Hearts Rekindled: A Love Story Of Second Chances

• 08

"Anna, pass me that fry." Vibha asked Pavan to forward the bean fry that was next to him.

Pavan passed the dishes, but his focus was on his father, Siddalingha, and his conversation with Samanvi's in-laws, who were in line.

Pavan, Vibha, and Gowramma all focused on the talk between Siddalingha and Samanvi's in-laws.

For their own good, Siddalingha has a practice of speaking on a loud speaker so that they can be clearly heard near the dining area.

"Hegidira Siddalingha avre?" A male voice resonated throughout the hallway and dining room. Those people immediately recognized the voice as that of Agastya's father.
(How are you, Mr. Siddalingha?)

Ranganatha and Kaveri shared a tight look.

"I'm good. How are you doing, Mr. Somashekhara, and how is everyone in your family?" Siddalingha politely responded.

"Even we are OK. We apologize for not answering the phone during the afternoon." Somashekhara said why he did not pick up the phone: "We were seeking blessings from Manjunatha Swami."

"It's okay." Siddalingha laughed as he mentioned that Agastya had informed him of this.

"If he hadn't had an important event, he would have joined us. By the way, was the situation urgent?" Somashekhara asked in a nice tone.

"Actually, Samanvi's sister Vibha's marriage is fixed." Siddalingha informed them.

"Waah! Our Vibha is getting married!"

"Where does the groom belong, and what does he do?" A happy voice responded.

"That..." Siddalingha stared at Ranganatha before answering Somashekhara's questions. "He is from Bagalkote. And he works as a TL in Vibha's company."

"Ooh..Love Marriage?" This time, another enthusiastic voice responded.

Siddalingha recognized the voice immediately as Jayashekhara, Agastya's first younger uncle. "Yes, Mr. Jayashekhara. In fact, Agastya was the one who fixed the proposal."

"Oh, good. So, when did you guys decide to do an engagement?" This time, an elderly person spoke.

"Chaarvi, for engagement, will wear that pink and white suit." A young lady's cheery voice could be heard in the background.

"Coming Friday, Amma." This time, Ranganatha addressed the elderly lady.

"This coming Friday?" Kamalamma, the elderly lady, inquired again in hesitation.

"Yes," Ranganatha replied, glancing at his brother when the other end became silent.

"I think we can't join you, kid," Kamalamma said.

Ranganatha began to sweat profusely after hearing just one sentence. Kaveri prayed to God. On the other side, Vibha and Gowramma exchanged looks.

"Why?" Siddalingha inquired.

"Kid, the thing is..."

'No. No. Do not reveal 'that' matter.' Vibha, Gowramma, Kaveri, and Ranganatha all prayed to God.

"When Agastya's wedding happened, I prayed to God that I would visit Tirupathi, and our tickets were booked on the same day." Kamalamma spoke up about the problem. Making the duo sigh with relief.

"But.. without you guys.. without Samanvi..it's her sister's engagement after all," Sharadha remarked again.

After a minute of silence, a young male voice said, "Doddappa, it's Ajji, who prayed she'd come. It's not required that we younger people accompany you, right?"