38 Anniversary (1/2)
At Punya's residence.
”Ajja not there, here” Punya instructed her grandfather Eshwar to place flowers properly.
She started decorating the pergola in the garden after coming home from college. Party was planned at 8pm followed by dinner. Her phone started ringing.
”Hello, yes Sir, come to the right and left after the water tank, straight ahead you'll find a decorated house. That is our residence.” she guided the caterers over the phone and walked into the house.
”Ajji, go get ready. It is 6.30 already, guests will come at 7.30” she pulled the grandma Gowri out of the sofa and sent her in.
”She is always late, she'll hear only to you” said Grandpa.
”Ok give me those flowers, go you also get ready” she ordered.
”OK princess, as you say” Grandpa went in.
”Cake arrived” said Thrishul carrying a packed box inside.
”Place it in the kitchen, we'll take it later. Call up your father and ask where are they?”
”Ok” he said and went in.
”They're just 10 minutes away, I just called him. When did you come?” he asked.
”I came at 5.30, why?”
”Oh you've left college immediately after me then. Today you didn't meet your senior huh?” he asked raising his eyebrows.
”I met, but we didn't have much to talk, so I came early. Why are you curious about him?” said Punya still arranging flowers, candles and variegated leaves. She was walking here and there decorating the pergola of their garden. He followed her like a kitten.
”Nothing like that. You like to spend more time with him rather than me so I feel bad” he said frankly.
”I'm so sorry if I have inculcated that feeling in you. You're my best friend, he's kind of mentor to me. Never compare”
”Ok... Hope you have no negative feelings about me??” he asked.
”No not at all. Go switch off all the lights. I'll switch it on when my parents are walking in here” said Punya.
”Oh ok... Nice plan”
Both of them walked in discussing the arrangements. Grandparents who came out from their room looked at the couple and started dreaming about their future.
”They look so good together” said Gowri.
”Punya looks messy, see Thrishul so handsome” said Eshwar.
”My baby needs to get ready, after that your Thrishul will be no match to her” said Gowri and called ”Punya”
”Yes Ajji”
”Go baby, you too get ready. Varun came just now, so be quick. We'll execute your plans and surprise them”
”Sure Ajji”
”Sis see how is this coat?” asked Rishi.
”Perfect, you look smart. Are your friends coming today?” asked Punya.
”Yes Sissie, five of them” he said excitedly.
”Don't go near the pergola till we switch on the lights, ok?” she warned.
”Sure Sis” he said and ran to the garden.
Narmada was applying final coat of lipstick in front of the mirror. Her looks were stunning, maroon saree with sleeveless blouse, long straight hair brushed properly, mild make up, gold jewelry had added glamour to her natural beauty.
”Hi my sweetheart” Varun hugged Narmada from behind.
”Varun, what is this?” asked Narmada.
”Today is our anniversary, please don't scold or push me away” he ordered.
”No I won't, but you need to get ready too”
”I'm tired, so you help me get ready...”
”Oh God, small boy huh. Even Rishi doesn't trouble me like this?”
”If you don't help, I will come like this” he threatened and left her.
”Like this... in inners??” she chuckled.
”Yes” he sat on the bed.
She started laughing. ”Ahhh, don't kill me with your beautiful laugh” he enacted a false heart attack.
”Oh I won't fall for these old tricks, learn something new” she advised and brought his suit from the wardrobe.
”Wear”
”Help”
”Arre, no shame at all”
”No nothing in front of you” he hugged her again.
After sometime, Punya knocked at their door. ”Ready” she screamed.
”Wear this coat, comb your hair. Come fast... see your daughter is at the door” said Narmada.
”I'm not delaying, you're not helping me faster” he blamed.
”Ok, come” she pulled him out.
The couple opened the door and Punya stood there, ”Fast it is only 5 minutes to 8. Guests have come” she hurried.
”First look at us darling” said Varun.
”Awwwwww you both look so beautiful together, Happy Wedding Anniversary Appa Amma....” said Punya and hugged them.
”You look gorgeous too, this sea blue gown suits you” said Narmada.
”Happy Anniversary Uncle and Aunty” Thrishul wished them with a bouquet.
”Thank you” said the couple.
When they walked down the stairs, everyone cheered ”Happy Anniversary”. They came down receiving all their wishes with a smiling face.
As they entered the garden, one light glow at each step. Varun and Narmada looked at each other.