The Foster child

Chapter -4.

When Kasturi saw Dharani coming alone to the dinning area, she asked her regarding Maya

Kasturi:
" Dharani, you are coming alone. What about Maya. Is she still asleep."

Dharani:
" No Grandma. She said she will have her lunch in the room itself. I' ll  serve her lunch and then have my lunch. You and grandpa carry on . I' ll have it later."

Saying this, she took a plate and served all the  cooked items in separate bowls and vessels .When Dharani was busy in her work, Kasturi said

Kasturi:
" I thought she would have her  lunch with us. I wanted to have a small chit chat with her so that I could get familiar with her likes and dislikes. You could have convinced her a bit to come down na ,Dharani".

Vikram:
" She is a child Kasturi. We are not familiar with her so  she might feel  a little uncomfortable with  us for the time being but when she starts spending her time with us, she will  definitely like our family. You will frighten that little girl with your excitement. So you better keep your curiosity on hold for the time being and let her get along with the one with whom she is comfortable with.  Have patiences. Now let's  have our  lunch ."

Kasturi :
" You have it yourself. I will have it with Dharani. She will be left alone for lunch."

Vikram:
" Your wish. I can't change your stubbornness."

Saying this he continued his lunch and retired to his room after lunch.
Dharani went to her room, to serve food. When Maya saw her serving every item, she asked Dharani.

Maya:
" Didi, you could have kept the plate and vessels on the table itself . Why are you serving me every item. I can serve myself. Why are you taking the trouble. By the way did you have your lunch".

Dharani:
" There is a difference between caring for someone and  being  responsible to them. If you care for some one, you will see if she/he  had his/her food heartful. You will know whether they liked your dishes or not. We care for you Maya so I want to know your likes and dislikes by spending time with you. By observing you, I want to know more. I know you will take time to open up with us and I want to give you that time".
Saying this, she served more potato fry to Maya seeing that she liked it.

Maya:
" Are everyone in the house as caring  as you Didi or are you the only one".

Listing to her question, Dharani just smiled at her and said.

Dharani:
" You will get to know about them when you start spending time with them. By the way are you allergic to any kind of food . I will  make sure that is avoided  in the dishes when cooked.".

Maya:
" No, I am ok with  all vegetables but I am allergic to honey. Didi, why are we not having any non-vegetarian recipes."

Dharani:
" Oh. We eat only vegetarian food. If you want to eat anything, I will take to out so can you can have anything you like."

Maya:
" Didi, Where are your parents. Do they live in some other place. Did you come here for a vacation ".

Dharani:
" No Maya. I am like you. Even I lost my parents in an accident. I was only 3- months old when I lost them. Grandpa and grandma became my parents and by the time I could understand the concept of parental love, I was left with only grandparents. You are fortunate that atleast you know how your parents look like and you could have some memories with them. I could  see my parents only in  the photos.
God didn't bless me with parental love. But I am happy that at least he gave me  lovely grandparents who took great care of me".