Twists Twirls Perils & Pearls

30. Revelation: part 1

The house was silent again. Abhedya had questioned the same when he got to know about Swarnima's parents' death. Rudra had told him he won't be able to hear it. Today, Nivi asked the same question.

Maan explained, "Nivi, brother it's not something we can share,  besides you might not be able to hear it too. Let's just celebrate this moment. Okay?"

Nivi nodded in agreement and everyone tried to be normal again. Keyword: tried. Nandini excused herself and went into the kitchen followed by Swarnima.

"Masi!! Don't be sad. It's a happy day. Everyone is together. Just enjoy." Wiping Nandini's tears Swarnima continued, "give me that million-dollar 'Nandini smile' now. Good! Should I make coffee for everyone?"

Abhedya was standing in the doorway witnessing the scene. What was Swarnima made of? His over-sentimental, over-emotional, fragile, delicate doll was no less than a rock 'now'. The mention of her parents' death also did not break her. In fact, she was consoling his mother. Something terrible must have happened with her parents that has made her rock solid. He has to find out soon so that his plan can be implemented in a better way. Abhedya wiped a little tear at the corner of his eye and came inside.
Hugging his mother from behind he said, "mom! Why don't you make coffee? She makes terrible coffee. Strong and bitter."

Nandini hit his arm playfully and suggested, "then change your taste buds son!" And gave a high five to Swarnima and both the ladies giggled. The sound of their giggle was peaceful and magical. Nandini meant to world to Abhedya and his world was smiling because of Swarnima. He did not know how to thank her? What to say to her? What to do with her.

Coffee was done. Swarnima and Nandini served everyone. Settling on the plush sofas everyone was talking and sipping the freshly brewed coffee. The aroma was pleasing.
"The coffee is amazing."
"So refreshing"
"I am not sleeping tonight."
Various compliments came in.
Nivi kept asking questions. His curiosity broke all chains. Abhedya sipped his coffee and spat on the floor. " it's so bitter. You forgot to add sugar or what?" He wiped his mouth with tissue paper.

"The coffee is perfect Abhey. It's you who is bitter." Nivi commented.

"Burn!!" Arya and Nivi high five each other.

Nandini had a naughty smile on her face. Abhedya knew his otherwise civilised mother is the culprit. He got up and drank from Swarnima's glass and spat that too. "Eeuuu! Who drinks milk?? That too plain. No sugar. No flavour?"

Hahahahaha!
Everyone laughed.
Abhedya sat back at his place, folded his hands and was grinding his teeth.

"My friend is a good dentist. I will make an appointment for you Abhey." Arya suggested and Nivi was almost rolling on the floor laughing.
Abhedya gave one to each at the back of their heads and soon it turned into a pillow fight, chips fight, snack fight....basically whatever the boys got they threw at each other.
Laughter, fun and happiness knocked and entered the house of SINGH's.

Rudra and Pri joined the kids and even after a lot of protests from Nandini and Randeep they didn't stop. A cushion came flying on Swarnima and she dogged it even without looking at it.

"Wow!! Nim!! That was some skill. You were looking east and the cushion came from the west. How did you even know?" Nivi was totally in awe of the shot by Swarnima.

"Practice is the key." Saying that she saw Randeep and some emotions were exchanged.

Everyone stopped and sat on the sofas. The crystal clear, beautifully decorated room now looked like a fish market.

"What have you guys done? My sister will have to work for extra 3 hours." Randeep scolded everyone.

"She has ample help. She works because she likes too not because she has to." Rudra stated the fact.