Seven Vows Part 1- Published

The Photos, Wedding gift

Sreedhar gave the photos in Aakash's hands when he came from office. He had asked Maheswari what she felt about seeing the photos of his US trip as he came across his camera and unwashed film while cleaning cupboard. Maheswari said the family would love to see it. In all the issues that was happening no one thought about it. So he had given it in studio for washing and had collected it when he was coming from office.

When he came freshened up the whole family was sitting around in the hall and going through photos.

" Sreedhar Chachu did you get into all rides in Disneyland" asked Poornima

" Yes Poorni" he said without looking at the photos

" Sreedhar who is this girl standing by your side " asked Vindhya

" Bhabi why are you always looking at girls near me. There were 3 girls in our group of 10 and mostly we all moved together" told he still not looking at photos

" Chachu what is this building " asked Aakash. " Aakash ask Sudhir Chachu, he knows "

" Sreedhar what is the issue, why are you not looking at the photos " asked Sudhir

" Bhaiyya please you can see date stamp in those photos. I cannot see them" told Sreedhar

" Sreedhar.." tried Maheswari

" Maa I washed the photos so family can watch it. But I don't want to see it. Please.." he was about to go when Suman intervened.

" Aakash give me all those photos. Unless the one who took them does not want to view it, none of us need to view " her voice was strong when she said it

Aakash gave the photos in her hand. Suman took them and stood in front of Sreedhar. He looked pleadingly at her not to force. Suman looked at him straight with determination.

" Sreedhar what did your Murali Bhaiyya feel about your US visit"

" Sumanji he was very happy. So happy that I got such an opportunity"

" What about your family" she persisted

" They all were happy Sumanji. Maa's only complaint was I was going straight from Delhi not coming home" told Sreedhar

" What was the reason they didn't tell you about the tragedy Sreedhar"

" Because they wanted me to enjoy my trip. They wanted me to do my presentation well. They knew if they tell me, I will leave everything and come back by the next flight" told Sreedhar

" Sreedhar shall I tell you something more. Why your family didn't tell you about the tragedy. It was not just that they wanted you to enjoy the trip, but the main reason was they valued what they have more than what they have lost " told Suman

" What do you mean Sumanji " asked Sreedhar looking at her startled. Maheswari looked at the girl admiringly

" Sreedhar no one can bring back your Murali Bhaiyya. You were in a distant land. Not with your family or friends or anyone close enough to share such a terrible grief. If such a news reaches you, you will be emotionally broken and what if in your hurry you do something rash that can bring harm to you. Liking bending rules to get a flight ticket, arguing with someone unnecessarily for even the minor things and you are charged with some crime in a foreign land. After losing one, they just wanted the other safely here more than anything else"

" So Sreedhar what do you want now. If you turn away from these photos you are making your family remember what they lost, but if you sit with us and talk to us about your trip through these photos you are allowing them to cherish what they have"

She held the photos towards him. Sreedhar took the photos from her and looked at them. On the top she had kept the full moon from balcony. She smiled

" By the way I want that full moon picture blown up and framed. It is so beautiful. Would love to keep it in my room. Will it be possible "

Sreedhar stared at her and everyone in the room started laughing

" Suman I will get it framed for you, for making my son take those photos " told Maheswari and Suman giggled. Maheswari loved when she giggled.

Sreedhar sat with the group and soon everyone discussed about the photos. Vindhya continued her tease on Sreedhar standing beside girls while Sreedhar told he did shopping because of them. Suman asked for 2 more blown up photos for the shop. One of World Traade Centre and another Mickey and Minnie photo from Disneyland.

As everyone got up after seeing the photos Suman stood looking at Maheswari.

" You want to ask something Suman"

" Maa that you know right I am going for Ria didi's wedding. I want to gift her a saree hand embroidered. Will it be possible for me to get a nice saree to gift her " told Suman

" Only this much. Anyways I had to send Vindhya and Renu to warehouse to get sarees for Suhagan Pooja. We have invited 15 Suhagans for the same. So you also go along with them tomorrow and choose the saree you want. Also take something good for yourself too to wear as I want the bahu of Varma family to look good". Suman nodded as she moved to kitchen with other ladies while men and kids sat on the table for dinner.