Will you marry me?

14 | Romantic Gateway

Darting to the present from his first night memories, Vasan parked the bike in front of Keerthi's house. Few meters before he reached the destination, Vasan woke up Keerthi. 

Hearing the bike sound, Chandran and Ambika greeted them with big smile. Keerthi went and hugged her Father immediately while Ambika stood there with her hands wide open and empty.

Ambika showed a pouted lips at Keerthi and tried to saunter towards the house. Quickly withdrawing herself from her Father, Keerthi hugged her mom tight mouthing, " I miss you so much maa"

"poi.. poi.. poi.. (lies) I literally dragged her here" Vasan gave his statement.

"Vasan" Keerthi gave a stern glare at him. Everyone laughed at them and went inside. Vasan and Chandran kept themselves busy with talks related to business, politics, cricket and others.

Chandran helped Vasan restore one of the old properties which legally should belong to Vasan father, with the help of another well known lawyer. Vasan has converted that land to build  four 3 BHK houses.

On the other hand, Keerthi was helping her mother in the kitchen preparing Dinner. The mother and daughter duo were conversing lot of things in general. The talk about one of Keerthi's cousin pregnant surfaced.

Keerthi herself opened up about their planning for pregnancy. She does not want her parents to think anything about Vasan nor ask him about the delay. 

"Keerthi just enjoy your life, you have time to bear a child. Once a child comes, till it grows to a certain age,it would be difficult for you to romance and spend time like how you are now. But that does not mean that you have to postpone things for a very long time. 

You should not force anyone on anything.  Vasan is a good guy, and he knows when to do what. Don't get confused of anything"

Ambika cleared the worry for Keerthi. Keerthi thought she is just clarifying her mother about the delay in pregnancy. But mom being mom understood what is going on in her mind.  Keerthi is longing to have child. 

Later everyone had a nice time having dinner with casual talks and laughter.  The next day, everyone got up early and took oil bath. Keerthi and Vasan received the new dress from her parents. 

Vasan wore a white silk Dhoti with dark green full hand shirt ,which was rolled up to his sleeves showcasing his manly hands. Keerthi on the other hand wore a silk saree in Opera mauve color. 

Vasan started the day's first cracker bust with  10,000 wala. Keerthi refrained from coming out stating she is afraid to burst big crackers.

Not heeding to her, Vasan grabbed her hand and marched towards the 10,000 wala. Keerthi tried to go away but Vasan held her waist tight  in one hand and leaned on her. His other hand was occupied with holding Keerthi's hand which was holding the incense stick.

Once the thread in the crack caught the light spark from the stick, Keerthi ran inside the house getting out of Vasan's hold. Within few seconds, loud sound of the bustling of crackers were heard. Vasan too ran behind her.

Keerthi saw the bursting of crackers with squinted eyes , while her ears were closed with both her hands. Vasan tried to take her hands off her and dragged her for the next round of crackers. 

Keerthi literally was taking his hands off from her trying to avoid going again. Seeing them Chandran and Ambika felt contented for giving a best and happy life for their daughter. 

The day passed on with laughter. A month passed. It is mid of December where the Americans usually take off due to Christmas and new Year.

Keerthi too was not occupied much with the marriage hall bookings due to Marghazi month. Vasan has already planned for an overseas trip and so Keerthi was packing her things. In this 11 months of Marriage, Vasan would allot a specific time every month for them to travel places.