The Foster child

Chapter -7

Prithvi and Dharani reached their Grandfather's house.  Mahendra Srivastav lives in Suryapet which is around 150 km to Hyderabad. It took 3hrs drive time for Dharani.
Mahendra welcomed his grandkids with a warm hug. Dharani went to her room to get freshen up and changed. Whenever Dharani had some leisure time she would spend her holidays with her pedda thata. When she was young she was accompanied by Kasturi and Vikram. After Graduation, she started traveling alone and would visit him. Prithvi hardly came here considering his profession. He was in contact with his family through phone. Mahendra Srivastav is a role model to many young aspirants who aimed for the UPSC and Prithvi is one among them.

When Dharani came all freshen, she was dressed in a white kurta paired  with black Palazzo and a messy bun. She looked tired and cute at the same time. Prithvi never seen her like this ever. She looked very natural and beautiful. So, he stared at her for some time. Seeing him staring at her made Dharani  became conscious. Sensing her discomfort, Mahender said

Mahendra Srivastav:
"Stop staring at her like that. You are giving  her evil eyes. You go and get freshen. We will have our dinner early and have some chit chat. Is it ok young man".

Prithvi ;
" Sure grandpa. Give me a few minutes ".

Saying this, Prithvi made his exit to his room. When Prithvi went away, Mahender teased Dharani.

Mahendra:
" What's going on.  I can smell love in air. Did you speak to him".

Yes, Mahendra knew about Dharani 's love towards Prithvi. But, he always kept it secret on the request of Dharani. He helped her in letting her know about the whereabouts of  Prithvi when he was trained at the borders or even when he is posted at different places.
But, when he was assigned in any classified mission he kept it secret keeping it confidential.
At first he didn't encourage her. He was not against love but, keeping in view the profession in which  Prithvi is , he didn't want his grand daughter to go through the hard life which his wife and daughter -in -law went through. But,
On seeing the stubbornness of Dharani, he gave up his mind and support her in giving her the little information which she needed. This was kept unnoticed by both Kasturi and Vikram.
Now getting back to the conversation.

Dharani:
" Pedda thata, I don't think I will ever sucessd in my love life. He has no feelings for me. Please don't bother me now. I am already depressed."

Mahendra:
" I can see that. Let's talk tomorrow. By the way you didn't tell me that Prithvi is coming with you. Thanks for the surprise anyway ".

Dharani:
"Even I don't know till I informed him about my journey. He brought his luggage and said to start the car. So, I could not tell you earlier ".

Mahendra:
" You look so tired and worn out. Let's have our dinner and you have rest early. I know that  you had a long drive for the first time ".

Dharani:
" Leave it pedda thata. Let him come so that we can have something. By the way what did Janaki  aunty made for dinner. I will cook tomorrow's lunch. Is it ok for you."

Mahendra:
" I don't know what she made. I asked her to make something  easy to digest  and quick to make."

Dharani:
" Pedda thata shall I make your favourite dishes tomorrow. You like my cooking right, shall I do it tomorrow."

Prithvi:
" Oho. So you know how to cook. Then why didn't I get the chance to taste your hand made food when we were in our home."

Dharani stayed silent and walked away from there. Seeing her walking away Prithvi was confused with her behaviour. He shrugged his shoulders and made himself comfortable in a chair.