The Foster child

Chapter - 15.

After Six months during the festival of Vinayaka Chavithi,

Maya and Dharani went to their home to celebrate the festival. They had a good time during their stay. Dharani helped Kasturi in preparing the Prasadam whereas Maya and Vikram got themselves engaged in the Pooja preparation. Being a weekend, Dharani thought of meeting her pedda thata.But Vikram suggested all of them to  visit his father. He thought of having a quality  time with his family.

So, they started their journey to their village. It was the first time Maya met   Mahendera Srivastav. She was nervous but Dharani calmed her anxiety.

Mahendra was very happy to see his family. Maya got well with the old man and played chess with him. She enjoyed the village life and wanted to stay  for some days. But, keeping her studies and school in mind, she dropped her thoughts . She decided to meet her pedda thatta during her vacation.

Vikram insisted his Father come to their city and stay with them. He also reasoned that Dharani and Maya were not with them and Kasturi was feeling depressed. Mahendra agreed to stay with them for some days. Meanwhile, Dharani 's match was brought into the picture. When  Vikram asked Dharani, she said

Dharani:
“ I met him a few times, Grandpa. He is a friendly person. I have no reason to reject him. If you feel it's good for me, you can proceed with the match“.

Mahendra was shocked to hear this. He didn't expect Dharani to give up on her love. He thought that she was just kidding. But when he saw the sincerity in her eyes, he was astonished. He wanted to know why Dharani changed her mind so quickly. He knew that Dharani was not an insensitive girl. She was always strong in her decision. Even when he tried to convince her to change her mind in pursuing her love for Prithvi, she was firm in her decision. So, he waited for everyone to retire from their work.

After dinner, Mahendra asked Dharani to meet him in his room.

Mahendra:
“ What happened to you Dharani. Why did you agree to that match? You love Prithvi then why did you change your mind. Are you pressured by anyone? Tell me ma. I am there for you, my girl.”

Dharani:
“Pedda Thatta, do you think that I would agree to this  marriage without my willingness.
I am really ok  with this match. Agastya is a good guy. You should have some trust in your son”.

Mahendra:
“ Stop talking rubbish Dharani. You can't fool me. Tell me what actually happened. What made you change your mind”.

Dharani took a deep breath and told him what actually happened,

A few months back:

Prithvi was deployed to Bangalore on a mission for a few months. As it is confidential to reveal the reason for his stay, Prithvi didn't tell Dharani why he was staying here when he met her.

After a few days, during the weekend , Dharani's roommate Meena happened to go to her hometown Coimbatore. Agastya went to his town to meet his parents. Dharani was left alone without company. So, she called Maya and Kasturi and spoke to them for some time. A day passed by. The next day, Dharani woke up early as usual. She went to the temple and came back home.
In Order to keep herself busy she thought of cooking something. They have only a few vessels and some required items such as an induction stove, a  kada and a fry pan.

She thought of making Pulihora and ghee Puran poli(bobbatlu).
After she was done, she clicked the picture and posted it in her family group.

What she didn't expect is , Prithvi commented to her  in a personal message.

Prithvi :
“ Looks yummy. And I am sure it tastes delicious”

He tasted Dharani 's hand made food and he knew how wonderful she cooks. When Dharani saw his message she didn't think twice and replied to him.