika smiled.

"Just come.

"Okay. Padhandi.

She said after getting nod from her mother. Both went to her room and Mahika closed the door.

"Don't mind Parthu. Since we don't have much time for Engagement. Now getting you a saree and then stitching a blouse will not do. So I am going to put my long lost talent to use.

Parthavi furrowed her brows.

"I studied fashion designing. Specially ethnic and indian traditional wears.

"Woowww! Are you serious?

"Yes. But due to certain unavoidable circumstances, I had to discontinue.

"Who cares for studies and degrees. Its talent that ultimately speaks.

"I can see why Raghu is crazy now!

Mahika chuckled and Parthu looked everywhere as her face took a pink shade.

"So mind giving measurements?

"Sure!

Saying she stood there. But Mahika frowned.

"It would do good if you could remove your Pallu

"Huh what?

"Trust me. I am just trying to get better measurement. With Pallu on, it could cause errors.

"Err.. Okay!

Parthu unpinned her pallu and stood in front of mirror as Mahika started taking measurements.

"Hello everyone

Raghu entered carrying Dhitvi in his arms while Prithvi entered carrying Prasiddhi in his arms who was speaking non stop amusing Prithvi to no end. Behind them came Shantha and Bhoomi.

Durga rushed to Shantha and hugged her dearly.

"Heard there is good news!

"Yes Amma!

Durga smiled as both Shantha and Rishi fell on her feet for blessings which she did happily. Raghu looked around and found two people missing. Bhargava came there and hit his shoulders. Frowning raghu turned to him and raised his brow. Bhargava closed in and whispered.

"My wife and your would be wife are upstairs thammudu.

"Rei!

"Don't put that act to me. I crossed this stage and only became father of the energy bundle there!

"Orei. Have some shame ra. I am your brother.

"Ahan! You play the brother card now? Its written on your face. Go up. I will make some excuse!

Raghu just shook his head but also said a low thanks and when no one was looking snuck to the stairs silently and went to her room. He knocked her room which had big a poster on it saying ENTER AT YOUR OWN RISK!

He shook his head. Trust this girl to do something like this. When he heard a faint YES, he twisted the knob and opened the door only to see Parthavi standing in front of mirror with her pallu hanging down. His eyes widened. Parthavi immediately turned around which only made things worse as she turned to him giving him a full view. She pulled her pallu and covered herself and before she could say anything, Raghu said a faint SORRY and ran down closing the door.

Mahika came out of the washroom and frowned looking at a very lost Parthu and shook her when she did not respond to her calls.

"Hey! What happened?

"Ah.. Err.. Are we done?

"Yeah.. Just one more. Sorry about leaving you like this.

"Its okay. Lets just finish it fast. Everyone must be waiting.

"Yes yes

Both women rushed and came down. Durga smiled.

"Entamma Mahi? Done?

"Done Athaiyya.

Durga turned to others and smiled. Parthu tried not looking at Raghu who was sitting on the single couch while Raghu tried to look away from her and both failed to do so. The moment they eyes met her cheeks warmed up and his ears turned red. Both turned to see their respective siblings and cousins clearing their throats. Parthu smiled at Dhitvi and Prasiddhi and went to them who were equally happy seeing her.

"Rose rose rose roja puvva..

Prasiddhi sang and Widening her eyes, Parthu closed her mouth looking around to see giggling faces.

Durga and Prabha took it on them to save the kids the embarrassment.

"So.. Shall we go for engagement shopping?

"Ento Amlu.. shall we?

Both women asked and everyone nodded. But Parthu frowned.

"I will change my dress and come.

Which made Raghu frown and that got noticed by Parthu.

"Amma.. We are going to Kalamandir only right?

"Yes!

"You all go.. I will come in sometime.

"Amlu..

Raghu came forward.

"You go aunty. We will come. Bava! Here take my car too. We will come by cab.

Prabha thought for a moment. Hariharan was about to say something when Shiva on Prabha's signal took him out to their car. Bhoomi came close to Parthu..

"Do not drive him insane. He has long life ahead!

Parthu scowled as Prithvi took a laughing bhoomi out. Bhargava was clearing his throat as he rushed out with his wife. By the time everyone were out, Raghu's ears were so red and so were Parthavi's cheeks.

"Ahem..

"I am going to change. STAY HERE!

Raghu looked up at her and scowled and moved towards her.

"I did not know earlier

"You should have called me

"There is something called surprising.

"THAT was your surprise?

"Weren't you upset when I said I am not coming?

"When did I ever say that?

By that time Parthu's back hit the wall there and she got caged with Raghu in front, his arms on her either side and a wall behind. She looked up with eyes wide.

"What.. are.. You doing?

Raghu closed in more. Soon Parthu felt his breath on her cheek. Her wide eyes shut immediately. Her hands on her either side fisted tight.

"Don't change this saree!

She heard him whisper. She frowned and tried to look at him. But he still kept leaning in.

"This color suits you. Wear this itself today. Don't change.

Something in his voice made her nod her head. And his breath on her cheek on neck was creating havoc in her. The hands which were on her side raised to his front while his hands that were on either side of her moved down. One hand held her arm while other hand rightfully rested on her exposed waist. His thumb caressed there making her go more crazy.

The moment broke as he mobile rang. The trance broke and Parthavi looked at Raghu who was still standing there holding her. Then only change in him was he stood straight but his ears were so red. Her hands that were on his front, pushed him and she ran out of his hold to get her mobile. Frowning at the screen, she took the call.

"Enti ra Prime minister!

"..

"NOW?

"..

"But..

"..

"Okay okay!

Parthavi cut the call and turned to Raghu who was playing with the key bowl there on the stand.

"Evandi..

He frowned. Parthu frowned too. Chidding herself.

"Oye Mr. Architect!

She called. Raghu chuckled and turned.

"Enti?

"Shall we go to starbucks nearby before going to Kalamandir?

"Huh! What?

"One small work!

"But shopping?

"We anyways hate shopping! Amma will only select for me. Or your mother will do the honors! Why waste time there while we can do something else?

"SOMETHING ELSE?

"I mean.. Shh! Just come.

"But cab..

"Why worry when my dearo is there.

"Scooty lo na?

"Avunu! That too I am driving! Move out. I am going to lock the house.

She literally pushed him out and locked the door and then kicked her scooty to life. Raghu stood there looking at it and then at her. Parthu scowled.

"Hop in! I am not waiting all day long!

"What the?

"Same same! Come on!

Hesitating, Raghu climbed and sat behind her.

"Ahem! You can hold me you know?

"Just go Ms. HR!

He said. But he did not miss the opportunity to rest his hands on her waist. Smiling Parthavi accelerated and both reached nearby starbucks. Parthavi went to park her scooty leaving Raghu at the entrance. Raghu looked around and frowned seeing a familiar figure.

"Mohan!

He called. The person turned and grinned.

"Orei Bava!

"What are you..

"I came to meet someone.. And also to meet my new partner!

"What?

"Home Architectures..

"Orei! THAT IS ME!

"Don't tell me..!

"You should have been in touch with us to know what was happening!

"My bad! OUCH!

He turned and saw Parthu standing there with hands on hips and breathing fire. Raghu stood watching with wide eyes as Parthu attacked the person.

"Orei! Pandhi! Its been 2 years! And now you decide to present yourself? Did not bother to contact me. Kothi! Pandhi

Mohan was happily laughing taking all the hits from Parthu and at last held her hands.

"Hey relax my volcano!

"Dont you dare ask me to relax! You changed your number.. And then gave one message saying its you and then again disappeared.

"Sorry!

Parthu calmed down looking at his puppy face. Mohan smiled.

"Come on! Smile!

"Po ra!

"Hey Gundenuga!

"Orei Thaati chettu!

But Parthavi smiled and both hugged each other. Raghu cleared his throat bringing both back. Parthu immediately moved away and cleared her throat.

"Arr... Err.. Mr. Arch.. I mean.. Raghu.. This is my friend Ved

"Oh really? Enti Mohan?

He said raising his brow at Vedmohan who fumbled.

"You both know each other?

Parthu frowned.

"Enuga.. I mean.. Parthavi..

"He is my cousin Parthavi!

Raghu came clear. Parthavi widened her eyes.

"Cousin?

"Vedmohan! Na Atha koduku!

"Oops!

Vedmohan looked from RAghu to Parthavi like watching tennis match.