10 The two ends... (1/2)

”I'm feeling bored Amma.... Let's go out somewhere” pleaded Punya.

Narmada was busy filling her college application form... She didn't respond.

”Where do you want to go?” asked Gowri, the grandmother.

”I don't know.... Siri was telling that there's a mela in her town... We'll go there??” asked Punya.

”Which town what mela?” asked the grandfather Eshwar.

”Sri Venkataramana swamy Mela, Bantwal... There's Rath yatra and drama also it seems.. I haven't seen live drama... Let's go Ajja please....” Punya pleaded in a sweet voice, that no one could deny.

”What's Mela Ajja?” asked Rishi in curiosity... he was playing video game on TV.

”Well it's beautiful than I explain... So we'll go and experience it...” said Eshwar pulling Rishi to his embrace.

”Varun might not be able to join, he was saying he has busy schedule” intrigued Granny.

”Well what's the discussion about? I heard my name” asked Varun as he walked into the house.

Narmada took his bag and explained the whole conversation briefly as he sat on the couch. Punya came behind him and pleaded ”Please Appa... We'll go...” putting her arms around his neck.

”Mela is during the day, ok but drama will end late at night, we have to stay and come back next morning. Dad may not have so much time for us” said Narmada in a taunting voice. Even she wanted to go out with her husband. She thought that this small trip might reduce his work tensions and help him relax.

”If your mom agrees, why only two days, I can spend my life with her anywhere” said Varun winking at his wife.

”Don't push the ball to my court, we're not going without you” shrugged Narmada.

”Pack your things, we shall have a jolly trip this time” he said as he pulled Punya's plait.

”So are we going?” asked Rishi excited.

”Yes champ... We are... This is your first Mela....” he said as he lifted his hand into hi-fi.

”How come you agreed so easily?” asked Narmada in a soft tone turning to Varun who was passing past her.

”Just for you” said Varun as he pinched her waist. ”Varun...” she screamed at him.

”What happened? shouldn't I obey your orders?” he said making an innocent face. No one in the hall had turned at them so Narmada contained herself as she didn't want to get embarrassed, she simply made faces at him silently.