The Other Half

Chapter 37

(Sasural Genda Phool : Groom's Tease)

NK was waiting by the pillar for Lavanya. He had made her a deal. A breakfast date for all the dates they had never gotten. She had readily agreed.

Now he saw her, dressed in a white and yellow suit, silver yellow jhumkas dangling between her hair that curtained till her bosom.

NK blinked. He didn't need to be distracted for this.

"Hey, sorry I'm late."

"No worries. Shall we?"

"Sure." Lavanya started walking. "I never thought I would be attending a wedding in Goa, let alone five!"

"Me either. I think after missing Anjali's wedding all those years ago, this is the first family event I'm attending."

"You missed that wedding? Thank God."

"Why?"

Lavanya shook her head. "I still remember Arnav's scream from that night."

NK nodded.

"It's just... I'm glad Anji Di is moving there finally but I don't know... it's not a place I would want to live in."

"She's converting the east wing to a hostel."

"She is?"

"Yes, Jeejaji told me. That for the kids he pays tuition, she would place a roof on their head till they get their careers on track."

"Oh. That's wonderful." Lavanya smiled.

They sat down after making their plates, only a table away from the brides'.

"So, tell me about the case you left halfway."

"Who said I left halfway?" NK asked.

"But you came here."

"So?"

"How did you... get time off if you didn't solve it."

"Oh I solved it alright." NK's eyes glinted in hatred.

"We can talk about something else."

"Please." He nodded. "That was some pretty good moves you had last night."

Lavanya blushed.

A marigold hit NK on the head. He looked around.

"I think some kid's having fun." Lavanya chuckled. "Let it be."

"Yeah. So, where did you learn to dance?" Another marigold hit him. He looked around in annoyance.

"Just what Shikha taught us." Lavanya commented, least worried about the marigolds.

"Oh. But the way you guys matched us. That was quite unexpected." He smiled at her, expecting her to brag about cheating. Another marigold hit him.

"Sanka Devi, stop it!" Lavanya heard the one voice that could command obedience from Khushi.

NK turned around to see Khushi grinning at him. "That was you?"

"Haaye ram kudiyon ko daale daane." She sang.

"Payalia. Get her inside."

"Ji Buaji. Chalo Khushi. Bohot masti ho gayi." (Yes Buaji, come Khushi, enough playing)

(Nagada : Drumming Hearts)

Advay and Rajveer snuck into the bride's room, empty as everyone was at the breakfast buffet which would close in fifteen minutes.