Perfect Strangers ✔

|| 21 ||

A bright morning after a heavy rain at night. The dew drops were glittering because of the Sun's ray. The three brothers enjoy their jogging and return home.

Nandhini wakes up slowly. Feels fresh and light after having a good sleep. She feels pirking as she slept with the saree. She gets up, sighs, about to get down from her bed
Chandra opens the door.

She stunned.

Chandra: good morning! (affiliative smile).

Nandhini: good morning! (Smiles)

He goes straight to wardrobe to get ready for office. Nandhini gets up from bed, take her luggage, see him, get near him. She stands behind him. She wants to keep her things in the wardrobe and couldn't know how to approach.

Chandra turns back.
Chandra: (see her holding her bag) oh! Sorry I need to make some space in the shelf. One minute!

He takes his dress row by row, keeps on bed and arranges it. He does that with atmost care and patience. Nandhini is just staring at him.

Chandra show her the place.
Chandra: now you can arrange!

Nandhini: thank you!
She starts to arrange.

Chandra: are you feeling hungry? You didn't have food last night...

Nandhini: yea... i slept so well so I couldn't get up..

Chandra: ok! Please have breakfast soon.

Nandhini: ok!
Chandra goes to washroom.

Nandhini: oh no! Today i have to make breakfast for everyone! What will they think!
I shouldn't be so irresponsible.

Half and hour later,
Shylok, Ratan, Chandra and Lalita are seated, Durga serving food.
Nandhini gets ready for the day.
She wore a pink saree, dazzling golden earrings.

She goes downstairs. She feels nervous but walks ahead.

Lalita notices Nandhini.

Lalita: Nandhini! Come dear!
Durga: come, sit and have breakfast!

Nandhini: but...

Durga: hey you must be hungry
sit and have. I have made idly today. Do you like it?

Nandhini: yes..

Shylok: good morning!

Nandhini: good morning!
Shylok: ok its getting late! we will leave! Bye!
Chandra: bye! Bye!
Nandhini didn't know react, she was just staring.
She smiles seeing Ratan, Ratan gives a unpleasant smile.

Ratan: (mind voice: i am the first person who have flirted with sister in law! how will i face her?)

Ratan: ok pa! I will also leave! Bye paati, bye annis!

Durga & Nandhini: bye!

Lalita: return home soon! Ok?!

Ratan: yes paati bye!

Durga: umm.. Nandhini when are you final exams starting?

Nandhini: i have college for few days then 10 days holidays for preparation of exams then i will have. Exams will be for about two weeks time..

Durga: oh! Good. Today is Saturday. Then from Monday you can continue your routine.

Lalita: yes da! You go on with your studies. Soon the course is coming to end...

Nandhini: hmm.. yes..

Lalita: Durga, I will pack lunch for you. You go get ready.

Durga: paati, today no work. Actually manager have gone out of station, so she told to work at home or office... i am free today!
Today we will spend a lot of time together!

Nandhini smiles.
They chat for sometime. Nandhini remain reserved. Durga gets call from her manager.

Durga: i have to finish a project and I am having online meeting today! I will finish it and come.
She gies to her room.
Nandhini gets call from Ravi.

Nandhini: paati, i am getting call from appa. I will attend it and come.

Lalita: ok da!
Nandhini goes to her room.

Ravi: hello maa! How are you?

Nandhini: appa! I am fine. How are you all there?

Ravi: all good da! I thought of calling you yesterday but thought you must be resting.. so..

Nandhini: yes appa! I slept soon and woke up very late!

Ravi: ok da! How is everyone there? Are they taking...

Nandhini: appa everyone takes good care of me! They are very supportive and kind! You don't worry pa!

Ravi: i am very happy to hear this da! Be happy and take care of everyone. And how is Chandra?

Nandhini: he... he is nice pa.. (tries to change the convo) what is Ashish doing?

Ravi: he went to office da. He is still dull... he will get well soon.. thatha is sleeping da. He didn't sleep well yesterday..

Nandhini: what happened appa? Is he ok?

Ravi: nothing da... he was busy these days la.. Nandhini I know this will be tough but try to accept this and move on.. love you dear..

Nandhini: I am trying appa... i am missing you all so much! I will soon come to home.

Ravi: this is your home da. You can come whenever you want! Ok I will call you later.

Nandhini: ok pa..

Cuts the call.

Nandhini didn't notice her room yesterday. She starts to observes the room. It was so neat, clean and white painted wall and curtains designed with fainted grey flowers.

Photo of the three brothers with Lalita is framed.
There is a compact study table, with neatly arranged files, pens and other stationery items. A family photo with Renuka (Chandra's mother), Lalita, Shylok and Chandra as small kids was there. The photo has been cut. Its old and damaged.

Nandhini: so he is a organized person... hmmmm... i have never kept things so neat in my life time
Checks the time.
Nandhini: i need to help them in kitchen atleast now.

She goes down.

TBC