33 Would Have Said NO (1/2)
After some time guests are all called into the garden to have their dinner which is arranged in a buffet there. Patel family members along with newlywed couple have also accompanied guests for the dinner.
When Akash and Varsha along with Ira walked into the garden, many eyes are on them and many people who just came moved toward them and congratulated. Akash did all the small talks and returned their greetings. Varsha just nodded while smiling as per the teachings of her teacher Ira as she called her jokingly. She also felt after some practice that this is the best way of acknowledging people without embarrassing yourself by opening mouth.
Many people have found their acquaintances and are talking to each other in small groups. Some of such groups are sitting on the chairs or standing in a circle. Some are eating and some are going from one group to another to say hi to their friends or acquaintances. Grandpa Patel and his two sons have also joined some groups and are busy in their conversations.
Some journalists and local TV reporters are also invited to cover the reception party of Patel family. Some journalists have also joined on their y own accord and they are all given their passes at the gate and are allowed to mingle and interview people in the garden.
Akash and Varsha have received the wishes and gifts from almost all the guests and are standing at one side. Ira is called by Grandma and when she came back she said to Akash ”Brother! Grandma is calling sister-in-law to meet some ladies there. I will take her and you can also go around and say hi to some business people or friends.”
Akash looked at Varsha and said in a low voice ”Make sure you mind yourself if reporters are around. Even a small careless word can become an issue. So, if something feels odd, Let Ira respond to such things.” He does not wish to be embarrassed by her carelessness. He knows she can be a blabbermouth if she becomes relaxed around certain people.
Ira laughed and pulled Varsha and told Akash ”Brother! Don't worry, I will be with sister-in-law.” Varsha just grimaced a bit seeing how less confident her husband is with her.
Akash stood few seconds and saw Ira and Varsha joining and greeting the ladies in the group where his Grandma and mother are also present. After that, he looked around and moved toward the group of some young people who are long familiar to him. Group of young people welcomed him warmly and did handshake with him.
Grandpa Patel is talking and laughing with some people while sitting on the chair around a table. These are the influential people in the business circle of Pune and some government officials. Everyone is chatting about things happening in the city and politics. Grandpa Patel suddenly noticed something and then he excused himself from the table and called his youngest son at the side.
At one side away from other people and groups, Grandpa Patel asked his youngest son in a low voice while pointing toward a certain direction ”How is Mr. Pawar of Pawar Hotels here? Did you not know how much that person tried to coax us for the marriage of Akash with his daughter? He even threatened us and also ridiculed us for marrying Akash based on a promise.”
Youngest uncle of Akash said ”I or Akash did not invite him. I believe elder brother invited him and you can also see elder brother is escorting him everywhere. Elder brother is trying to make some deal with him and that is why he invited him in family function. I have also heard that Arpit's girlfriend is his daughter.”
”This is unbelievable. Mr. Pawar already has many hotels and now he wants to infiltrate our restaurant and Hotel business. That person is very cunning and even is using his daughter for his own purpose. How can my son be such a fool?” Grandpa hissed.
His youngest son kept silent and after few seconds Grandpa said ”Just keep an eye on the deals your elder brother is making and make sure they are not approved without the signature of all the shareholders in the family which includes Me, you, your eldest sister-in-law and your elder brother himself. Involve Akash as well if possible. He can join in decision making in place of his mother as she does not take much interest in the business.” His youngest son nodded and Grandpa Patel walked back to his group of acquaintances and joined the discussions like nothing happened.
Arpit, cousin of Akash is also with his group of friends and they are laughing and making comments while eating. They are standing in a circle and holding their plates in hand while eating and talking.
”Hey, Arpit! I saw, your sister-in-law is not bad looking and looks like a traditional girl. My mother just praised her a lot.” One of Arpit's friend said.