Chronicles of Life

#chap45 #chroniclesoflife #Sagas_by_Irvika #sweetlovestory

All three quickly settled; before the lights were switched off, she pleaded, “Atharva… I have set the alarm for 6 a.m…. but still I am known for switching off the alarm and going back to sleep. So pllleasse… wake me up in the morning.”

Both the boys chuckled when Atharva quipped, “You seem to be breaking all possible ‘ideal bahu’ norms that were ever formulated.” She retorted back cheekily, “In which age do you live Atharva Shah? Please grow up.” The lights were switched off, all three wished each other good night and slept.

To be continued….

In the morning, it was a task for them to wake up. Eventually they did though Shruti was the last one. Thankfully, once she was up, she realised that she might get late and rushed about her routine. Atharva was impatiently waiting for her to get ready as she was going to be wearing a sari. He was sure she would look stunning and couldn’t hold his excitement. Shruti was also equally conscious as this was going to be the first time that she will be wearing one in front of her in laws.

While wearing her blouse, she became aware that she would need help with it as the buttons were at the back. She messaged Atharva, ‘Please send bhabhi.. need help.’ He knew she must be stuck up with the draping and naughtily texted, ‘Bandaa haazir hai… will help you.’ She was irritated as it is and snapped, ‘Line baad me maar lena… right now please send bhabhi.’ He chuckled at her bold reply and requested Preksha to help her.

Shruti didn’t take long as it was a ready to wear sari and was done in 15 mins. Preksha observed, “You have really lost weight Shruti… I didn’t notice till now. The drape is really enhancing the look.”

Shruti couldn’t have been more glad as she had been slogging herself at the gym and was following her diet ritually as well. It was a mermaid cut sari in hues of orange to golden yellow, giving it a sultry look. It was minimally embellished with stone work and the overall impact was dazzling. She decided to leave her hair open and wore a delicate diamond necklace and earrings to go with it. Her make up was as usual, to the point and nothing too jazzy. She wore her bangles and oh yes! How could she forget the bindi? She checked herself in the mirror once more and moved out.

Shruti was hunting for her beloved, waiting for his approval. However, she was disappointed to know that he had stepped down to get something for the puja. At that very instance, the doorbell rang and she went to open the door. Atharva stopped in his tracks when he saw her and stood staring. Shruti raised her eyebrows, asking him silently about how did she look, when a wide smile broke on his face. He stared at her from head to toe in a way that made her curl her toes.

Their moment of adoration was quickly over as both became conscious of the fact that they were at the doorstep. She adored him in the lemon yellow kurta that he had paired with blue denims.

They got busy with getting things ready for puja. After a while, the puja began and Shankar and Preksha took their place for the same.

Atharva sat down to pick out the durva (a type of grass offered to Bappa) and asked Shruti to join him. At first, she couldn’t understand what exactly was he doing. So Atharva patiently explained, “Bappa adores being offered durva. But it needs to be precise..” He then held one in his hand and showed her, “There should be just three leaves at the top, forming a Trishul…  That’s the correct way.”

She gulped down a lump and said, “You are too particular yaar… never in my life had I thought about all this. I consider it an accomplishment that I knew about this grass being called durva.”

He looked at her wryly, “Hmmm… I can comprehend that. No problem, waise bhi bahot kuch seekhna hai tujhe.” She made a face and rebuked, “Sharam karle thodi si… Bappa ke saamne aisi baatein!” He said nonchalantly, “tch tch… kya kya sochti hai tu… I am talking about paath puja and all.” She made a face and continued with what she had been asked to do, with full concentration.