Bombay Romance ♡ COMPLETED

[ 54 ] Can't Wait To Meet 'em ■

Pathankot

Amarnath,

I received your letter.

I'm disappointed with your behaviour, getting involved with some Bombay girl.

Finding the right girl for you is our job. What is our value if you want to decide everything on your own? Just having a good job doesn't mean you can make such decisions yourself. Marriage can't be done according to your fancies.

Lal Ji wants to marry off his second daughter to you. They'll do a rokka when you come home. She's suitable for you and our family.

If you still want to disobey my words, you will not have any relationship with any of us henceforth. Do not visit even when I die or go near your mother's grave-

'Stop reading that again and again!' Gauri snatches the inland letter from Amarnath's hand. It is almost beginning to tear at the creases from constant opening and closing.

'Look over there,' she points outside the bus windows, to the lush green field stretching as far as she can see.

'Is that maize?' She asks, looking at the tall green plants topped with bright yellow corn knobs.

'Haan ... '

Gauri turns to look at the faraway expression on his face. 'Amar, my parents were fine with me coming along. Why are you worried?'

It's true; Gauri's parents were fine with the trip, just that they insisted Gauri and Amaranth fly directly to Amritsar through Air India instead of taking the long train route. Gauri and Amarnath are now on the bus heading from Amritsar airport to Pathankot.

'I'm worried ... they'll insult you,' Amarnath says, thinking about his family.

Gauri takes his hand in hers. 'They won't.'

He looks unconvinced, stroking the back of her fingers with his thumb absent-mindedly. 'Everyone in the village will know about us by today evening. Such news spread very fast in villages.'

'Tell me about it. Faster than BBC,' Gauri rolls her eyes. She notices him still gazing at her hand, deep in thought.

'Aaj kal tere mere pyaar ke charche har zubaan par, ... ' she nudges his shoulder, singing. ' ... Sabko malum hain aur sabko khabar ho gaye!'

Amarnath smiles, closing his eyes. How does she know exactly what to say, everytime!

Gauri looks relieved as he smiles. That smile of his ... it just erases all her worries. 'Tell me about others in your family,' she diverts their conversation, wrapping her hands around his arm.

'There's Vishwanath Paaji and Bhabhiji. He's a little short-tempered. But Bhabiji is very silent'

'Like you,' Gauri predicts, resting her head against his shoulder.

He leans his cheek against her hair. 'Their children, Kiran and Kamala. Kiran is ten. He says he wants to be a police officer like me. Kamala is four; she's my angel. You have to meet her, Gauri. She is the sweetest. And there's my younger brother, Ashok. Thoda paagal hain woh, like Murali. He studies in Ludhiana.'

Gauri blinks, hugging his arm tight. 'Can't wait to meet them.'

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