"Maa... Amma... hey Janaki!" Jagathi called out playfully as she walked into the kitchen, wrapping her arms around Janaki from behind in a warm hug. "Good morning, Jaanu darling!" she teased.
Janaki turned to give her a mock glare, her eyes narrowing but with a hint of amusement. "Jaanu, this is not fair!" Jagathi pouted, stepping back slightly. "You told me to get ready, and look-I wore this half saree, just as you said! Dark green and yellow, just for you! And look, I even put on all the jewelry-these jhumkas with chaapasaralu," she twirled her earrings for emphasis, "a simple gold chain, and green bangles!" Jagathi lifted her wrist, showing off the shimmering glass bangles that clinked softly with her movement. Her long, intricately braided hair was adorned with bright orange kankambaram flowers, their fragrance filling the kitchen.
Just then, Urmila walked in, her face lighting up as she saw Jagathi. "Oh, you look so beautiful, Lucky," she exclaimed, her voice warm with affection.
Jagathi's face broke into a bright, beaming smile. "Thank you, Chachi!" she said cheerfully, twirling around slightly in her half saree, the ends of her braid swaying with her movements. The cheerful energy in the room seemed to brighten even more as Janaki shook her head with a fond smile, unable to stay mad at Jagathi's infectious joy.
•••••
Jagathi walked over to the adjacent independent home, her steps light as she hummed softly. As she approached the gate, she noticed Charani coming out from the main door. With a playful smile, she called out, "Charani bhabhi! Already here at your mother's place, huh? I thought you came over for me, but it looks like you're more interested in spending time with your mom, dad, and younger brother."
Charani paused, raising an eyebrow with a mock look of disbelief. "Oh, really? Is that so?" she responded, crossing her arms as she walked up to Jagathi. "Who was it that called me earlier, practically begging me to come over? Hmm?" She gave Jagathi a knowing look. "As soon as I got your call, I had to fight with your brother just to get here! And now, you're acting like you didn't know anything"
Jagathi leaned in and playfully pecked Charani on the cheek. “I have every right to demand your time, Charani bhabhi,” she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “After all, I’m the one who played cupid for you and my dear Vinodh brother. You two made me your personal postman, running around delivering all your love letters!”
Charani laughed, shaking her head at the memory. “Ah, how could I forget? You were the ultimate matchmaker,” she replied, her tone playful.
And speaking of family…” Jagathi continued, raising an eyebrow. “What is that brainless younger brother of yours up to? He’s probably hiding somewhere, isn’t he? I swear, if he thinks he’s getting out of this, he’s mistaken! I’ll drag him here myself—we don’t have time to waste.”
Jagathi sprinted into the bedroom, spotting Udhay deeply engrossed in his laptop. Without hesitation, she snapped the laptop shut and hopped onto the table, swinging her legs playfully.
“Lucky!” he said, looking up with a mix of surprise and exasperation.
“Arey,” she began, leaning in slightly, “do you remember back in our school days? You and I used to team up, helping your sister and my brother with their love story. Don't you think about those days?"
Udhay nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. “Yes, I remember.”
“And we’ve been neighbors forever—good friends and family for ages,” she added, narrowing her eyes playfully. “Isn’t that right?”
“Of course. I’m not denying it,” he said, leaning back, sensing where this was heading.
Jagathi huffed dramatically. “You idiot! How many times do I have to ask you to marry me? If you marry me, I can still live right next to my parents, and,” she paused with a mischievous glint in her eyes, “I’m even giving you a once-in-a-lifetime offer. After you marry me, you can marry whoever you want in Hyderabad. I won’t object, promise!”
Udhay burst out laughing, shaking his head. “Oh, God, Lucky, you’re such a devil. Don’t talk nonsense like that! I’m five years older than you—this isn’t a game.”
Jagathi waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, please! That’s totally normal these days. My dad’s been looking for alliances with men around your age. So what’s the problem?” She smirked, crossing her arms.
Udhay sighed, trying to remain serious. “Jagathi, I’ve known you since the day you were born. Seeing you is like looking at a little sister. Whenever I see you i remember Rakshabandhan, not valentine's day, You know that. Why do you keep pestering me with this marriage talk over and over again?”
“Stupid!” Jagathi exclaimed, her voice playful yet determined. “I’m telling you, alliances are coming, and you’re coming with me! You have to help me spoil every single one of them!”
Udhay chuckled, rolling his eyes. “Uff! Do you even have any option to escape this?”
“Absolutely not!” she declared, snatching a biscuit from the plate. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she tossed it out the window, watching it sail through the air.
As the biscuit flew through the air, it landed right in front of a scruffy street dog, who eagerly snatched it up. Jagathi leaned closer to the window, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Hi, Tiger!” she called out cheerfully, her voice brightening the moment.
(Dogs have an inner voice that only other animals can understand. Their unique language is a secret among themselves, and ordinary humans can't grasp it.)
The dog perked up, standing on its hind legs and making a playful bark in response.
“Seriously, you’ve become a pet?” it teased, glancing at another dog lounging nearby. “Look at her, she’s so innocent. She calls me ‘Tiger’. —Jagathi doesn't know the difference between a street dog and a real tiger. How does she even survive in this world?”
The first dog tilted its head, observing Jagathi’s playful demeanor. “What a silly girl! She’s got a heart of gold, but she clearly doesn’t understand us at all
Keep smiling
God bless you
Chandanakshi
YOU ARE READING
Misty Rain
Romance"Oye, Miss Universe," he teased, a playful grin dancing on his lips. She shot him a fierce glare, determination etched across her features, and turned away to walk forward. "Lucky!" he called after her, quickening his pace. She continued to ignore h...
