Runaway bride

Chapter 5

"Where have you been Sameer?" Rano's voice rang from the kitchen.

"I was at Durgas'. She sends her greetings."

"I had a feeling you were there." Rani answered and served him his dinner.

The past years had taken a toll on her, it accounted for her bloodshot eyes, pale skin and facial wrinkles. She was a widow- Rasik's widow yet a proud mother to a hardworking man- Sameer.

After Rasik's death, Sameer was all Rano had and her life too, he was still the little boy she was once ran after in her eyes.

 "You didn't have to mum. I can make it myself."

"I keep forgetting what you can do. You are my little boy after all."

"I know but don't do this again please."

"I can't give you my word on that."

"I knew you'd say that."

"When will you get married Sameer? How long will you court Durga?" She continued

"Mum not this again." Sameer complained.

"She's a good girl, I know that bit but her father is a man with high status, people like us can't be considered as equals with him."

"I know mum. I and Durga will think of something after the festival...we'll come to a conclusion. We just need time." Sameer shot back and then, Rano knew she wouldn't win this argument as usual."

"I'm only thinking about your happiness here."

"I'm aware of what I need to do mother, you don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine."

"That's the same thing your father told me."

"I'm not Rasik Khumari mum, I'm his son Sameer Khumari which means I won't make the same mistakes as my father did."

***

"Happy Diwali." Durga greeted everyone at the dining table.

"Happy diwali." Sargum and Simran answered "How was your night dear?" Simran asked.

"It was nice mum and yours?"

"Same here." Simran smiled while Sargum served Durga.

"The party should go according to my plan, I have important guests that will be coming." Arjun finally spoke up.

"Has it ever been ruined before?" Simran inquired

"Of course not Simran it's just that they're really important guests and I want to make a really good impression. Dheer will look into the arrangements but I want you to assist him in anyway possible."

The table offered no answer to his words.

***

Sameer walked into the house hoping to not meet his mother first but his hopes were dashed out immediately he got in.

"You've been working too much at the garage lately."

"You didn't have to wait for me."

"I'm your mum Sameer. I'm bound to do that."

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting...and going to the garage on Diwali."

"That's much better." she paused "Your aunt Anarkali called, she's inviting us to their home for Diwali. They are hosting a party there."

"I'll go after you're gone."

"Don't be silly Sam we're going together."

"I know mum, I was only joking."

"Have you called Durga yet?"

"No, she'll be busy now. Her mum will be doing some charity and she'll have to help her out. But I'll call in the evening."

"When you decide to call, I want to be there, it's been long time since we talked."

"Okay mum, you should be getting ready for the party."

"I will, just don't dare to go out for any more work today."

"I won't mum, I promise."