48 Party Invitation (1/2)

Days are passing peacefully for Patel Family. The month of October has started and the rainy season is almost ending. It has been almost two months since Varsha started going to college. Varsha and Ira go to college together and come back together and in college also during lunch or in the library, they are together mostly.

Varsha has adjusted to college life. She has joined the friend circle of Ira. She has also made few friends in her class. She most of the time wears Saree to the college. Sometimes some students laugh at her and even in family few people like Arpit and eldest uncle commented on her dress but it did not affect the mood of Varsha. She just said that this dress makes her feel more comfortable physically and mentally and also there is no rule which forbids her from doing that. Akash as always never suggested anything or ridiculed her that was good enough to make her happy.

In just two months of her studying, she has become famous in college due to her dressing style and unique ora of a naive and innocent girl. And of course, Ira is there to save her sister-in-law from annoying flies. Time for Ira and Varsha is moving slowly but with much joy. Akash also asks Varsha about what she is learning and asks questions or helps with the problem when forced by Ira. Husband and wife are not too close but also never disrespected or repelled each other.

Akash goes to the office every day except weekends. Varsha and Ira go to college in the morning and play around or work in the garden in the evenings. The youngest two, the son and daughter also follow them around sometime. Ira many times pulls Akash into the garden and makes him work or just sit with them on the side of the stream. Varsha feels happy as Akash talks with her, questions her, laughs at her clumsiness sometimes and also scolds her in his annoyed voice but it all feels like his care to her.

On the morning of the first Sunday of October, the family is having lunch. All family members are present today. Sometimes someone is out due to work or sometime Arpit or Akshay are outside with their friends. Most of the family member try to be present on lunch on weekends because there are only two days when family members can have lunch together.

Maids Ramu and Sita are serving the dishes on the dining table and family members are sitting patiently. After dishes are served, everyone looked toward Grandpa who just coughed so as to attract everyone's attention.

Ira laughed and said ”Ramu Uncle! Bring Grandpa's medicine.”

”You Devil! It seems I have to use my stick on you. You are becoming more annoying day by day.” Grandpa scolded and Ira laughed. Then Grandpa coughed again and after looking toward everyone said in a calm voice ”Anyway, I wanted to tell that I received an invite yesterday about some party of young entrepreneurs. This part is being organized by some prominent businessmen in coordination with the state ministry of industries and commerce.”

Youngest uncle asked ”Father! when is the party? Have you decided for anyone to go?”

Everyone on the table stopped eating and looked toward Grandpa for his answer on youngest uncle's question. But before Grandpa could respond, the eldest uncle said ”Father! Why don't we send Arpit for this party? Akash is already experiencing the business and its operational functions. If Arpit also does some social interaction, he might be able to contribute to the business and help Akash.”

Grandpa remained calm even after his second son's interruption and said while shaking his voice ”No, that won't do. The invitation has mentioned for people up to the age of 45 and the couples. The purpose of this party is for the top 100 chosen young business graduates to present their ideas and young entrepreneurs or business families to get talented individuals. Ok, so I was saying that a couple needs to go.” After this Grandpa stopped and looked at the expressions of everyone.

After her husband finished a part, Grandma said while looking toward youngest uncle ”Although the youngest and his wife can go, I believe it is still better for Akash and Varsha to go. This party might be a good platform for them to make a few friends in the business circle. It will also help Varsha to understand the culture of high society people.”

Youngest uncle also said while nodding ”Yes, this is correct. I will find it awkward to present myself as a businessman as my expertise is just sales and inventory. And many people younger than me will be there. Akash is training to lead the family business, so it will be good for him to mingle with that crowd and make the acquaintances.”

Some people are listening while eating and some are actively joining the conversation. Varsha who is sitting beside Ira and is eating slowly while listening to the conversation is feeling afraid as talk is progressing. She is afraid because she has never been to these high profile parties and does not know how to act there. What if someone on the table, questioned her?