A new short story part 12 page 11 updated 10/12/17 - Page 7

Chapter 9

Aarti took the time before her sangeet to meet her grand parents Radha ma sat with her and did the introductions in fact Radha ma did most of the talking. Aarti's nana and nani were more interested in her so they apologized for not taking her to live with them they were proud of her accomplishments; they told her about her mother and showed her pictures of her mom, and uncles.

Aarti's dada and dadi were snobbish and fit in perfectly with Yash's relatives but they were happy that a grand daughter of theirs were marrying into the supper wealthy Scindhia family. They did not offer any apologies to Aarti for disowning her and she asked them nothing. The three of them had a silent pact to tolerate each others presence.

Yash was worried about Aarti's reaction to her grand parents and questioned her about same

Aarti answered "Yash when I was a child and teenager I had many questions I wanted to ask them if I had ever had the chance but now coming face to face with them and having had the chance to observe them. I realize it is not their fault my dada and dadi are the product of their society and family they are selfish people who only care about the colour of ones skin, caste/class, and how wealthy a person is. They refuse to accept that all are equal in god's eye they believe that because they are wealthy those of us less fortunate souls who are not of their financial status are nothing but their servants. Look Yash your parents relatives are just like them I am surprise that ma and bauji are miles apart in thinking that their relatives holds close to their heart, and they brought you and your brothers up to respect all treat everyone as equals.

"Bauji had the privilege of attending boarding school and collage with kids of different back ground and his teachers instilled in him good values to respect all also he had a good mixture of the modern/western life. Ma too is lucky she was allowed to finish her collage education before marriage she was fortunate to had the opportunity to mingle with persons outside of her family and village to experience how her friends from various back ground lived. After she got married not only did she take care of G3 ma and her inlaws; but bauji also insisted that she accompany him on his social activities. G3 was ill a lot. Bauji said she was shy did not like to accompany bauji she was more the traditional home bound wife and bahu someone my dadi loved because she was very much like her. Bua is a mixture of both she is the one who arranges all the functions held here in SM she did that when G3 ma got more ill and ma had to take care of her, my grandparents bua often accompanied bauji to the various social events when ma could not. What I am trying to say is that my parents and bua have been exposed to people of different cultures and social status and despite the fact that they belong to orthodox community their thinking have evolved we are not complete modern but a mixture of both. I can see that your relatives are just like mines look even your nana and nani are keeping their distance from them and are mingling with Shoba ma the orphanage kids, our invited staff and their family they are keeping within what they think is their class. Aarti we cannot force anyone to change their behaviour.

"Yash observing them over the past few days I can understand why I was placed in the orphanage and honestly I am happy I grew up there with Shoba ma. Look from what I understand my nana and nani are middle class their sons bahus and grandkids live with them they are working class people. I met my two mama and mami only today and I saw the jealousy in both of my mami's eyes had they taken me in my life would have been different I would have been their servant

"How can you judge them like that?

"Yash I saw the manner in which my dear older uncle and aunt spoke to my grandparents clearly they are the ones in charge of that household

"And you dadaji and dadi ji?

"I see it in their eyes that I am not liked because of two facts one I am a reminder of the fact their eldest son disobeyed them fell in love and ran away with a dark skinned woman who is not of their standing, two I am a girl child. They would have never accepted me in their house

"Aarti is this information hurting or bothering you in any way?

No it is not when I was a child I wanted a family I had numerous questions but I have changed so much since then especially in the last couple of months and in these last few days I have a family who loves and respect me. Yash you and your family are my family I don't want anything else and when we have our own kids I will be complete

"Okay baby let us discuss something else we need to practice our routine for tonight said an excited Yash taking her hand and leading her to the pool house

"Yash nothing to romantic we don't want to offend the elders

"Okay two party songs with modern moves you think you can handle that?

"Yeah I think I can manage that. Let's go for it

In the end they practiced three dances one a romantic waltz

Aarti went to her room to get ready for the evening events Paridhi joined her and they chatted. Pari was so excited she and Prateek were getting along fine they to were dancing together with her cousins and Akash as a group; she also told about how her chachu was trying to woo Maya bua her parents got into the action and the four of them will be doing a dance together.

Aarti and Yash again dressed to match each other they looked spectacular in their black with white embroidery outfits with matching stole and dupatta. Aarti had on a simple platinum with diamonds jewelry set while Yash had on a platinum chain, wrist band and broach.

Akash was the master of ceremonies and in charge of planning for the event the back yard was transformed into a romantic setting with lights, flowers, balloons; beautiful table setting were placed around the pool and in front of the pool house a stage was placed directly behind the back patio. Under a small tent the buffet dinner was set up featuring vegetarian dishes from across India

The programme started with Akash welcoming all and of course giving a small speech about his Yash bhayia and his future Aarti Bhabhi then Paridhi did a solo dance followed one with the kids from the orphanage, then the kids did a couple of danced with Shoba ma, Aarti's cousins from both her biological's parents came for the Sangeet and they came prepared to dance after all they are forming relatives with the wealthy Scindhia family. Pari came again for a dance with her cousins Akash and Prateek.

Prateek Akash and their cousins did the next four dances, followed by Vidhi and Pankaj then the playful argument started about who danced better Aarti's side or Yash's

The elders decided that their dance will be better than the youngsters and that will put an end to the argument. Aarti's four grandparents her uncles and aunts all danced they danced to music from the seventies, eighties, and nineties. Following them were Yash's elders who even danced to a few romantic number surprising all.

Maya danced with Pari chachu an upbeat song from the nineties and one from the early 2010. Aarti was shocked bua surprised her Yash laughed at her surprised expression "Baby bua loves to dance we all dance when we have functions at home, you will get use to her baby she is not all that bad she can have fun when she wants to or behave all traditional when she feels like it

Then it was Yash and Aarti turn first they danced their upbeat dances then they did their slow romantic waltz with the younger crowds whistling and cheering them when the dance ended making Aarti blush from head to toe because Yash held her so close to him and moved so slow to the music.

Aarti looked into the faces of their elders for their annoyed expression but the men were already half way drunk and the ladies were too busy handling their men to scold or make any nasty comments.

Dinner was served music kept on playing and the party continued for a few more hours.

Aarya move to a quiet table under dim lights but they were not alone for long as they were soon joined by Pankaj and Vidhi "We are not cramping your style Yash but you know how our elders are the men might be drunk but the ladies are sober and ever watchful. Said Pankaj

Vidhi "Tomorrow is your wedding after that you don't have to hide or care what they say