54 Joy of Losing (2/2)

Grandma also smiled seeing their banter and said ”How can you talk about beating a young girl? Girls are meant to be treasured and spoiled especially the ones like our Ira and Varsha.”

Ira showed her tongue to Akash and Akash muttered: ”I will spoil her later but first I want to beat her.” Varsha giggled listening to the muttering of Akash and even Grandma could not help but smile seeing Akash and his behaviour today.

Akash looked toward the giggling Varsha and felt captivated by her innocent laugh. He also felt happy that the sad expression of her from yesterday has disappeared from her face. He felt strange from inside but still maintained his calm expression. When Varsha stopped laughing, he said ”Now, you can decide on this dress. Okay?”

Listening to the words of Akash, Varsha shows an awkward smile. She liked the fact that he talked too much just now and she could feel the appreciation in his gaze. But she still could not help but feel self-conscious wearing a western dress. She watched pitifully toward Grandpa. Grandpa who has been sitting and looking at the liveliness with his gentle smile could understand the internal conflict of Varsha. He smiled and asked, ”What do you say, dear?”

Varsha looked toward Akash apologetically and said in low voice ”I want to wear Saree with those flat sandals. Along with jewellery, it looks better than western dresses. Ira has seen it yesternight and she also liked it.”

Akash looked toward Ira and found her nodding to him and grandparents. He just got rejected by his wife and felt annoyed and said: ”If you don't wish to hear the suggestions, why to ask them?”

Ira argued ”Who asked your suggestion? She is showing dresses to Grandma and you just butted in.”

Akash feels annoyed that Varsha involves grandparents in everything and wins. But he remembers he made her sad and decided to go along with her decision and make her happy. He shows his irritated expression and said while looking toward his grandparents ”You all have really spoiled these two. Even my opinion does not matter anymore.”

Grandpa looked toward his annoyed grandson and then toward Grandma, he then said while smiling ”Talk about business, I will hear. But our dear Varsha, no one is allowed to bully her. Not even her husband.”

Akash showed annoyed expression but it felt strange that he was enjoying all this argument and did not wish to win as well. But he still has to maintain his pride. So, he stood and looked toward Varsha and said in a frustrated tone ”Okay, You decide what to wear and take the review of Grandma. I won't involve myself in this anymore. Remember, at 6:00 PM I will bring the car in front and don't be late even a single minute otherwise I will get angry.”

Seeing Varsha nodding at him hurriedly, he shook his head and muttered ”So much time wasted and still no result.” and then he walked toward his room. Ira giggled seeing her brother getting defeated by sister-in-law.

Varsha looked guiltily toward the retreating back of her husband. He asked something to her and despite wishing to do so, ultimately she could not do it. She nudged Ira to stop laughing and lowered her head. Grandparents also could not help smile seeing the reaction of children especially Akash and Varsha.

Akash climbed the stairs to walk toward his room and he can hear the giggling of Ira behind his back. Although he had to show his annoyance to maintain his pride but seeing Varsha smile made his heart feel on ease. This small thing about his opinion getting rejected does not matter as long as she does not become sad. Unknown to him his annoyed expression turned to a smiling one. While entering his room he wondered whether this is the thing called 'Joy of Losing'.