15 Meeting of Families (1/2)
The cousins of Akash and his mother and Aunt the home of Varsha first. Ladies were escorted to the inner courtyard.
In villages, mostly house is divided into two courtyards, inner and outer courtyard. Women normally remain in the inner courtyard. Main entrance of house if through the outer courtyard and parlor is connected to it. Men and their discussions normally happen in outer courtyard only. Inner courtyard also has exits from a side to go to vegetable garden or water well.
Every husband and wife couple has their own room in the inner courtyard, but men only go to the inner courtyard for eating or sleeping. Family members can normally go and sit and chit-chat in the inner courtyard but guests normally stay in the outer courtyard and only visit the inner courtyard for food.
Grandpa and Mother of Akash and his sister Ira along with his cousin sister and aunt are escorted to the inner courtyard. Everyone is seated in veranda by putting some cots and chairs. Grandma of Varsha is present to meet the family of the boy.
It is almost 11 AM and Sisters-in-law of Varsha are all busy in preparations of lunch for everyone. Varsha is at home and feeling very shy and apprehensive about meeting the family of Akash. The duty of serving refreshments to the ladies is given to Varsha only. She shyly carried the water and some sweets in a plate to them and put on a table.
Mather of Akash smiled and said ”Varsha! Come and sit beside me. I want to see the girl whom my son is going to marry.” Varsha walked and sat beside her future mother-in-law, head lowered.
”Ha ha ha. She is feeling shy. We also don't see her like this. Normally she is very talkative.” Her Grandma said laughing.
Patel Grandma looked lovingly toward the Varsha and said ”Varsha has grown up so much already. I really can not wait to take her to our home. I still remember that lively girl of 10 years ago. I have only heard her on phone but now It will become so lively in our family once she reached there.”
Varsha pouted and mumbled shyly ”I am not a blabbermouth.” And everyone laughed.
”Sister-in-law, have you seen brother's photo? Brother has not seen your photo yet. Grandpa told him that we are already visiting so what is the need to look at the photo.” Ira chuckled and said.
Varsha looked surprised that Akash has not seen her photo yet and then looked at Ira and then shook her head. On the response of Varsha, Ira brought her smartphone and started showing the photos of Akash. Varsha shyly peeked on photos and felt her cheeks flushing red. She did not want to see but she also felt curious and peeked which brought a wave of laughter from other ladies.