Here After!

10. Cozy Evening Dinner Joy

Anu

I joined Mom for tea in the evening while Giri went out with a friend due to an urgent call, promising to return before 6 for our trip to Gayu's place. During our tea time, Mom brought up Anil's family. She's not one to speak much, but she manages to convey all the essential details. Mom always consults me about my preferences before making decisions and prefers not to let me handle tasks in the kitchen alone. She mentioned that she's capable of managing everything herself for now, but when she needs assistance, she'll turn to me for help.

We maintained a peaceful atmosphere, and I found myself cherishing the quietude around me. The front yard boasted a garden adorned with blooming flowers and shaded by trees, creating a serene ambiance. Following our tea, Mom and I settled in the garden area, where a neighboring aunt decided to join us. She inquired about my family and job, engaging in friendly conversation. In the midst of our discussion, Giri returned accompanied by his friend, who happened to be the neighbor's son Unni, and a close companion of Giri. Giri introduced him to me, and I greeted him with a warm smile.

As the conversation carried on, Unni and Giri joined us as well. Mom graciously served tea and snacks for everyone to enjoy. The discussion expanded to include plans for a two-day trip to visit temples, spurred by Mom and Unni's mom's shared interest in seeing the renowned Rameshwaram Temple, a distant temple located in Tamil Nadu.

Giri suggested that they confirm their availability from their end and also mentioned that he would do the same after checking with Gayu and my family regarding the count of family members joining. Once everyone agreed, we wrapped up our conversations and began preparing to head out for dinner.

After freshening up, Mom lit a lamp in the home temple before I arrived. Soon after, Giri joined us, and we embarked on our journey. Along the way, Giri stopped to buy something, and I decided to accompany him, intending to purchase sweets or chocolates for the kids. Before leaving, I asked Mom if she wanted to join us, but she declined, insisting that we go ahead without her.

At the bakery, Giri encouraged me to choose whatever I wanted, and after selecting items, I moved to pay the bill. However, Giri insisted on paying first, surprising me with his kindness. Afterward, he led me to a toy shop where he began selecting toys for the children. Lacking confidence in my choices, I observed his selections attentively.

Suddenly, my attention was drawn to a display of coloring books, prompting me to pick out some coloring books and crayons for both kids. With our purchases in hand, Giri and I returned to the car.

As it was my first time visiting Gayu's home, I felt a bit apprehensive initially. However, any hesitation soon dissipated in light of the warm hospitality extended by Anil's parents. The men went off somewhere, leaving us ladies and the kids behind. We engaged in lively conversations, sharing anecdotes and laughter.

I found myself spending time with Appu and Ammu, joining them in watching TV and coloring. Despite the enjoyable atmosphere, I couldn't shake off a strange feeling that intermittently swept over me, causing my mood to shift from happiness to sadness and back again. I tried to push these feelings aside, but a sense of unease lingered as if there was something unsettling waiting to be uncovered.

As the kids began to feel hungry, Mom and Gayu took care of feeding them. Soon after, the men returned from their gathering, seemingly having had a drinking session. Giri stayed quiet, while Anil and his father became more talkative. Anil's younger brother, Sunil, was also present.

After the men had their meal, Gayu invited me to join Giri, but I declined, preferring to stay with the ladies. During this time, I noticed Mom giving Giri a stern look, although she didn't say anything, and Giri attempted to avoid her gaze.

It seems like she is trying to get a chance to scold Giri, and he is trying to avoid her. They were playing cat and mouse, and even though I felt like laughing I controlled my emotions. Once they were done, we ladies sat for dinner and Gayu tried to ease Mom's anger.  As a foodie, I enjoyed the food and I got tempted to see the varieties but mostly tempted to sweet varieties. I felt my behavior was weird, but still had more sweets than the main course. 

I assisted Gayu in cleaning and tidying up the table. Once everything was in order, she mentioned that her masterpiece was yet to come. She then prepared some fresh blue lime juice. It was absolutely delightful! The lime juice had the perfect blend of ginger and mint, and its vibrant blue color added an extra charm. I couldn't resist and ended up having 2-3 servings, which eventually led to a visit to the restroom.

This realization explained the unusual sensations I had been experiencing since the evening. My monthly visitor had arrived unexpectedly. I instantly regretted my actions—I had been on medication to delay my periods as instructed by my Mom. She had advised me to continue taking the pills until Anitta's wedding, but I had stopped a few days ago. In fact, I had forgotten to take them since the day before my own wedding, leading to this situation.

Now, I faced uncertainty about how to handle the situation, especially considering our tradition, which forbids participation in auspicious occasions during this time. I anticipated being scolded by my Mom for my negligence.

However, at that moment, my immediate priority was to address the current situation rather than find a solution. I needed to leave and find Gayu to discuss the matter and seek her assistance. Stepping out, I discovered everyone gathered in the drawing room, engrossed in conversation. I called out to Gayu to gain everyone's attention. She approached me, and Anil's mom inquired if I needed anything. I shook my head, indicating that nothing special was needed, just some hot water.

When I confided in Gayu about my situation, she was understandably shocked but acted swiftly to provide me with what I needed. After I returned and settled in, I expressed my gratitude to her. Just then, Giri's mom arrived. Gayu explained the situation to her, and she responded with a compassionate nod, patting my head to show her concern.

As we prepared to leave, Gayu advised Mom to reorganize the room, mentioning that there might not be enough supplies there. Although I was puzzled by her statement, I chose not to intervene in their conversation.

As we got ready to depart, I noticed Giri heading to the back seat of the car while Mom took the driver's seat. I joined Mom in the passenger seat, and the journey back home was quiet until Mom made a stop to buy some things. She asked Giri to wait in the car and requested me to accompany her.

She instructed me to purchase whatever items I desired, while she went to buy other necessities. Along with the chocolates and soft drinks, I decided to grab some additional items. As we reconvened at the billing section, I noticed Mom purchasing supplies to set up a mini bakery, which left me puzzled.

And with our shopping done and the car now loaded with our purchases, we headed back home, the anticipation of what lay ahead adding a tinge of excitement to the journey.