A Hundred Flukes

Chapter 35: A Proposal

 A short update people. Extremely sorry for the delay.

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The assault of unwelcome light over her tight shut sleepy eyes made Payal groan loudly, when the said assault continued along with additives of thuds and plops she finally forced her eyes open to meet a harried form of a sister ready to upturn their termite infested teak bed.

                

“What is it now?” her sleepy throat rasped.

She gave her sister a minute long respite, coming over to her side, she placed her foot on the bed, “My anklet’s missing.” She whispered gloomily. “See. The other is in my left leg. I am afraid, I could have dropped it somewhere at the Bhoot Bangala.”

“Bhoot Bangala?”

“RM where else?” she huffed resuming the tossing and turning. Payal yawned and grumbled, but finally came down checking time in the small table clock. 3:27 a.m. Together they searched for the trinket starting from their room to the dining space and even the verandah.

“Oh hell, Amma would be so upset with me in heaven. When my time comes, I am sure to receive a spank from her.” Khushi whined.

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When the world around stopped spinning, she realized the expected advent of painful throbbing in her head from the hangover. Add to that, her boyfriend was at one of his sullen bests, she couldn’t blame him. Lavanya felt genuinely embarrassed and apologetic. He handed her a glass of lime juice and a hangover tablet without sparing her as much a glance, let alone words. This only worsened the throbbing in her head.

“I am really sorry ASR, I just lost it. I did not realize when I got drunk…” her voice cracked as she tried to explain.

He got up from the bed, out rightly ignoring her plea. “ASR please, I know you are mad at me, but please can’t you give me a chance? I sincerely want to make up for this fiasco. I really do.” She entreated, “Please say something. Don’t ignore me like that.”

He folded his hands in front of his chest, a frown marring his face, “You really want to hear me out? Let me tell then, you ruined the entire party. And that surprise of yours… what were you thinking? Or maybe you weren’t at all.”

“I am sorry. Nani must be …”

“Apologize to her.” He stated sternly.

“I will. Absolutely.”

For once Devyani wouldn’t even look at her, but upon Anjali’s insistence and watching the young woman’s genuine effort to be forgiven, she relented. The ‘Kashyap with a ‘sh’ taunt seemed to have worked, for Devyani for the first time addressed her with her first name.

“It’s okay Lavanya, you really can’t do much about it. I don’t blame you, I know your parents never had enough time to look after you.” The acerbity of the remark wasn’t lost on Lavanya’s ears. Once again, the older woman managed to hit at her sensitive point. She simply swallowed the urge to cry. She wished her good night and left.