Twists Twirls Perils & Pearls

15. Family fudge: Sweet and nutty

Abhedya did not hear a word Swarnima said. Swarnima was holding his hand and his thinking, listening and responding capabilities ceased.
"Are you listening?" Swarnima asked when he did not respond.

"Umm... I... could you repeat?" Abhedya requested her.

Swarnima left his hand and explained again, "I was just saying... requesting you to behave a little normal when we are around family."

"Explain normal? You want us to 'act' like friends? Or you want us to behave like 'lovers'? Or shall we continue being junior and senior?" Abhedya questioned Swarnima.

Swarnima lowered her eyes and said, "do as you please." She got down from her car, opened the boot and took out the painting. She then opened her bag and gave a CD to Abhedya and said, "here, gift this to masi and chachu on their anniversary from your side. It's a simple video with their pictures but I think they will like it."

"When did you make it?" Abhedya asked but Swarnima didn't reply.

Abhedya helped her take out the painting and said, "fine!  Don't talk to me or talk only if necessary. That is the only solution. Because when I see you, your betrayal makes me angry, so just don't come near me. That is the only way we can behave 'normal'. Am I clear?"

Swarnima was sad with the proposed solution. She took Abhedya's hateful and sarcastic comments for the whole day without any complaints but he didn't want to speak to her or want her near him, this just broke her heart. The only reason she survived and was living was because of her eternal 'love' for Abhedya and he just asked her to maintain distance from him.
She moved ahead but Abhedya confirmed again, " I asked you something? Am I clear?"

Swarnima couldn't face him so she just nodded in a 'yes' and continued moving ahead. As they reached the gates of the hall in the outhouse Rudra dragged Swarnima inside and enquired her, "what took you so long? You know how difficult it was to restrict Nandini from coming here. See how it looks? Just as you instructed."
Rudra showed her the decorations and Swarnima made herself busy giving the finishing touches.

"Wow!! This is beautifully decorated." Abhedya admired the simple but beautifully decorated hall. The 'happy anniversary' streamer had pictures of Rudra and Nandini on all the alphabets. A small dance floor was made with pink rose petals and a heart was made with red rose petals in the centre. The focus light was giving it the perfect romantic effect. There was a small karaoke music system arranged on one side. The helium balloons which touched the ceiling had pictures from Rudra and Nandini's honeymoon suspended to there strings. And a huge screen on one side was arranged.

"It ought to be Wow! After all, it was my darling Nim's idea." Rudra revealed with admiration in his eyes for Swarnima.

"Please chachu! you have executed it beautifully. Now just don't mess up the proposal. Do you want to rehearse it? I am dying to hear what you have to say." Swarnima spoke with excitement.

"You doubt my abilities? I have proposed my lady a thousand times... but... but... I feel nervous every time. I need to cool down." Rudra answered honestly.

"Oh come on dad! You don't need any rehearsals. You are a die-hard romantic." Abhedya encouraged his father.

"Am I? I thought I was a cheater?" Rudra was still annoyed with Abhedya.

"Umm! I am a sorry dad! But put yourself in my position and see it looked as if you... uh!! I am sorry ok! I trust you and sincerely apologise about earlier. I am ready for punishment too." Abhedya regretted his remarks.

"Only if Nim forgives you, you are forgiven. You have said some serious cuss words and allegations to her. She will choose your punishment." Rudra gave his verdict.