Barrister Babu

Chapter 22: Approval

"Koyeli Didi, that's not how you make this," Chameli uttered as she stepped into the kitchen. "Here, let me show you how to make jaggery tea."

"Sorry, beti, actually Bahuraniji and Bihari always make this so I don't know how to make it. But Bade Malik ordered to have jaggery tea and Bahuraniji is not home. Even Bihari is at the market." Koyeli lowered her head in embarrassment.

Chameli smiled warmly. "It's okay. I will teach you."

Chameli made the tea and Koyeli went to serve it to Trilochan, who was busy with some calculations.

The moment Trilochan took a sip of the tea, he called out, "Koyeli!"

Koyeli rushed to him. "Yes, Bade Malik?"

"Who made this tea?" he asked sternly.

Koyeli started shivering in fear. "Actually... Bahuraniji didn't make tea today before going to court and Bihari is out so... I..."

Trilochan glanced at Koyeli and smiled. "Areh, why are you scared? The tea is really good. Though nothing beats Bondita Bahu's tea, but it is good. You should make it more often and lessen the burden of my bahu."

Chameli, who was watching everything secretly, had a grin on her face. Bondita told her that she wouldn't make Trilochan's jaggery tea on purpose and Chameli must step up to make it. Bondita even gave the recipe to her.

"Actually, Chameli beti made this tea, Bade Malik," as soon as Koyeli mumbled that, Trilochan froze.

"You made a guest make tea?" he asked disappointed. "Call her here."

Koyeli nodded and rushed to call Chameli, who nervously stood in front of Trilochan.

"Bahu told you how to make jaggery tea, didn't she?" Trilochan questioned and Chameli instantly looked at him, awestruck.

He raised his eyebrows. "Do you think I am dumb? They are my kids. I sugar them bone to bone. Even today, Bahu was pretending to be sick so that you could do the puja."

Chameli gasped. "How...do you know that?"

"If she was actually sick, Anirudh wouldn't even let her step out of her room, but he took her to the court today. I know they are barristers but in the end, only parents can outsmart their children." Trilochan took a sip of his tea. "You followed every instruction and made this tea. Yet, it's not the same as my bahu's. Do you know why?"

"Why?" she managed to ask as she was nervous.

"She makes it with love. That one ingredient makes all her cooked meals delicious."

"I will try as well," she mumbled. "I know I cannot be like Bondita, but I am willing to try. I really love Keth Babu."

Trilochan stood up. "Look, I can see you have the potential to be an ideal bahu, but I don't know how you grew up, what was your life like in London, whether you have any bad past or not. I raised Bondita Bahu so I know her very well. Even if she hides something from me, I will understand by looking at her. But what about you?" His voice was filled with worry.

Chameli got frozen in her place at the mention of the past. She had a past and she was indeed hiding it.

"Look, Chameli beta, I want to know about your family and your background. If you marry Keth, you will be the badi bahu of this haveli. So this is a decision I have to take after a lot of thinking. So tell me about your family," he said warmly.

She gulped. "I...my maa died when I was very young. So my baba raised me and sent me to London for further studies. I realized I don't want to study anymore so I returned here with Bondita, only to find out my baba is no more. So Bondita offered me to stay here until I decide my future." Immediate guilt filled Chameli, as she lied to Trilochan but she really loved Keth and he promised her he would love her like Anirudh did to Bondita. So she was willing to lie.

Trilochan felt sorry for her. He placed a hand over Chameli's head, blessing her. "Fine, I am agreeing to this marriage for my son, but remember one thing. Even though you will be a badi bahu, nobody can take Bondita bahu's place and don't even try to. Okay?"

Chameli's eyes got watery as she got Trilochan's approval. She nodded and said, "I will never. Bondita is an exception and she is my best friend too. I will create my own place, I promise."

Trilochan smiled. "Then let the wedding preparations begin. We have only six days to prepare!"

###

Bondita and Anirudh returned home, but Bondita's face was still gloomy. Anirudh had his hand entwined with hers.

"Boudi, Dada!" Batuk rushed to them and Som followed.

"Kaka agreed to the marriage," said Som in excitement.

Anirudh and Bondita immediately exchanged a look and smiled.

"What?" asked Bondita.

"That's great!" Anirudh uttered.

"Yes, today Kaka talked to Chameli Didi and gave approval," Som informed them .

"Does Keth Dada know about it?" Bondita inquired happily.

"Yes, but he had to leave for Calcutta today. Baba and Dada have an important deal, so..." Batuk let out.

"Then when will he return?" Anirudh asked with a frown. " How can he leave when his wedding is nearby?"

"He said it was really urgent but he will return the night before the wedding," said Som.

"Well, we have a wedding to prepare for then!" Bondita chirped and Anirudh smiled looking at her.

Thank you, Dugga Maa. Now she will stay distracted and not think of the incident at court today, he thought sub-consciously.

"Yes, Boudi. Let's go and meet Chameli Didi." Batuk grabbed Bondita's hand and they walked upstairs, leaving Anirudh and Som.

Som glanced at Anirudh. "Dada, it's been a while since we had some brothers' time. Are you free now?"

"Yes, Som. Let me just freshen up and then we can chat at the study."

"No, Dada, not the study! Let's go to the terrace," he suggested.

Anirudh chuckled. "As you say, my dear brother." He ruffled Som's hair.