The Wedding day!!
From the station, I went straight to my ancestral house. The path was overgrown with weeds and the once-familiar route was almost unrecognizable. As I made my way through the forest, the sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating a serene atmosphere. It seemed as if time had stood still in this untouched place. The sound of barren trees only served to accentuate the emptiness of the place. I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness for what had been lost. A sense of nostalgia washed over me, evoking memories of family gatherings and laughter that once filled this now-desolate land. It was a poignant reminder of the passage of time, marking the end of an era. I forged ahead, eager to rediscover the secrets that awaited me.
"Keshavan uncle. . ." I dropped my bags and ran to hug him.
"How are you, dear?"
"I'm good uncle; what about you? Is your health okay?"
"I'm good too beta; I was so happy when you said you are coming back." He sighed and gave me the key
"I didn't come here after Shobha left us. And none of them were ready to take care of this house. I can't manage all of this on my own. So, they together take decision to sell it.
"What? sell it? what foolishness are they talking." He look at me helpless, I sighed and said.
"Keshav uncle,tell me one thing, aren't they doing all this
for the money," He didn't say anything, kept his head down.
"I want this house, " he looked at me with a confused face.
" I'll be buying it. But I one condition, after I bought this house, no one should come here saying any relations.
"Mmm atai nan parkkiren, if you need any help call Karthi, he'll come.
"ok uncle."He left
I took a deep breath and carefully inserted the key into the lock, twisted it. The door opened with a thud. I pushed the doors and get inside.The inside of the house was cleaned, but there were stains here and there. I left the bag in the room and walked to the kitchen.
"Ahmm maybe I should started with a tea" I rolled up my sleeves and began cleaning ,scrubbing away the grime and make the kitchen shine once again. After cleaning, take a glass of water and leave to boil it. When the water started boiling, I added tea power and filtered it into a cup with some sugar. Take a sip from it and move on to the living room.
Looking around,I noticed the furniture and cobwebs is covered with white cloth and wrapped with plastic sheets, I started removing those one by one and placing them in the correct places. Now the room feels empty and cold but once this place was filled with laughter and love. I sat down on the couch and sipped my tea,allowing the warmth to soothe me.As I finished my tea, I heard a creaking noise coming from upstairs. My heart raced as I cautiously made my way up the stairs. The sound led me to a door at the end of the hallway. With trembling hands, I turned the handle and opened it.Inside, I found our family photo hanging on the wall. took it in my hand and wiped off all the dust with my shawl and hung it there again. Heartwarming smiles, joyous expressions captured in the photograph, a subtle smile graced my lips.
After showering, I carefully selected a vibrant maroon saree and draped it flawlessly. With attention to details, I complimented the saree with a coordinating necklace, a delicate jhumka and Maroon bangles. To complete my look, applied eyeliner,choose a light-shaded lipstick.
Finally adding a small yet traditional bindi to my forehead. I admired reflection in the mirror and satisfied with my elegant appearance.
I reached into the bag and retrieved a small box, nestled securely inside,was a petite bottle of perfume.A mischievous smirk curled up on my lips, eagerly spirtized it over me. I casually reached for my favourite purse and stepped out.
The sound of laughter and the chatter of voices filled the air, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.As I walked further into the house, I noticed the intricate decorations on the walls and the colorful rugs on the floor. It was clear that the family took pride in their home and their attention to detail was evident in every corner. The men were busy setting up tables and chairs, ensuring the decorations were in place, and handling various logistics for the event. Meanwhile, the women were bustling inside, preparing delicious dishes and desserts, and decorating the interior of the house with flowers and candles. The joyful sounds of laughter and music filled the air. As I made my way inside the house, the initial reaction in the eyes that met mine was a curious blend of surprise and anger. I continued on my path, stepping further into the warmth of the home. My senses were immediately overwhelmed by the lively atmosphere filled with the laughter and chatter of children. I wave of energy surged through the room and they bombarded with question and stories
"Darla..."A young girl whose eyes sparkled with excitement, dashed towards me.She wrapped arms around my waist and hugged me tightly.
"Kallu" Tears welled up in my eyes. I hugged her back just as fiercely.
D..Darla..." my eyes locked onto the person who summoned me. He was shocked and beads of sweat quickly formed on his forehead upon seeing me. A wry smile gradually formed on my lips, I approached him with arms crossed in a display of quiet confidence.
"Good to see you again, Mr Neeraj Varma...".He remained silent,seeming paralyzed by the intensity of my gaze. My anger smouldered in my eyes like a raging inferno, causing him to hesitate to meet me with a piercing stare.
Suddenly I felt someone embrace me from behind.
"B...Bhoomi...I...I'm sorry... l" she then let go of me and playfully pinched my ears, scolded me me gently"Never do this to me again"
"Ouch...it hurts..." I winced, rubbing my ears as she release them. However, she then pulled me into another hug, only to suddenly spot Neeraj is still standing nearby. It triggered her.
"Darla, come let's go to my room, Tanu is waiting for us...I have so much to tell you". she urged,leading the way to her room. I make sure to sneak a glance at his direction , not wanting to miss a single detail.
After we left Neeraj's mother entered the hall. She looked around confused, wondering why her son was standing there in shock. She gently patted his shoulder,so he snapped him out to reality.
"Is everything alright?" Neeraj shook himself and replied with a dazed expression.
"what Amma? What do you want? " His mother raise an eyebrow.
"Ahmm... haven't you left yet? you are the one said you are going to shop. Now I've become the problem."He sighed and he took the bag from his mother's hand and left. She watched him go with a puzzled look on her face
"What's wrong with him? "
