19 Whats Love?? (1/2)

That night the whole family sat at the dining table. Varun was cracking jokes about his mother who panicked seeing scanning machines at the hospital today and everyone were laughing. Punya sat there silently seeming out of the box. Varun observed that she is distracted and dreamy.

”Punya, how's college?” he asked placing his left hand on her shoulders.

”Everything's fine Appa” she answered coming out of her thoughts.

”Are subjects too tough? Do you need extra help”

”No Appa, My senior Prakruth teaches me well” she blurted and bit her tongue.

”Prakruth, is it the same guy who saved you a couple of times?”

”Yes, he's son of Dr. Murthy... Lifeline hospital. He's topper of our college. He explains better than our lecturers” she explained enthusiastically.

”Dr. Murthy is quite famous and his hospital is best one here. Today we had been there for health check up. International standards at affordable prices.... Glad that his son studies well” her grandfather said happily.

”Does he behave well with you? Isn't he the spoilt son out of riches?” Varun asked.

”He's actually cold and maintains a low social life buy he's very friendly with me, I feel comfortable with him. He's never seen showing off” Punya explained.

”Good, nice to hear that” Varun said and concentrated on his plate.

Narmada helped Rishi to finish his dinner and joined the family at the table. Punya thought for almost ten minutes and then spoke slowly ”Appa, I have few questions which I can't ask anyone else, my classmates can't answer as they're of my age. In seniors, I know only him.. So..”

”Tell me darling, I will tell you what I know” said Varun.

She looked at grandparents and her mother, they were curious yet pleasant. She took a long breath and asked ”What's Love?”

Narmada who was drinking water, started coughing hearing this. Gowri patted on her head saying, ”it's just a doubt, relax”.

Varun chuckled and started answering ”Love is a feeling of great attraction towards a person. Love brings great responsibility along with that attraction. The responsibility to protect, care, love and live for them... See now I love you, your mother and grandparents...which means I have to take responsibility to look after you well and establish your life along with mine”.

Punya nodded as she agreed, ”Can anyone fall in love? At any age?” she asked.

Narmada scowled but looking at peaceful face of her husband, she kept quiet.