Our Arranged Marriage

II.

Next day.

Vaishnavi's POV continues.

Good morning, lovelies. It's a happy day for me as it's my leave day today. Finally, a proper day to spend with baba. I freshened up quickly and went to prepare Poha for the breakfast.

"Chalo aaj baba ko oats se chhutti dete h." I thought and chuckled.

I decided to go for shopping today, get some fabric and accessories for an outfit that has recently come into my mind. I hummed 'saudebaazi' while preparing the breakfast.

It was already time to wake Baba up.

"Baba-" I opened the door but found no one. I heard water tinkling sound from the washroom. Great, he had woken up. I went back and served the breakfast with a bowl of beetroot raita.

"Smells so yumm." Baba said as we sat on the chair.

"Poha for youuu." I extended the plate to him and his eyes twinkled. I served for myself as well and then sat opposite to him.

"It's my day off today, Baba. Baazar chalein?" I asked him.

"Shaam ko chaltey h." Baba said while I nodded.

"Okay. We'll go in the evening. But I'll be going right now too. I have to get some fabric and accessories." I said taking a spoonfull of Poha.

"Alright. A new idea up in your mind?" Baba asked.

"Yep." I said and smiled as we continued our breakfast.

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"Alright Baba. I gotta go. Bye." I said picking up my bag.

"Ho. Also, broccoli for lunch, okay?" He asked as he took out broccoli from the refridgerator. I said a 'yes' and went out of the flat.

I strolled through the market, which was actually a walkable distance from our flat. Well, for today i had worn an off white kurti set with golden border; my ears adorned with a golden jhumka. A round small golden nose loop added beauty. I had tied my hair into a messy bun.

Above all, I had to first select some chikankari red fabric. Trust me, chikankari fabrics are the best, they look so elegant. Specially, bright colours. For now, I had an idea. I reached to a shop, checking the fabrics which were hung there.

"Bhaiya, ek metre kese diye?" This question simply meant the price for 1 metre fabric.

"Chaarsoh nabey." 490 per metre. I felt they were alright.

"Laal wala dikhana." I continued shopping, strolling in the market. I got 10 metre red chikankari fabric with some accessories like pearled lace.

It was 12 PM when I reached home with all my necessities.

"Baba. I'm hungry." I groaned slumping on the couch.

"Yes, Vaishu. Freshen up first." Baba shouted from the kitchen. "I'm serving the plate." I quickly went to my studyroom, dropping my things there. Making my way towards my room, I freshened up quickly after switching to my comfortable kurti and palazzo.

"Yum yum." I licked my lips as I saw the recipes. Baba had made Palak chawal, and some paneer recipe which was given a stir-fry with broccoli dip in gravy. I moaned taking a bite.

"What did you get yourself?" Baba asked chewing the rice.

"Chikankari fabric, accessories like laces and all. A few unique colour threads." I answered to which he nodded.

"Will you be coming with me in the evening?" He asked.

"I'll see baba." He nodded at my words.

I lost my mom when I was just 7 years old. After that, Baba is only my lifeline. He never made me feel like a motherless child, yet sometimes I used to miss Mumma. I have seen Baba staying strong for me. He had never cried in front of me. Yet, I know he misses Mumma deep down his heart, he even used to cry till some years of Mumma's death, when the city slept. He would simply go to the balcony, back in our Chennai house, look at the stars and shred tears. He didn't know I used to watch him silently.