Perfect Strangers ✔

|| 20 ||

The four reach the house. Enter the home. Lalita, Shylok and Lathika are waiting to welcome the new weds. Chandra and Nandhini stand together.
Lalita takes aarti and applies tilak to both of them. She is delighted.
Pot of rice is kept. Nandhini tilt it with her right leg and enter the home. Lalita hugs Nandhini gives her a warm welcome.

Nandhini is still in same mind set and was dull. Lalita tries to make her comfortable.

Lalita: sorry dear! As all happened suddenly, we couldn't welcome you properly with preparations.

Nandhini: um.. its ok paati.. its not a big deal..

Lalita: smiles ok! You must be tired. You should rest. Chandra! take her to room.

Nandhini: my luggage...

Shylok: we will get it to your room da.
Shylok and Ratan go to get the luggage from car.

Even they being so comfortable and close to her, she still was nervous and worried.

Durga: we didn't show her the whole house first! Come with me!
She takes Nandhini with her.

Durga: so from the hall straight its kitchen. Then upstairs Paati's room, Shylok and my room and Chandra and your room. Ratan's room is near the lawn down.

Nandhini: hmmm...

Durga: they built in 2 years ago... its all because of their hardwork... they have come a big way ahead..
Hey! I didn't introduce myself! So, I am Durga, finished M.sc fashion designing. Now working in a company as intern... you know I wanted to start a my own..

Durga was talking enthusiastically, but Nandhini was not paying much attention. Nandhini was simply nodding her head.

Durga: ok! Let me take you to your room. Come!

Nandhini: hesitates but...

Durga: you don't worry! They will bring the luggages! You come and rest.

Nandhini unwillingly goes with her.

She shows the room. They get in. By the time Ratan and Shylok bring the bags. They keep it inside.

Nandhini: thank you!

Ratan: its ok!

Shylok: do you want anything? Are you feeling hungry?

Nandhini: no.. nothing..

Shylok: ok. Call us if anything needed.
Shylok and Ratan leave the room.

Durga: ok da! If you want you sleep..
Durga leaves closing the door.

Nandhini stands still... suddenly breaks down totally...

Her life got upside down in a day... she couldn't accept these... feels lonely... the pain inside her has no bounds...

Soon she fell asleep on the bed...

Its evening,

Down at the hall, everyone get freshed up except Chandra who is seated in sofa from when they came.
He is lost in thoughts..
Lalita sit near him. She holds his hands.

Lalita: feeling tired?

Chandra:(low tone) yea.. little..
Lalita: Chandra, you have to start your life with Nandhini... i know its harsh but situation is like that... it may take time... first she has to accept and move on.. first you go and get freshed up..

Durga: what to do for dinner? What will she like to eat?

Shylok: do something special... we don't know what she likes.. let me help you..

Ratan: (to Shylok) make naan and matar paneer! Everyone will like it

Shylok: dei I know you love that more than others! Come help us!

Durga: if you two create any problem then I will get angry! Do as I say...

Ratan: As you say anni! (He salutes her).

Shylok: save this idiot please!

Ratan: you don't know my talent in cooking! You concentrate in your work..

Shylok hits him.

Durga: hey! Stop this stupid fights and do the work!

They both turn the opposite side and do the work.

Chandra goes upstairs to his room, knocks, the door opens. Its not locked. He gets in.

He see Nandhini in deep sleep. It seems like she didn't sleep well for few days. Suddenly her phone rings. He takes it as she might woke up because of the sound and attends the call.

Its Sara.

Sara: Hi Nandhini! I heard..

Chandra: hello! Nandhini is sleeping now. Can you please call her later. I will inform her. You are?

Sara:(talks in stern voice) i am her best friend, Sara! Who are you?

Chandra: i am Chandra....... her.. husband!

Sara: (mind voice: how stupid of me!) oh sorry! I will call her later! Sorry! Congrats to you both!

Chandra: hmmm.. thank you...

She cuts the call.
He goes to the wardrobe, takes his night dress, freshes up. He offs the lights, closes the door, leaves.

Durga and her assistants finish making dinner for all!
They place the dishes on table.
Chandra comes there.

Lalita: did she wake up?

Chandra: no.. i think she is very tired. Let she sleep..

Lalita: ok lets not disturb her.

Durga: i had made everything for her.. ok, you all have.

Ratan: yes! I got worked hard for it! I should first eat!

Shylok: hello?! I too worked hard for it!

Durga: you guys can't stop this?! Please you two start eating!

Chandra: i am feeling very hungry! Paati we will eat.

Lalita: ok da!

They all have dinner.
The night ends with a peace note.

TBC