By Your Side..Forever & A Day!

21. How I met your mother

Who knew monday mornings could be so surprising! :) I'm back, yeah! ;)
To all those who missed Aryamann in the last 5 months, here's a chapter to know him better.. Nice compensation for the wait, isn't it? :P
Dedicated to all those who joined the journey of BYSFAAD while I was away from writing.. Thank you guys! Hope you have a pleasant reading experience :)
Happy reading, my wonderful readers.. !! :D
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Tamanna's PoV :

It was a pleasant Thursday morning. I bunked college as Aryamann agreed to work a few hours late to help me with the project.
As I rang the bell, my mind hummed ''Knock knock knocking on heaven's door'', being astound by the beauty of this gigantic piece of architecture. The lavish green lawns, the extravagant central fountain and the outstretching white estate made the middle-class-me feel so out of place. Too many adjectives, I know, but the sight was heaven, seriously!
Judging from Aryamann's bollywood traits, I was expecting a lady to hold ajar the door and welcome me with an Aarti ki thali, like in a Karan Johar movie. But it was just the Drama queen grinning nastily at me. "Maa, look who's here!'', he yelled in excitement as if something he shopped online was being delivered.
After scanning me from head to toe, she squealed in motherly joy and embraced me in a bear hug. ''Finally my son has decided to get married! I am so happy, Mannu!'' I was obviously clueless of what was happening and looked between the mother-son duo for explanation.
''Maa, she's not your Bahu'', Aryamann thankfully managed to clarify between his hysterical laughs.
It was apparent that his mother's heart sank. ''Then why is Tamanna dressed in a white salwar kameez?'', she questioned.
His only replies were his even louder fits of laughter and we realized he had conned us.
My expectations were met in an unexpected manner. It was a thorough dramatic welcome.
''I am so sorry beta'', said Mrs. Rathore as she motioned me to sit at the dining table. ''Aryamann once told me that the girl he'd like would be wearing a white salwar kameez in our first meeting.''
''And he told me that the women in his house wore nothing other than Indian attire. I had just one to fit in and unfortunately it's a white salwar kameez'', I added looking angrily at him since his mother herself was dressed in denims. ''Rat-whore, you're such a liar!''
''Look, Maa, what she calls us!'', he complained like a school going kid.
''Mannu, you shouldn't trouble pretty girls'', his mother warned him instead and I blushed slightly.
''Listen to your mother, Mannuuu!'', I teased by stressing on his nickname and he scrunched his nose at me. So cute!
''Maa, at least don't call me that when I get my friends home!'', he whined and faked a frown.
''Friend. You have just one friend'', Tina aunty produced the fact while simultaneously serving us some pasta. The child inside me danced in Tarantella style.
''No, I have other friends. It's just that you haven't met them yet'', he countered. Lie, another lie.
''Oh really? Who?'', I was curious to know. Just then Sammy came running out of nowhere and pounced to sit on his lap.
''See, Tommy? He's a better friend'', he compared.
''I couldn't agree less'', I snapped while gently stroking Sammy's back.
''The pasta is delicious, Aunty!'', I exclaimed as soon as I had the first bite of it. Sammy was now seated peacefully on my lap.
''Thank you, Tamanna'', she chirpily replied and I smiled. Her warmth reminded me of my Maa. ''But I only assisted Aryamann'', she added. My best friend knew I had a thing for Italian cuisine.
''Tommy has excellent cooking skills too, Mom'', mischievously exclaimed the brat and I blew air into my cheeks annoyed by how he never left a chance to ridicule me.
''Rat-whore!'' Tina aunty teasingly warned her son to behave and I exchanged a high-five with my newly found partner-in-crime. This lady was so young at heart!
Sammy instantly barked and escaped from my grip to sit at Aryamann's feet. ''Thanks buddy. Only you love me in this brutal world'', he wiped away his virtual tears and lovingly patted the pup.
''Tina, where is my black coat?'', came a loud male voice from upstairs. Mrs Rathore excused herself to attend to her husband's needs. A few minutes later the couple approached the dining area.
''Morning, boss'', greeted Aryamann and none failed to notice his overloaded rudeness.
Ignoring his son's mannerism, Mr Rathore declared while sipping what seemed like his regular green tea, ''I'll be late back home. Have lots of arrangements to be made for the party. Don't wait up for dinner.''
''Oh that reminds me - Tamanna here is also from UEL. I think you should remember her as one of the scholarship awardees. She's Aryamann's very good frien...'', Tina aunty was introducing me to her husband, but instantly exchanged some nonverbal messages with her son.
''...friend's cousin'', she completed and I didn't understand the reason for the misrepresentation. ''She's here to study our residence's plan for an assignment'', she added.
''Hello, Sir.'' I purposefully kept my greetings formal. He didn't really acknowledge me and I wasn't surprised.
''Don't you think it'll be great if she joins us for the party?'', proposed Mrs Rathore despite being aware that I was already invited by Aryamann; simply for formality's sake!
Mr Rathore only nodded his head uninterestingly and before I could open my mouth to utter a 'thank you' speech, he rose from his chair and walked away saying, ''I'll see you in the office, Aryamann.''