Lovedale - An Ashaangi FanFic

C H A P T E R - 7

Hello!

The living room of Vrindavan was so tensed, as if a huge wave just swamped the area mercilessly. Four people fidgeted under their legs and rose to their knees, too antsy to sit still when blood from all over their body had reached their brains, guiding them to tactfully handle the mind-numbing game.

Ashwin, Rakshan and Lakshmikanthan were piercing the monopoly board placed on the small stool, with their hawk-eyed gazes. Clutching the pile of money safely in their hands, they shook their fingers and legs impatiently, trying to get rid of the heat of anxiousness that was overpowering their senses.

On the other hand, a grumpy Sivaangi slouched behind Ashwin watching the men cracking their knuckles nervously. Squinting her eyes in anger, she cursed Ashwin under her breath, who was the reason for her bankruptcy.

Murmuring prayers, Ashwin rolled the dice and waited for it to settle down with bated breath. All eyes were on the dice as Rakshan read aloud, "Anju machan".

Rakshan, who was really keyed up, snatched Ashwin's red coloured game piece and swiftly moved it to its designated place.

"Onnurenmoonnaalanjeyyyy" he yelled. "Machan community chest da edra edra edra" he urged Ashwin to draw the top card off the deck.

Ashwin glared at him in disbelief, "Unakku yen da ivlo aarvam?"

Irritated by his friend's comment, an impatient Rakshan picked up the card for Ashwin. His eyes darted across the board for a few seconds. As he held the card very close to his face, Sivaangi couldn't see much except for his twinkling eyes and a toothy grin.

She expectantly leaned forward, "Ney ennadhu ney"

"Machan evlo da vechirka?" Rakshan asked smiling widely.

Ashwin's eyes dilated in anticipation. He could feel his heart pounding inside his chest. "Orey oru ambadhu thaan da iruku. Yen da?" he asked bewildered by his friend's expressions.

Pulling of a nonchalant face, Rakshan placed the card in front of Ashwin before resting his head on his palm, supported by his elbow.

"Eduthu vechutu konjam poi oru pomegranate juice potu eduthuttu va" he teased in an unbothered tone.

'Advance token to nearest Utility. If unowned, you may buy it from the Bank. If owned, throw dice and pay owner a total ten times amount thrown.'

"Yayyyyy" shouted Sivaangi, raising her fisted palms up in the air in utter happiness. She couldn't stop herself from clapping her hands vigorously. Sharing a hi-fi with her brother and grandpa, she micked Ashwin's trademark pug-face, teasing him.

Rakshan was the owner of the nearest utility, Water Works. So, Ashwin had to pay his money to Rakshan, before quitting.

'Thanni sadhi seyudhe. Ivanuku kodukradhuku jail ke poirkalaam. Chei' thought Ashwin.

Lakshmikanthan had already started laughing at his grandson's crabby face.

Ashwin pouted profusely and stomped the bill at his irritating friend's face. He pushed himself a little backwards and slumped beside Sivaangi unhappily.

"Thambi sugar venam, apram ice katti rendu podhum" mocked Rakshan.

"Poi potu kudra naaye" he kicked Rakshan's thigh in exasperation.