3 months ago:-

Raghavan and Mehra family were all set for a meeting with their respective future son-in-law and daughter-in-law. Both the families had waited for 2 months for Vardhaan to get a leave granted for this very occasion. Rati and her parents waited at the temple in their hometown, Wanaasi for the Mehra family’s arrival. Rati was least interested in the meeting even though it concerned her future. She just wanted this to get over soon. About six months ago, she had seen Vardhaan’s picture in which he wore his military uniform with two shining stars on his shoulder; sign of his lieutenant designation and a slight smile which screamed ‘I’m damn proud of it’. She stared at the birds near the temple pond disinterested in the discussion about the guests and thought to herself “I wish they don’t come.”

On the other hand, Vardhaan was excited about the meeting. His eyes had lit up when he saw Rati’s picture for the first time while drinking tea and spilled on himself. Her black hair tied in a low side bun, wore a charcoal grey silk saaree* with small black earrings; her black almond eyes looked straight into the camera piercing the soul and her lips were curled in smile. She looked beautiful but in a cold way, she seemed mysterious. That made him curious to know more about her.

Mehra family reached the temple after a long drive. Vardhaan stepped out of the car taking in the view of the vast and beautiful temple in front of him. His paternal uncle and aunt carried the gifts they had brought for the Raghavan family and the small and stout grandmother walked ahead of them taking small steps. Mr. Mehra was tall, more than 6ft with thin frame; his head indicated start of hair loss due to age as he was in his late 50’s. He wore night blue safari suit and a gold watch, a classic one. His face was long and had a pair of glasses over his small baggy eyes. The way he carried himself, he gave off the vibe of a responsible person.

Mrs. Mehra was a medium height curvy woman, she wore green saare* which had heavy embroidered border. Her features were sharp; brown eyes under high arched eyebrows, button nose, sunken cheeks, she appeared to be bold and sharp.

“Namaste! Mr. Mehra, welcome to Wanaasi. How was the journey?” Mr. Raghavan greeted. He touched grandmother’s feet asking “how are you?”

“We are all good. And journey was long but worth it.” Grandmother said to Mr. Raghavan with a smile. “I am glad that I am able to spend extra time with my grandson other than just festivals. All thanks to you, son!”

“We thought he won’t get a leave anytime soon but we too are glad that he got it.” Mr. Raghavan chuckled looking at Vardhaan, his heavy voice echoed in the vast temple premises.

Vardhaan hid his nervousness with a smile, and came forward to greet Mr. and Mrs. Raghavan by touching their feet. They both patted his head blessing him.

Mr. Raghavan was nearly 6ft with a healthy body and nice volume of hair for a 60 year old man, his hair all mix of grey, white and black, combed neatly and wore grey pant suit; seemed humble and a straightforward person. Mrs.Raghavan approx 5ft. seemed quick witted and classy, she wore a fuchsia pink saare*; not too extravagant just simple. She had an oval face with small forehead, small chin and a set of deep set small eyes. Behind them stood Rati wearing a bold red kurti* with intricate embroidery paired with white leggings. The colour highlighted her golden skin and complimented her long black hair tied in a loose braid.

(Saare*- traditional Indian garment which is a long piece of cloth approx 5-6 metres; women wear it draped around their body and is paired with simple or designer blouses (can be worn with or without petticoat).

Kurti*- A kind of long shirt like attire worn by women)

“Hello” Vardhaan greeted Rati. She replied in a soft voice joining her palms together “Namaste”. And went on to greet the Mehras. As she greeted them the grandmother felt content in her heart seeing Rati.

Mr and Mrs. Mehra greeted Mr and Mrs. Raghavan and exchanged gifts. Everyone took their seats in the temple premises and began chatting while sipping the tea.

“So, are you enjoying serving the nation?” Mr. Raghavan asked.

“Yes, I am. I always wanted to serve in military like my father.” Vardhaan answered with glimmering eyes.

“My brother was so proud that he was a soldier as is our Vardhaan. He too used to tell stories with the same glimmer in his eyes.” Mr. Mehra’s eyes filled with sadness as he talked about his martyred brother. Vardhaan’s eyes showed a mixture of happiness and pain. Everyone was quiet as if paying tribute to the deceased. Rati sympathised with Vardhaan, who quietly sipped the tea lowering his head.

“Rati is so quiet. Do you not like talking?” Mrs. Mehra said trying to change the topic.

“She has always been the quiet one. The only complain we ever heard from her teachers was that she doesn’t talk” Mrs. Raghavan said changing the topic.

“And Vardhaan’s school diary was all filled with complains. He was a naughty child, never rested. It was a wonder how he survived the whole Army training”. Grandmother replied making everyone smile. “We can talk all day and it all would be useless… unless, these two like each other. We should let them talk.”

“Yes. We should. Rati, show him around the temple.” Mrs. Raghavan said agreeing with grandmother. Rati looked at her father in annoyance hearing her mother’s words.

“Yes, and make sure to show the temple garden.” Mr. Raghavan said looking at her with a smile, agreeing with his beloved wife. He patted Rati’s back in assurance.

Rati took a large sip of her tea and stood up to obey her parent’s words. Vardhaan too did the same.