Loving You

Chapter 8

"Come with me to the airport," Tarun said for what must have been the fifth time.

"I cannot," I said trying to be apologetic.

It wasn't as thought I didn't want to join him in picking up his family from the airport. How could I not? They were going to be my family soon too.

But I had other things to do. Marriage things.

"Please," Tarun drawled pouting like a kid.

I rolled my eyes at his antics. "Okay fine."

"Really!" Tarun was jumping on the bed.

I hated to do this but I had to. "Yes. If you can try my choli and blouse instead, and I can come with you to the airport. What do you think?" I asked smiling brightly.

I knew his response.

"What!" He yelped almost choking. He looked at me as thought I had grown a second head.

They say women have vanity. They forget men have bigger egos.

Men's egos do work in our favor some times. This was one of those.

I burst out laughing looking at his expressions.

"I guess that is a 'no' then"

Tarun humphred.

"I will take Bunty along. He is better than you," he shot back.

"Hmmm. You know we are a very liberal family. If you and Bunty want to take your relationship to the next level, we wouldn't object. The wedding tent is ready. Your happiness matters a lot to me. I wouldn't stand in its way."

"Roo!" Tarun shot up making disgusted faces, "Your imagination had gotten really rotten since coming here."

"You were the one who insisted on bringing me here," I shot back a bit annoyed.

I admit I was the one who took the joke a bit too far, but it wasn't as though he has never done it. Haven't I taken it in the right sprit when he did it in the past.

Tarun sighed. "Sorry." His tone was soft. He knew he had touched a nerve. He bent down in front of me. "I am really sorry. I didn't mean it."

I nodded. I could see that he meant it.

He may have his male ego, but he is one of those rare ones who doesn't hold on to it. He has given it up for me a lot times than I have been willing to give up my pride.

"I will see you tomorrow evening?" he asked tentatively

I nodded.

"Miss me," he added pecking my cheek, "I will miss you."

"Have a safe journey and come back soon." I added softly. That was all I could have said.

He nodded and walked away.

***

Bally bhai was in an ebullient mood that evening. It didn't take long for Papa and Raj uncle to join in.

Bally bhai had even found new recruits. Shelly (Shergil) and Tallu (Talveer)–my eldest mamu's (maternal uncle) sons–had flown in from Canada and reached the house by the evening–much to my annoyance–with no signs of jetlag.

The circus had officially begun.

By that I mean the official recounting of all the embarrassing stories we have lived through.

I have to admit that I didn't hate it as much as I thought I would.

Maybe it was just that there were a lot of embarrassing stories that I had missed while away and was just hearing for the first time.