One week has gone by.
I came to grandmother’s house. Everyone was there. Sandeep and Avinash were sitting in front of the computer making some plans. As soon as he saw me Avinash’s eyes widened as if he had seen something wonderful. His look felt so good to me and I am enjoying his love and attention in full. He gave the job over to Sandeep and started following me around commenting on all and sundry.
I escaped to the terrace. Jasmine buds were shining on the creeper that was leaning over the parapet wall of the terrace. I slowly plucked a few buds, when I felt someone pulling my sari from behind. I turned to see Avinash.
I recalled his conversation with grandfather when he told him of his desire. I smiled to myself. He hesitated for a while and said, “I have to tell you something.”
“Tell me,” I asked curiously.
“You should not mind my saying it!” he pleaded.
“No!” I nodded my agreement.
“If you do not like what I am going to say, you should not get angry.” He said as if making a deal with me.
“Okay!” I said again, laughing to myself.
“I love you” he quickly said that and looked at me in great tension. I burst out laughing then. He looked at me feeling shy of me, as I laughed at him with an open heart.
“Please answer me!” he said anxiously.
“Do you want a response from me? You said you want to chase, tease and love me to get closer. Go on, try all that! I wish you all the best!” I said teasing him. Then Avinash’s face glowed with anger, like that of the Sun setting into the Western Ghats.
[1] Mother’s elder sister
[2] A Hindu God known for his lavish lifestyle.
[3] All the things a mother gives to a daughter when she goes to her in-law’s house for the first time
[4] father
[5] Vadina: Sister-in-law, an elder brother’s wife. In the south Indian culture vadina is a cherished relationship – a combination of a good friend and regarded as next only to a mother.
[6] Here mother in law, also in relationship terms, maternal uncle’s wife or paternal aunt
[7] Biology, Physics, Chemistry – A subject combination in pre-university and a prerequisite for studying medicine
[8] Maths, Economics, Commerce
[9] Elder brother.
[10] Father’s younger brother
[11][11] The intimacy which allows addressing the spouse in singular terms like ‘nuvvu’ for ‘meeru’