Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Indian Fridays, known for the prayers made to goddess Lakshmi are special to Indians. The Payasam (Kheer) she ate for breakfast and the pleasant scent emitted by incense sticks, contribute to Sneha's good mood. She calls her dad again; video call this time. "Dad, I'm learning to drive with him."

Rajeev, Sneha's dad questions, "Honestly answer me Sneha, did you keep yourself away from driving classes for this reason?"

Sneha replies, "No no. Nothing like that. I was never really interested in cars and luxury stuff. Right now, it is just an opportunity for another purpose. Dad, you say, how does it feel, to fall in... you and mom? I am not able to decide."

"Don't ask me such a big question. Ours is an arranged marriage and we had no other option other than falling for each other. Now, don't really be a drama queen like your mother says. You are already into him, don't you realize that? You cried sitting beside him. You freaked him out by being a cry baby. More than enough proof. And I bet, he thinks it as a yes from you already. There is nothing you need to confirm. It is only me and mom waiting for you to say a yes."

"Really? Dad, but this change will grow this distance between us."

"I will melt all of that."

Sneha gets a bit irritated, "I am not a fool Dad. I am speaking very practical."

"Look, someday, you must find a companion. I should never be a reason for you to deny that. And it IS him."

Out of nowhere, Sneha's mother Varu suddenly enters and says "Marriage?"

Rajeev interrupts her, "Hey, wait. What's your hurry? She is already all crazy and confused!"

Varu does not seem to be interrupted in spite of Rajeev's sincere attempts to stop her!

Varu continues, "I am excited. The gold budget will be..."

Sneha is much more irritated this time. "Stop it ma..."

Rajeev continues his efforts to get rid of his wife's drama. "Varu go. Go somewhere."

Sneha complains to her dad like a little kid. "Daddy, look at that lady."

Rajeev smiles at Sneha's cuteness, "Accept it soon. I am also waiting."

Two days spent off, it's a Sunday morning. Sneha is getting down the stairs with sleepy eyes and is shocked to see her Mom. "Your dad tried to stop me. I came off. You are learning car driving with him since a weak and still can't decide on Raj?"

Listening to her mom, her shock turns into anger within no time. "Hello, it's only been three days. Don't be so manipulating. I am going to driving classes, not any decision-making classes."

"This won't work Sneha. It's a Sunday and there's this beach nearby. You two go and spend time with each other."

"I am not going to any beach with him. Now let me read the newspaper."

"Breakfast is upma. Go out and have Puri with him."

"Aunty makes good upma. I want no Puri."

"For your kind information, I am making the Upma."

"Mummy, why are you doing this to me. I hate your Upma."

Varu comfortably sits beside Sneha and says "Sneha, you are correct to say good times won't help in judging people. Trust me, you should even have good memories for a strong bond. I am sending you on a date. What's your problem?"

Sneha agrees. She must prepare for her first-ever date! As she reaches towards the stairs, finds Raj getting down the stairs. He's wearing a white shirt on blue jeans and is looking all handsome. Sneha within herself, "Stop Sneha stop! Only boys are supposed to stare at girls. Girls shouldn't".

She hears Raj say, "Good Morning Sneha..."

Sneha too greets him, "Morning!"

Sneha's wearing a white top on a maroon long skirt and is searching for something in her baby pink sling bag. After a long time, she is wearing metallic Jhumkas and bracelets. To complete the look, a maroon dot between eyebrows (Indian Tradition, called Bottu) with free hairs. She is looking as beautiful as possible.

Raj at the driver's seat, who waited for her is now all lost looking at her. As Sneha walks towards the car, Raj realizes he must come back from his cloud nine. He starts the process of getting back his senses on driving.

Sneha: I'm hungry. First breakfast and then a long drive.

Raj is still trying to get back to his senses, "And no classes today!"

Sneha agrees, "Yup! no classes today."

At a restaurant,

Raj inquiries, "What will you eat?"

Sneha smiles, "Of course, Puri."

While eating,

Raj: How's it?

Sneha: Not as good as my college Canteens Puri. You too should taste there once.

Raj: Yup, someday...

While Sneha is busy enjoying the Puri, Raj is happy for the comfort between them. All the anger and awkwardness between them has gone to some Antarctica trip!

It's a non-sunny cloudy day. They have reached the beach and walked for a while. Sneha chooses a spot where they sit and relax for some more while.

Raj: Do you want me to play any song.

Sneha: Enjoy the beach roaring and the air trying to silence it. That cute bird's family and those kids making the sand house. The cold wind and, OMG those crabs won't come near us right!

Raj: No they won't. Don't worry.

Sneha: This is such a pleasant view! I want to lie down on the sand.

Both lie down on the sand and are watching the clouds move. Sneha describes every formation and shape she can find on those moving clouds. These moments, work as nourishment to their bond.

It's almost evening.

Sneha: I knew you as a person who values beauty. This attitude of yours made me reluctant towards you.

Raj looks at Sneha, and so does Sneha.

Sneha: And I am already the fat girl.

Raj: All of those stupid standards were before falling for you.

Again, watching the clouds.

Sneha: Good, as of me, one high expectation out of my husband was not to love me for the so-called 'beauty'. And how difficult was it for you to deal with me this week?

Raj: Should not be difficult. It will not be difficult and was not difficult.

Sneha: I'm will be happy! I can wag my tail, a lot!

Raj and Sneha are walking on the sand while the clouds are drizzling. Sneha especially happier is playing and jumping on the sand like a little girl. Every moment of this date, Raj is into her more and more.

Raj: Masala Puri on our way back home?

Sneha: Want to propose to me again?

Raj: Shall I?

Sneha: No need. I already know. I already know your love for me.

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