Written in stars (Discontinued)

Ataya ji

ch 33

Advay heard the alarm clock and woke up, it was 6 in the morning, he had grabbed only three hours sleep and his head hurt slightly but ignoring it he went to take a cold shower. Fully awake, he went downstairs closing the door on sleeping Chandhini.

Ayi and baba were doing puja. Veer and Seekha were standing behind listening. He went and stood there too. Then, when they were done, ayi gave them blessing and parsad. The servant put the breakfast on table and everyone ate the breakfast while discussing the current politics.

Arnav was supporter of one party while Veer supported another. It was a lively debate with Khushi and Advay putting in a few points as well. Seekha didn't say anything, she wasn't interested in politics.

When there was a break in conversation, Khushi told them that ataya ji (arnav's elder sister who is a widow and had a very strict personality) was coming today.

Seekha felt her mood go sour, she excused herself by saying that she was going to go see if kavya woke or not. Veer and Khushi exchanged glances.

Ataya ji was elder sister of Arnav and belonged to old school of thoughts. She blamed Seekha for not having more kids. Veer naturally supported Seekha and felt very protective over her. Khushi didn't say much but she supported Seekha too. Since ataya ji was Arnav's sister, they could not stop her from coming here but all the time she was here, Khushi remained worried that she will do or say something which will hurt Seekha's feelings.

Arnav and Advay chatted on oblivious to all this. Veer excused himself and went after Seekha and Khushi went to kitchen to tell cook to make special dishes of ataya ji and Seekha's likeness.

Arnav watched Advay closely, observing him. Arnav knew Chandhini was happy with this marriage but Advay needed more time but seeing them together coming for dinner had made him happy. Both were settling into their lives.

''baba?'' Advay asked Arnav who was looking at floor smiling.

Arnav,'' I was thinking about Chandhini. I hope she is not causing too much trouble for you.''

Advay,''She has been complaining that she is bored but once college started, she will get busy. I will try to keep her out of trouble.''

Arnav,'' I am not worried with you there. You know Advay how important Chandhini is to me and I know I can trust you with her. She is young and impulsive but she has got a good heart.''

Suddenly Advay could not look into Arnav's eyes. Praise from baba was rare. He never said anything which he didn't mean. Arnav smiled and gave him a quick pat on shoulder.'' Now I need to get going I have a chess match with joshi. ''

Advay nodded,'' Say hi to him from me.''

Arnav nodded and went upstairs. Advay just sat there thinking, what if baba got to know about everything, whose side will he take? He questioned himself.

Someone called his name, he looked up Veer was standing there,'' I am going to play golf, want to come with me?''

Advay nodded and went with him knowing he had no answers and probably he will never have them.
...
Chandhini woke up at 11:30 a.m and went downstairs, she kept thing about swathi's messages. She was surprised to see ataya ji sitting talking with Khushi, she bent to take blessings but ataya ji stopped her and hugged Chandhini.

This surprised Chandhini,even though she liked ataya ji but she was not close with her and Chandini usually remained quiet around her. Ataya ji's love had always been fixed on Advay and Veer.

Chandhini sat down and asked after her health.

Ataya ji answered and then asked Chandhini about deli, Chandhini replied it was nice. She invited ataya ji to come there too. Ataya ji beamed at her happily and said she will come over.

The maid brought breakfast for Chandhini, Chandhini ate it while Khushi ji chatted about some puja. Chandhini went to put the tray herself so she could escape ataya ji. Seekha was already in kitchen sitting on a shelf reading a magazine. Sheekha didn't like ataya ji too.

Chandhini thought to join in Sheekha in hiding but Sheekha sent her out saying ataya ji came for some special puja just for her and Advay.

Ataya ji was talking with Khushi on something in hushed tones, both ladies became quiet on seeing Chandhini. Chandhini sat down on sofa again.

Ataya,'' Chandhini you should eat a bit more, you are all bones.''

Chandhini nodded obediently.

Ataya ji to Khushi,'' See proper upbringing is so important, she was a wild child but she has grown graceful and mature with time. You are lucky for having such a nice daughter in law.''

Ayi laughed and gave Chandhini one arm hug,'' she is my daughter, but true my both sons are really blessed.''

Ataya ji kept smiling but her eyes narrowed a bit, she changed the topic, ''where is Advay?''

Khushi,'' He went out with Veer, he will be back before mahurat time.''

Advay walked in with Veer at that time, ataya ji smiled at her nephews.
...
After puja was done, Chandhini wanted to go up back to her room as she had to change into traditional sarees and ataya ji had given her heavy gold necklaces and bangles and she had to wear them all to make her happy. Now she couldn't wait to get rid of them.