Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Sneha is still in the good mood, a very good mood in fact. She is getting down the car humming a beautiful tune. Getting rid of the sandals, she steps into the house shouting "Mummy!'.

Varu declares, "Hmmm, it's a yes!"

Sneha instantly gets offensive, "Why that confidence?"

"What do you take your mother for. I can understand. Look how happy you are."

"Hmmm... Now don't spoil my mood."

"Your dad is also here to prepare for..."

"Prepare what. Now stop it ma!"

Sneha's dad is walking out of the washroom wiping his hands.

Sneha pleads, "Dad, say mom to stop this."

Rajeev gets closer to Sneha to convince her, "Sneha, trust me, it isn't early in your case. Come on, it's time dear! The right time!"

Sneha gets emotional, "It's only the right time. Wait until it's really late. I don't want to leave you already."

Rajeev replies, "I know right! When did my little girl grow so much? But you are saying this because Raj was with you all this week and you didn't miss him."

Sneha expresses her addiction towards her dad, "Nothing like that. As you say, I am still the little girl. Keep me with you only daddy!"

Unaware of all the drama that has already started, Raj just enters the hall and is walking towards

Sneha. Sneha seeing him hides behind her dad.

Raj is surprised, "Oh, Hi Uncle. When did you come? How are you? Sneha, keys for..."

Sneha again gets offensive, "Wait, don't come any close."

Raj observes something unusual! "Sneha, Are you crying... Again?"

Sneha again gets offensive, "What cry, I am tired."

Raj smiles, "Fine! Car keys, old car. You can try driving next time."

Sneha responds, "Whatever, go away!"

Again, Sneha runs up the stairs and bangs the door 'shut'! Again!

Vinay is upset with Sneha, "It's ok, doors are probably strong."

And, Varu is upset with Vinay, "Stop worrying about a door brother."

And, Raj is confused. "She was fine until now. What happened suddenly?"

Varu responds, "She takes after me in being cranky."

Rajeev takes the right advantage of Varu's confession. "Oh, so you do know that you are cranky. Also note, it's difficult for me to deal with it."

Varu tries to cover it up! "Hmmm. But she takes after you in being matured and thoughtful."

Rajeev smiles, the proud Daddy smile!

Raj thinks, 'Ok, this is how couple fights are handled.'

Varu gets back to the topic, "We brought up the wedding topic and she became like that. By the way, your mom will be here tomorrow, and I know you will be out for work."

Raj's shiness and happiness are clearly seen, "Oh, already wedding talks. OMG."

Varu replies, "Yup, you can get going for your work."

Raj is worried about Sneha, "But Sneha..."

Varu declares, "Leave her alone, she will be fine. Don't pamper her too much also, you will regret it later."

Rajeev is not ok with that, "Hey, how dare you say that. Raj, you HAVE to pamper her more than me."

Raj smiles, "Of course uncle!"

Varu asks, "Raj, you go."

Raj starts to walk away, "Ok then, I will get going for work."

Next day morning. Sneha is back to her to cooperate work from home. The door opens and it's Chandu.

Chandu: Again, at your service! Breakfast and water bottles.

Sneha: Yesterday, while everyone was asleep, I filled up two bottles. By the way, what is happening down there?

Chandu: A lot happened within a night. Raj is out for work and you will miss him for two days.

His mom is here, and his dad will be here with Raj.

Knock- knock at the door. It's Raj's mother walking inside, "Hey Sneha, morning. I really had no clue Raj likes you, else I would have made it easier for you guys."

Sneha: That's ok Aunty! He wasn't settled, and I too was not ready. Everything happens for a reason and I do like it this way. Now our relation happens to be a cranky and comfortable love story, rather than a weird arranged marriage. I really do like it this way!

Raj Mom: But I see you are still uncomfortable over wedding thoughts. You will be fine soon and really happy with us.

Sneha: Within a week, everything happened. Last Tuesday was my anger day with him, my acceptance and comfort eventually happened and already mom is all hyper about wedding stuff. Last Tuesday this started, and it's still Monday today. It is not even a complete week and... and our parents are here. I have never been away from my parents to date and now that very taught turns on tears from my eyes. Aunty, how fast are things going on?

Raj Mom: Fast enough that his dad is busy with finance and planning stuff. Raj is still shy to speak about this with us. Your parents spoke and I came here running, to see you. He left last night; I didn't even get to see him. He is too busy. It's a challenge for us, we will miss him. Idiot chooses this profession.

Sneha: Hmmm. Whenever he is not with us, I will go off to my parents.

Two days pass by. But this time, Sneha has not kept herself isolated. She spent time with everyone, the valuable time where all are under the same roof. Raj at the door, "Knock- knock. Hello!"

Sneha: Hmmm, finally you are here. It literally took two days for me to see you. And I keep wishing that you come back really safe finishing your detective stuff. You don't even ring or text and I just think not to disturb you.

Raj: Those words, make me feel so lucky! Sarees down.

Sneha: Already?

Raj: I didn't even have a formal talk about this with my parents and they are progressing so well.

Sneha: How do you feel?

Raj: Happy and pleased.

Sneha: Am I the only one still not able to accept it.

Raj: Look, nothing will change.

Sneha: Hmmm. Thanks! That's very comforting.

As they reach the living room, two merchants are unpacking a few dozens of sarees for her.

Chandu: I love your love story, except for the fact that I became a servant to Akka for a few days. Bava, whenever you have any couple fights...

Raj: Yes. Yes. Sure, I will call you.

Chandu: Handle it yourself. I won't involve every other time.Everyone around laugh!

Sneha: I like that Yellow saree with the Green border, it's like a mango. Also, that orange saree with gold and silver border. But I would like it plain and simpler. Mommy, this sky blue for you and Maroon for Aunty. Chandu's mom will take that violet. Granny, I have no idea what suits you.

Varu: You seem to be prepared. But we don't have a wedding feasible for at least five months from now.

Sneha: Wow, that's great! So, what's the hurry? Why already on to saree shopping?

Varu: You have no idea how big of a project we are doing. Just shop all that you want.

Happily, ever after!