Deal making
He brought Manya and Sam to D II at 4 ish, almost 4 hours after leaving it
II stood in the balcony, forlorn, hoping to see Periappa one last time
Amma checked on her frequently, she advised her to go to work for a few hours
But she wouldnt have any of it
Appa was busy making arrangements for people to stay
His worthless family was making the trip for the rituals
Amma's brother and his wife were coming too and a couple of cousins (mainly to do Delhi Darshan)
Appa toggled between talking with the priest and the cook
Athai and Amma talked about Periappa and his life, frequently stopping by at his room
Shravu had school and projects and cricket practice and tennis, and mridangam practice
He was almost invisible these days
Manya held Nivi
Sam had tied TWO fountains Nivi looked like she was 6 months old
Manya paused waving the baby's fat fist at II
Nivi went delirious, and began to cry loudly reminded of her food
Amma was surprised and happy to see Sam again
II fed Nivi, asking her about her day, R&B held Lasya, Lasya wandered to Periapa's room and paused by the door
And waved her hand and said something
Amma felt a twinge of pain...
She was too lil to know or comprehend, but something triggered her to notice the room was empty and the windows were open
Appa's Ministry friends came to offer condolence,
Nivi curled up and slept, fast asleep
Manya sat on the edge of the bed
"Sam ke ghar chalo raat ko" Manya urged
Sam got up and left, she was not in agreement... Manya was pestering II
They had talked in the living room for 15 mins, even then Manya had insisted a couple times
R&B was still in the living room
"Abhi main yahi rahoongi" II said softly
"Kya matlab?" she asked shocked
"I miss my Periappa too much" II reminded
"Thoda mind change ho jaayega"
"Kyon aunty" Manya invited Amma to chime in
Amma came in to put away ironed clothes "Its a great idea" Amma said firmly
"Onn kitta pATHU vaati enakku poha vendaam solliyachu" (Ive told u 10 times I will stay here only) II ranted shrilly
Manya watched the drama
"Nee 100 daram jabichalum, naan solradu solluven" (even if u chant 100 times I will say what I think is right) Amma said firmly
II glared at her mother hoping she will get the hint
"Sam bhi aayi, aap dono milkar isko le jao thoda mind change ho jaayega" Amma spoke boldly
II was distraught
Sam came back in, afraid something was happening
Dragged Manya away as she whispered to Sam
"REALLY? AMMA/" II hissed, Amma was using Manya to get rid of her?
Amma was unhappy her daughter was not focussing on her married life
"Kalyanam aay onnu porandachu, innum ennadee?" (u are married and u have a baby) Amma scolded
"U want me to go to her house and act like nothing happened?" II almost shouted
Amma shushed her horrified
R&B came back in to ask II if she can share Nivi's toy, he was startled to find mother and daughter circling each other for a duel
"Meri sunti nahi, aap samjhao" Amma said bluntly walking away
R&B looked at her "Whats going on II?"
"Amma wants me to LEAVE" II cried
HE wanted her to leave too... for now... ofcourse
"U are going to be fine" he said softly shutting the door
"I KNOW he wont come back" II sobbed
"I didnt say that" he argued
"I havent lost it... I JUSTT want to be here for a few days" II explained
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