Blessed: The Abandoned Wife

The Parleys

The kids were roaming around on their own as the grownups were busy. They were exploring the house as a new wonderland that they had never been to. Even Veni had rarely been there since this is the first time in six years that Darsh has returned to India and the house is seeing people from the family. It had been maintained by the staff in the meantime.

Darsh was an instant hit with the ladies with all his sense of humour and charm.

Darsh: I am the most important Rawal in the clan!

Nitya: Why would that be, devar ji?

Drash: You see how younger kids have all the fun. But there are exceptions like Daivik—he is the younger one and yet Khadoos (someone who rarely laughs). But then you must see who the elder brother is! The ever-serious Viren bhai!

Nitya- (with an eyebrow up and hands crossed at chest) And what about Dheemant?

Darsh- Oh your husband? you have fixed him up, right?

Nitya- (smiling) Yes, I have fixed some of the rough edges

Darsh- Now he even smells fine.

Dheemant- What do you mean?

Darsh (hiding behind Daivik)- He and Rajan were known as Dinky Stinky Monkeys

Dheemant- (protesting) I was called Dinky because they could not pronounce my name!

Darsh- (crooked smile) Are you saying that Rajan was the stinky one? That is some dope.

Dheemant- You want to trouble the good doctor with it. We might have to ask Daivik bhai to help us again with a bully!

Darsh- So Dheemant is declared as a new and improved version, post-marriage.

Nitya- (smiling) So shall we wish you the same improvement?

Darsh: Disclaimer- he is still not much better than me!

Nitya- Marriage will do you good, devar ji! (younger brother-in-law)

Darsh- See this is a birthday party, so we need to distribute the wishes. And let's start with the birthday boy...he is the eldest one so he should lead the way and find himself a better half!

Jai- I second that and I agree my friend needs to loosen up! This is my wish for Viren's birthday! May he find the courage to propose and date his girlfriend!

Viren- What girlfriend? There is none, I have no time or energy for all that relationship thing!

Darsh: That's the definition of old bro!

Jai- Don't call me old! I am his friend! I take offence to this statement! He might be old and for that I hereby disown him!

Viren- (back slapping Jai) You are not young either! And first, we need to fix these crazy youngsters!

Darsh- (looking around) Crazy youngsters? Where are they? Veni, Dyuti can you see what this birthday boy is calling you?

Viren: (pulling Darsh's ears)- You are a bad influence on kids. (looking at kids) Remember kids, he might look older than you but in behaviour, he is the same as you! We can request Anita to enrol you in the same class as Veni!

Darsh: (mock screaming) Viren bhaiya is getting older, he has started to talk nonsense! Jai bhaiya nothing can save you now!

Jai: (pointing to Viren) I never thought I would say this, but I am disowning this grandpa today!

Darsh: (kneeling with a flourish in front of Jai) I will be your friend for life! But if you want a more serious option, we have Dev as well. (this time dragging Daivik to stand in front of Jai)