My Guiding Star

Part Thirteen

"Dad, I need to apply for this exam by next week. Else I will miss the last date. And I need the provisional certificate from college. I need to go to Chennai for that. All my friends are also coming to College tomorrow. I will meet them and invite for Sanju's marriage too. Can you book train tickets please dad" Niranjana was discussing seriously with her dad and didn't notice Bala and Ranjan coming inside.

"Hi Niru. How are you? Look at you. You have grown up. It should be more than 5 years since I last seen you right? Saraswathi will be very happy to see you." Bala affectionately greeted Niranjana. 

"How are you Uncle? Yes it is almost 6 years since we met. How is Aunty? I should come and meet her. Hi Ranjan. What would you like to have Uncle? Coffee or Tea?"

"I will have coffee Niru, but later. I came to see Raghav." With this he started talking to Niranjana's dad. 

"How far are the marriage preparations going on Raghav? I spoke with the caterers and marriage hall manager today. I don't think we have any issues there." 

Raghavan smiled at his friend "I am happy that you are near to me Bala. You and Ranjan took almost half the work and I am very relaxed on Sanju's marriage."

"Hey, Sanju and Niru are like my own. So don't bother with the formalities. Leave it. It seems you and Niru are discussing something serious when we came? What is the matter?" 

On Bala's probing Raghavan told on Niranjana's Chennai plan. "See, Since Niru has to apply by next week, she has to go to college to get her provisional certificate. If there is no marriage work, I could have accompanied her. And now, I don't know what to do."

"Dad, it's only a day's travel na. Why are you so worried? I have travelled alone from college to home and back many a times right?" Niranjana's reassurance did not created the expected result.

 "You had a place to stay then da. Now what will you do?"

"Niranjana, Should you have to go tomorrow? Or Day after? If you can wait for one more day, I have to meet a supplier on Wednesday and I can take you with me. We cat start from here early morning. Finish the work and be back in the evening. While you were in college I can finish my job. Will it be OK for you Uncle?" Ranjan asked Raghavan seeing his worried expression.

"Oh! Ranjan, if it's not a problem for you, then I don't have a say." Raghavan also replied happily as problem is solved. 

"No Problem at all Uncle. What do you say Niranjana?" Ranjan asked Niranjana with a smile. This time she never felt hesitant to accept his help. 

And with twinkling eyes she told "Of course. No issues. In fact my dad now is worried on your safe return." and was awarded with everyone's laughter.

When Niranjana is about to get up to bring coffee, "Niranjana, Excuse me. I am leaving now to office. Will pick you up on Wednesday early morning." Ranjan's words somehow created an excitement in her and with that she went inside to assist her mom.

When she came back, she saw both her dad and Bala Uncle were discussing. "Marriage happened well Raghav. In fact Saraswathi and I want to talk to you and sister on one important matter. I want to know when you will be free. I will bring her home."

"What is this sudden formality Bala? What's such a serious issue?" Raghavan asked Bala in puzzled tone. On Bala's reassurance on nothing to worry about, Raghavan invited both of them for evening Coffee.