She got what she lost

     When Sumathi participated in a debate as an orator for the first time, her voice started to sink after sometime. When she saw the crowd in front of her, her memory became blank. She somehow managed and completed her speech. After that, many people encouraged her, as she had the stuff. Only thing is that she had to approach everything sportively and express her views in a presentable way. Now, she has improved very much and has learnt the art of mesmerizing the audience by her speech. She can speak about anything spontaneously. She has gained the confidence of competing with anybody.

When she got down from the podium, many people came forward to shake hands with her, to take a selfie and to show their closeness with her to others.

"Sumathi, your debate programme is over eh? Come fast, let us rush to our house". Her elder brother Ramesh suddenly entered and pulled her outside from the debate hall.

"Oh, Sumathi, are you in a hurry to go home? Today, your speech has impressed everybody. All say that there is maturity in your speech. You analyse the problem in depth and also give solution very quickly. Your way of presentation is liked by audience as you speak in a simple way. See, how everybody clapped for you". The organiser Mohan started to speak happily with her. The other participants also came forward to appreciate her.

Ramesh lost patience. He almost shouted, "Everybody, listen please. We have to reach home quickly. Sumathi will talk to you later". Saying this, he made her move from there and get into the car immediately.

Their brother, that is, father's elder brother's son Kruba was in driver seat. He started the car as soon as they got in. "Why are you late?". He questioned, keeping his eyes fixed on heavy traffic.

Sumathi looked at both of them and asked, "Any of you please tell me as what is the emergency? Has anybody turned sick suddenly?" Water started to roll from her eyes.

"Oh, don't imagine. Good news only. Bridegroom's family will be visiting our house within an hour. They may fix the marriage immediately. We have to reach home and you have to get ready to welcome them.

We have to go to the market again to make some purchases, after dropping you at home", When Kruba finished his words, the car reached their street. He covered 8 Kilometer distance within 10 minutes, in the heavy traffic.

"Who is that bridegroom...? Nobody told anything about it to me?" she almost cried.

Nobody at home cared about Sumathi's reaction. Her father Saravan and his brother Murugesh were giving orders to the workers in the frontside of the house. Her mother Kalyani and Murugesh's wife Nalini were set righting and decorationg the hall. On seeing Sumathi, both of them left their work and came forward to make her a pucca bride. She was asked to wear a heavy Kancheevaram silk sari and all the ornaments. She really got irritated and turned to the ladies.

"Amma and Periamma, please listen to me, one minute. Who is the bridegroom? Wherefrom he came suddenly? I have got my dreams. I got selected in campus interview and going to join an IT company soon. I am an upcoming orator in debates. Do you know how many people appreciated me when I speak in the podium?". She wanted to say more and more.

Meanwhile her father Saravan came inside and shouted, "What you ladies are doing here? Is it the time for gossip? All of you, go and get ready soon. Also, check whether everything is ready in kitchen. If you need any item, you tell me now itself".

Kalyani and Nalini ran to fulfill the commands of Saravan. There is nobody at home to hear the words of Sumathi. Just like a doll, she was decorated and made to stand in front of the bridegroom and his family.