I wonder why the 3 doctors are coming here Mala? And Naren sounded so formal too..
Himantji was pacing up and down the kitchen.
Mala poured a hot cup of coffee, handing it , she said, drink this up , stop worrying and relax. We will know when they come.
Shylu do know why the doctors are coming here, her father demanded as soon he saw her!
What? I ' I don't.. mmm.. papa .. she stammered not sure how to answer her father.
Mala watched her daughter's predicament, Shyla, I have to show you something dear, she said pulling Shyla towards the bedroom.
Himantji continued to wonder aloud.
What is it Mama? Shyla asked excitedly.
Mala pulled out a beautiful blue Salwar suit from the bag.
Hope you like it darling.
Shyla stood in front of mirror holding the dress in front of her.
Is there something you want to tell me Shylu?
About What mama?
Hmmm maybe about Dr. A.
Shyla bent her head pretending to admire the dress, Mama this is so beautiful.. I love it, the colour...
answer my question Shyla..
She met her mother's eyes in the mirror.
A soft color stole its way on her cheeks.
She went and sat next to her mother.
Shylu, is it what I have been suspecting? You like him?
All she could do was nod her head, looking down at her hands.
I thought so, she said pulling Shyla against her.
Is that why they are coming here?
She again nodded, looking at her mother.
Mama , I '. I ' I love him mama.. she confided.
Mala stroked her daughter's hair gently.
[SHE IS SO YOUNG, LOVE ? MARRIAGE?]
Mama, .. papa..??? Shyla don't worry, papa will make the right decision dear.
Come help me in the kitchen.. what does Dr. A like to eat.
Aloo .. lots of it, giggled Shyla, skipping behind her mama.
...
What, a proposal,, by Adrit, are you sure Naren? His mother was questioning him.
Yes ma, Adi has fallen in looove, he dragged.
There was a shout of laughter at the other end.
Who is this woman who made Adi break his Sanyas??
Naren set about giving his mother the details.
Instructions came crisp and clear.
Don't do, say, or act stupid when you talk to her parents Naren.
We are not kids mama ,
Ya right! Now give the phone to my daughter in law.
She must be really pretty, or has great curves??
Mama, Ridhi laughed, Shylu is lovely, you will love her.
I should have been there Ridhi to take care of these things.
Yes mama, we will miss you.
I want you to call as soon as everything is talked out.
Yes mama.
Now call the doctor in love.
So love decided to walk into your life Adi, hmm wonder what she saw in you..
My dimple Adrit laughed.
He got teased for some more time before byes were said.
...
As the three approached Shyla's house, Adrit felt apprehensive for the first time.
How do you think her papa is going to react?
EEE Naren went holding his cheeks in mock horror...
Naren very funny..Don't worry Adi, I know everything is going be fine, Ridhi assured him.
Tarun was as usual near the gate to welcome them.
His eyes went all round when he saw the sweets in Ridhi's hand.
Yummmy, he jumped around.
Himant came out hearing all the shouting and jumping.
He came forward smiling.
Hello doctors, nice to have all the three of you for dinner.
All of them trooped in.
Ridhi went in looking for Shylu, while Himant and the guys sat in the Veranda overlooking the sea.
In no time a discussion started, ranging from weather to clinic, to the sea, to dolphins.
...
Shyla had worn the blue dress her mother had bought. Her long hair nicely brushed. She stood nervously listening to all the talking going on.
Ridhi hugged her from behind. Don't be nervous sweety.
You are looking lovely in blue. Adi is wearing a blue shirt too.
Ridhi looked at Shyla you are colour co-ordinated.. awww.
Seeing the look on Shyla's face, she hugged her again. Smile, Shylu, have to loosen you up,
Come let's see what is cooking, I can smell deliciousness.
Ridhi went ahead.
Shyla looked towards the veranda as she walked towards the kitchen.
Adrit turned at the same time,
She stopped.
Her anxious eyes met his,
The slightest nod and smile told her not to worry.
Everything is smelling so yummy aunty, can I .. looking at the mouth watering Tikkis that were on the plate.
No need ask dear, help yourself.
Ridhi dragged Shyla into the kitchen, here taste this, these are to die for.
Ridhi, she is the one who made them, Mala said with a satisfied smile.
Adi is going drool over them, she said winking at Shyla.
Mala went out to get the dinner table ready and left the girls to finish up.
Aunty, can I have a tray? Naren asked Mala.
Mala looked up surprised , yes sure, come ..
Naren followed her into the kitchen.
Oh My god, I am hungry looking at all the yummy food, he grabbed a tikki and was soon biting into his 3rd.
Naren, manners Ridhi laughed.
Mala handed the tray , what is it for she asked.
Naren and Ridhi looked at each other.
Aunty why don't you join us in the veranda, they asked simultaneously.
Mala nodded an yes.
Naren took her along, Ridhi placed the sweets and fruits they had brought on the tray.
She kissed Shyla on the cheeks before she joined Naren and Adrit who had stood up as Mala entered.
All the three doctors looked towards Himantji and Mala.
Ridhi held the tray towards them and hesitantly started..
Uncle .. aunty.. we have come to...this is for... We.. .. Ridhi was suddenly all confused.
She looked towards Naren, HELP written all over her face.
Naren tried next, Uncle we have...we would like to.. want to..
[ SHOULD HAVE PRACTICED AT HOME, AS USUAL MA WAS RIGHT]
Himantji, aunty I would like to marry your Shyla.
Adrit's voice was calm, Ridhi almost dropped the tray, Naren gulped, Himant removed his glasses, Mala smiled, Tarun shrieked, Vishak jumped, Shyla tripped on nothing in particular.
And then there was complete silence.
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