The Bond Of Threads

6. Suggestions

Shirom rushed down the stairs towards the dining room for breakfast.

He had slept late and received a nasty look from his mother. Karuna had to hide her smile when he gave her puppy eyes.

"Looks like its finally morning for someone." Karuna said mischievously and Nisha pursed her lips.

Shirom looked at Karuna with wide eyes. He was trying to avoid it and Karuna had to highlight it in front of his mother.

"Leave it, Didi. Some people are just not made to rise early. Lazy fellows." Nisha muttered angrily.

Shirom rolled his eyes and served himself a dallop of upma. Nisha buttered a few slices of toasted bread and placed them on his plate.
"I had a late night shoot, Mom. I came back very late." He replied, putting a spoonful of upma in his mouth.

Nisha shook her head in defeat but did not say anything. Shirom did not drag the topic and ate in silence. He was aware of the reasons his mother was angry. She did not like that he worked late in night sometimes. It was difficult for her to adjust to the fact that Shirom was not a baby and was capable to take care of himself. She had asked him multiple times to wrap up his work at the earliest and be at home before dinner. But Shirom's work sometimes called for late night shoots.
He was right now creating portfolios of new models. The photoshoots were taking place in different locations and at different times of day. It was not tiring, but it made his day lengthy. Nisha just refused to understand.

He was supposed to meet the love of his life that day.
Preeti Nanda was one of the rising name in the field of jewellery. She was a jewellery designer and had worked for few movies to help design intricate jewellery. Like Shirom, she too was related to the world of glamour.
She was an only daughter of a reputed businessman and was Shirom's childhood sweetheart.

Shirom parked his car in the parking of a lavish residence and took the elevator to reach the topmost floor, where he had booked a table for two for lunch. Preeti was already waiting for him and she stood up with a dazzling smile when he walked in. She stood up from her seat and wrapped her arms around his neck. Shirom too, closed his eyes and sighed in content when her light luxurious perfume filled his senses.

She was back after a month of trip to Greece to know more about their culture. That was her new assignment as she was been asked to work on ancient Greek jewellery.

"How was your trip? And how are you?" Shirom asked, pulling away after a moment.

"It was great. And I missed you a lot." Preeti replied, taking back her seat.

"I missed you too." Shirom replied fondly.

They ordered for their lunch and were enjoying their meal in silence when Shirom noticed that she was a bit restless.
"All good?" He finally asked.

Preeti picked up the glass of water and drank a small sip.
"I wanted to ask you something, Romi."

Shirom blinked. He was kind of aware what she might want to ask. Pushing the thoughts aside, he looked at his plate and nodded.

"You have already told your parents about us. When will you take next step? My parents are impatient to get me married. Please try to understand." She said with pleading eyes.

Shirom did not say anything for another minute and she gave him time to answer.
"I will take you to meet my parents. I will check if Dad is free this Saturday. Sounds good?"

Preeti looked at him with a hint of frustration. He still had not said anything about marriage.
"I said something else too, Romi. I will not be able to hold my parents for too long."