MIRA

50. The Guest🧍‍♂️

Mira woke up to the aroma of ghee (clarified butter) in the morning and instantly knew that her mother was making 'ghee roast' dosa for breakfast. She had reached Kochi the previous evening, shortly a few days after Preeti left to her heritage home in Kochi, where the wedding rituals had already begun.

The pleasant sound of birds chirping outside and the faint voices coming from the television in the living room made Mira feel good to be back home. After a relaxed night's sleep, it felt good to wake up after 8 a.m. for the first time in a while. Mira felt like a child that was on school vacation. Only when she went to the bathroom to brush did reality strike to her, as she realised that this the last day she could feel liberated in her own home, as tomorrow around this time, Vikranth and his family would be at their place. As the thoughts sank in, Mira begin to feel a lump in her throat.

After breakfast, Mira was to help her dad rearrange the third bedroom by shifting things into the balcony to make room for the guests who would arrive the following day. Then, she helped out with lunch. As she sat down with her parents to eat in the afternoon, she told her parents about the conference in Chennai that she would be attending once she's back in Bangalore.

She learnt from her parents' conversation that Vikranth had arrived in Chennai a few days back, and planned to stay for the whole month of June. She also found out that Srikanth had his final exams around this time, so he couldn't make it for the wedding. Mira was aware of the latter as unlike his elder brother, Srikanth had the courtesy to at least text Mira once in few months and provide updates on his life.

It was then that Ram asked Mira whether she had heard from Vikranth, as he knew that they were good friends since her time in Boston. She blankly said that she hasn't been in touch with him in the last few months and stood up to go to the kitchen. Later that evening, Mira accompanied her father to the nearest supermarket for grocery shopping. As they placed the bags full of groceries in the car, Ram asked Mira,

''Miru ma, are you angry with your mother and me?''

Mira looked at her father and said, ''Che-che, no Pa. Nothing like that.''

''I know you're worried about saying yes to Sankar uncle's proposal, but you have my word ma, we will not proceed with the engagement until you are absolutely sure.'' Ram assured Mira.

Mira smiled warmly, ''I know Pa, and I also know that I've made you and Amma wait too long for me to decide. But don't worry, I will be a give positive answer very soon, it's just when I do, I want to be cent percent sure." Mira immediately regretted saying this as the fear of disappointing her parents crept in.

Ram smiled and said, ''Okay da!''

They sat inside and Ram started the car. A few minutes later he said, ''I heard that you and Naren became very good friends after he moved to Bangalore.''

''Yea..he's very genuine and decent.''

''Correct ma, Sudha and I liked him already the first time we met, such a true gentleman! You know, I was very happy when Sankar told me about his son's startup plan, because it meant that if you two were to get married, you would settle down in Bangalore and continue working there as well as visit us occasionally..haha. And you already know how much Sankar uncle and Sudha aunty love you, we won't have to worry about you as long as you are in their care. ''

When they approached near their apartment, Ram finally said,

''Mira, before you decide anything, just make sure you keep in mind that such proposals don't come often, okay ma?''

''Hm-hm, okay Pa.'' Mira nodded as Ram gently placed his hand on her head.

***

Mira spent the rest of the evening in her room as her parents were occupied in shifting furniture and more rearranging around the house. Her mind was racing with thoughts about what her father had said, about what her parents had said to Sankar uncle's family, about Naren's proposal and most of all, about Vikranth.